Top 10 Things to Do in Kathmandu: Exploring All from Heritage to History

Welcome everyone to Kathmandu- the city nestled in the lap of the Himalayas where modern lifestyle is perfectly blended with the ancient culture and traditions.

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It is very lively, energetic, and always bustling, and you can’t get bored. The city comes with its own charms; as you step here, you get welcomed to narrow and lively streets filled with the scent of incense along with the distant sounds of temple bells.

The city hides a world of serenity, rich culture, and spirituality beneath its vibrant and chaotic surface. Here, you are not just a spectator; you become part of the city, its daily rhythm, story, and pulse.

So, are you ready to uncover the hidden layers of the city and make your journey unforgettable? Let’s dive into the list of the top 10 things you can do in Kathmandu.

1. Take A Walk Around Cultural Heritages

It is the best thing to visit the famous three Durbar squares. You will definitely be mesmerized by their beauty.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You should begin your Kathmandu journey with Durbar Square. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located conveniently close to the popular Thamel area. You can stroll through the Hanuman Dhoka Palace and around remnants of the 16th-century Jagannath Temple, known for its detailed carvings.

Oh, and you should definitely visit Kumari Ghar, where Nepal’s living goddess resides—a truly unique cultural experience. Kathmandu Durbar Square’s enduring charm draws travelers to witness the firsthand blend of history and resilience.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Now, you can take a short ride to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a must-visit location. The place presents a new world of art, craftsmanship, and heritage. You can just stroll through Durbar Square and admire the ancient architecture and courtyards.

You will also find Nepal’s tallest pagoda, Nyatapola Temple, which offers breathtaking views. And you should not forget to taste the delicious sweet yogurt “juju dhau” or “king of curd” before leaving. They are served in traditional clay pots, it’s a true taste of Bhaktapur.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square stands out for its relaxed and welcoming vibe. It’s a wonderful place to soak up Nepal’s authentic daily life, often filled with locals enjoying the public benches and open courtyards.

Known for its impressive Newari architecture, the square is home to stunning temples like Krishna Mandir, carved entirely from stone, and the Patan Museum, which showcases bronze and copper artifacts that tell stories of Nepal’s artistic heritage.

Patan is a visitor favorite for its less commercial feel, where you can linger and experience the warm community spirit. Grab a seat, take in the surroundings, and enjoy people-watching in this living, breathing museum of culture and history.

2. 360° City View from Swayambhunath – The Monkey Temple

What’s a trip to Kathmandu without visiting Swayambhunath, right? Perched high on a hill, this temple is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. You just have to do a short trek of 365 steps. It is also renowned as the Monkey Temple, as monkeys lurk around.

Once you reach the top, you can witness the blend of Hindu and Buddhist icons, prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags. You can also view the magnificent 360-degree vistas of Kathmandu city.

From the top, one can truly admire the beauty of the city. It is not just about the view and dome; Swayambhunath is more than that. You will be pleasantly surprised by all the art galleries, hidden plazas, and more.

3. Get Your Blessings at Pashupatinath

The journey continues at Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temples. It is located along the Bagmati River bank and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also the cremation ghats, where rituals are performed publicly. 

As the sun comes down the horizon, the temple’s golden spire glows and casts a sacred warmth over the water. There’s a ceremony called Arti or Aarati. It is a Hindu ritual employed in worship, part of a puja, and includes light or flame, which is ritually waved to deities.

The Arti ceremony happens between 7 and 10 a.m. in the morning, and visitors can visit in the evening from 6pm. It is one of the best spiritual experiences you can get in Nepal, so it’s a powerful place to end the day with an experience that captures both Kathmandu’s spirituality and depth.

4. Explore the Streets of Thamel

Almost everyone goes first and strolls through Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively neighborhood. This place comes alive at night. The tourist district is the most happening place in Kathmandu.

Thamel is crowded with its mix of hotels, cafes, bars, souvenir shops, trekking companies, and more. The spot is always bustling, crowded, and in mayhem, but in a positive way. Its vibe automatically pulls you in.

Sightseeing in Rickshaw Ride

It is an exciting way to gaze at this gorgeous place. You can take a rickshaw ride, accompanied by an experienced rider, through the heart of the city. The ride will take around 2 – 3 hours. If you are not interested, you can just stroll around on foot.

Thamel comes alive at night, so you may as well go club hopping in popular clubs such as LOD, Purple Haze, and more.  It’s the perfect way to close out an incredible day in a city as complex and captivating as Kathmandu!

5. Visit Boudhanath for Spirituality

If you are wondering what to do in Kathmandu, you should definitely visit Boudhanath Stupa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa is mesmerizing with its massive white dome and golden spire crowned by the watchful eyes of Buddha. The stupa radiates peace and spirituality amid a bustling city.

You will experience a spiritual experience as incense fills the air and vibrant prayer flags flutter above. Here, pilgrims and monks walk clockwise around the stupa, quietly chanting and spinning prayer wheels.

One should visit at sunset, when the stupa glows under the warm light of butter lamps, offering a magical experience. For the best views, stop by a rooftop café, where you can enjoy a moment of tranquility with a view of the stupa’s grandeur—a serene escape and a must-see in Kathmandu.

6. Savor Local Delicacies

Here, you should tease your palate with exquisite and delicious Nepalese cuisine. You should taste Nepal’s national dish, Dal Bhat. Oh, and you should eat with your hands to enjoy the dish in Nepalese style!

Although there is diversity in foods, Newari cuisine dominates and is the oldest cuisine in the Kathmandu Valley.  You can visit local Newari restaurants to taste the authentic Newari cuisines. Newari snacks such as Bara, Samaya Baji, Kachila, Choila, Yomari, Chatamari, etc., will tickle your taste buds and change your perspective of Nepalese foods.Explore the Ultimate Guide to Nepal’s Culinary Journey 

Now, how can we forget Mo: mo, the most beloved food of Nepalese. While traveling, you can find snacks in almost every part of the city. We also recommend visiting local spots for secret food in Kathmandu Valley.

After tasting all these delicacies, you might want to take them back home. Don’t worry; you can take cooking classes to learn about all the recipes.

Take Cooking Classes

You can take cooking classes from authentic chefs and cooking institutes. As a matter of fact, we can recommend reputed places such as Sunghaba and Kathmandu Cooking Academy. They offer the best cooking classes on Nepalese cuisine.

7. Visit Narayanhiti Museum

Make sure to have time to visit the museums in Kathmandu. One prominent museum you should not miss is the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. It used to be the former residence of the Kings of Nepal. After the 2006 revolution, the Royal Palace was turned into a public museum in 2008.

Here, you will witness Nepal’s royal history and artifacts and gain insight into the lives of the Nepalese monarchy. It is a must-see spot for someone who wants insights into Nepal’s culture and historical backdrop. 

8. Spectate Breathtaking Sunrise View in Nagarkot

It is one of the things to do near Kathmandu. You should visit Nagarkot, located near Kathmandu. Here, you can witness the magical sunrise view, letting you escape from the bustling city. Here, you can also enjoy your breakfast with the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas.

Additionally, you can relax and get a therapeutic spa treatment while staying at the Kavya Resort & Spa. Likewise, you can go for outdoor activities like mountain biking, a short hike, paragliding, and more.

9. Take a Short Hike

Yeah, you can go for a short hike or trek while you are in Kathmandu. If you are looking for things to do in Kathmandu in one day, then a 1-day hike is ideal. You will be far away from all the city’s noise, dust, and chaos.

Hiking Trail of Shivapuri National Park

The best spots to go for one-day hikes are Sundarijal Hiking, Shivapuri Hiking, Godavari Hiking Trail, and more. It will be the perfect retreat for you. You will get to enjoy the scenic views and be in nature’s lap, admiring the solemn peace.

10. Immerse Yourself in Sound Healing, Yoga and Meditation

As our journey nears its end, one of the things to do at Kathmandu is to practice sound healing. We should surrender to the soft embrace of relaxation. We all know nothing feels more divine and satisfying than indulging yourself in a soothing massage or a mindful retreat.

So, you should head to Calm Sutra Studio, a wellness sanctuary where you can receive sound healing from handmade Tibetan singing bowls that are said to wash over you in waves, ease away tension, and breathe calm into weary limbs.

Similarly, you might also find yourself drawn to a sound bath or gentle yoga session. It’s the perfect way to seal your memories of Kathmandu and ground yourself before returning to the rush of reality.

Wrapping Up the Joy of Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is on the list of many travelers as one of their top destinations in the world. Above, we have listed the top 10 things to do in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a city full of life, where every corner offers you a new adventure.

The city invites you to experience the rich culture and vibrant energy, savor local flavors, or simply soak in the views and more. After exploring Kathmandu’s hidden gems, the memories stay with you long, even after you’ve left this gorgeous city.

So, are you ready to immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey? The heart of Nepal is waiting for you to discover its magic.