Dear explorer, Are you looking to adventure in Kathmandu but don’t know what you can do there? We’ve got a list of things to do in Kathmandu that are just for you; all you have to do is go through this article. Kathmandu is a big enough city with a lot of things for you to do. When you first land in Nepal, the capital city will be yours to explore, and many experiences await you there. Kathmandu Valley is more than just the core city. And amazingly, you can also get glimpses of Mount Everest without hiking!
Most locations you will visit throughout Kathmandu are also listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And, if you’re now wondering if you need to spend excessive days in Kathmandu to experience a maximum number of adventures around the valley, you’re wrong. It takes around a week to 10 days to engage in many activities. Be sure to read till the end of this article to know what each attraction in the capital city has in store for you!
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12 Things To Do In Kathmandu
There are plenty of things to do in Kathmandu. However, we have listed below the top 12 things for you not to miss out on. Each activity on our list will take you to the major landmarks within the valley. These destinations include lively temples, tranquil stupas, royal courtyards, and eateries with mouthwatering food items amid the bustle of the city. You will also find most Newari people in the valley, meaning you can learn much about the unique culture. Following are our top activity picks for you:
Shop in Thamel and Asan Tole
In Kathmandu, you cannot miss out on shopping for souvenirs in Thamel and Asan Tole. Thamel and Asan Tole have been tourist hubs for a long time. You will find many decorative items, clothes, authentic Nepali medicines, different types of tea, and trekking equipment in Thamel. Locals mainly dominate Asan. You can buy many things like the locals when you’re there. The crowd in both locations is a sight to witness as well!
Go to a Jazz bar
Are you a jazz music enthusiast? Jazz Upstairs in Lazimpat is just a place for you to visit. The bar is not very far from Kathmandu Durbar Square. Hence, you can get there in less than half an hour by a local or hired vehicle. The jazz bar fits the Nepalese vibe perfectly, and the unique Nepali menu and ambiance are ready to serve you. You will be filled with happiness and peace with the sound of the trumpet and the songs the professional singers sing for you. In the hustle and bustle of the city, jazz music is truly a gem to sit back and relax to.
Visit the Biggest Buddhist Stupas
For those looking to pay visits to shrines, Boudhanath Stupa and the monkey temple, Swayambhunath, are significant locations not to miss out on. Both these locations are dominated by Tibetan and Nepalese cultures and traditions. Boudhanath Stupa is the biggest stupa in Nepal, and over a hundred pilgrims visit it daily. Nowadays, you will find enthusiastic restaurants and cafes around the stupa. Likewise, the monkey temple is filled with monkeys. You will find plenty of eateries and souvenir stores around here as well.
Visit The Three Durbar Squares
The three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu are the palaces where the Patan, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur city’s kings were once crowned and ruled. While Kathmandu Durbar Square is close to the ever-busy Indra Chowk, you will find Patan Durbar Square without trouble when you reach Lalitpur. Similarly, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is near another destination on our list, Nagarkot. These ancient royal palaces are rich in Newari culture. The famous Malla kings of Nepal once ruled over each of the durbar squares many centuries ago.
Go on a Book Reading Date at the Garden of Dreams
Amid the bustle of Kathmandu, you will find a peaceful location close to the Thamel marketplace called Garden of Dreams. It is a popular place to go on dates, even for locals. Since the place is very peaceful and has many places to sit in silence among the greenery, you can take a book there. Once you’ve paid the price of your ticket, you can spend as much time as you want there, given that the place is open. After it had opened in the 1920s as the Garden of Six Seasons by late Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana, it has been one of the must-see attractions, though simple, in the capital city.
Get a Massage
You can get a massage in almost any local hair salon or massage parlor in Kathmandu. Suppose you want to experience something luxurious while you’re at it. In that case, consider luxurious packages offering sauna and massage services to the customers in a five-star hotel in the city. There are just as many facilities for massage in local, much cheaper places. It depends on you as to what kind of experience you’d like. Get ready to ease your sore and rigid muscles after a tired day of roaming the city!
Go to a Local Tea Shop
There are many local tea shops you can visit in Kathmandu. You’ll find a stall serving some of the best-tasting hot tea in almost every other alley. Therefore, you don’t necessarily have to spend a whole day looking or staying in a single stall. Drop by a tea shop after you’ve completed your trip in the city, or take a break in one such stall. If you want to drink herbal tea, you can visit any local cafe within the valley!
Stay a Night at Nagarkot After a Trek
Nagarkot is another must-visit destination in Kathmandu Valley. You don’t need to drive to this location. Instead, you can choose to hike up to the destination without worry. Trekking to Nagarkot will be a day hike completed within a few hours of walking from the city to the hilly village. There are many hotels where you can enjoy a relaxed day in the hills while also enjoying views of mountains like Annapurna, Mount Everest, Ganesh Himal, etc. Not very far from central Kathmandu, it is truly a destination that will become a blessing for nature-loving explorers.
Go Momo-Hunting
Momo is a mouthwatering, delicious, simple dish with dough and spicy meat or veggie fillings. You will also get a special sauce or spicy soup to dip the Momo in while eating it. Since it is a popular food in Kathmandu, you will find it in almost every other alley within the valley. Every local and luxurious eatery will include Momo on the menu. You will be surprised at the differences and similarities between the tastes of Momo and those of different places around Kathmandu.
Watch Aarati and Cremations in Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath Temple is one of Kathmandu’s most popular attractions and pilgrimage sites. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu. The Bagmati River surrounds the sacred Hindu temple. The banks of the Bagmati River also serve as a crematorium for Hindu people. Every evening, you will also get to enjoy Sandhya Aarati (evening Aarati). After a hectic tour, the peaceful bhajan and an enchanting view of the main temple opposite the worship location are enough to freshen your mind. The temple is an excellent remembrance of the ancient cities within the valley that have always upheld the significance of the Hindu religion.
Enjoy the Views at Kopan Monastery
Visiting the Kopan Monastery is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu. It is a sacred Buddhist destination on the outskirts of Kathmandu, where you can enjoy a view of the valley among serene Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The place is one of the most peaceful destinations in the valley, and visitors can interact with the monks there. There is a small onsite cafe in the monastery to enjoy tea. It is equally popular among Hindu and Buddhist devotees as both religions are similar.
Kathmandu Day Tour Review
Try Commuting on the Local Bus and Tempos
You must at least once experience the beauty behind the chaos in local buses and tempos in Kathmandu. And it won’t be a difficult journey! Finding either of the commute options is not going to be a challenge. You can visit many places in Kathmandu within minutes of getting in each of the vehicles. You can also get to know the lifestyle of the ordinary locals in the valley when public cars offer an excellent opportunity for people-watching. Counting public vehicle commute as one on your bucket list of Nepal adventures might be right if you’re not from Nepal.
Tips on Making The Most of Your Kathmandu Trip
The following are the tips on enjoying your trip as you engage in all the things to do in Kathmandu, the safest possible way:
Hire Driver
When visiting the must-visit locations or seeking amazing things to do in Kathmandu, consider hiring a driver. With the help of your tour operator, you can get yourself or your group an experienced driver who will comfortably drive you around the city. The drivers will pick you up from your hotel every day and drop you off at your hotel at the end of the day. You will have to stress less about commuting daily to your set itinerary this way.
Consult with your Tour Operator About Regulations
You can consult your tour operator about the rules and regulations of the valley. They can help you learn about the rules followed in the city. When visiting specific landmarks, you can also ask about the rules of that particular place at the information desk that will likely be available around.
Get a SIM Card
You can get a SIM card to interact easily at any time with people within Nepal, whether your group members, friends in Nepal, or your tour operator. You can seek help from your tour operator or your local friend to get one for yourself.
Interact With the Locals
Interact with the locals to get the most out of your journey. Doing this will help you learn more about the local culture and find beauty in small things like people’s lifestyles. You can be assured of the friendliness of the locals, who are always keen to help tourists out and engage with them.
Try Different Cuisines
Don’t limit yourself to a particular food item or cuisine, as this happens to be one of the best things to do in Kathmandu. The Himalayan country has a lot to offer, especially when you’re in the capital city. There are many different cuisines you can explore, including Nepalese cuisine, Indian cuisine, Western cuisine, Tibetan cuisine, and more. The best part about this is that you’ll love relishing each of these foods, which are not even all that challenging to find. You will find many different eateries, cafes, and restaurants at every step of the way.
Drink Bottled Water and Carry A Purifier
Be sure to drink bottled water and carry a few water purifier tablets in Kathmandu. This will ensure you drink hygienic water and lessen your chances of getting sick. Drinking water from the tap or any local eatery might not always be hygienic.
Choose the Best Time To Visit Kathmandu
The best time to visit Kathmandu is during spring and autumn. While going there is safe throughout the year, you’d want to visit during the peak seasons to experience the most fantastic experience of the valley, no matter where you go.
Conclusion
There are many things to do in Kathmandu. You have to know where and how to visit each location. The Hindu-dominated valley is full of temples and stupas that are fun to see as much as they are knowledge-providing destinations. There are just as many activities for adventurers, like hiking and food hunts. You will not be mistaken if you assume that Kathmandu is one of the best destinations to explore many elements in a single trip.
