Kathmandu

काठमाडौं

Nepal's vibrant capital city, UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient temples, palaces, and bustling bazaars spanning centuries of Newari culture. Essential hub for experiencing Nepali art, architecture, food, and spiritual traditions in one dense, atmospheric location.

Things to do

• Pashupatinath Temple — One of the holiest Hindu temples in South Asia, dedicated to Shiva, where cremation ceremonies take place along the Bagmati River and pilgrims gather for spiritual rituals.
• Boudhanath Stupa — A massive golden dome and one of the largest stupas in the world, surrounded by monasteries and prayer wheels where Tibetan Buddhist devotees circumambulate daily.
• Durbar Square — The historic palace complex featuring intricately carved wooden temples, courtyards, and the Kumari Bahal where the living goddess Kumari resides, showcasing centuries of Newari architecture.
• Swayambhunath Stupa — An ancient whitewashed dome temple perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley with 365 steps, surrounded by pilgrims, monkeys, and panoramic views of Kathmandu.
• Thamel Bazaar — The bustling tourist and commercial district packed with shops, restaurants, and guesthouses selling traditional crafts, textiles, and trekking gear amid narrow winding streets.
• Patan Durbar Square — A UNESCO site in the neighboring city of Patan featuring the intricate Krishna Mandir temple and exquisite Newari palace architecture across multiple courtyards.
• Kathmandu National Museum — Housed in a former Rana palace at Chhauni, this museum displays weapons, art, masks, and historical artifacts chronicling Nepal's multi-ethnic heritage.

Food to try

• Momos — Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served with spicy achaar (pickle) and a tomato-based dipping sauce, found at street stalls and restaurants throughout the city.
• Dal Bhat Tarkari — The traditional Nepali staple of lentil soup, steamed rice, and vegetable curry served on a large platter with pickles and ghee, representing everyday comfort food.
• Newari Bhoj — An elaborate multi-course feast unique to Kathmandu's Newari community featuring barbeque, meat preparations, beaten rice, and spiced vegetables served at special restaurants and during festivals.
• Chowmein — Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, meat, or egg, a beloved fast food found at every street corner and eaten as a quick meal or snack.
• Sel Roti — A sweet, ring-shaped fried bread made from rice flour and jaggery, traditionally prepared during festivals and sold by street vendors in the early morning.
• Yomari — A steamed rice cake filled with sweet molasses and sesame seeds, a special Newari treat made during the Yomari Purnima festival in November.

Local customs & good to know

• Remove shoes at temples — Always remove your footwear before entering any temple, monastery, or private home as a sign of respect in Nepali and Hindu culture.
• Use right hand for eating and greeting — The left hand is considered unclean in Nepali custom, so always eat, pass objects, and greet others with your right hand.
• Photography at cremation sites — Never photograph people performing cremations at Pashupatinath without explicit permission, as this is a deeply sacred and private family ritual.
• Respect the Kumari — The living goddess Kumari is rarely seen in public except during specific festivals; observe from a distance and do not touch or point directly at her if glimpsed.

Nearby

• Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek (Eastern Hills) — 0 km
• Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu Valley) — 2 km
• Swayambhunath Stupa (Kathmandu Valley) — 3 km
• Boudhanath Stupa (Kathmandu Valley) — 4 km