Travel Guide to Kathmandu, Nepal [with Sample Itinerary]

Read our Kathmandu travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this wonderful capital in the country of Nepal.

Surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, offers countless magnificent views. Although the city suffered a tragic earthquake last 2015 that resulted in damaging most of its historic sites, you will still see the beauty and rich history & culture that it has. So, to further your knowledge about Kathmandu, here’s our travel guide in case you decided to visit it in the future.

Kathmandu Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Kathmandu, Nepal

1. Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Kathmandu. It is considered a holy place, especially for Buddhists People. The stupa itself is impressive in terms of design and size and the location is also ideal with many restaurants. Very worth seeing not only because of the stupa but because of the many pilgrims around it.

Suggested Tour: Kathmandu Valley Private 6-Hour Tour

2. Swayambhunath Temple

The temple complex can also be easily reached on foot from the inner city. Expect to climb a 365 steps staircase but it’s definitely worth it. Here, you can experience the peaceful coexistence between Hindus and Buddhists’ lives, both religions have a temple and sanctuaries here.

Suggested Tour: Kathmandu: 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Private Tour

3. Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is a Hindu Temple. Here. you will get to experience and witness how Hindu burials take place. It is very impressive how the dead are prepared for their public cremation. However, visitors can only see the burns from the opposite side of the river. Just remember to be respectful when watching such a ceremony.

Suggested Tour: Kathmandu Valley: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Day Tour

4. Chandragiri Hills

The ride on the cable car is unique. At the top of the summit, you will be rewarded with a great view. If it is clear, you will even see the Himalayas and other awesome views.

Suggested Tour: Chandragiri Hill: Full-Day Tour with Cable Car Ride

5. Thamel

Thamel is one of the tourists’ favorites for a stay in Kathmandu due to its countless restaurants, hotels, and shops. Plus most sights are within walking distance. We can say that Thamel is a loud, business-minded, and culturally diverse place. This is the place that you can shop ’til you drop.

Suggested Tour: Kathmandu Sightseeing by Rickshaw

6. Garden of Dreams

The Garden of Dreams is located in the middle of Kathmandu city, Nepal. This garden offers a quiet atmosphere in the middle of the loud Kathmandu. Its design is almost similar to formal European gardens. Definitely recommended, also very suitable for a short coffee break.

7. Kathmandu Durbar Square

Despite the 2015 earthquake damage, Durbar Square is one of the most fantastic architectural ensembles in the world. The beauty of the buildings and their position in daily religious life make up the wonderful atmosphere. This is the place where Nepal kings are crowned.

Suggested Tour: Lonely Planet Experiences: Insider Tour of Kathmandu

8. Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery is located on a hill above Kathmandu. It can be hiked in about 2 hours north of Boudha on a hill. The view of the city and the surrounding mountains alone is worth the way to the monastery. Once you reach the monastery, you will feel like you are immersed in another world. The clean air and atmosphere will welcome you.

9. Hanuman Dhoka

The place is in close proximity to Durbar Square and is absolutely worth seeing. Although the temples and palaces suffered great damage during the earthquake last 2015, the place is still very atmospheric and worth visiting.

Suggested Tour: Kathmandu: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

Extra tip:

If you want to enhance your trip to Nepal and want to see more of the country, consider going on a trek in the lap of the Himalayas in Nepal. You will see the glorious and highest peaks in the world smiling right in front of you. The views of gorgeous landscapes, pristine rivers, and several high cliffs will certainly take your breath away. And your experience of trekking in Nepal doesn’t just end here; the beautiful yet adventurous trail of the trekking destinations, along with the unique cultural experience of the different ethnic groups in Nepal, will show you the true aesthetic of the country.

Therefore, Come and have the experience of your lifetime in the lap of the Himalayas.

Kathmandu Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Kathmandu, Nepal

Day 1 – Weekend Guide to Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Hanuman Dhoka
Pashupatinath Temple

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Kathmandu, Nepal

Boudhanath Stupa
Swayambhunath Temple
Kopan Monastery

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Kathmandu, Nepal

Thamel
Garden of Dreams
Chandragiri Hills

Kathmandu Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Kathmandu, Nepal

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Kathmandu, Nepal if you’re a Backpacker

Kathmandu Madhuban Guest House

Kathmandu Madhuban Guest House offers free WiFi and a library. Featuring wall-to-wall carpeting, rooms at Madhuban come with a cable TV and 24-hour running hot and cold water. Rooms are also equipped with a telephone and fan.

Price: Starts at $14 per night for Standard Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

Famous House Kathmandu

Famous House Kathmandu is located in Kathmandu. Free WiFi access is available. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge. An array of activities can be enjoyed on-site or in the surroundings, including cycling, horse riding, and hiking. The property offers free parking.

Price: Starts at $16 per night for Standard Double Room, includes taxes and charges, $3 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Khangsar Guest House

Khangsar Guest House’s rooms come with a shared balcony. Simply furnished and fitted with parquet flooring, each room has a TV and an attached bathroom with hot and cold water. The front desk operates 24 hours.

Price: Starts at $23 per night for Double Room with Private Bathroom, includes taxes and charges, $3 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Kathmandu, Nepal if you’re on a Budget

Hotel Florid

Each room at Hotel Florid will provide you with air conditioning and a seating area. There is also an electric kettle. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries and slippers. Here, you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden, and a terrace.

Price: Starts at $15 per night for Queen Room with City View, includes taxes and charges, $4 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation. 

Hotel Silver Home

Hotel Silver Home offers stunning views of mountains and the Kathmandu Valley from its rooftop terrace. Guestrooms at Silver Home have seating areas and offer cable television. The en suite bathroom comes with shower facilities. Travel and car hire arrangements can be made at the tour desk.

Price: Starts at $20 per night for Standard Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

Hotel Sweet Town 

Hotel Sweet Town provides air-conditioned rooms, a bar, and a shared lounge. All units at the hotel are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. All guest rooms include a desk.

Price: Starts at $35 per night for Deluxe Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Kathmandu, Nepal if you want Luxury

Radisson Hotel Kathmandu

Radisson Hotel Kathmandu offers a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and luxurious modern rooms. Each well-appointed air-conditioned room features a comfortable and spacious seating area and is equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and wardrobe. The en suite bathroom contains complimentary toiletries. Guests can use the Tranquility Spa for complete body therapy and beauty care services. The property also houses a Casino Rad – 24-hour gaming and entertainment and a gift shop.

Price: Starts at $150 per night for Superior Double or Twin Room, add $36 for taxes and charges, $15 for breakfast (optional), but it offers a free cancellation.

Hotel Yak & Yeti

The 5-star Hotel Yak & Yeti is housed in a heritage palace in central Kathmandu, surrounded by antique fountains and landscaped gardens. The elegant air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a cable TV and minibar. Some rooms have a personal safe and bathrobes. Certain bathrooms come with a bathtub. Guests can head to the beauty salon or exercise at the fitness center. Laundry and dry cleaning services are also available.

Price: Starts at $174 per night for Deluxe Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, $15 for breakfast (optional), but it offers a free cancellation.

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. At the hotel, the rooms are fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV. All rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. Guests at Kathmandu Marriott Hotel can also enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange for guests.

Price: Starts at $237 per night for M Club Lounge Access, Guest Room, 2 Double, Mountain View, add $24 for taxes and charges, free breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

Kathmandu Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Kathmandu, Nepal

1. French Creperie Kathmandu

Operating hours: 08:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Chaksibari Marg Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal

2. Yala Cafe

Operating hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Sat) 06:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Sun)
Address: Kwabahal, Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal

3. MarcoPolo Restaurant

Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: 1st Floor, Chhaya Center Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal

4. Upstairs Cafe

Operating hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Chakshibari marg Thamel Kathmandu, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal

5. Fusion Himalaya cafe &Restaurant

Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sun-Fri)
Address: Paknajol Marg, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal

And that’s our Kathmandu travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.​​