Top Things to Do in Kathmandu

 Things to Do in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and is situated within a bowl-shaped valley formed by three districts: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.

Kathmandu includes seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, three of them are ancient durbar squares, and palaces and four of them are temples and stupas. Exploring these world heritage sites are top thing to do in Kathmandu during your stay.

 Apart from exploring this sightseeing,  activities you can enjoy other handfuls of activities such as easy Day Hiking, some religious activities like Pashupatinath aarati in Pashupatinath Temple, and Nightlife activities in Thamel. 

If you stroll through the streets of Ason, Bhaktapur, and Patan, you'll be enchanted by the sounds of traditional Nepalese folk instruments, played by the Newari people.

Before leaving Kathmandu buy some souvenirs from souvenir shops, generally available around every historical site such as Durbar squares, Temples, and stupas and in Thamel.

Here are the curated lists of Top things to do in Kathmandu

Sightseeing:

Kathmandu has a diverse range of travel attractions to visit. Historical sites like the Durbar (Kings'palace), the oldest monuments, and temples will fascinate you.

Best places for sightseeing in Kathmandu

In Nepal, there are 10 World Heritage Sites and out of 10, 7 World Heritage sites are located in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is located a short walk from Thamel. These are the most visited places in Kathmandu. Most tourists visit this place since it is just around the tourist center, Thamel. Kathmandu Durbar Square is also known as Basantapur Durbar Square or Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square.

The palaces of the city's rulers, the Malla and Shah monarchs, were in Kathmandu Durbar Square, hence it has historical significance, gorgeous Newari architecture, and arts & crafts culture.

Freak Street:

Kaal Bhairav :

The large sculpture of Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva, was sculpted during the 5th or 6th century and later rediscovered in the 17th century. This is located near by Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square entrance area.

Swayambhunath Stupa :

Swayambhunath Stupa is the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site among Buddhists and followers of Tibetan Buddhism while Hindus call this sacred destination Swayambhunath.

Swayambhunath Stupa is just around 3 km away from the Kathmandu Durbar Square area.

Pashupatinath Temple:

Pashupatinath is one of the most religious Hindu temples. This is the most sacred temple of Hindus around the world.

Pashupatinath Temple is about 5km from Thamel, It is on the eastern edge of Kathmandu, on the banks of the holy Bagmati river. Pashupatinath Temple is Nepal’s most popular tourist destination.

Boudhanath :

Boudhanath is another most religious Tibetan Buddhist stupa in Kathmandu. Boudhanath stupa is located about 11km northeastern edge of Kathmandu.

This is Nepal’s Biggest stupa. Boudhanath Stupa is thought to have been build in the 14th century. 

Kopan Monastery:

Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a hilltop north of Boudhanath. Kopan Monastery is a center for Buddhist study, meditation, and practice.

Kopan Monastery is a popular recreational destination for tourists.

Budhanilkantha Temple:

Budhanilkantha Temple is located in Kathmandu Valley at the foot of Shivpuri Hill. It is devoted to Lord Vishnu and houses the biggest stone statue of lord Vishnu seen resting in a pool of water.

Patan Durbar Square :

Patan Durbar Square is another popular UNESCO World Heritage site in Kathmandu Valley. Patan Durbar Square is located in the Lalitpur district around 3 km from Thamel.

The area around used to be the royal residence of the Patan kings. It now has temples like the Krishna Temple, the Bhimsen Temple, the Viswanath Temple, and the Hari Shankar Temple.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square :

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is another world heritage site in Kathmandu Vally. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a historic city located in the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley. It is revered as the home of traditional Nepali culture, customs, and distinctive wood and pottery. The ancient monuments all around represent Nepal's medieval era culture and customs, and significant communities of indigenous Newari people inhabit this old city.

Nyatapola Temple:

This is Nepal's most renowned, five-storied pagoda Style, Temple. This is Nepal's highest pagoda-style temple, created with architectural excellence and artistic beauty.

Nyatapola temple is just around the Bhaktapur Durbar Square area.

Dattatreya Temple Square:

Dattatreya Square is also called Tamaudi Square. Dattatreya Square is one of Bhaktapur's oldest squares. The square is located east of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The Dattatreya Square is named after the square's major temple, Dattatreya.

The square features an open middle space with two big temples and one minor temple.

Changunarayan Temple :

After Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Changunarayan Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Bhaktapur district. Changunarayan Temple is often regarded as Nepal's oldest Hindu temple.

Changu Narayan Temple is located around 20 kilometers east of Thamel and 7 kilometers north of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This historic temple is devoted to the lord Vishnu.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and Meditation are part of Asian culture and Nepal is no different than that. A healthy mind, a healthy body, and a healthy soul are always needed to accomplish something good in our lives. so, the best practice is to start yoga to stay healthy and happy.

In Kathmandu, you can attend different types of yoga sessions conducted by Yoga Academies.

You can visit holy places like Boudhanath or Swayambhunath.

Shopping in Kathmandu

Before leaving Nepal, you can buy some one-of-a-kind items. A mall and department shops are available for purchasing branded clothing, technological goods, household items, food items, and so on. However, when shopping in Nepal, buy items that are unique and precious to you, your family, and your friends.

Tourists generally prefer to purchase Nepali souvenirs such as Nepali Tea, Gurkhali Khukuri, Singing Bowl, Pashmina, Thangkas, Jewelry, and so on. You may also buy handicrafts, sacred stones, masks and sculptures, spices, and so on.

Tourists may buy souvenirs in Kathmandu at places like Thamel, New Road, Asan, and Basantapur open markets.

Village Tours

After experiencing the beauty and chaos of Kathmandu Valley, you can roam around the village areas such as Dalchoki, Konjyosom Municipality, Banepa, etc.

Join the festival celebration

With a calendar packed with festivals, every day in Nepal may be a holiday. These celebrations, which highlight important Buddhist, Hindu, and animist rites, provide a wonderful glimpse into Nepal's traditions. 

Pashupatinath Aarati:

Pashupatinath Aarati is a beautiful and popular Hindu ritual performed in front of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Aarati is performed daily and is considered one of the most important rituals performed at the temple. Everyday the aarati starts from 6:15PM.

The Pashupatinath Aarati is a beautiful and sacred ritual that is an important part of Hindu worship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to buy in Kathmandu?

You can buy unique things in Nepal like Nepali Tea, Gurkhali Khukuri, Singing Bowl, Pashmina, Thangkas, Jewelry, and so on. You may also buy handicrafts, sacred stones, masks and sculptures, spices, and so on.

Why should you visit Kathmandu?

A budget travel country, Nepal is the land of snow mountains, extremely religious peoples with diverse cultures and traditions, historic and most religious places, beautifully carved temples, monuments, old Durbar, and sherpas. Nepal offers almost everything for travelers. You will see 7 out of 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Only.

Is Kathmandu safe for Female Travelers?

Yes, Kathmandu is safe for female tourists no matter which religious belief you own. As you can see, many Female Travellers visit Nepal, either with or without a guide. So, make sure you know the dress code and everything about Nepal.

#Tip: As mentioned Kathmandu is safe for female travelers, but exploring solo in crowded places, and traveling at night time may face little uncomfortable situations.

Is it safe to walk around Kathmandu?

Yes, walking around Kathmandu Valley is quite safe. During the day, you may visit many places, including world heritage sites, and at night, you can wander through Thamel Street, visit pubs and clubs, listen to folk music and dance at restaurants, and so on.