Before diving into specific sights and landmarks, we recommend starting with these essential guides, written from a local perspective. They cover the questions travelers ask us most and help you experience Kathmandu with confidence and clarity:
Nepal’s New 2026 Tourist System (FNMIS): What You Need To Know
Is Kathmandu Safe for Tourists in 2026?
What to Do in Kathmandu in 2 Days (A Local, No-Nonsense Itinerary)
Thamel at Night: Is It Safe & What to Expect
Nepal Entrance Fees & Trekking Permits 2026 – Updated Prices + Opening Hours
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is rich in cultural and historical attractions.
Here are some of the main tourist sites to visit in Kathmandu:
Main Tourist Sites in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is rich in cultural and historical attractions. Here are the main sites worth visiting:
Durbar Square (Basantapur Durbar)
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of the city. A complex of palaces, temples and courtyards — highlights include Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Chowk (home of the living goddess) and the Taleju Temple.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Located on a hilltop, Swayambhunath is an ancient Buddhist stupa offering panoramic views of the valley. Adorned with colorful prayer flags, stupas, shrines and Buddhist statues — and the resident monkeys that give it its nickname.
Pashupatinath Temple
One of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. Visitors can witness cremation ceremonies on the ghats and observe Hindu rituals. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple but the wider complex is worth visiting.
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An important center of Tibetan Buddhism, surrounded by monasteries and prayer flags. Calm, spacious and easy to navigate.
Patan Durbar Square
Located in Lalitpur, just south of Kathmandu, Patan Durbar Square is another UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing exceptional Newari architecture. Features ancient palaces, temples and the famous Krishna Mandir with its stone carvings. Many travelers find it easier to appreciate than central Kathmandu.
Thamel
The main tourist neighborhood in Kathmandu — busy, central and practical. Restaurants, cafés, shops, money exchange and easy access to guides and drivers. Good base for first-time visitors.
Garden of Dreams
Also known as Kaiser Mahal Garden, a peaceful neo-classical garden in the heart of Kathmandu. An ideal spot to rest between site visits.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
The former royal palace of Nepal, now a museum. Visitors can explore the opulent halls, learn about the monarchy and see artifacts from Nepal’s history.
Getting to and Around Kathmandu
Most international travelers arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), the only international airport in Nepal, located about 6 kilometers from Thamel.
From the airport, take a prepaid taxi from the official taxi desk inside the arrivals hall. Agree on the price before you get in — the standard fare to Thamel is around 700–1000 NPR depending on traffic and time of day.
For getting around once you are here:
Local taxis — flag them down on the street or use apps like Pathao or inDriver. Always agree on a price before you get in or insist on the meter.
Ride-hailing apps — Pathao and inDriver are widely used in Kathmandu and generally cheaper than hailing a taxi on the street. Uber launched in June 2026 and is particularly convenient for international visitors arriving from India or the US, as the same app works without any new account setup.
Walking — the main heritage sites in the old city are close enough that walking is often the best option. It also lets you discover streets and neighborhoods you would miss from a vehicle.
Private driver — if you are visiting multiple sites in one day or travelling outside Kathmandu to Patan, Bhaktapur or Nagarkot, hiring a private driver for the day is practical and affordable.
Rental cars — if you are planning to explore Nepal independently beyond the valley, you can search and compare rental car options through KAYAK rental cars and Rentalcars.com.
Money and Payments
Nepal runs almost entirely on cash. ATMs are available throughout Thamel and accept major international cards, but they charge fees and have daily withdrawal limits of 10,000–15,000 NPR per transaction. Withdraw enough for entry fees, transport and meals before heading to sites outside the center. Nepal Entrance Fees & Trekking Permits 2026 – Updated Prices + Opening Hours
Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants but rarely in markets, temples or smaller shops. Entry fees at heritage sites must be paid in Nepalese rupees, carry cash at all times.
Currency exchange is available at the airport and throughout Thamel. Rates at official exchange counters are generally better than at hotels.
Getting a SIM Card
Buy a local SIM card on arrival, it will save you money on maps, transport apps and WhatsApp. The two main providers are Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). Both sell SIM cards at Tribhuvan Airport arrivals and in shops throughout Thamel.
Ncell generally has better data coverage in the Kathmandu Valley. A basic data package costs around 500–700 NPR and will cover most of a two-week stay. You will need your passport to register.
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather and the best visibility for Himalayan views. Avoid the monsoon season (June–August) due to heavy rainfall, humidity and potential flooding.
Safety
Kathmandu is generally safe for tourists. Take standard precautions with valuables, use a money belt in crowded areas and avoid poorly lit or quiet streets at night. Traffic is the biggest day-to-day risk — roads are busy and crossings are unpredictable. Watch how locals move and be patient.
Altitude
Kathmandu sits at around 1,400 meters above sea level. This is not high enough to cause serious altitude sickness for most travelers, but you may feel slightly more tired than usual on the first day. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on arrival.
Electricity
Nepal uses 230V at 50Hz. Power outlets typically have two or three round pins (Type C, D and M). Bring a universal adapter. Power cuts are less common than they used to be but still occur occasionally. More info on socket types in Nepal.
Cultural Sensitivity
Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and religious sites. Remove shoes when required. Walk clockwise around stupas. Ask permission before photographing sadhus (ask how much the donation is for a photo), mourners or anyone involved in active worship. At cremation ghats in Pashupatinath, distance and discretion matter, these are sacred spaces, not tourist attractions.
Tipping
Many restaurants include a 10% service charge. An additional 5–10% tip is appreciated if service was good. If no service charge is included, around 10% is customary. Tipping taxi drivers is not standard but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Bargaining
Bargaining is normal in local markets and souvenir shops. Negotiate respectfully and with a smile. Fixed prices apply in most restaurants and larger shops.
Apps to Download Before You Arrive
Google Maps (download offline maps for Nepal before you land), Uber, Pathao or inDriver (local ride-hailing), XE Currency (exchange rates), WhatsApp (communication with guides, guesthouses and drivers).
| App | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | App Store | Google Play |
| Uber | App Store | Google Play |
| Pathao | App Store | Google Play |
| inDriver | App Store | Google Play |
| XE Currency | App Store | Google Play |
| App Store | Google Play |