Kathmandu
Travellers who want temples, crafts and a launch point for the Himalaya
Kathmandu at a glance
Kathmandu rewards slow looking: carved wooden courtyards, rooftop views over a tangle of lanes and momo steamed in small shops. It also sits an hour from Bhaktapur and a short flight from the mountains, making it a strong first base.
The week ahead
Live weather · next 7 days
via Open-Meteo · 22 SepThinking bigger? See month-by-month verdicts for Kathmandu →
Where to base yourself
- ThamelHotels, restaurants and trekking shops in one walkable grid. Easiest base for a first trip, though busy and noisy.
- Patan and the Lalitpur sideDurbar square, artisan workshops and a calmer feel. Good for families who want culture without the bustle.
- BhaktapurThe best-preserved old town of the valley, twenty minutes from the centre. Choose it for quieter evenings and morning squares.
A sample 3-day rhythm
- Day 1Swayambhunath at sunrise, Kathmandu Durbar Square and a rooftop lunch; evening in Thamel.
- Day 2Patan Durbar Square and the Krishna Mandir, then Bhaktapur for the pottery square and juju dhau yogurt.
- Day 3Nagarkot for a Himalaya view walk, or a morning mountain flight if you want the big peaks without the trek.
Want more? Use the planner to stretch this into a full trip.
Tips before you go
- Carry a light scarf to cover shoulders and knees for temple entry.
- Bargain politely in Thamel markets; expect a friendly back-and-forth.
- Traffic is dense — allow double the time you estimate for cross-town trips.
- Keep small rupee notes for temple offerings, rickshaws and street snacks.
Common questions
- How many days in the valley?
- Three days covers the three Durbar squares; add a day for Nagarkot or Chitwan if you have room.
- Is the tap water safe?
- No — use filtered or bottled water everywhere, including for brushing teeth.
- Can we see Everest from Kathmandu?
- Not from the ground, but a morning mountain flight or the views from Nagarkot can be spectacular.
Ready to plan Kathmandu?
Build a day-by-day itinerary with a realistic budget in under a minute.
Open the planner →Plan stays, flights & tours for Kathmandu
Where to stay
Search hotels, villas and family rooms in Kathmandu across the big platforms.
Getting there
Compare flights to Kathmandu from anywhere, or pick your origin below.
Tours & tickets
Skip-the-line passes, day tours and experiences with trusted operators.
Booking and search links open in a new tab at the official or partner site. Affiliate disclosure →