Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, is set in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. At the heart of the old city’s mazelike alleys is Durbar Square, which becomes frenetic during Indra Jatra, a religious festival featuring masked dances. Many of the city's historic sites were damaged or destroyed by a 2015 earthquake. Durbar Square's palace, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandap, a wooden Hindu temple, are being rebuilt.
Known for: Temples, culture, Himalayan views, heritage architecture, trekking gateway
Location: Kathmandu Valley, central Nepal — surrounded by hills and Himalayan peaks
October to December (Autumn):
✅ Best season — clear skies, crisp air, post-monsoon greenery
✅ Ideal for sightseeing and starting treks
March to May (Spring):
✅ Warm and pleasant with rhododendron blooms
✅ Great for outdoor exploration
June to September (Monsoon):
🌧️ Rainy and humid — lush landscapes but muddy roads
January to February (Winter):
❄️ Cold mornings/nights; low tourist crowds
✈️ By Air:
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) – Nepal’s only international airport
Flights from Delhi, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, and more
🚐 By Road:
Border crossings from India: Sunauli, Raxaul, or Kakarbhitta → buses/taxis to Kathmandu
🚁 By Helicopter (Domestic only):
Access to remote areas like Lukla or Pokhara
Ancient Buddhist stupa with panoramic views over the valley
Sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus
UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of the largest stupas in the world, surrounded by Tibetan monasteries and prayer wheels
Sacred Hindu site on the Bagmati River
Cremation ghats, spiritual rituals, and sadhus (Hindu ascetics)
Historic palace complex with courtyards, temples, and the home of the Kumari (Living Goddess)
Some structures damaged by the 2015 earthquake but under restoration
Rich in medieval Newari architecture, wood carvings, and local art
Short drive from central Kathmandu
Vibrant tourist hub with cafes, trekking shops, souvenir stalls, and nightlife
🧘 Practice yoga or take meditation classes in Boudha or Thamel
🎨 Take a Mandala or Thanka painting workshop
🥾 Prep for or recover from a trek — base for Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, and Langtang regions
🍛 Join a Nepali cooking class
🛍️ Shop for handicrafts, pashmina, prayer flags, singing bowls, and kukri knives
Hotel Dwarika’s – Heritage-style luxury
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, The Soaltee Kathmandu
Traditional Comfort, Hotel Himalaya, Hotel Ambassador
Zostel Kathmandu, Hotel Silver Home, Alobar1000 Hostel
Momo (dumplings) – steamed or fried
Dal Bhat Tarkari – lentils, rice, vegetables
Sel Roti, Chatamari (Nepali pizza), Gundruk, Yomari
Newari cuisine – rich, spiced meat-based dishes (try at Bhaktapur)
OR2K – Vegan/vegetarian, great ambiance
Krishnarpan at Dwarika’s – Traditional Nepali dining
Thakali Bhanchha Ghar – Best for dal bhat
Places Restaurant & Bar, Third Eye Restaurant, Roadhouse Café
Deep-rooted Hindu and Buddhist traditions
Known for Newari art, architecture, and festivals
Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Buddha Jayanti, and Indra Jatra are colorful and spiritual
Respect local customs — remove shoes before entering temples, ask before photographing locals/sadhus
🛂 Visa on arrival available at KTM airport for most nationalities
🚖 Use local taxis or apps like Pathao or Tootle
💧 Drink bottled/filtered water
🧥 Weather varies by season — pack layers
💵 Carry some Nepali Rupees (NPR) in cash; many small shops don't take cards