Best Things to Do in Kathmandu

  • Ganesh Adhikari
  • Last Updated on Apr 17, 2024

Best Things to Do in Kathmandu is a vibrant and busy city that is the first stop for many hikers in Nepal. Its rich cultural history and tradition make it an immersive destination for any avid traveler. Small tours and trips around the city are popular ways to explore all it offers. Still, there are many other activities, such as shopping, excursions, tours, hiking, camping, rock climbing, meditation, and more.

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Day Trips and Excursions

Short trips and excursions offer a chance to learn about the lifestyle and culture of Kathmandu. The city is home to numerous small and large temples and cultural monuments that provide insight into the history of Nepal.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, such as the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Boudhanath, are must-see destinations for visitors. The Swayambhunath temple, located northwest of the city atop a hill, offers a peaceful nature away from the hectic life.

The Pashupatinath temple is another popular destination. Likewise, "Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar squares" are the hubs for art and culture. The Changunarayan Temple is the oldest in Nepal and is worth a visit.

Shopping

Shopping in Kathmandu is a unique and enjoyable experience, with a wide variety of options ranging from branded clothing and accessories to local handmade arts and crafts.

Handicrafts, handmade artifacts, silverware, and Thanka paintings are among the popular items. Beautiful handmade Pashmina bags, shoes, and clothes are worth considering as gifts for your loved ones. Trekking gear and equipment are also readily available in Kathmandu at a reasonable price.

Hiking and Camping

Kathmandu also offers opportunities for peaceful hikes and camps in surrounding forests and hills. The Shivapuri National Park can be reached via a hike from the ancient temple of Budhanilkantha.

Likewise, Kakani, Dhulikhel, Nagarkot, Chisapani, and Lakuri Bhanjyang are popular hiking destinations offering breathtaking sceneries and serene trails. Short camping trips on the outskirts of the city with friends and family can also be a relaxing experience. Visit us for more information about Day Hiking in Kathmandu.

Nature and Parks

Kathmandu is home to various natural beauty, with lush tropical forests and parks. One popular park is the Garden of Dreams, located in the tourist hub of Thamel. The park boasts an intricate design featuring an array of flora and coffee Shops for visitors.

Travelers can visit places like Chandragiri and Sundarijal to experience the serene forests. Kathmandu also serves as a gateway to the Shivapuri National Park. This park is a popular destination for those looking to get out and explore the great outdoors.

Mountain Biking

Kathmandu and its surrounding areas offer a range of exciting mountain biking trails. Kakani, a hill located west of Kathmandu, is a gateway to different thrilling routes in Kathmandu. You can also enjoy strenuous biking trails that are not limited to Kathmandu.

Most of the biking trails go through steep hills and deep forests, giving you the perfect amount of physical activity and peace as you move along the quiet areas of the forests.

Rock and Wall Climbing

Kathmandu offers a range of rock climbing destinations catering to climbers of all levels. The Climbing Wall in Thamel is a convenient option for those looking for a shorter excursion. For a more challenging experience, Pharping (Hattiban) and Nagarjun Rock Climbing offer cliffs varying from 15 to 25 meters tall. If rock climbing is not your thing, you can still enjoy the thrill of climbing with indoor and outdoor wall climbing activities.

Cooking Classes

Nepal is a place to learn about and try local cuisine with various dishes. You can join a cooking class in Nepal to learn how to make these dishes and others. These classes offer the opportunity to learn about traditional cooking techniques and try your hand at creating a variety of dishes.

Yoga and Meditation Classes

Yoga and meditation have long been practiced in Nepal. In Kathmandu, you can join Yoga and meditation classes to learn these relaxation techniques or become a professional. You can join walk-in sessions or participate in package classes from yoga studios in Kathmandu.

Mountain Flights

Are you interested in seeing Mount Everest? but don't have enough time for trekking/hiking. So, the mountain flight is an Everest scenic view is an excellent idea! Which are the best things to do in Kathmandu?

The experience of flying over the world's highest mountain and the stunning views. The stunning views you will see during the flight, include the great Himalayan range,  Khumbu Valley, and Mount Everest.

Why is Kathmandu famous for tourism?

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is famous for Outdoor Activities for a variety of reasons:

  • Cultural Heritage: Kathmandu is known as a "temples City" including several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the most famous Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. These historic sites showcase the rich cultural heritage and architecture of Himalayan Nepal.
  • Adventure Outdoor Activities: Kathmandu is the gateway to Nepal's trekking and Peak Climbing in Nepal, including the famous "Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek", and Langtang Valley.
  • Ace Vision Treks Company offers adventure activities such as bungee jumping, zip-lining, paragliding, and many more.
  • Spiritual Tourism: As a predominantly Hindu and Buddhist nation, Nepal is home to several spiritual sites and monasteries. Kathmandu is home to the famous Pashupatinath Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, and Swayambhunath Stupa, a sacred Buddhist site.
  • Local Hospitality: Hospitality is defined as the relationship between a guest and a host in which the host welcomes the guest with goodwill, including the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. The principle "Atithi Devo Bhava", which means "the guest is God," underpins Nepalese hospitality.

This principle is demonstrated in a variety of stories in which a guest is revealed to be a god who rewards those who provide hospitality. This stems from the Nepalese practice of being gracious to visitors at home. Nepal manages to attract tourists from all over the world every year.

Weather in Nepal

Nepal has a diverse climate, and the weather Season and the region of the country.

Autumn Season: The peak tourist season in Nepal is from September to November. In autumn, the weather is generally clear and dry, and visibility is excellent for trekking and mountain views. The temperature is mild, making it a great time to explore the cities and cultural sites.

Spring Season: March to May is a popular season to visit Nepal, particularly for trekking and climbing, the weather is mild and the hills are covered with blooming flowers.

Summer Season: June to August, is hot and humid in the lower regions, but it is an excellent time to visit the rain shadow areas, such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo, as they are dry and easy to access during this time.

The best time to visit Nepal depends on your interests and what you want to experience. It's always a good idea to research the weather and conditions in the specific regions you plan to visit before planning your trips. Visit our Weather in Nepal page for more details.

In Conclusion

All in all, things to do in Kathmandu are a welcoming city for all travelers. Likewise, there are many options, from tours and excursions to adventure sports and leisurely stops. Kathmandu allows travelers to relish the ancient brand of the city and offers lavish modern luxury at the same time.

Ask for the experience you want to have, and Kathmandu will provide it!

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Ganesh Adhikari

Ganesh Adhikari

Ganesh is an adventure outdoor enthusiast originally from Gorkha, Nepal. I hiked Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu region and the most famous teahouse trekking in Nepal.  Besides Hiking, I provide online travel packages for travelers to value their time with family and friends. As well, I always provide updated travel information about the Himalayas! what's Going on? let's keep and touch with me for an unforgettable travel experience in a lifetime. I organize private tours for hikers per your interest and time frame.

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