10 Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu

Transcend around 10 best places to visit in Kathmandu  in 10 Photos. 

Nepal is not just limited to trekking and mountaineering. There is more beyond Annapurna region and Everest region.  One can go for short treks or even roam around Kathmandu city to see the temples and UNESCO World heritage sites.

But if you want to add a little bit of extra activities to make your stay in Nepal more memorable and peaceful then there are the best places to visit in Kathmandu. Toss in their perfect blend of culture, religion and tradition like never before. 

A short day trip near Kathmandu city, takes you away from the chaotic bustling of the city dwellers and lands you in the best natural places around Kathmandu. The simplicity of life they are living on will surely awestruck you. 

Let’s take a look at these best places to visit in Kathmandu via dreamy photos. 

Like said before, we have hand-picked the best places to visit in Kathmandu. Without further ado, lets give them a look. 

Situated just less than an hour’s drive from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Panauti is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu. The historical town of Bhaktapur transparently shows the ancient history of the Newar Kingdom ruled by the Malla kings. 

Whereas Panauti is the best destination near Kathmandu valley for one night. It is a Newari town reflecting an ancient Nepali-Newari community. Their livelihood depends upon agriculture where you will be having organic home-cooked meal and living a life with locals. 

Major Highlights of Bhaktapur and Panauti Sight Seeing

1. Indulge in the ancient history of Nepal and Newari culture, history and architecture
2. UNESCO World Heritage site and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
3. Taste “Juju Dhau”, King of Curd and local Newari dishes
4.  Live in Panauti, a small Newari settlement, an artistic town, filled with ancient temples and monuments
5. Hike from Panauti to Namobuddha, Buddhist Monastery
6. Enjoy the lush green and peaceful environment of Panauti
7. Cook and eat with locals
8. Live a lifestyle of local Nepali in Panauti Village

Distance from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur- 36 min (16.1 km)

Distance from Kathmandu to Panauti-1 hr 17 min (34.0 km)

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Nagi Gompa – Shivapuri is perfect for a short hike in Kathmandu valley. Nagi Gompa is the Tibetan Buddhist convent home to more than 100 nuns’ that is located inside the Shivapuri Conservation Area. The hiking trial of Shivapuri is perfect for beginners as well. From there you will see the Kathmandu valley from atop. 

Major Highlights of Nagi Gompa Shivapuri Hike

1. Hiking around the popular Shivapuri national park of Kathmandu
2. Hindu religious site- Budhalinkantha Temple- 5metre long stone image of Vishnu which lies serenely in a pond sleeping on a multi-headed snake. 
3. Buddhist religious site- Nagi Gompa
4. A pristine view of Kathmandu valley 
5. Jaw dropping view of Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung and Dorji Lhakpa on clear days

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Changunarayn temple is the nearest place to visit in Kathmandu. It is also regarded as the old temple of Kathmandu dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated on the hilltop, you can actually see the entire Kathmandu Valley and lush green fields. Changu Narayan temple is also a popular picnic spot near Kathmandu.

Major Highlights of Changu Narayan Temple

1. Changu Narayan temple is listed in UNESCO world heritage sites
2. Famous Changu Narayan Temple- a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu built in the 2nd century during Licchavi Dynasty
3. Trekking trail that connects to Nagarkot
4. Astonishing view of Bhaktapur, and surrounding green hills
5. Great view of Himalayas

Distance from Kathmandu to Changu Narayan- 1 hour

Royal Mountain travel, one of the best tour operators in Nepal, has a special day trip from Changunarayan to Nagarkot hike. You will be hiking for 4-5 hours in the ridge and deciduous forest. 

Nagarkot is one of the places that you must visit while staying in Kathmandu. This hill station is packed with lush green hills, the Himalayan range, and a pleasant environment. Nagarkot is mainly known for jaw-dropping views of Mt. Everest and sunrise and sunset. Nagarkot is also a perfect place to visit near Kathmandu for coupules or with friends. 

Major Highlights Nagarkot

1. A striking view of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan range on a clear days
2. A dreamy view of Sunrise and sunset
3. Hike to Changu Narayan, Nala, Sundarijal, Sankhu, Dhulikhel is possible
4. Walk around the pine tree in the surrounding forest
5. 360 View of Himalayas, Kathmandu Valley, and lush greenery, from a tower
6. Living with locals in the community homestay network
7. Explore the Tamang Culture and tradition

You can customize the day trip to Nagarkot as per your requirements and schedule. Contact us for details 

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in Nepal. Listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each day thousands of devotees visit Pashupatinath temple making it one of the must visit places while staying in Kathmandu. 

Major highlights of Pashupatinath Temple

1. Temple built in 400 AD dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world
2. Witness the pagoda architecture, two roofs of the temple are decorated with gold and the four doors are silver
3. Special Occasion like Mahashivaratri, Teej, Sankranti and many more the whole atmosphere around the Pashupatinath temple turns festive

Click here for more details about Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest spherical Buddhist stupas in Nepal and the world. Built around the 14th century, it reflects the grace, purity and beauty of Buddhist belief. The whitewashed Mandala of peace, and the glided tower painted with Buddha’s eyes, the monument represent the  Buddha’s path towards enlightenment, i.e. earth, water, fire, air, void, and 13 stages that human beings should pass through to achieve Nirvana.

Major Highlights of Boudhanath Stupa Kathmandu

1. One of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world
2. UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites in Nepal
3. The stupa’s spot was a trade route and every Tibetan merchant passing through Nepal offered prayers to Lord Buddha for

Click here to know more about one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu 

Facts- The synthetic prayer flags of Boudhanath Stupa is replaced with the biodegradable ones, a step towards a greener alternative and sustainability.

UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Kathmandu Durbar Square is the best place to visit in Kathmandu. Also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, it holds a significant site for Buddhist and Hindu rituals, the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, holy ceremonies, and royal events. 

Major Highlights of Kathmandu Durbar Square

1. Residence of royal Nepalese till 19th century
2. Kingly coronations, royal events, holy ceremonies are held here
3. Ancient statues, Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, courtyards, pagoda styles temples, Jagannath Temple, Kotilingeshwara Mahadev, Taleju Temple and many more
4. Kumari Bahal, where the living goddess in the World, Kumari resides 
5. Hanuman Dhoka Palace is now a museum
6. A place where Kot Massacre (kot Parva) took place

Did you know you can roam around the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel in Rickshaw? it s a whole new experience to roam around small alleys that reflects ancient culture and architectures

Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley. Situated in Lalitpur, this UNESCO listed World Heritage Site is famous for Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments.

Major highlights in Patan Durbar Square

1. Palace where the Malla Kings,  Siddhi Nar Singh Malla being one resided
2. Famous Krishna Mandir (temple) Patan built in the 17th century, devoted to Lord Krishna
3. Patan Durbar Square architecture is built-in Shikara architecture that reflects Hinduism, Buddhism and Newari architecture and culture
4. Three main courtyards named Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk
5. Patan Museum, one of the best museums in Asia
6. Golden Temple and Golden Window

Pro Tip – Do not forget to try Newari Dishes while roaming around in Patan. It is super delicious but spicy; so better to carry some sweets with you 😊

Click here how we can come up with a day trip in Patan Durbar Square

If you want to spice up your stay in Kathmandu with a little bit of adventure, then Cycling in Panauti is the perfect one. Cycling over the rugged trails (perfect for beginners too), head uphill in the forest to explore the dramatic view of Panauti village, lush greenery, an ancient city and medieval houses and some glimpse of Himalayan ranges too. 

Major Highlights of Panauti Cycling Tour

1. A short day trip around Kathmandu to medieval ancient town filled with temples and terrace farmlands
2. Cycling up to top hill, to witness astonishing Himalayan range and Panauti valley
3. Moderate cycling trail to jungle ride

Click here to know more about Cycling Tour in Panauti Village

Having dinner with a local family is surely one of the best things to do in Kathmandu. You will get to know the answer to the popular saying “Dal Bhat Power 24 hour” or why Nepali people is so fond of rice. The perfect blend of rice, lentils, curry and spicy tangy pickles mixed with your own hand gives more flavor which is truly satisfying and super delicious. 

Major Highlights of dinner with local family in Nepal

1. Visit a local market to pick up the ingredients and spices
2. Learn how to cook Nepali dishes along with Nepali family
3. Perfect interaction with your host and get to know the daily lifestyle of Nepali people
4. Drooling and mouth-watering authentic Nepali dishes that is Dal (lentils), Bhaat (Rice), Tarkari (Curry) and Achar (Pickles)

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Pro Tip- Use your right hand just like a Nepali people instead of using a spoon 😊