Top 10 Things to Do in Kathmandu
Explore the heart of Nepal by starting your journey in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital. Dive into the city’s rich heritage, awe-inspiring architecture, and vibrant culture. Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of ancient temples and embrace the bustling energy of local markets. Extend your stay to truly appreciate the diverse experiences Kathmandu offers. Wander through historic sites, like Durbar Square, and witness the blend of tradition and modernity. Engage with locals, savor authentic cuisine, and shop for unique souvenirs. Kathmandu is not just a gateway; it’s a destination to savor, leaving you with lasting memories of this enchanting city.
Go for a Stroll in the Garden of Dreams
Nepal – Kathmandu – Garden of Dreams
Indulge in tranquility at the Garden of Dreams, nestled near Thamel in Kathmandu. Crafted by Kaiser Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana in 1920, this European-style oasis, just across from the former Royal Palace, invites serenity. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., it’s an ideal retreat for a peaceful picnic or a leisurely mid-day walk. Amidst the bustling Thamel tourist hub, this lush escape offers a moment of calm, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of its design and history. Take a break from the city buzz and relish the soothing ambiance of this enchanting garden.
Day Trip to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Embark on a nature retreat just two hours from Kathmandu at Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Stretching over 61 square miles along the valley’s northern edge, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts. Encounter diverse flora and fauna, from rhododendrons and oak trees to Himalayan black bears and rhesus monkeys. With 177 bird species, 102 butterfly types, and 129 mushroom varieties, the park, once a watershed and wildlife reserve, attained national park status in 2002. A trekker’s paradise, it offers a serene escape, inviting you to explore the untouched beauty of Nepal’s ninth national park.
Historic Durbar Square
Embark on a nature retreat just two hours from Kathmandu at Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Stretching over 61 square miles along the valley’s northern edge, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts. Encounter diverse flora and fauna, from rhododendrons and oak trees to Himalayan black bears and rhesus monkeys. With 177 bird species, 102 butterfly types, and 129 mushroom varieties, the park, once a watershed and wildlife reserve, attained national park status in 2002. A trekker’s paradise, it offers a serene escape, inviting you to explore the untouched beauty of Nepal’s ninth national park.
Explore the Old City
navigating the enchanting maze of old Kathmandu’s narrow streets and alleyways. Explore hidden shrines and statues, revealing surprises in unexpected corners. Starting at Makhan Tole, progress along Siddhidas Marg to Indra Chowk, a bustling market square. Follow the road to Kel Tole, where the Seto Machhendranath Temple stands ornate and captivating. Pass through Ason Tole, the lively junction with a vibrant market showcasing produce from the Kathmandu Valley. Take in the magnificent Annapurna Temple. Continue on Chittadhar Marg, turn onto Chandraman Singh Marg, reaching Thahiti Tole with its ancient Buddhist stupa and Nateshwar temple. Explore the Kathesimbhu Stupa on the way to Thamel Chowk, the heart of Kathmandu’s tourist hub. The journey unveils a rich tapestry of history and culture.
Hang Out in Thamel
Experience the vibrant pulse of Kathmandu’s Thamel tourist district, a lively yet charming enclave that, despite its occasional hustle, exudes an old-world ambiance. Navigate through Tibetan prayer flags and cycle rickshaws that add to the area’s unique character. Explore streets adorned with shops brimming with colorful clothing, jewelry, lanterns, thangka paintings, wood carvings, bronze statues, music, and books. Engage in spirited bargaining, aiming for a favorable deal. Consider the assistance of Backstreet Academy’s Kathmandu shopping tour for a curated experience. As daylight fades, Thamel transforms, with illuminated streets and the melodic notes of live music from its bars. Indulge in culinary delights and ambiance at Brezel Cafe and Bar, Rosemary Kitchen & Coffee Shop, and Cafe De Genre. For a nostalgic touch, revisit the classic Sam’s Bar on Chaksibari Marg. Thamel is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, inviting exploration day and night.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Perched on a hill west of Kathmandu, the renowned Swayambhunath Stupa, a Buddhist temple, awaits atop 365 stone steps. Accessible for a fee of 200 rupees for foreigners, the journey unveils an intriguing encounter with the temple’s resident monkeys, believed to be sacred, with a unique origin tied to the Buddhist deity Manjushri.
Though the climb may be demanding, the temple complex, mostly spared by the 2015 earthquake, dates back to the 5th century, making it Nepal’s oldest of its kind. Witness the enduring charm and cultural significance of Swayambhunath through a resident monk-led tour, offering insights into religious practices and the temple’s societal importance. Immerse yourself in ceremonies and chanting sessions for a deeper understanding of this ancient spiritual sanctuary.
Blessing at Pashupatinath Temple
Explore the profound spirituality at Nepal’s holiest Hindu site, Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. A magnet for devotees and adorned with colorful sadhus, the temple offers blessings for a small fee, capturing the essence of Hindu ascetic traditions.
Within the temple complex, ancient rituals unfold, revealing the timeless practices of life, death, and reincarnation. The sobering spectacle of open-air cremations along the riverbank provides an unfiltered perspective. Foreign visitors can access the grounds for a fee of 1,000 rupees, while the main temple remains restricted to Hindus. Opt for a riverside view without entry charges if you prefer.
The most captivating moments unfold early mornings (7 a.m. to 10 a.m.) during cremations and evenings after 6 p.m. for the mesmerizing aarti ceremony. Note the temple closure from noon to 5 p.m. daily. Pashupatinath promises an immersive encounter with Hindu traditions, offering glimpses into the cycle of life and death.
Around Boudhanath Stupa
Discover the tranquility of Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, just a 20-minute walk from Pashupatinath on the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a significant hub of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
Experience the enchanting sunset as the Tibetan community engages in the spiritual practice of circumambulation around the stupa, chanting the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum and spinning prayer wheels. Optimal times for visits are early mornings and evenings, devoid of tour groups, with a foreigner entrance fee of 250 rupees.
Explore the gompas (monasteries) around Boudhanath, adorned with vibrant murals. Tamang Gompa, opposite the stupa, stands out with its impressive view from the upper floors. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Boudhanath, where spirituality and cultural richness converge.
Take a Traditional Cooking Class or Painting Workshop
Immerse yourself in Nepali culture with hands-on experiences through SocialTours and Nepal Cooking School. SocialTours’ Cook Like a Local Tour in Kathmandu is a culinary delight, guiding you through a local market to gather fresh ingredients and spices. Learn the art of making momos, daal bhat, and aloo paratha—a must-do for those passionate about Nepali cuisine.
For a meaningful experience, Nepal Cooking School in Thamel not only offers sought-after cooking classes but also directs profits towards empowering women and girls in remote villages through social programs.
Delve into art with Backstreet Academy’s Thangka Painting Workshop, a popular choice. Led by knowledgeable locals, this experience allows you to create your own unique thangka painting, providing a memorable souvenir from your time in Nepal. Enjoy the fusion of learning and cultural immersion with these remarkable tours.
Visit Villages in Kathmandu Valley
Escape Kathmandu’s urban hustle and explore the untouched charm of traditional village life in the Kathmandu Valley. Bungmati and Khokana, located to the south near Patan, beckon with their timeless appeal, having preserved their traditional ways. Despite the 2015 earthquake’s impact, these villages, like Bungmati dating back to the 6th century, invite visitors to experience their unique heritage.
Bungmati, associated with the revered rain god Rato Mahhendranath, showcases wood carving and sculpture. Although the temple was damaged, villagers continue their craft, and you can visit their workshops. Khokana, a fertile farming village, is immersed in agriculture, particularly mustard oil production.
Support these resilient communities with a private Bungmati and Khokana Village Day Tour by Breakfree Adventures. By immersing yourself in their daily lives, you contribute to the recovery and preservation of these culturally rich villages.
