Nepal is a historic and pure marvel of types, so you might think about how ecstatic I used to be after I had the prospect to go to this superb vacation spot final 12 months while I did varied enjoyable issues to do in Kathmandu!
FYI: To greatest make clear the distinction between Kathmandu metropolis and Kathmandu Valley, you need to first perceive that the Kathmandu Valley is made up of three stunning historic cities, specifically: Kathmandu (the biggest metropolis and capital), Lalitpur (additionally known as as Patan), and Bhaktapur.
As such, these 3 locations that make up the Kathmandu Valley have an enthralling mixture of sights, smells, and sounds, in addition to an awe-inspiring variety of temple complexes and squares. As a matter of reality, this 220sqm area has grow to be a spot that has the densest focus of UNESCO World Heritage Websites on the earth!
That being stated, for such an intoxicating place like this, you’ll absolutely must be on prime of the most effective issues to do in Kathmandu metropolis — or the valley as an entire. However fret not, as a result of, with the information under, you can be profiting from your time right here as you base your self within the capital metropolis of Kathmandu!
Searching for the most effective locations to remain in Kathmandu?
Come and take a look at my listing of the ‘Finest Lodges in Kathmandu‘ which options the highest beneficial selections for affordable to luxurious lodging selections.
Prime Issues to Do in Kathmandu Valley
1. Go to town’s key landmarks
Photographs by: Shutterstock
With such a dynamic metropolis like Kathmandu, there are undoubtedly a number of points of interest or landmarks which might be value seeing, however to start out off, under are among the spots that you just completely should NOT miss!
NOTE: *★ – A UNESCO World Heritage Website
- ★ Pashupatinath: This can be a sacred Hindu temple complicated that serves because the seat of Nepal’s nationwide deity, Lord Shiva (one of many principal deities of Hinduism through which Pashupatinath or Pashupathi is considered one of his given names). Because the oldest Hindu temple within the metropolis, you will see that a sprawling mixture of temples, ashrams (non secular monasteries), photographs, and inscriptions from the second that you just set foot on this place.
- TIP: If you’d like a novel expertise, you’ll be able to go to within the morning to see them do cremations or go to within the night from 6PM to see the aarti (worship with fireplace).
.
- TIP: If you’d like a novel expertise, you’ll be able to go to within the morning to see them do cremations or go to within the night from 6PM to see the aarti (worship with fireplace).
- ★ Boudhanath: Dominating the skyline of Kathmandu, it is a well-known stupa (place of meditation) through which its large mandala (non secular image in Buddhism) makes it one of many largest spherical stupas in Nepal. It helps to notice that for hundreds of years it has stood as a beacon of Buddhist perception and has since been an vital place of meditation and pilgrimage for lots of native Nepalis and Tibetan Buddhists.
. - Swayambhunath: That is an historic spiritual structure that comprises shrines, temples, a stupa, a Tibetan monastery, a museum, and a library — furthermore, additionally it is surrounded by ‘holy monkeys’ (as per mythology) which made it acquire the nickname: ‘Monkey Temple’. Though this web site is taken into account Buddhist, it stays to be revered by each Buddhists and Hindus.
- TIP: To get an important panoramic view of the stupa, enter the Tamang Gompa monastery. In the meantime, for a much less crowded setting, it’s greatest to return both early within the morning or early within the night.
.
- TIP: To get an important panoramic view of the stupa, enter the Tamang Gompa monastery. In the meantime, for a much less crowded setting, it’s greatest to return both early within the morning or early within the night.
- ★Durbar Sq.: ‘Durbar Sq.’ is a generic title used to explain plazas which might be reverse previous royal palaces in Nepal, and this specific Durbar Sq. in Kathmandu metropolis is surrounded by spectacular structure that showcases the abilities of Newar (historic inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley) artists for hundreds of years. Regrettably, among the buildings right here have collapsed due to the massive earthquake that occurred final 2015 — nevertheless, the great thing about this sq. stays because of its astounding palaces, courtyards and temples.
- Outdated Metropolis: Just remember to discover this tangle of slim alleys and temples which might be discovered north and south of the central Durbar Sq. as considered one of your issues to do in Kathmandu metropolis so to additionally get a more in-depth look into the native’s tradition and lifestyle.
- Different Durbar Squares: If in case you have the time, try the opposite Durbar Squares discovered within the Kathmandu Valley (at Patan and Bhaktapur).
.
- Backyard of Desires or Swapna Bagaicha: If you wish to discover a area that’s away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, the serene environment of the beautifully-restored neo-classical Swapna Bagaicha or Backyard of Desires will likely be your wished respite. Right here, you’ll be able to take pleasure in an unlimited backyard that has 3 pavillions, an amphitheater, ponds, urns, and pergolas (walkways).
. - Kopan Monastery: This Tibetan Buddhist monastery close to Boudhanath is primarily widespread amongst foreigners for its programs on Tibetan Buddhism. In truth, guests are welcome to hitch their morning meditation classes in addition to their introductory and superior programs (held in English)
.
Wanna do a guided Kathmandu tour?
With the assistance of an area information, you’ll be able to participate in a 7-hour Kathmandu day tour which can cowl the entire metropolis’s prime highlights and UNESCO spots. To ebook your spot, go right here.
• • •
2. Undergo Thamel and have some enjoyable!
When you’re on the lookout for the liveliest industrial neighborhood within the metropolis, you solely want to go to Thamel which is distinguished for its slim alleys which might be full of varied buildings and distributors: golf equipment, lodges, hostels, pubs, eating places, retailers, tour operators, and extra — you actually will discover virtually every part right here!
To refill your itinerary, under is an inventory of beneficial issues to do in Kathmandu’s Thamel:
- Buy groceries: Deliver residence some souvenirs and items by shopping by means of the array of colourful shawls, jewellery, statues, work, and so on. As for my #1 tip? Haggle exhausting if you wish to get a good and good worth. As a regular, purpose to ask for half or a third of their unique quoted worth. (However in the event you’re not too privy like me whereby you wouldn’t thoughts giving some additional assist to the locals — even when they’re not being precisely honest with the worth — it’s effective to skip on the bargaining.)
. - Stuff your self with native meals: Before everything, eat “momo” which is a steamed dumpling that’s native to Nepal and Tibet. When you’re quite on the lookout for a full meal possibility, get a “thali set” which holds a number of bowl choices corresponding to rice, curry, pickles, greens and “dal bhat” (a staple meals in Nepal that could be a thick lentil soup). In the meantime, for dessert, search for “sel roti” which is good and crispy on the surface, and delicate and chewy on the within.
. - Do some lessons or workshops: There are a selection of retailers in Thamel that may, as an illustration, train you the right way to prepare dinner Nepali delicacies, do Buddhist thangka work, make woodcarvings, and extra. You could possibly even enroll in an incredible yoga class or retreat! Your exercise selections are completely infinite.
TIP: When you’re quite on the lookout for genuine bazaar-esque locations, head on over to both Asan, Indrachok, or Mangal bazaars.
• • •
3. Fly above the Himalayas and Mt. Everest
Photographs by: Shutterstock
Let’s face it: a number of us are NOT ready to scale the summit of the world’s highest peak; so fortunately, as a part of your issues to do in Kathmandu, there are suppliers in Nepal that give anybody the prospect to get a bit near the Himalayas and see the wonder that’s Mt. Everest.
After all, nothing beats the expertise of trekking as much as the summit or to the Everest Base Camp — BUT, in the event you can’t do this, then why not simply fly there, proper? In addition to, you’ll be among the many fortunate few who can get to witness this majestic mountain vary from up excessive to just some hundred meters away!
But… as you’ll count on, that is NOT totally low-cost; however for positive, it can definitely be value it!
Lasting from 45 minutes to an hour, most flights begin from round $150 and there are 2 choices so that you can select from: doing it by helicopter or by aircraft. There are a number of tour operators who supply helicopter rides, however on the subject of aerial rides, there are 3 airways who’re well-known for doing it: Buddha Air, Guna Air, and Yeti Air.
Wanna ebook an Everest flight?
For a hassle-free expertise, you’ll be able to ebook your Everest mountain flight right here. Topic to schedule availability, this flight tour will likely be made by means of Buddha Air, Yeti Air, or Simrik Air.
.
TIP: Guide a flight throughout the earliest a part of the day for the least probability of getting cloudy or dangerous climate.
NOTE: If in case you don’t have the price range to fly nor the capability to hike/trek, there may be another choice so that you can see Mt. Everest “up shut”. Except for the plain reality that you just simply go to locations or cities which have a transparent view of the Himalayas, you may also get an ‘aerial glimpse’ from up excessive on the aircraft whenever you get in or get out of Nepal — supplied that you just decide the appropriate seat.
.
For instance, in the event you’re flying to Nepal from Southeast Asia, reserve a window seat on the appropriate (these labeled letter Ok, for instance). And when flying again to Southeast Asia from Nepal, go for the left seats (letter A’s). You’ll be able to all the time ask for suggestions from the airline you’re flying with to make certain!
• • •
4. Benefit from the pure panorama by means of outside actions
Photographs by: Shutterstock
As part of your issues to do in Kathmandu, it is best to just be sure you additionally seize the prospect of having fun with town’s surrounding pure terrain by doing the next outside actions…
- Mountain climbing/Trekking: There are a selection of fantastic hikes that you are able to do across the valley corresponding to Chisapani, Champadevi, Nagarkot, and Nagarjun. You could possibly additionally go to to the excessive peaks of Shivapuri Nationwide Park, or if you’re up for an extended hike, there’s a 6-day trek from Kathmandu to Langtang Nationwide Park (the first Himalayan nationwide park in Nepal). All in all, I can guarantee you that the sights will likely be gorgeous — extra so whenever you get to see the encircling terrain throughout dawn or sundown.
. - River rafting: When you search this sort of adrenaline-pumping exercise, you’ll be able to choose to go for a river rafting tour that goes by means of the Trishuli River which connects town of Kathmandu to Pokhara. To order your spot for this journey, go right here.
. - Mountain-biking: You’ll discover that whenever you undergo Thamel, there will likely be a number of retailers that supply guided mountain-biking journeys or who merely supply bikes for hire. When you’re up for this, I say do it as a result of the journey will likely be value your whereas!
. - Mountaineering: When you’re on the lookout for one thing to climb that’s not Mt. Everest, there are a number of choices for you within the coronary heart of Kathmandu. First up, in case you aren’t prepared but to go for pure cliffs, there may be an Astrek Climbing Wall in Thamel. In any other case, nice pure climbing cliffs may be discovered at Hattiban (Pharping) and Nagarjun.
.
• • •
5. Discover close by cities and cities
Wanna absolutely escape the visitors and concrete setting present in Kathmandu? There are a number of charming cities and cities that you might discover throughout your time there.
- Bhaktapur: As one of many historic cities that make up Kathmandu Valley, you’ll take pleasure in how this place has essentially the most temples per sq. kilometer in Nepal! Reality be instructed, it has the best-preserved palace courtyards and previous metropolis heart within the nation.
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 1 hour away). Trip a bus at Bagbazar or Ratna Park that prices about 50 NPR (lower than $1), or get a taxi that may price you round 1,000 NPR a technique ($9~). In any other case, you may also be a part of a Bhaktapur Tour with a visit Patan right here.
.
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 1 hour away). Trip a bus at Bagbazar or Ratna Park that prices about 50 NPR (lower than $1), or get a taxi that may price you round 1,000 NPR a technique ($9~). In any other case, you may also be a part of a Bhaktapur Tour with a visit Patan right here.
- Lalitpur or Patan: If Bhaktapur is essentially the most Hindu of the cities within the Kathmandu Valley, Patan could be essentially the most Buddhist (and Kathmandu is someplace within the center). Anyhow, very similar to Bhaktapur, Patan has an array of comparable structure; nevertheless, the plus aspect of going right here is that it’s a lot nearer to Kathmandu metropolis itself so it makes for an important aspect journey in the event you’re pressed on time. When you can come early within the morning, it is best to go to the Golden Temple to listen to the gorgeous chanting music made by the choir.
- TRANSPORTATION: (half-hour away). Trip a bus at Ratna Park or a blue/inexperienced bus at Ring Street which can price about 15 NPR (lower than $1). Taxis, however, will likely be about 200 NPR ($2~). In any other case, you may also be a part of a Patan Tour with a visit Bhaktapur right here.
.
- TRANSPORTATION: (half-hour away). Trip a bus at Ratna Park or a blue/inexperienced bus at Ring Street which can price about 15 NPR (lower than $1). Taxis, however, will likely be about 200 NPR ($2~). In any other case, you may also be a part of a Patan Tour with a visit Bhaktapur right here.
- Bungamati and Khokana villages: Regrettably, a number of the important thing constructions in these villages have been destroyed as a result of 2015 earthquake — however it’s extra of a cause why it is best to come go to as a way to assist increase tourism and support them in rapidly restoring their temples. In any case, of their prime, these 2 villages have been revered as two of the prettiest villages within the valley.
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 1 hour away). It’s preferable to get a day tour that covers each of those villages. To order a spot, go right here.
.
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 1 hour away). It’s preferable to get a day tour that covers each of those villages. To order a spot, go right here.
- Panauti: – This is among the oldest cities in Nepal and its nostalgic attraction stays as much as immediately, making it an important day journey on your issues to do in Kathmandu. Personally, I completely loved going by means of its quaint streets throughout my go to. I even had the superb alternative to do a homestay with an area household and it was probably the most enriching experiences that I’ve had!
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 2 hours away). Trip a bus from Ratna for round 60 NPR (lower than $1~). Taking a taxi will likely be dearer at about 2,500 NPR ($24~).
.
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 2 hours away). Trip a bus from Ratna for round 60 NPR (lower than $1~). Taking a taxi will likely be dearer at about 2,500 NPR ($24~).
- Nagarkot: – Nearly 32 kilometers away from Kathmandu metropolis by automobile, this has since been identified as the highest spot for having fun with Himalayan views, sunrises, and sunsets. Except for this, its lush forests make it an important spot for leisure and outside actions — so why not make a go to right here as considered one of your issues to do in Kathmandu?
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 2 hours away). Trip a bus at Bakhtapur Bus Terminal at Ratna Park, and from Bhaktapur you will get to Nagarkot (complete of about 70 NPR or lower than $1~). Since this may be fairly a trouble, it’s quite greatest to get a non-public automobile for rent or a taxi which may be round 3,000 NPR ($30~).
.
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 2 hours away). Trip a bus at Bakhtapur Bus Terminal at Ratna Park, and from Bhaktapur you will get to Nagarkot (complete of about 70 NPR or lower than $1~). Since this may be fairly a trouble, it’s quite greatest to get a non-public automobile for rent or a taxi which may be round 3,000 NPR ($30~).
- Kirtipur: Situated proper subsequent to Patan, Kirtipur is among the most well-known and spiritual locations to go to within the valley of Kathmandu. You’ll completely love the clear air in addition to the majestic Himalayas that ache the background of this historic metropolis.
- TRANSPORTATION: (About half-hour). Trip a bus at Ratna Park for lower than 50 NPR (lower than $1~) or get a taxi for roughly 500 NPR ($5~).
.
- TRANSPORTATION: (About half-hour). Trip a bus at Ratna Park for lower than 50 NPR (lower than $1~) or get a taxi for roughly 500 NPR ($5~).
• • •
Prime Issues to Do in Kathmandu Valley
» Finest Time to Go to Boracay
Under are the outstanding 4 seasons in Nepal…
- Spring: With nice temperatures averaging from 16ºC to 23ºC. That is the 2nd hottest season with its hotter days and flower blooms such because the rhododendrons which is the nationwide flower of Nepal. The one con for touring throughout this time is that there’s the next probability of haze that may obscure the mountains from decrease elevations.
- Summer season: Sizzling and moist, averaging from 23ºC to 30ºC. There’s excessive humidity and there’s rain virtually on daily basis so it’s not an excellent time to go to particularly if you wish to discover nature. (However metropolis visits are effective since there will likely be lesser crowds).
- Autumn: With cooler temperatures, averaging 15ºC to 25ºC. That is the most effective vacationer season provided that the climate is extra nice, bringing in clearer views of the mountains. Moreover, large Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar occur throughout these months so it may possibly get fairly energetic.
- Winter: With cool climate averaging 9ºC to 12ºC. That is additionally the season the place the skies are clear, however simply just be sure you are effectively ready particularly when going out on treks because the temperature drops considerably at night time time.
– – –
» Getting in to Nepal
By aircraft. My go-to platform for grabbing the most effective flight deal is Skyscanner. Nepal’s predominant worldwide getaway is Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport (KTM) which is situated about 6km from Kathmandu metropolis.
With a purpose to get to the middle (corresponding to that of Thamel), you’ll be able to organize a resort switch, a pay as you go taxi (approx. 700~ NPR), an everyday taxi (approx. 400~ NPR), or a bus (approx. NPR 10~).
– – –
» Visa for Nepal
Sure, ALL foreigners (besides Indians) are required to have a visa to go to Nepal. Relaxation assured, the method is pretty straightforward and quick, and you’ll acquire it on arrival. To know the entire course of and particulars, see my ‘ Apply for a Nepal Visa on Arrival‘ information.
– – –
» Nepal Forex
Nepalese Rupee (Re., Rs., रू) whereby USD $1 = रू127~ (as of July 2022). Within the occasion that you just wish to alternate your cash, I extremely advise that you just do NOT alternate your cash on the airport because the charges there aren’t aggressive.
- greatest alternate your foreign money? Both alternate it at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in any of Nepal’s metropolis facilities. Higher but, simply withdraw from an ATM along with your debit/bank card — nevertheless, you need to make one large withdrawal to reduce charges along with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, many Nepalese institutions settle for bank cards nevertheless it’s all the time advisable to have money available as a result of a number of smaller retailers do not settle for playing cards.
– – –
» Price of Journey in Kathmandu
To present you an concept, it is best to count on to journey to Kathmandu with a mean each day price of about USD $12~ per particular person on a price range, or not less than $30~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation in actions, excursions, lodges, and extra. (Values under present low price range to medium price range ranges solely).
- Lodges: $4 to $11 USD / day
- Transport: About $1 for a brief taxi journey
– – –
» The place to Keep (Kathmandu Lodging)
To seek for the most effective resort lodging in Boracay at the most effective costs, I recommend cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However in the event you’re quite thinking about renting snug homes or residences, it is best to search by means of AirBnB.
For the last word listing of low-cost hostels and luxurious lodging, try this listing of the greatest lodges in Kathmandu.
– – –
» Get Round Kathmandu
Some locations may be reached by foot, however since it may possibly get fairly chaotic as a result of lack of avenue names, it’s greatest to both get a rickshaw particularly in the event you don’t have Google Maps available to navigate your manner as you execute the above listing of issues to do in Kathmandu.
Rickshaws may be discovered in all places and costs can begin at 15 NPR — nevertheless it’s extremely doubtless that the driving force will set the next worth, so be happy to haggle.
In the meantime, taxis and inexperienced or blue buses are preferrred if you wish to go to far locations inside or exterior of the Kathmandu Valley. Taxis are additionally not that arduous to seek out particularly throughout the day (it will get more durable at night time although) and the price can begin at 300~ NPR if, let’s say, you wish to get to Patan. As for buses, yow will discover them across the metropolis or on the ‘Ring Street’ and the price can begin from 20 NPR. Simply take word that the buses are fairly previous and it’s not totally snug.
– – –
» Security in Nepal
I’ve traveled solo in Nepal and have by no means felt unsafe. Plenty of the locals had been even pleasant and accommodating; actually, there’s a low price of significant crime within the nation. However, petty crime can occur as a result of variety of vacationers so it’s greatest to remain vigilant and to remain avenue sensible always.
– – –
» Useful Nepalese Phrases
Many native Nepalese haven’t any difficulties talking English as a second language, and it turns into extra prevalent whenever you’re within the capital of Kathmandu. However in fact, it doesn’t harm to be taught a little bit of Nepali.
Hiya: Namaste / Namaskār ((Nah-MAH-stay / Nah-MAH-skar)
Thanks: Dhanyavād (DHAN-naii-bat)
Sure: Hajur / Ho (HA-jur / HO)
No: Chaina / Haina (Chai-NA / Hai-Na)
Goodbye: Namaste / Namaskār ((Nah-MAH-stay / Nah-MAH-skar)
Excuse me (begging pardon): Maaf garnus (MA-af-GAR-nus)
Excuse me (getting consideration): Sabai le sunnus ta
I’m sorry: Ma maafi chahanchu
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Koi English bolne cha? (Ko-i English bol-ne-cha?)
Assist!: Aapat paryo! (Aa-pat par-yo)
• • •
Reserving Necessities
TIP: It’s a good suggestion to crosscheck your World Nomads‘ complete journey insurance coverage worth with that of SafetyWing as a result of the latter is commonly priced cheaper (particularly when it includes journey that spans for a number of weeks or months — and even years!).
.
Nevertheless, take word that SafetyWing’s affordability usually means lesser protection than World Nomads. So please all the time make sure that you learn the effective print as a way to decipher which journey insurance coverage firm is the appropriate match for you and your journey! On that word, HeyMondo can be various (click on this hyperlink to get 5% off).
DISCLOSURE: Thanks a lot to the Himalayan Journey Mart 2017, PATA and PTBA for making this Nepal journey occur
• • •
General
Very similar to what I skilled, I hope that this listing of issues to do in Kathmandu will make it easier to seize the most effective of the valley’s cultural and pure highlights.
Certain sufficient, there’s a dizzying variety of actions and sights for you on this vacation spot however I can assure you that the issues listed above will already provide you with an important Nepal expertise that will likely be value your money and time. Get pleasure from!
