When visiting Nepal, the capital city of Kathmandu is where you will likely end up first. Don’t make it a fleeting stop on your itinerary, though. It is worth staying a while in this enchanting place and enjoying its atmosphere. The top things to do in Kathmandu include heritage, architecture, culture, spirituality, and shopping.

1. Admire the historic Durbar Square

The ancient old city of Kathmandu is located around Durbar Square in Basantapur, south of Thamel, where the royal family lived until the 19th century. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Apart from the Royal Palace (Hanuman Dhoka), there are many Hindu and Buddhist temples dating back as far as the 12th century. Unfortunately, a massive earthquake destroyed most of the southern part of the temples and destroyed the other buildings, including the palace, in 2015.

Poor maintenance, ongoing restoration projects, and the high price of tickets have discouraged many tourists from entering Durbar Square. However, there are two more elaborate and historically significant Durbar Squares near the Kathmandu Valley, in Patan and Bhaktapur. These attractions represent much better value for money and are worth seeing, although the earthquake has also caused significant damage to both.

2. Walk through the Old Town

From Durbar Square to Thamel, wandering Kathmandu’s charming maze of narrow streets and alleys will keep you busy for hours, if not days. You will be surprised to discover shrines and statues hidden in unlikely areas. So grab a map and explore!

At Makhan Tole, at the northeast corner of Durbar Square, head along Siddhigas Marg to Indra Chowk Square, where five streets converge. Continue straight along Siddhidas Marg to Kel Tole, which has one of Kathmandu’s most ornate temples, the Seto Machhendranath Temple.

Further along Siddhidas Marg, you will reach Ason Tole, the busiest junction in Kathmandu. A magnificent mass of people follow this route from morning to night, and produce from all over the Kathmandu Valley is sold there. It’s worth spending some time absorbing everything. There is also a magnificent three-story temple dedicated to Annapurna, the goddess of abundance, who draws the devout.

Turn left at Chittadhar Marg and walk for about 5 minutes; turn right at Chandraman Singh Marg and continue until you reach Thahiti Tole. It is home to a 15th-century Buddhist stadium and Natchezhar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dominating a secluded courtyard on the road is Kathesimbhu Stupa, a 17th-century replica of the great Swayambhunath Stupa located just outside Kathmandu.

North of Thahiti Tole is Thamel Chowk, in the center of Kathmandu’s tourist hub.

3. Shop and go out in Thamel

Kathmandu’s Thamel tourist district is crowded and frenetic at times, but still manages to retain an old-world feel, perpetuated by the rows of Tibetan prayer flags and enclosing cycle rickshaws.

The streets of this vibrant area are lined with shops overflowing with brightly colored clothes, jewellery, paper lanterns, Thangka paintings, wooden sculptures, bronze statues, music, and books. Bargain hard to get a good price (intend to pay only a third or half of the original price), as shopkeepers can be ruthless.

As the day begins to fade, Thamel takes on a completely different vibe as its streets glow with the warmth of a multitude of lights and the sound of live music drifts from its bars. Check out Brezel Cafe and Bar on JP Marg, Rosemary Kitchen & Coffee Shop on Thamel Marg, Pilgrims 24 Restaurant and Bar on Thamel Marg, and Cafe De Genre on JP Marg for great food and ambiance. Sam’s Bar, upstairs opposite Hotel Mandap on Chaksibari Marg, is an old favourite.

4. Dodge Monkeys at Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath, Nepal’s famous Buddhist temple, sits atop a hill to the west of Kathmandu city. One of the first things you’ll notice, even before you start climbing, is the monkeys. Hundreds of them live and roam around the temple premises. They are believed to be holy, although it is best not to think about the reason why; they are said to have been formed from the lice of the Buddhist deity Manjushri, who grew up there.

Fortunately, most of the Swayambhunath temple complex survived the 2015 earthquake. It was founded in the early 5th century and is the oldest of its kind in Nepal.

5. Get a blessing at Pashupatinath

Nepal’s holiest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, draws descendants from the Indian subcontinent along with a rich collection of painted Sadhus (Hindu ascetics). Most Sadhus are friendly and happy to be photographed for a small fee, in return for which they will give a blessing.

Ancient Hindu rituals, astonishing and unchanged over time, are practiced within the temple complex. Enter, and you’ll get an unobtrusive (and confronting) perspective of life, death, and reincarnation, including the open-air cremation of bodies on funeral pyres along the riverbank.

The main temple is off-limits to non-Hindus, but you can wander around the rest of the vast grounds. If you don’t want to pay to go in, you can get a decent view from the opposite side of the river. The most interesting time to visit is early in the morning from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. to see the chimneys, or in the evening from 6 p.m. to see worship with fire. The temple is closed from noon to 5 p.m. daily.

6. Walk around Boudhanath

In the northeastern suburbs of Kathmandu, within walking distance of Pashupatinath (about 20 minutes), Boudhanath is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. It is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism and culture, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the sun sets, the Tibetan community comes out to circumambulate the stupa, accompanied by the soft chanting of the mantra O Mani Padme Hum and the spinning of prayer wheels.

Early mornings and evenings are the best times to visit, when prayers are offered and tour groups are absent. Be sure to go inside some of the many gomas (monasteries) around Boudhanath. They are beautifully decorated with vibrant murals. One of the most impressive, Tamang Gompa, is located opposite the stupa and offers excellent views from the upper floors.

7. Explore the villages in the Kathmandu Valley

Leave the traffic and urban sprawl of Kathmandu behind and step back in time to the Kathmandu Valley, where villages maintain a traditional way of life, unaffected by modern development.

Two of the most popular villages to visit are Bungmati and Khokana, located in the south of Kathmandu, near Patan. These two villages were unfortunately hit hard by the 2015 earthquake and need tourism more than ever.

Bungmati village dates back to the 6th century and is believed to be the birthplace of the revered rain god Rato Mahhendranath. Unfortunately, his temple was destroyed in the earthquake, and his idol is now kept in Patan. Many of the villagers are involved in wood carving and sculpture, and you can fly from their workshops. Khokana is a fertile farming village where mustard oil is harvested, and the locals spend most of their days engaged in farming.

8. Mount Everest

The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, is a major attraction for trekkers and mountaineers. The Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular trekking route that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Certainly! Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, standing at 29,032 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China). The mountain has captivated the imagination of adventurers and mountaineers for decades, and climbing Everest is considered one of the greatest challenges in the world of mountaineering.

One of the most popular ways for non-mountaineers to experience Everest is through the Everest Base Camp trek. This trek takes you through the breathtaking Khumbu region, allowing trekkers to witness stunning landscapes, Sherpa villages, and traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. The journey culminates at Everest Base Camp, where climbers begin their ascent to the summit.

There are two main base camps for Everest expeditions: the South Base Camp in Nepal and the North Base Camp in Tibet. The South Base Camp is more popular and accessible, and it serves as the starting point for climbers attempting the southern route via the Khumbu Icefall and the South Col.

9. Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park, situated in the southern part of Nepal, is a renowned national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.This national park is renowned for its wildlife, including one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Jungle safaris and river excursions are popular activities here. It covers an area of 952.63 square kilometers and is a significant conservation area, preserving the diverse ecosystems of the Terai region.

The park is particularly famous for its successful conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros. This endangered species has found a protected environment in Chitwan, contributing to its population recovery. Visitors often embark on jungle safaris to catch glimpses of these magnificent creatures.

10. Rara Lake

Located in the remote northwestern part of Nepal, Rara Lake is the largest lake in the country. The pristine lake is surrounded by forests and offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Rara Lake is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Surrounded by lush forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks, the lake offers a serene and tranquil setting that captivates visitors. The clear blue waters of Rara reflect the surrounding landscapes, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

The lake is situated within Rara National Park, which was established to protect the unique biodiversity of the region. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, red pandas, musk deer, and numerous species of birds. The pristine environment adds to the allure of Rara Lake.