Kathmandu
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At a glance
- Country
- Nepal
- Region
- Bagmati Province
- Population
- 850,000
- Best time to go
- October to November, March to April
- Main airport
- Tribhuvan International (KTM)
- Coordinates
- 27.72°N, 85.32°E
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Overview
Kathmandu is chaotic, dusty and utterly absorbing. Medieval temples, shrines and courtyards are tucked between traffic-choked streets, and Hindu and Buddhist traditions blend in daily rituals of incense, bells and butter lamps.
Most trekkers pass through on their way to the mountains, but the valley deserves several days. Its three old royal cities, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, and its great stupas hold more UNESCO-listed monuments than most countries.
Things to see
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Photo: Artha at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kathmandu Durbar Square
The old royal palace square, crowded with pagoda-roofed temples, some still being restored after the 2015 earthquake.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Nabin K. Sapkota, CC BY-SA 4.0 Swayambhunath
The hilltop stupa known as the Monkey Temple, with painted Buddha eyes gazing over the city.
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Photo: Sumitbhatt222, CC BY-SA 4.0 Boudhanath
One of the largest stupas in the world, circled by pilgrims, monasteries and rooftop cafés.
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Photo: Bijay Chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0 Pashupatinath Temple
Nepal's holiest Hindu temple on the Bagmati river, where open-air cremations take place on the ghats.
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Photo: Zulufive, CC0 Patan Durbar Square
Perhaps the finest of the valley's royal squares, with an excellent museum in the old palace.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Kushal Goyal, CC BY-SA 3.0 Eat momos
Nepal's favourite dumplings, steamed or fried, served with spicy tomato chutney in every neighbourhood.
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Photo: Rdevany, CC BY-SA 3.0 Mountain flight
An early-morning sightseeing flight along the Himalaya brings you close to Everest on a clear day.
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Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk the old bazaars
Wander from Thamel through Asan Tole and Indra Chowk, past spice sellers, shrines and courtyards.
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Photo: Krish Dulal, CC BY-SA 3.0 Garden of Dreams
A restored neo-classical garden on the edge of Thamel, a quiet escape from the traffic.
Find tours
Where to stay
Thamel
The backpacker and trekker hub, packed with guesthouses, gear shops and restaurants.
Hotels in ThamelLazimpat
Calmer and close to Thamel, with embassies and smarter hotels.
Hotels in LazimpatBoudha
Guesthouses around the great stupa, peaceful once the day visitors have gone.
Hotels in BoudhaPatan
Traditional and arty, with heritage hotels in restored Newari houses.
Hotels in Patan
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest option; agree fares if there is no meter. The old centre is best explored on foot.
The airport is about 6 km east of Thamel; a taxi takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
When to go
October and November bring clear skies and mountain views, along with the Dashain and Tihar festivals. March and April are warm, with rhododendrons in bloom. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain.
Plan your trip to Kathmandu
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.