Kathmandu is a tourist city with countless things to do and many must-visit attractions. The valley is a wonderful package of limitless meadows, mesmeric, vibrant culture, charming alleys, intricate artworks, and monuments.

Although Kathmandu is relatively small, the valley comprises three cities, i.e., Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and Kathmandu. It hosts a diverse array of tourist attractions, cultures, landscapes, and hospitable people, making it one of Nepal’s best places to visit.

Similarly, the extremely beautiful valley lodges exquisite monuments, the living goddess, and ancestry. Kathmandu is the “City of Temples.”. Also, out of 10 World heritage sites in Nepal, seven of them are in Kathmandu. Yes, seven of them.

So, visiting Kathmandu is worth a try.

Don’t Miss Out on These 10 Things while you visit Kathmandu

For travelers seeking mystery, culture, and nature, there are many great places to visit in Kathmandu. So, if you haven’t explored the valley, you are missing a perfectly beautiful downtown. Find out the top 10 best things to do in Kathmandu.

Engage in local festivals and traditional street performances

What makes Nepal rich? It’s the people, their rich heritage, and their culture. Local festivals and street performances are unique features in Kathmandu. One should never miss these impressive attires, performances, and cultural significance.

Despite rapid urbanization, the locals have preserved the authenticity of the culture for ages. It’s amazing to see youth and children equally mobilized for the preservation of their traditions. Nowadays, there are many unique Nepalese festivals observed by people of diverse ethnic communities that lead to a perfect excursion.

Although 125 ethnic communities have their presentations at different times in the capital, the Newars have their special festivals. The Newars are the oldest local inhabitants in Kathmandu. They conduct various religious dances and festivals featuring masked and traditional dances. These performances are based on Nepalese folklore.

Nepalese artists dress in particular characters, be they demons or deities, and take us back to ancient times when these performances were only a means of entertainment. So, watching local festivals and cultures is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu.

Rejuvenate in the Garden of Dreams

Visiting the Garden of Dreams is the best short-day excursion plan in Kathmandu. This neoclassical garden is very similar to European gardens. As its name suggests, this recessed flower garden has everything a heavenly garden would ever get customized. The garden gives an immense, unique experience away from what one sees in between the typical heritage and lifestyle of Nepal.

At the heart of Kathmandu, Keshar Shumsher Rana, which was restored by the Austrian government, built this architectural landscape. The Garden’s treasures include pavilions, perimeter paths, hidden alcoves, ponds, urns, and statues like those of a dream.

The sophistication of this place depicts a new strolling destination, apart from local adaptations. It’s a surprising fact that it was designed a century ago. The magnificent details of the garden, like the fountains, inscriptions, amphitheater, and pergolas, create an admirable ambiance worth a recreation hub.

In the city’s heart, near Thamel and Lainchaur, Garden of Dreams is one of the best nearby places to visit in Kathmandu. So, if you have a day in Kathmandu and are still wondering about things to do, grab a coffee or low-weight snacks and get lost in the garden’s complexity for quality time.

Dwell into Historic Durbar Squares, The Best Tourist Attractions in the Valley

Durbar Squares are square-shaped dwelling places along with royal palaces of the respective state in Kathmandu. There are three Durbar squares in Nepal, named Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Lalitpur or Patan Durbar Square.

The highlight of Durbar Squares is their open courts, fountains, impeccable idols, artistry, and temples. Undoubtedly, Durbar Square is one of the best places in Kathmandu. UNESCO has enlisted these Durbar Squares as world heritage sites.

Durbar Squares are the remaining historical witness to many coronations of royal palaces and families of the 12th and 18th centuries. The Newari artisans are awe-inspiring, which epitomizes the fine examples of the spectacular lifestyle of the ancient Newar kingdom.

While observing the fine placements of different monuments, one can truly find the essence of Kathmandu Valley being called the epicenter of cultural spirit. The pagoda-style structures have inner and outer structures that amaze you.

The palaces, courtyards, temples, and other structures are based on the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. In short, Durbar Squares is the historic seat of royalty.

Major Features of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares

The pinnacles of Kathmandu Durbar Squares include Shiv-Parvati Temple, Bhandarkhal, Jagannath Temple, Kaal Bhairab, etc.

Similarly, Patan is famous for its richness in heritage, fine arts, woodcarvings, metal statues, and establishment as a splendid royal city. Four Ashoka stupas, stone baths, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), Buddha’s golden images, and walls are spectacular. Further, the Patan Museum, Patan Zoo, and Godavari Botanical Garden are a few highlights one should never miss when visiting Kathmandu.

Likewise, Bhaktapur Durbar Square displays magnificent Shikhara and pagoda-style monuments. The perfect combination of artworks, local products, art galleries, pottery, and marvelous construction are the finest examples of woodcarving.

Undoubtedly, the Durbar Squares are the major tourist attractions in the valley. So, visiting Durbar Squares is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu.

Navigate your excursion trip to Chandragiri Hills

Chandragiri Hill is a peaceful place at a height of 2,551 m. It is one of the most luxurious must-visit destinations in Kathmandu.

The hospitality company in Chandragiri has amazing tourist attractions in Kathmandu, ranging from amusement parks, zip-flying, and para-gliding to viewing towers. The cable car ride to witness Kathmandu from one top of the hill to the other is extraordinary.

Further, Chandragiri Hills offers the best view of the mountains, like Mt. Everest and Annapurna. It is also one of the starting points for amazing treks in Nepal. The sunrise from the edge of Kathmandu is indeed another mind-blowing experience. So, a day hike to Chandragiri would be an exceptional idea to visit the place.

Besides, the management has decorated the place with world-class restaurants, conference centers, and branded shops. Plus, it is also an inclusive place for all genders and age groups. The amusement parks would be a cool place for children. Likewise, the ambiance of the place is romantic yet worth watching for adults.

In addition, Bhaleswor Mahadev, on the edge of Chandragiri Hills, is a religious destination for spiritual lovers.

Try Varieties of Nepali Traditional Cuisines

Kathmandu is a blended place for people with a variety of originalities. This diversity is manifested in the heterogeneity of cuisines as well. Nepalese are big-time foodies, with foods inspired by their habitat places, temperatures, soil conditions, and socioeconomic status.

The beauty of the Nepalese is that they consider food a god, so people often pray before and after the meal. The foods prepared in houses, streets, restaurants, and ceremonial activities have their own particular taste ranges. These foods are organic and full of spices and textures that would directly hit the taste buds. So, if you are visiting Kathmandu, do not miss tasting outstanding traditional Nepalese foods.

Despite the diversity, Newari foods are the local and oldest cuisine in the Kathmandu Valley. They are rich in nutritional value and art.

Not only food, but they also make the best variety of local alcohols. The Newari Khaja Set is one of them that will surely make you forget every other food. So, tasting local Newari foods is one of the best experiences among the top 10 best things to do in Kathmandu.

Plus, you can also find Tibetan-inspired cuisine. Newars prepare traditional Tibetan cuisine, respecting its originality and adding Nepali flavors to it. These modernized recipes and dishes are excellent modifications that would redefine taste preferences.

It won’t be wrong if we refer to street foods as one of the major attractions in Kathmandu.

Visit Pashupatinath Temple, One of the best things to do in Kathmandu

One of the oldest temples built in Kathmandu in 400 BCE, the Pashupatinath temple, is the other prime tourist attraction in Kathmandu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit in the city.

Pashupatinath, as its name suggests, hails from the Lord of all Pashus (living and non-living beings). The deity is believed to be the most powerful one, restoring the faith of karma and reincarnation. Many people from the South Asian community have a deep aspiration to pay homage to Pashupatinath Temple. Also, Nepalese consider the shrine to be the national deity of Nepal.

This temple has a spellbinding energy of vitality, power, and peace. Further, it is inarguably the richest temple in Nepal, enriched with the riches showered by devotees, aristocrats, and the King itself. This richly ornamented temple has four main doors made up of silver sheets.

Further, the pagoda architecture complex structure of the Pashupati area stretched on the Bagmati river bank is a candy to the eye.

On top of all, the best thing to do in Pashupatinath is to watch the evening of Aarati. It is a worship ritual where priests offer light to God, which is accompanied by praise songs on the shores of the Bagmati River.

If you visit Pashupatinath on special occasions like Maha Shivaratri, Teej, and Ekadashi’s like Haribodhani Ekadashi, you can see better decorations, worship, and a festive atmosphere.

Thus, if you are in Kathmandu, one of the best things to do is visit the Pashupatinath Temple.

Visit One of the Largest Buddhist Stupas, Monasteries, and Gumbas

Nepal is the birthplace of the Light of Asia, Gautam Buddha. So, there are many Buddhist shrines to visit in Kathmandu. The interesting fact about these religious sites lies in their religious tolerance and mutual respect, as people of all religions can pay a visit. These places give an immense sense of peace of mind.

Further, visiting a stupa or a monastery is an excellent opportunity to interact with Buddhists about their life journey and faith.

Kathmandu is a popular hub for amazing architecture, fascinating folklore regarding these sacred monasteries, and soaking spiritual enthusiasts. Some of the best monasteries to visit in Kathmandu are Kopan Monastery, Amitabha Monastery, Tharlam Monastery, and Benchen Monastery.

Besides, some prime locations to visit in Kathmandu are Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa. UNESCO has enlisted both of them as World Heritage Sites.

Boudhanath is a massive, spherical stupa on the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Buddhists believe it to be the horizon between earth and heaven, a beacon.

Similarly, Swayambhunath is an ancient religious architecture. The stupa lies atop a hill in the center of Kathmandu. Also, people refer to it as the oldest holy shrine since the 5th century. Therefore, visiting Buddhist stupas is one of the most important things to do in Kathmandu as a traveler.

Hike to Nearby Hill stations In Kathmandu

Green hills surround Kathmandu Valley, making it an outstanding hiking spot. Before setting out on multi-day treks in distant places, collecting the hiking experience of Kathmandu is mandatory.

Kathmandu is well-suited for good-day hikes. Since most of these hiking places in Kathmandu are within national parks and hill points at low altitudes, they’re suitable for first-time hikers too.

In the country of contrasts, this valley offers spectacular natural riches. Kathmandu homes an incredible variety of flora and fauna species, along with a vast range of altitudes. Different locations in the city offer exciting sunrise and sunset spots and terrific mountain vistas.

Some of them are Nagarkot, Phulchowki, and Chandragiri Hills, the major tourist attractions in Kathmandu Valley.

The uphills and downhills compromise of habitats of rural villagers sending off great rural lifestyle experiences. In addition, a visit to Shivapuri National Park can also be quite an enthralling experience to get a quick dive into natural diversity, local teahouses, and rural living.

Henceforth, hiking is also one of the top experiences among the top 10 best things to do in Kathmandu.

Here are some of the quality itineraries by Heaven Himalaya for the best prices:

• Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking–03 Days
• Nagarkot Hiking Tour – 01 day
• Chandragiri Hill Short Hiking – 01 day
• Kathmandu Day Tour – 5-6 Hour
• Panch Pokhari Trek Guide

Experience Shopping in Local Markets In Asan, or Mangal Bazaar

Shopping in Asan and Mangalbazar is an outlook local and street shopping adventure. The maze-like alleys surrounded by interestingly situated magnificent temples, dwelling sites, and historical monuments would turn everyone’s head around.

Asan lies in the Kathmandu district and Mangalbazar lies in Patan (Lalitpur). It is a perfect ceremonial marketplace for iconic shopping markets ranging from traditional houses, streets, and sophisticated skyscraping buildings.

Walking along the narrow streets or taking a rickshaw ride amidst the dense human populations, what an extraordinary shopping escapade! One can shop through a variety of products ranging from spices, molasses, local tea, oil, fish, and clarified butter to cosmetics and fashion wear, pieces of jewelry, cultural dresses, and antique items. The heritage shops comprise the generational heritage of the shopping experience and lay a family name.

The bustling of the shops starts from early morning till midnight. These juncture spots are all famed as delightful shops, strategic locations bazaars on the residential square of major districts. Buying local commodities in such places will help the locals and you will experience a unique shopping experience. So, street shopping is also one of the best things to do in Kathmandu.

Enjoy the Night Life in a Jovial Atmosphere at Thamel

Thamel is one of the famous places among domestic and international tourists in Kathmandu. Thamel is especially popular for its extravagant nightlife. The hippies and artists love the atmosphere, weather, loose local-made wear, and night bars. Visiting Thamel is also an escapade from the stress of the Western world.

However, the mountaineers make this place a pre-base camp. Despite its Western cultural influence, Thamel has kept its authenticity as a historical city. A fascinating fact about this place is that it is the prime entertainment package to attract anyone.

This commercial hub of Kathmandu, Thamel, is loaded with an alignment of guest houses, restaurants, phone shops, foreign money exchanges, travel agents, mountaineering gear shops, and whatnot. In Thamel, it is easy to tune into ancient rituals, a calmer vibe, and cozy Nepali hospitality.

The streets of Thamel glow at night as if it is time to shine when the world is asleep. Modern infrastructures have never threatened the beauty of cultural monuments there. The magnificent temples, street shops, a maze of streets, two-wheelers, and food connoisseurs owe a gateway to the bliss of life.

Thus, touring around Thamel is one of the best things to do in Nepal.

At the End

These were the top 10 best things to do in the best places in Kathmandu. Although the above list mentions ten major experiences in Kathmandu, there are plenty of other things as well.

Assuredly, Kathmandu is one of the best places to visit in Nepal. If you have visited Kathmandu, let us know, what is your best experience in the comments below.