Best Things to Do in Kathmandu

The best way to experience Kathmandu is by grouping its seven UNESCO monument zones by valley quadrant:

1. Join the late-afternoon kora walk around Boudhanath Stupa: walk clockwise beneath strings of prayer flags with Tibetan monks and local families as butter lamps ignite around one of the largest spherical stupas on earth.
2. Climb the eastern stone steps to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): ascend the forested hillock west of the city early in the morning for views across the entire Kathmandu basin.
3. Admire the Newari court architecture and Museum of Patan Durbar Square: inspect the carved stone Krishna Mandir, the gilded facade of the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) and the finest bronze-sculpture museum in South Asia inside the former royal palace.
4. Spend a half-day in car-free Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Pottery Square: see the five-tiered Nyatapola Temple, the fifty-five-window palace, woodcarvers' alleys and sun-drying clay pots.
5. Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur) and Kumari Ghar: step into the red-brick courtyard of the Living Goddess and walk the nine-storey Basantapur Tower complex of Hanuman Dhoka.
6. Walk from Asan Tole spice bazaar through Indra Chowk: follow the ancient trade artery connecting Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square past brassware stalls, marigold sellers and lentil sacks.
7. Visit riverside Pashupatinath Temple along the sacred Bagmati River: cross to the eastern stone terraces at dusk to watch the synchronized oil-lamp Bagmati Aarati ceremony.
8. Rest inside the neoclassical Garden of Dreams in Kaiser Mahal: sip lemon ginger tea beside pergolas and lotus ponds five minutes from busy Thamel.
9. Ride the Chandragiri Hills cable car or hike from Changu Narayan: catch crisp morning views of the snow-capped Himalaya from the valley rim.
10. Taste jhol momos, Newari bara and Bhaktapur king curd. Explore every valley highlight at a comfortable pace with our three-day itinerary.