Top 21 Best Place to Visit in Kathmandu

You might wonder, ‘Is Kathmandu a good place to visit?’. Kathmandu, City of Temples, is a naturally and historically beautiful place for internal and foreign tourists. All the natural places, pilgrimages, stunning views, hikes, and adventurous activities make Kathmandu the best place to visit. Not only for these but also for spending quality time, strolling, and experiencing ethnic culture and traditions, Kathmandu is a beautiful place to visit. Kathmandu is not just popular for visiting purposes; it is also a good place for food enthusiasts. The Capital serves all tastes of Nepal, from Mo: Mo and Newari delicacies to continental and foreign tastes. Kathmandu Valley is a perfect all-in-one package.

The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, is located in the central part of Nepal, at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). It is a historically remarkable place before and after the unification campaign, which began in 1,799 BS (1,743 AD) by the late King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Kathmandu used to be a trading spot in the ancient days, but now, not only is this a fun word to say, it’s a fun place to visit.

Swoyambhu Mahachaitya (Money temple)

The Swoyambhu Mahachaitya, also known as Monkey Temple, is located in the western part of Kathmandu. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Buddhists and Hindus in Kathmandu place to visit. In 1979, UNESCO enlisted Swoyambhunath as a World Heritage Site. The site is famous for the pilgrim and scenic beauty of Kathmandu Valley from its top.

You can see many monkeys in the temple, from which it got its name as Monkey Temple. Swoyambhu (meaning self-created) came from a natural eternal flame on top of the Hill. You can reach Mahachaitya by local bus or private vehicle.

The entry fee for tourists is NPR 200; for SAARC nations, NPR 50; and for Nepali citizens, it is free.

Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple, located in the eastern part of Kathmandu, is one of the holiest temples for Hindu devotees. The temple worships Lord Shiva and is famous for its ancient wood carvings and architecture. It is believed to have been built in 400 AD and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The temple holds massive festivals and welcomes a huge number of pilgrimages on festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Sakranti, Teej, Purnim, etc.

The site is important not only for pilgrimage but also as a conservation site within its territories. You can reach the temple via local vehicles, a private taxi, or online ride-sharing apps. For foreigners, you need to pay NPR 1000 to enter the temple premises.

Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa, also known as Boudhanath, is another best place to visit in Kathmandu. The site is popular for the stupa, with a diameter of 100 meters, and is believed to have been built during the Licchavi regime in the late 4th century. The Boudhanath is popular in Tibetan culture. Here, you can experience and taste Tibetan hospitality and delicacies and buy souvenirs. The stupa lies where, in ancient times, it used to be an entry point from Tibet. The site was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The Boudhanath can be reached easily in local and private vehicles. The entry fee is NPR 100 for SAARC nationals and NPR 400 for other nationalities.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

If your staycation is near the Thamel area, you can say you are already around Kathmandu Durbar Square. Located in central Kathmandu best place to visit, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The Durbar Square is famous for its historical importance and architecture. There is also a museum where you can experience an ancient lifestyle, traditions, and pagoda-style temple and architecture. It is also the home of the living goddess ‘Kumari’, Kumari Ghar. The area is famous for local foods served by the Indigenous Newar community. Jatras are a few festivals of Newar you do not want to miss out on. The evening ambience is the most iconic ambience you can feel here in Kathmandu place to visit.

You can reach Kathmandu Durbar Square on foot or by vehicle. The Museum requires an entry fee of NPR 150 for SAARC nationals and NPR 1,000 for foreigners.

Patan Durbar Museum

The Patan Durbar Square is in Patan/Lalitpur and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The Square is known for its ancient Buddhist and Newari culture and Shikhar-style temple architecture. You can also visit a museum there. The site uniquely blends Newar culture and its traditions, culture, and foods, making it the best place to visit near Kathmandu for couple, friends, and family.

The site is easily accessible in a local vehicle, or you can take a private vehicle or use an online ride-sharing application. We recommend strolling around for the best experience. To enter the Museum, you must pay NRS 250 and NRS 1,000 for SAARC and foreign nationalities, respectively.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the eastern part of Kathmandu Vally, in Bhaktapur (also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa). Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a depiction of excellence in ancient culture, art, customs, and history, and a mixture of pagoda and shikhar-style temples. It is believed to be the native land of the Newar community, and it was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is one of the best place to visit near Kathmandu Valley.

You can take a public vehicle to reach Bhaktapur Durbar Square or a private car for a comfortable driving experience. There is an entry fee for foreigners (NPR 1500) and SAARC nations (NPR 500).

Thamel

The center and go-to place in Kathmandu is the Thamel. It is a one-stop point for all tourists, mainly those who are in Nepal, to trek or climb the mighty peaks. Thamel is also popular among tourists for Nepali products and souvenirs, vibrant nightlife, and restaurants. Thamel is equally buzzing during day and night. It is popular for cuisine and pleasure. You can do all sorts of partying, clubbing, and just enjoying peaceful environment amidst the hustle and bustle of the area. Not only the enjoyments but also for the hotels, lodging, tour and travel agencies. Thamel is a hot spot because of these reasons.

Garden of Dreams

Garden of Dreams, located just at the entry point of Thamel, is another must-visit place in Kathmandu. The Garden of Dreams (Swopna Bagaicha) is famous for its Rana regime architecture and serene, relaxing ambience in the middle of the hustle of the city. You can enjoy the look of the pavilion and fountain, along with delicious food inside the area. However, you need to pay a small entry fee of NPR 300 for foreign citizens and NPR 150 for SAARC citizens.

Narayanhiti Palace Museum

The Narayanhiti Palace, now the Museum, is located just next to Thamel. The Palace was the residence and main workplace of Nepal’s last Shah Dynasty or kingship. After the kingship was dethroned on 11th June 2008, the Palace was turned into a Museum in October 2018. The royal crown, jewellery, architecture, lavish lifestyle, and many more are the major attractions of the Museum.

To visit the Museum, you need to pay a small amount, NPR 500 for foreigners and NPR 250 for SAARC countries, respectively.

Chandragiri Hills

A Hill, Chandragiri Hills, sits southwest of Kathmandu Valley. Located at an altitude of 2,540 meters (8,333ft), it gives a bird-eye view of Kathmandu Vallery and its surroundings. You can see the stunning views of the Himalayas from the top of the mountain. Apart from the scenery, the Hill is equally important among tourists for Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), its 360-degree view from Chandragiri View Tower, and world-class restaurants and cafes. There is also a small amusement park and playground for children, making it one of the best natural place to visit around Kathmandu with family and couples.

You can reach the Hill via a hiking route or cable car. The cost of a cable car is $13 for one-way and $23 for foreigners (two-ways), and NPR 1320 (two-ways) for SAARC nationals.

Kopen Monastery

Outskirts of Kathmandu, near the holy Hindu temple Budhanilkantha, lies the peaceful and beautiful Kopen Monastery. It is a sacred temple for Buddhists and is built in the Tibetan architectural style. The Monastery is known for its serene and peaceful environment. Not only Buddhists but all who want to experience tranquil nature and meditate can go there and spend some quality time there. They also provide meditation training, retreats, and teachings of Lord Buddha.

You can reach the Kopen Monastery via local or private vehicle or by short hike. There is no entry charge, but a donation is most appreciated for the monastery’s betterment.

Budhanikantha Temple

On the northwestern edge of Kathmandu lies the holy place for Hindus, Budhanilkantha temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The reclining stone statue of Lord Vishnu sleeping in the middle of the pond over a bed of serpents is worshipped there. The statue represents the cycle of life, creation, and destruction. The statue is one of the largest stone carvings in Nepal.

You can easily reach the temple on a local vehicle or take a private vehicle, and you do not need to pay to worship one of the Trimurti, Lord Vishnu.

Guru Rinpoche in Pharping

The Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), built in 2012, lies south of Kathmandu, near Pharping. The Monastery provides a peaceful environment, giving a calm feeling from a hectic, busy life schedule. The major highlight of the Guru Rinpoche is a 40-meter-tall statue of Guru Rinpoche. There is a Hindu temple nearby, Dakshinkali Temple, which is famous for animal offerings to Goddess Kali.

A local bus takes you to the vicinity of Guru Rinpoche stupa, from where you need to take a 15-minute hike. However, if you are going in a private vehicle, you can directly reach the foot of the stupa. There is no entry fee to enter into the stupa.

Nagarkot

Located 29 km east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur district, Nagarkot is one of the best viewpoints that offers breathtaking views of mountain vistas such as Mt. Everest, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Langtang, etc. Nagarkot Hill used to be an ancient fort used to monitor various activities of nearby kingdoms. It is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu for couple, friends, and family for a night’s stay and camping.

The main highlight points of the hill are the snakelike roads and the scenery of subtropical and alpine forests along the way, making it the best natural place to visit in Kathmandu. Public transportation is available to reach the Hill. However, we recommend you take a private vehicle for a better and more comfortable travel experience. You need to pay NPR 100 per person to enter the Nagarkot area.

Phulchowki Hill

The highest Hill around the Kathmandu Valley, with an altitude of 2791 meters, is Phulchowki Hill. The Hill lies in the Lalitpur district, southeast of Kathmandu. Phulchowki Hill is popular for short hikes. There is no direct vehicle to Phulchowki. So, you can take the vehicle to Godawari and then start to hike to the Hilltop. The major highlight points are bird-watching and a magnificent view of the Capital City. Apart from these, the site is famous for camping and night stays, which makes it the best place to visit Kathmandu with friends and family. It is the best place to visit in Kathmandu with friends and the best place to visit near Kathmandu for a night stay.

You do not need to pay an entry fee to visit the Hill. However, you might need to pay if you enter Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.

Kirtipur

The Kirtipur is a municipality southwest of Kathmandu Valley. It is popular for its traditional Newari architecture and lifestyle. You can find all sorts of Newari items in the area. The municipality is also famous for the Bagh Bhairab Temple, Uma Maheshwar Temple, and the excellent view from the hilltop. TU ground is one of the best near place to visit in Kathmandu.

You can reach it by local bus or private vehicle. The area is open for all to visit freely.

Taudaha Lake

Located in the Kirtipur municipality, Taudaha is south of Kathmandu. The Taudaha is well known for bird-watching, fish-watching, feeding, and other wild species. The Lake was named ‘Snake Lake’ due to its abundance of snakes and religious beliefs. The Taudaha Lake and the area are home to around 15 species of fish (mainly carp species) and more than 25 species of birds. It is a beautiful place to visit in Kathmandu.

Taudaha Lake is beside the main road of Kirtipur, on the way to Pharping. This makes the Lake easily accessible. The entry charge is only NRS 70 for foreigners.

Dakshinkali Temple

Situated south of the Kathmandu Valley in the Dakshinkali municipality, the Dakshinkali Temple is one of the most visited temples in Kathmandu. The temple worships Goddess Dakshinkali, a potent avatar of Goddess Kali. The temple is famous for huge animal sacrifices, mainly during Dashain. Along with religious importance, the region holds historical importance, too. The area used to be a big town even when Kathmandu Valley was still a lake (Nagdaha). Go for the best place in Kathmandu to visit.

Indrathan/ Kalu Pandey Danda/ Heaven Danda

Also known as Kalu Pandey Danda, Indrathan is popular as Heaven Danda and near Thankot, Kathmandu. The Hill/Danda is famous for its scenic view and cultural and historical aspects of the Valley. Indrathan is named after King Indra (God of Rain) and Kalu Pandey Danda (Heaven Danda) from folklore; it is said that General Kalu Pandey met unprecedented death here. In his name, a statue has been installed, and a park has been installed. There is also a natural spring near the Indrathan Temple, where you can bathe. That is why it is another beautiful place to visit in Kathmandu.

You can take a private vehicle to the Indrathan/Indradaha. However, we recommend taking a hike of around 4 km from Thankot or about 7.6km from Kalanki.

Godawari Botanical Garden

The Godawari Botanical Garden, also known as the National Botanical Garden, is located in the Lalitpur district, southeast of Kathmandu. It is the oldest and largest Botanical Garden in Nepal, covering an area of 82 hectares. You can explore the rich flora or go on a picnic and other recreational activities with friends and family. The Garden serves as a conservation and research facility for botanists, a must and best place to visit Kathmandu.

From Lagankhel or Ratna Park, you can easily reach the botanical garden by local bus. The entry fee is NRS 500 for foreign natives and NRS 200 for SAARC countries.

Chobhar Hill

Chobhar is a small picturesque village located south of Kathmandu. It is a naturally and historically significant spot to visit around Kathmandu. According to religious mythology, it is a gorge from when Manjushree drained all the water from Nagdaha and emerged the Kathmandu Valley known today. The Hill is famous for Chobhar Cave, Adinath Lokeshwar Temple (a sacred temple for Buddhists and Hindus), and a hiking trail. It is the best natural place to visit in Kathmandu Nepal.

The most economical option is to take the local bus from Ratna Park or Lagankhel. For a comfortable driving experience, you can also take a private taxi. Cycling is an equally popular way to reach the Hill.

Note: If you want to stroll around the town and buy local ethnic items, you can visit Ason and Indrachowk in the Kathmandu area and Mangal Bazar in the Lalitpur area. The alleys around there might be confusing and crowded with people and vehicles. However, they have their own beauty, so you will surely enjoy the stroll.