Things to do in Kathmandu

Activities, attractions and tours

A colorful street with traditional buildings, a small shrine, and people walking.
A white temple on a lake with a bridge in the foreground and colorful buildings in the background.
A traditional multi-tiered temple with golden roofs, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.
Colorful prayer flags strung across a building with traditional architecture.
A golden Buddha statue surrounded by lush greenery and rocks.

Things to do

Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group

Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group

S$58
per adult
Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group
Landing Everest Base Camp Kalapathar by Helicopter with Breakfast

Landing Everest Base Camp Kalapathar by Helicopter with Breakfast

S$2,003
per adult
Landing Everest Base Camp Kalapathar by Helicopter with Breakfast
Kathmandu Rickshaw Night Explorer Tour

Kathmandu by Night: Small-Group Rickshaw Ride & Hidden Gems

S$63
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kathmandu by Night: Small-Group Rickshaw Ride & Hidden Gems
1 Hour Mount Everest flight from Kathmandu With Hotel Pick Up

1 Hour Mount Everest flight from Kathmandu With Hotel Pick Up

S$336
per adult
1 Hour Mount Everest flight from Kathmandu With Hotel Pick Up
From Kathmandu/Pokhara: 3 Day All-Inclusive Chitwan Safari

From Kathmandu/Pokhara: 3-Day All-Inclusive Chitwan Safari

S$206
per adult
From Kathmandu/Pokhara: 3-Day All-Inclusive Chitwan Safari
Spiritual Nepal Tour From Kathmandu

Kathmandu Small Group Spiritual Nepal Tour

S$76
per adult
Kathmandu Small Group Spiritual Nepal Tour
View of Mountain during the sunrise from Nagarkot.

Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hiking from Kathmandu

S$65
per adult
Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hiking from Kathmandu
Kathmandu valley tour

Kathmandu Heritage Tour – Private Full-Day UNESCO Sites & Temples

S$142
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kathmandu Heritage Tour – Private Full-Day UNESCO Sites & Temples
Kathmandu: 7 UNESCO-Listed City Sites Private Day Trip

Kathmandu: 7 UNESCO Sites Tour in 1 Day (Private Tour)

S$94
per adult
Kathmandu: 7 UNESCO Sites Tour in 1 Day (Private Tour)
See all activities in Kathmandu
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Pashupatinath Temple

One of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrines is a fascinating temple complex known for its beautiful pagoda architecture, monuments and shrines.
Learn more
A stone doorway with a seated figure in traditional attire.

2. Boudhanath

Join devotees on their ritual walk around one of the biggest stupas in the world, spinning prayer wheels as you go.
Learn more
A colorful prayer flag arrangement in front of a stupa.

3. Kathmandu Durbar Square

The lively historic center of Kathmandu is a place to discover ancient architecture, statues of deities and some of Nepal’s holiest religious sites.
Learn more
A traditional temple complex with tiered roofs and intricate carvings.

4. Garden of Dreams

Go for a stroll among the elegant pavilions, pergolas, ornamental fountains and lush green lawns of this beautiful historical garden.
Learn more
A white gazebo with columns, a staircase, and a building in the background.

5. Swayambhunath

The Monkey Temple is a spectacular Buddhist shrine that is home to gilded statues, prayer wheels, mani stones and dozens of mischievous monkeys.
Learn more
A golden stupa with a striped tower and colorful prayer flags against a clear blue sky.

What to do in Kathmandu

Stay near popular Kathmandu attractions

A stone doorway with a seated figure in traditional attire.
Photo by Animesh Purohit
Open Photo by Animesh Purohit

Pashupatinath Temple

9.0/10 (574 reviews)
Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, Pashupatinath honours Lord Shiva with intricate pagoda architecture along the Bagmati River. Witness spiritual rituals that offer profound insights into ancient Hindu traditions.
See properties

Where to stay in Kathmandu

Find the best Kathmandu areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kathmandu
Learn more about Kathmandu
A traditional building with a conical roof, colorful prayer flags, and a large eye symbol.

Thamel

Unique features of Thamel include the shopping and cafes. Make a stop by Garden of Dreams or Asan Bazaar while you're exploring the area.

A mountainous town with colorful buildings and flags.

Lazimpat

Get to know Lazimpat by checking out its gardens, restaurants and historical sites. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Narayanhity Palace Museum or Durbar Marg during your time in the area.

A woman in a green dress standing in front of a large white building with a dome and a spire.

Boudhha

Gardens and spas are notable features of Boudhha. You might consider stopping by Boudhanath while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A white minaret with a balcony, surrounded by a densely packed urban area with various buildings and a mountain range in the background.

Sundhara

While visiting Sundhara, you might make a stop by sights like Kathmandu Civil Mall and Bhimsen Tower (Dharahara).

A stone doorway with a seated figure in traditional attire.
Photo by Animesh Purohit
Open Photo by Animesh Purohit

Gaushala

Though Gaushala may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pashupatinath Temple and Royal Nepal Golf Course.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

A cityscape with colorful prayer flags and golden statues in the foreground.

Nagarjun

Frequently asked questions

Is Kathmandu worth visiting?
Providing a mix of history and culture, there are many things to do in Kathmandu. While you're here, head to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kathmandu?
After you've visited top attractions like Freak Street and Patan Museum, spend some time discovering the retail and food options in Kathmandu.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kathmandu?
You can't leave without visiting Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kathmandu.
Is three days enough to stay in Kathmandu?
Three days in Kathmandu is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Bodhnath Stupa, Freak Street and Patan Museum are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Lalitpur.
Is Kathmandu a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to see and do in Kathmandu. Several sights, including Bodhnath Stupa and Freak Street, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Kathmandu's neighbourhoods, Thamel is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Lazimpat is 0.48 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Kathmandu with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all the family, have a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Kathmandu with kids.

What to do in Kathmandu for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Kathmandu, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Durbar Marg or Bhajya Pukhu.
Are there free things to do in Kathmandu?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Kathmandu. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Freak Street is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia