Location: Kathmandu
Top Things to do in Kathmandu
The 10 Best Things to do in Kathmandu, Central Region
Nepal’s capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar Square’s monuments, or join mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel District. Explore shops for exquisite work by local artisans—carpets and paper prints are specialties.
Restaurants in Kathmandu
1. Kopan Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 787 reviews
Hundreds of monks and nuns live at this monastery, which offers meditation courses year round.
Reviewed By 403jennar - Winnipeg, Canada
We went to the monastery for when it first opened at 9:30 and stayed until around 11, and had a very memorable time circling the stupas and observing life at the monastery. Great view of Kathmandu from the cafe where you can sit outside and watch the monks go about their rituals and daily life. We took a taxi to get there and he waited until we were done at no extra charge, which is recommended as there were not taxis there waiting to pick people up.
2. Pashupatinath Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,935 reviews
Reviewed By SFO_Drew - San Francisco, United States
This UN World Heritage site is literally a must-see for many Hindus, in order to gain spiritual fulfillment (along with Varanasi). If you cross the bridge behind the temple and climb the stairs, you will find a respectful viewing area to watch cremation ceremonies of the high-ranking deceased (there are other slabs further up the river for the common folks). But if you continue up the stairs, you will find rows of stupas that are quite pretty (you'll also frequently find sadhus here who will pose for pictures for money), and then a monkey road that leads down to a back gate exit. The grounds are quite large so you may wish to get a guide (such as Pink Mountain) before going there.
3. Asan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By Voyage739359
Ancient traditional market within residential square located central of Kathmandu and easily accessible from the Touristic Hub Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar square. This is one of the recommeded local spice market for spice lovers.
4. Garden of Dreams
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,021 reviews
The Garden of Dreams, a neo classical historical garden, is situated in the midst of Kathmandu city, Nepal. The Garden's design has much in common with formal European gardens: paved perimeter paths, punctuated by pavilions, trellises, and various planting areas, surrounded by a sunken flower garden with a large pond at its center. It is an architectural landscape that encourages the visitor to stroll around and discover the Garden's treasures from many different vantage points.
Reviewed By U724CBtobiass - Frankfurt, Germany
The gardens were very close within walking distance from our hotel in Thamel. Beautiful gardens lots of assorted plants comfortable areas to sit lots of architect Nice place to sit and relax or read a book. Is there restaurant insight where You can drink really good coffee. Is not large but really nice place.
5. Boudhanath Stupa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,896 reviews
Bouddhanath stupa is the most liked sightseeing place in Kathmandu. Visitors are required to pay NRs. 250(Foreign Nationals) NRs. 50 (SAARC Nationals) NRs. 250 (Chinese) per person (Below 10 years free) as entrance fees to the Bouddhanath. A lot of Tibetan people reside around the Stupa. And it is very famous and holy place specially of Buddhists People. It is one of the most popular world heritage site of Nepal. Breakfree Adventures offer Bouddhanath Private Sightseeing Day Tours.
Reviewed By 702sallyl - Richmond, United Kingdom
This is the 'iconic' symbol of Kathmandu and a most wonderful Stupa surrounded by a beautiful paved circle of old houses/shops. One new addition is Cafe Caravan which is on the first floor about ⅓ of the way around the circle if you walk clockwise from the main entrance ... great decor, super art (from a Dolpo artist) and very good coffee, snacks and other drinks with a view straight onto the Stupa. Wifi too!!
6. Swayambhunath Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,201 reviews
Swayambhunath is a glorious ancient religious architecture, located in the middle of Kathmandu city. It is center of faith of both Buddhist and Hindus.
Reviewed By CaliGuy01 - San Francisco, United States
Very nice temple with many layers up high on the mountain. This temple has many monuments besides the main stupa that are really nice along with shops and a place where paintings are available that are reasonable and local.
7. Namo Buddha (Stupa)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By PetroliaTraveller
If you are interested in Tibetan Buddhism this is a beautiful temple and monastery to visit. It is in a lovely setting with magnificent views.
8. Chandragiri Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
Chandragiri Hills Ltd is a Hospitality Company which operates cable car, restaurants & bar,conference center and branded shops in Thankot Kathmandu,with its upcoming attraction being amusement park, boutique resort, paragliding, zip flying and many more.
Reviewed By RajanPandey - Adelaide, Australia
This is a unique opportunity to view part of the Himalayan ranges from a beautiful vantage point. We had to pay NPR 1200 per person which was a bit disappointing considering few others got a huge discount. However, the rope way journey was very well worth it and I would definitely do it again. The attendants at the boarding and disembarking point can do a bit more to help coordinate the count of people sitting in the car and assist the elders. The Temple on top is really nice and a must visit. I would recommend giving yourself at least 3 hours to soak in everything even though we finished off the trip and sightseeing in 1 hour. We would have loved to stay back on top and relish the view while sipping some coffee. The NPR 50 for the top view sounds like a fleece after the hefty charge at the bottom and poor discourteous attendant makes you regret it but again it turned out to be worth it as the view of the hills was beautiful. Take a map before hand as the attendant won’t guide you about which mountain is which.
9. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,711 reviews
Monuments, temples and wandering animals dot this bustling town square, which is also where Nepal kings are crowned.
Reviewed By Harshrk - Mumbai, India
This is the most famous place in Kathmandu with the old palace, the female Gods house and the temples. It’s a very interesting place with the old structures and paintings and many temples and a must visit if visiting Nepal
10. Thamel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,689 reviews
Reviewed By PBSydmortdale - Sydney, Australia
Thamel has to be seen to be appreciated , narrow streets , heaps of shops ,many varieties of places to eat &have coffee , lots of spas ,the roads are narrow , and cater for cars ,buses , motorbikes , bicycles ,humans walking , cows. Yes cows , it’s crazy but fun , it’s important to have your wits about you and have eyes in the back of your head , but I loved it . One tip always bargain with the price , they expect it and it’s fun , be prepared to walk , they won’t lose a sale.
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