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Kathmandu

Nepal

Pace: balanced Spiritual Bustling Historic Cultural
Ideal trip length
3 - 7 days
Busiest
Oct-Nov
Kathmandu
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Kathmandu

Book direct on our own Kathmandu hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
Nepali and English
Local currency
NPR (NPR)
Local time
(GMT+5)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Thamel
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Small amounts for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 60 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Dal Bhat Momos Newari Khaja Set Sel Roti

When to visit Kathmandu

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: October Busiest: Oct-Nov
  1. Jan
    60

    Cold, clear skies

  2. Feb
    70

    Cool, pleasant days

  3. Mar
    80

    Warm, blooming flowers

  4. Apr
    75

    Hot, pre-monsoon haze

  5. May
    65

    Hot, humid, rain starts

  6. Jun
    40

    Monsoon, heavy rain

  7. Jul
    35

    Heavy monsoon, wet

  8. Aug
    40

    Monsoon, humid, green

  9. Sept
    70

    Monsoon ends, fresh

  10. Oct
    95

    Peak season, clear

  11. Nov
    90

    Cool, very clear

  12. Dec
    65

    Cold, clear, festive

Things to do in Kathmandu

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath 2 hrs

Witness sacred Hindu rituals and cremations along the Bagmati River.

Outdoors

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Swayambhu 2 hrs

Climb to this iconic stupa for panoramic city views and playful monkeys.

Outdoors Good for children

Everest Scenic Flight

Airport 1 hr

Experience breathtaking aerial views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan range.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Old City 3 hrs

Explore ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Outdoors Good for children

Thamel Exploration

Thamel 3 hrs

Wander through the bustling streets of Thamel, filled with shops, cafes, and guesthouses.

Outdoors Good for children

Garden of Dreams

Thamel 2 hrs

Relax in this beautifully restored neo-classical garden, an oasis of calm.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudha 2 hrs

Circumambulate one of the largest stupas in the world, a center of Tibetan Buddhism.

Outdoors Good for children

Kathmandu itineraries

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For couples

2 Days in Kathmandu — Romance

Discover the enchanting heart of Nepal with your loved one, amidst ancient temples and serene gardens.

This intimate 2-day itinerary is crafted for couples seeking a blend of cultural immersion, serene escapes, and exquisite dining in the vibrant city of Kathmandu. Explore historical wonders, find tranquility in hidden gardens, and share unforgettable moments against the backdrop of the Himalayas. Perfect for a romantic city-break or a special celebration.

2 Days 10 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Kathmandu

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Dal Bhat 95 · Outstanding
Momos 87 · Outstanding
Newari Khaja Set 78 · Very good
Sel Roti 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Boudhanath Stupa 95 · Outstanding
Pashupatinath Temple 91 · Outstanding
Kathmandu Durbar Square 87 · Outstanding
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) 83 · Very good
Thamel Exploration 78 · Very good
Garden Of Dreams 74 · Good
Everest Scenic Flight 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 89 · Outstanding
Budget 83 · Very good
Adventure 76 · Very good
Culture 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Bargain respectfully in markets for fair prices. 95 · Outstanding
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. 83 · Very good
Drink bottled or filtered water only. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Kathmandu

Straight-line distance from the centre of Kathmandu.

Getaways from Kathmandu

Places people from Kathmandu travel to, from our own travel research.

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