6 Days in Kathmandu: What to Do and See in Kathmandu

Day 1 | Morning

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 1000 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 Hours

Location: Digha Paheleja, J P Marg, Kathmadon 44600

Kathmandu Durbar Square was once the place where the city-state king was crowned and enthroned, and "Durbar" means "palace". Today, the square is a glorious World Heritage Site in Kathmandu. 1. Exquisite temples and palaces There are many monuments in Kathmandu Square. There are a total of 50 temples and palaces. The architectural style made of red bricks is very distinctive, and the carvings are very exquisite, which is worth savoring. The whole square is composed of three scattered squares. To the south is the empty Basantapur Square, and to the west is the main area of Durbar Square, where you can visit various ancient temples. To the northeast is the sub-area of Durbar Square, where the entrance to the former palace site is located. An open area extending to the northeast is called Makhan Street, which used to be a major traffic thoroughfare in Kathmandu and has now become a well-known pedestrian street. The main attractions on Durbar Square are the Dumu Temple, Ashoka Binayake Temple, Narayan Temple, Shiva-Parvati Temple, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Hebeirabo and so on. Many tourists will climb the steps to the base of the temple, overlooking the surrounding city from a high point, which is a good way to experience Durbar Square. 2. Dumu Temple, Asoka Binayake Temple A visit to Durbar Square usually starts from the Dumu Temple in the south, which is the oldest building in the entire Kathmandu Valley, and even the name of Kathmandu comes from this. The triple-roofed temple is constructed from a single sala tree, and houses the image of the god Choragata in a wooden fence in the middle. It's bustling every morning, with various vegetable vendors opening up, and smoked fish, banana leaves and marigolds filling the surrounding corridors. On the north side of the Dumu Temple, at the start of Maru Tole Road, there is a small Ashok Binayak Temple with a gilded roof dedicated to the elephant god. 3. Narayan Temple, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Tribhuvan Museum Narayan Temple (TrailokyaMohanNarayanTemple) kneels in front of a beautiful Garuda (eagle-headed Garuda) statue. Continue to go north, you can see the Shiva-Parvati Temple, with two huge stone lions squatting at the entrance of the temple, and above it are the statues of Shiva and Parvati, which can be described as Durbar Square. one of the representative landscapes. There is also a large bell on the north side of the temple, which is only tolled during certain ceremonies in the old palace. On the east side of Durbar Square is the old palace, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, a white building in neoclassical style. You can see a statue of the monkey god Hanuman at the gate, and you can visit some of the palaces after entering the gate.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: My favorite place in Kathmandu. It’s great to see locals hang out. Make sure to get a second or third day entree ticket at the office there if you want to. For the multi-day entry you’d need a physical picture of you. The living goddess also lives in a house in the square. She makes an appearance in the afternoon - you can check time with the officials once you get there

Trip.com User: there is visit nepal 2019 in nepal if you are going to Napal! Make sure you have plenty of water, sunscreen and good walking shoes!! Grab a rickshaw get a first hand tour of the entire location with a local guide giving you the history of all

Day 1 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Boudhanath Stupa.

Boudhanath Stupa

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 400 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Boudhanath (Boudha), Kathmandu

Bodha Stupa is a famous building in the area. It is located in the northeast of Kathmandu. 1. The appearance of the Bodha Stupa is extraordinary. It has a huge white dome with extraordinary momentum, giving people a feeling of generosity. There is a square tower on the huge white covered bowl, and there are huge Buddha eyes painted on all sides, indicating that the Buddha's Dharma is boundless and omniscient. Above the Buddha's eyes is a golden minaret. There are more than 100 small relief sculptures of Amitabha Buddha on the outer edge of the tower base. The small Buddha statues are stained with red paint and wear yellow flowers. 2. A grand festival is held every year. Every year around February of the Gregorian calendar, thousands of pilgrims pour in from all directions, decorating the Bodha Stupa. 3. Five-color flags and prayer wheel flags have five colors, which represent the five basic elements that make up the world, red for fire, blue for sky, white for clouds, green for water, and yellow for surface.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Its also hope the hystorical monastry and also a part of a heritage. You can find too much monks and buddist following people around these area. You can enjoy feedings bird and take photos from roof top restaurants arounds and enjoy delicious food as well.

Trip.com User: The legend says the Buddha's sari is being served, a Tibetan Buddhist holy site where many people visit the site every morning and circle the tower. If pigeons are allergic, trauma can occur here, because there is a habit of feeding pigeons.

Day 1 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Marriott Hotel nearby is the best place to stay.

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel

Marriott Kathmandu, a 214-room contemporary hotel in the capital city Kathmandu, combines modern design with local creativity. The elegantly appointed rooms with warm colors add a charm, which is perfectly complemented by our caring service. Home to an inviting range of restaurants, the hotel takes a fresh approach to dining experiences. Thamel Kitchen offers multi cuisine offerings while the modern Asian specialty restaurant, Edamame serves contemporary interpretation of Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Raksi Music Bar and its extension to the waterfall terrace is an amazing option to enjoy the evening, with exotic collection of beverages coupled with great food. The 8000 plus sqft of meeting and banqueting space create the perfect scenery for unforgettable events and conferences. Centered on holistic well-being, the hotel incorporates M-Wellness concept, which includes spa and salon, an outdoor swimming pool and a fully equipped fitness center.

Day 2 | Morning

Swayambhunath Stupa

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 200 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Swayambhunath, Kathmandu 44600

Swayambhuna Temple is located on a hill about 2 kilometers west of Kathmandu city. It has a history of more than 2,500 years. It is an ancient Buddhist temple in Nepal and is listed as a world cultural heritage. Because there are many monkeys here, it is also called "Monkey Temple". 1. The golden pagoda in the center goes up the stairs to the top of the Monkey Temple. There are monkeys scurrying around all the time. Don't take food in your hands, otherwise, the monkeys will snatch it away. When you come to the Monkey Temple, you will see the golden pagoda in the center. Although it is smaller than the Buddha Pagoda with a similar shape, it is very imposing because it stands on the top of the mountain. There are a pair of big eyes on each of the four sides of the stupa, as if staring at all things in the world. There is a big question mark at the position of the nose. It is actually the Nepalese number "one", which symbolizes harmony and unity; above the Buddha's eyes is a spiral ring. At the top of the canopy is a huge gemstone, which means Nirvana. The base of the tower is a huge white hemisphere, and there are many small stone pagodas around it. 2. Overlooking the bottom of the mountain and feeling the peace In addition to the stupa, there are some other temple buildings on the top of the mountain, and many devout believers can be seen. After admiring the building, walk to the observation deck next to it, overlooking the densely packed houses under the mountain, which are not high but colorful. Many people like to come here at dusk, it will have a different flavor. Many tourists will sit in a daze on the steps under the pagoda or on the chairs by the small square, feeling the peaceful atmosphere here. From time to time, pigeons flew over and landed on the square or stayed on the pagoda. It was peaceful. Of course, there are many monkeys here, and they are not afraid of people at all. You can take pictures of them casually, but you need to pay attention to your belongings, and please don't provoke them. There is also a panoramic view of Kathmandu and the Himalayas when the weather is fine, especially at sunset.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: The Tibetan word for "Monkey Temple" means "Solemn Wood" and it is said that the Kathmandu Valley was a lake. A lotus flower is grown here. The Kathmandu Valley is called Swayambhu, or "Self-identification". The name of the temple is translated as "Self-Lighting Temple". The platinum pagoda, the sky eagle flying, the monkeys everywhere, the view of the city is excellent. Very good attractions and places to practice.

Trip.com User: Swayambhu is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu valley, west of Kathmandu city. The Tibetan name for the site means ‘Sublime Trees’, for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. A Tibetan monastery, meusum and library are more recent additions. The stupa has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on. The Swayambhunath Stupa also known as Monkey temple.

Day 2 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Swayambhunath Stupa, don’t forget pay a visit to Pashupatinath Temple.

Pashupatinath Temple

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 1000 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Pashupati Nath Road 44621, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Pashupatinath Temple is located on the west bank of the Bagmati River, about 5 kilometers east of the Tamil District, along the ring road. This tower-style temple was built in 1696. It is the largest Hindu temple in Nepal and one of the four major temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in South Asia, and has been included in the World Heritage List. 1. Overlooking the Pashupatinath Temple Since only Hindus can enter the temple compound, ordinary tourists can only look outside the west gate, and can see the mount of Shiva, a huge bull Nandi statue. It is said that a black four-headed Pashupati statue is enshrined in the temple. Climb to the top along the steps on the west side of the temple, and you can admire the gilded temple roof from a commanding height. The river bank in the northeast of the temple is where Hindu ascetic monks live. Cross the footbridge to the east bank of the river opposite to the temple. There is a row of Shiva Linga towers. If you continue to walk up the steps, there is a viewing platform, which can be separated by The river overlooks the entire Pashupatinath Temple. 2. Watch the cremation ceremony On the river bank in the south of Pashupatinath Temple, there is AryaGhat, the largest crematorium in Nepal. The cremation ceremony of ordinary Nepalese is carried out here almost every day, so Pashupatinath Temple is also called "Burning Temple" by many people. The bodies of the deceased were wrapped and arranged by the river, and cremated on the pyre. The whole process was orderly, very quiet, and there was no mourning. The ashes were scattered into the river and flowed into the Ganges with the river. Early morning and early evening are usually the time to watch the cremation ceremony, but after all, this is a private time for loved ones to mourn and grieve, and it is recommended not to crowd into the cremation crowd or take pictures during the viewing.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: pashupatinath temple is all belive hindu butyfull temple and butyfull place every monday people gose to temple out of country people belive pashupatinth socoe and say god kepp happy. and 1 year 1 day very special mahasivaratri .

Aashish 国王: Nice place to visit when you are in Kathmandu. Its shines Nepal culture and harmony among people. One of the busiest place with Mass Gathering. Totally a fresh environment where you can express yourself.

Day 2 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Pashupatinath Temple, The Dwarika's Hotel nearby is the best place to stay.

The Dwarika's Hotel

A stay at The Dwarika's Hotel places you in the heart of Kathmandu, within a 15-minute walk of Pashupatinath Temple and Royal Nepal Golf Course. This 5-star hotel is 1.8 mi (3 km) from Boudhanath and 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Charumati Stupa. Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. If you're looking for recreational opportunities, you'll find an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include wireless Internet access (surcharge), concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge). Enjoy local cuisine at Krishnarpan, one of the hotel's 3 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Snacks are also available at the coffee shop/cafe. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a business center, and express check-in. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a conference center and a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite. Make yourself at home in one of the 86 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.

Day 3 | Morning

Garden Of Dreams

Opening Hours: Open from 9:00am-10:00pm

Ticket Price: 400 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Kathmandu 44601, Nepal

A very distinctive Western-style garden in the old city, where all kinds of flowers are planted and blooming. The park is clean and tidy, a good place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the green and tranquility.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Its a must visit place within the heart of Kathmandu just west of old King's palace. Just as the name it is a real pleasure dreaming of several things past experience and new ones with deliciously prepared food. Even the mo mo tastes different here and it has a over polite waiter eager to serve you. My whole family really had a great time at the Garden of Dreams.

LBHATTA: Really an amazing place to visit with your loved ones. The quiet and green environment makes you fell in love with it. In addition, the architecture of the place resemble with the ancient building of kings of Nepal. So, you can learn about history of Nepal as well.

Day 3 | Afternoon

National Museum of Nepal nearby is the top choice before you leave Garden Of Dreams and hit the road.

National Museum of Nepal

Opening Hours: 10:30-16:30 in summer, 10:30-15:30 in winter, 10:30-14:30 every Monday (regardless of season), stop selling tickets half an hour before closing; not open on Tuesday.

Ticket Price: 25 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Museum Road, Chhauni, Kathmandu

The museum is located about 800 meters to the south of Swayambhuna Temple (Monkey Temple). There are history halls, ancient money halls, natural history halls, and Buddhist halls in the museum. It is a good place to learn about local history and culture and appreciate Buddhist artworks. . Founded in 1928 under the name of Chhauni Silkhana, the museum has collected loot, as well as leather goods from the 18th and 19th centuries and contemporary wood, bronze, stonework and paintings. Entering the museum courtyard, on the left is the Judda Art Gallery, which displays stone, metal and terracotta statues, as well as some traditional paintings. At the back of the courtyard is a Buddhist art gallery with a temple style, where you can see many Buddha statues, offerings, thangkas, manuscripts and other items, as well as content introducing how Buddhism was born. In the north of the courtyard is the History Museum, which houses a series of knives, spears, axes, swords and other weapons. There is also a natural history museum, which displays some animal models and skeletons.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Its one of the best historical place within Nepal. We can learn about history and culture which bring peace of mind.

Day 3 | Evening

After visiting the glorious National Museum of Nepal, Hyatt Place Kathmandu nearby is the best place to stay.

Hyatt Place Kathmandu

Opened in 2021, the Hyatt Place Kathmandu is a great accommodation choice in Kathmandu.

The hotel is conveniently located a short 11km drive from Tribhuvan International Airport. There's plenty to do nearby, with Dirghaman & Ganeshman Chitrakar Art Foundation, Tribhuvan Park and White Monastery all within a short distance.

After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. For those driving themselves, parking is provided on site.

According to our trusted guests, the facilities at this hotel are first-rate.

Day 4 | Morning

Military Museum

Ticket Price: 100 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Chhauni Road, Kathmandu 44600

The museum introduces in detail the existing ancient fortresses all over Nepal, the famous Nepalese military generals from ancient times to the present, and the military uniforms and weapons of various eras. Narayan. The military history of Nepal from the beginning of the Shah's Dynasty Unification War. And it's authentic and detailed; military fans shouldn't miss this place.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Uttam khanal: very beautiful and amazing historical place

Day 4 | Afternoon

Bhimsen Tower nearby is the top choice before you leave Military Museum and hit the road.

Bhimsen Tower

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 299 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: Sundhara, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Bhimsen Tower is a taller building in Kathmandu, from which you can overlook the crowded scene in the old city. The tower is as high as 52 meters, straight into the blue sky, and it can be seen from a distance, which is very eye-catching. The watchtower, also known as the Dakhal Tower, was built in 1832 by the order of the then Prime Minister, Bimson Thapa.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Aashish 国王: Dharahara is its Nepali name. Its famous s for its historical effects from Bhimsen Thapa. It was supposed to be the tallest point nepal. Its located in busy area near Sundhara.

Day 4 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Bhimsen Tower? Baber Mahal Vilas is one of your top choices.

Baber Mahal Vilas

BABER MAHAL VILAS is a quaint family-run heritage property set in the existing architectural haven of Baber Mahal Revisited. Guests feel indulged and cared for with splendid luxury, passionate service, generous hospitality and exquisite cuisine. In an effort to portray the distinct architectural features of Nepal in a blend of architectural design, the property shows 4 distinct styles.
The primary design is essentially neoclassical ＇Rana Durbar＇ style, followed by flavors from Newari, Mustang and Terai designs. The new courtyard offers rooms with amenities and services to match. Sharing the neighborhood with Singha Durbar (Lion Palace) and the original Baber Mahal, the hotel is rich in historic significance to its central location in the City.

Day 5 | Morning

Narayanhiti Palace Museum

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Thu,Sun,11:00am-3:00pm

Ticket Price: 250 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Durbar Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

On the north side of Durbar Road is the former Narayanhiti Palace, which was opened as a museum on February 26, 2009. The main building in the palace was completed in 1969 during the reign of the 9th King Mahendra, with a total of 52 houses and the names of various regions in Nepal. Now all halls and guest rooms in the royal house can be visited.

Day 5 | Afternoon

The Natural History Museum nearby is the top choice before you leave Narayanhiti Palace Museum and hit the road.

The Natural History Museum

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,Sun,10:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 50 NPR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Manjushree Bajaar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Follow the driveway to the hill where the Swayambhunath Temple is located, and on the way you can see the small museum of Tribhuvan University. In Nepal, there are not only the subtropical Terai Plain where tigers, elephants, rhinos and crocodiles live, but also the frigid plateau of the Himalayas with an altitude of more than 8,000 meters. There are more than 55,000 precious animal, plant and fossil specimens on display in this museum, from which you can understand how rich the nature of Nepal is.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Uttam khanal: very beautiful place amazing experience

Day 5 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Grand Yak Boutique Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Grand Yak Boutique Hotel

The Grand Yak Boutique Hotel provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. The Grand Yak Boutique Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Kathmandu.

Tribhuvan International Airport is located approximately 9km away from this hotel. Famous local attractions Basantapur Tower, Rani Pokhari and King Pratap Malla, can all be reached with a short walk.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city.

There's never a dull moment at this hotel, our guests indicate that the facilities are excellent.

Day 6 | Morning

Thamel

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu

The Tamil area is a gathering place for tourists from all over the world. Tourist facilities such as travel agencies, hotels, restaurants of various countries, handicraft stores, bookstores, foreign exchange shops and other tourist facilities are gathered in the area. You can also buy a variety of handicrafts with exotic ethnic characteristics, as well as mountaineering and hiking equipment.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: What an amazing place! You can find almost anything here: massage, clothes, local and foreign food, electronics, whatever yoy can think of. I’ve spent afternoons just wandering around looking at everything around me, and still only saw a tiny amount of what’s available.

Tshering: Thamel is one of the street you should visit when you are in Kathmandu, Nepal. It has everything from antiques shops, gift shops,book stores, parks, convenient stores, high end to low end restaurants, cafes to bars. I mostly go to visit cafes and bookstores in Thamel.

Day 6 | Afternoon

Kumari Temple nearby is the top choice before you leave Thamel and hit the road.

Kumari Temple

Opening Hours: Open from 6:00am-7:00pm

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Durbar Square, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Kumari Temple, also known as Huotong Temple, is a well-known and well-known temple. It is a three-story Buddhist temple building.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.