Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu valley, surrounded by green hills is spread over 665 square kilometers. Kathmandu is an incredibly diverse, historic city with amazing architecture, exquisite wood carvings and metal craft which showcase the skills of the Newar artisans of the past. Kathmandu valley consists of three historic mediaeval kingdoms of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur which were once independent states ruled by the Malla kings. The many dynasties that ruled the valley have left a rich legacy in the form of cultural and religious harmony. The Durbar Squares including four other monuments Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, Swayambhunath stupa and the Changunarayan temple is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Kathmandu valley is full of artistic temples and shrines with vibrant cultural practices during festivals. Kathmandu valley has endless supply of colorful festivals, followed by one after the other. Appreciate the colorful festivals that involve Gods and Goddesses including the Living Goddess Kumari. Follow the chariot processions that negotiate the narrow streets of old Kathmandu.

view of kathmandu from Swayambhu

Best time to visit: October to November, March to April
Getting there: Fly to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Suggested stay: 3 to 4 nights

Places in and around Kathmandu Valley

Groups always run in this order. Inside each group, the must-see picks come first; hikes and places to stay follow the order Windhorse recommends.

Sights and attractions in Kathmandu Valley

Sight

Panauti

Panauti is a historic Newari town located approximately 32 km southeast of Kathmandu in Kavrepalanchok District, known for its medieval architecture and spiritual significance.
Sight

Dakshinkali

Dakshinkali is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.
Sight

Kirtipur

Kirtipur is an old Newar hill town south-west of Kathmandu, with narrow lanes, brick houses and the Bagh Bhairab temple.
Temples & Monasteries

Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan temple located atop a hill about 19kms east of Kathmandu is considered the oldest of all the temples in the valley.
Sight

Golden Gate

The Golden Gate is one of the most important master pieces of metal work in Nepal.
Dzongs & Fortresses

The Palace of Fifty-five Windows

The Palace of Fifty-five Windows is a 15th-century Malla royal palace in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, known for its long row of carved wooden windows.
Sight

Pottery Square

There are two Pottery Squares in Bhaktapur.
Temples & Monasteries

Duttatraya Temple

The Dattatreya Temple is about a minute walk from Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Temples & Monasteries

Nyatapola Temple

The Nyatapola temple is a five storied temple in Bhaktapur dedicated to goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, the Tantric incarnation of goddess Parvati.
Dzongs & Fortresses

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

One of the world heritage sites in the country which reflects the city's rich culture, art and architectural design, it is also the central setting of the city for architectural...
Sight

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa, is a historic city in the Kathmandu Valley, celebrated for its meticulously preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural heritage.
Sight

Bungamati Village

The Boudhanath Stupa is the largest Buddhist structure in Nepal, and has been a power place and an important site of pilgrimage since its construction.
Gardens & parks

National Botanical Garden

The National Botanical Garden is located at Godavari 14Kms south east of Kathmandu in Lalitpur district.
Sight

Bungmati and Khokana

Bungmati is a classic medieval village that lies about 7kms south of Patan.
Temples & Monasteries

Mahaboudha Temple

Located to the south of Patan Durbar Square is the Mahaboudha temple.
Nature & Viewpoints

Tibet Refugee Camp

An attraction of a different kind is the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the outskirts of Patan.
Temples & Monasteries

Machchhendranath temple

The temple of Machchhendranath is another center of attraction in Patan.
Sight

Rudravarna Mahabihar

Located at a short walk through narrow streets from Patan Durbar Square is the Rudra Varna Mahavihar.
Temples & Monasteries

Krishna Temple

The temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in Patan's palace complex.
Temples & Monasteries

Kumbheshwar Temple

Kumbeshwar temple is one of the tree five storied temples of Kathmandu valley.
Sight

Hiranyavarna Mahabihar

This three-storied gold gilded pagoda style Golden Temple or Hiranya Varna Mahavihar of Lokeshwar (Lord Buddha) was built by King Vaskar Dev Varma in the 12th century A.D.
Dzongs & Fortresses

Patan Durbar Square

This whole square is a cluster of fine pagoda temples and stone statues; it is at the same time the business hub of the city.
Sight

Patan

Patan, also called Lalitpur, is an old Newar city of temples, courtyards and metalwork just south of Kathmandu.
Temples & Monasteries

Druk Amitabha Monastery

Druk Amitabha Monastery popularly known as the Seto Gumba(white monastery) is a Buddhist monastery belonging to Buddhist nuns.
Sight

Freak Street

Freak Street(Jhochhen Tole), presently know as Old Freak Street is a small street located to the south of the Durbar Square.
Gardens & parks

Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park

The Shivapuri National Park lies to the north of Kathmandu valley.
Sight

Chandragiri Hills Cable Car

Experience the Chandragiri Hill Cable car ride, this exciting journey takes you to the top of Chandragiri hills where you are greeted with the panoramic views of mountains.
Sight

Taragoan Musuem

The Taragoan Museum, located within the premises of Hyatt Regency hotel, is about 10 minutes walk from the Boudhanath Stupa.
Sight

Siddhartha Art Gallery

Siddhartha Art Gallery was established in 1987 by Sangeeta Thapa and Shashikala Tiwari a renowned Nepali artist.
Museums & Institutions

Tribhuvan Museum

The Tribhuvan Museum is located inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace overlooking the main Durbar Square area.
Nature & Viewpoints

Phulchowki hill

Phulchowki lies to the south of Kathmandu and is the highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley (2791mts).
Temples & Monasteries

Kopan Monastery

Perched on a hill on the fringes of Kathmandu overlooking the Kathmandu valley is the Kopan monastery.
Dzongs & Fortresses

Narayanhiti Palace Museum

The Narayanhiti Palace, now a museum was the former Royal Palace of the Shah Rulers of Nepal until the revolution of 2006 took over the Monarchy.
Gardens & parks

The Garden of Dreams

The Garden of Dreams is a neo classical historical garden situated at the centre of Kathmandu city.
Sight

Kumari

Kumari or living goddess is the tradition of worshiping young prepubescent girls as manifestation of the divine female energy in Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions.
Sight

Kathmandu – Chitwan Drive

The total distance from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park(Sauraha) is about 165km and it takes about 4-5hrs.
Sight

Sankhu

Sankhu is an ancient Newari town situated in the north eastern corner of Kathmandu valley about 16kms from the city center.
Sight

Budhanilkantha

The Budanilkantha is a stone statue of Hindu god lord Vishnu, it is located about 10kms north of the city centre at the base of the Shivapuri hill.
Sight

Asan & Indrachowk

Asan, also called Asan Tol, is a lively market square with a medieval origin, renowned for its vibrant bazaars, diverse goods, and ancient temples.
Dzongs & Fortresses

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square, nestled in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of three historic durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley.
Stupas & Chortens

Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is the largest Buddhist structure in Nepal, and has been a power place and an important site of pilgrimage since its construction.
Stupas & Chortens

Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa, located atop a hill on the western fringe of Kathmandu, is a famous Buddhist shrine, equally venerated by Hindus as well.
Temples & Monasteries

Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple is the largest Hindu temple and is considered to be the holiest of all Hindu Temples.
Sight

Thamel

Thamel is the most popular tourist centre in Kathmandu.
Sight

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city of Nepal.

1,300 m / 4,265 ft

Restaurants in Kathmandu Valley

Restaurants

Bhojan Griha

A multi-course traditional Nepali meal in a restored old mansion, with folk music and dance in the evening.
Restaurants

Fire and Ice Pizzeria

Long-running Thamel pizzeria started by Neapolitan chefs in 1995, known for its thin-crust pizzas. Very popular, so booking ahead is wise.
Restaurants

Honacha

Small, decades-old family Newari eatery off Patan Durbar Square, serving bara (lentil patties) and choila. Cheap, rustic and very local.
Restaurants

Krishnarpan

Fine-dining Nepali tasting menu at Dwarika's Hotel, from six up to 22 courses. A special-occasion dinner that needs booking ahead.
Restaurants

Newa Lahana

Community-run Newari restaurant on a side street near Taumadhi Square. Go for the samay baji set with beaten rice, bara and choila.
Restaurants

OR2K

All-vegetarian Thamel favourite with Middle Eastern dishes such as falafel, hummus and shakshuka, served at low tables with floor cushions.

Where to stay in Kathmandu Valley

45In the order Windhorse recommends

Hotel

Aloft Kathmandu Thamel

Located in the center of the city’s vibrant Thamel district, this stylish hotel perfectly blends urban, tech-forward design with the rich, local culture of Nepal.

5-star hotel
Guest house

Bhadgaon Guest House

A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modern Comfort!
Hotel

Dwarika (Kathmandu)

The magnificence of The Dwarika's is its buildings of intricate carved wood and terracotta work that must have taken 10 million hours of the best craftsmen in Nepal.

5-star hotel
Resort

Gokarna Forest Resort

Just minutes from downtown city life, Le Meridien Kathmandu (Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa) blends with nature in serene harmony.
Resort

Hattiban (Himalayan Height Resort)

Pharping and Dakshinkali are very holy places for Buddhist and Hindus alike.
Guest house

Hira Guest house

Hira Guest House is located directly adjacent The Golden Temple, and offers unparalleled views from the Hira rooftop lounge.
Hotel

Hotel Barahi Kathmandu

Hotel Barahi Kathmandu is a luxury, four-star hotel, centrally located on the edge of Thamel, the popular tourist district.
Hotel

Hotel Courtyard

A hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Hotel

Hotel de l’ Annapurna

Since it opened in 1965, Hotel de l'Annapurna has created its own unique history.
Hotel

Hotel Dolmaling

Hotel Dolmaling, situated near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Boudhanath stupa is a unique boutique hotel based on Buddhist theme.
Hotel

Hotel Harmika

Hotel Harmika, as a symbol of honor and respect is located just 3 minutes walking distance from the world heritage site boudhanath stupa.
Heritage hotel

Hotel Heritage Pvt. Ltd.

HOTEL HERITAGE is the first deluxe hotel ever built in Bhaktapur, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Hotel

Hotel Himalaya

Hotel Himalaya, ten minutes from Kathmandu's city center and adjacent to Patan, elevated on a hill amid a lush and expansive garden.
Hotel

Hotel Manang

Hotel Manang lies in most prominent place of Thamel "a shopper's paradise".
Hotel

Hotel Manaslu

The traditional Nepalese hospitality, our highly trained staff and convenient facilities make Manaslu your best choice.
Hotel

Hotel Marshyangdi

Hotel Marshyangdi, situated in the heart of Thamel, Kathmandu’s mecca for tourists, has been providing good accommodation to visitors since 1990.
Hotel

Hotel Shambala

Hotel Shambala, a contemporary Tibetan themed boutique hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal offers unparalleled comfort and luxury with the best in Tibetan and Nepalese hospitality.

3-star hotel
Hotel

Hotel Shangri La

Centrally located in Kathmandu and just 15/20 minutes walking distance to Thamel.
Hotel

Hotel Vaishali

This hotel is Situated at the most center part of the city the main tourist attraction center Thamel and just 9 kms away from the International Airport, Kathmandu.
Hotel

Hotel Yak and Yeti

It is a premier five-star deluxe oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Hotel

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a luxury 5 star city resort hotel situated on the road to Boudhanath Stupa - the most holy of Tibetan Buddhist shrines outside Tibet.
Hotel

Kantipur Temple House

Temple House is one of the cozy eco-hotels of Kathmandu.

4-star hotel
Hotel

Kasthamandap Boutique Hotel

A hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Guest house

Kathmandu Guest House

A guest house in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Hotel

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel

Kathmandu's Marriott is a luxurious hotel in Nepal’s capital city, offering comfortable rooms, fine dining, a wellness center with a spa and pool, and extensive conference facilities.

5-star hotel
Hotel

Krishna House

A hotel in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
Hotel

Maya Manor Boutique Hotel

Maya Manor is a historic mansion turned boutique hotel.
Hotel

Micasa Hotel

"A home rather than a hotel.
Resort

Namo Buddha Resort

Namo Buddha Resort is situated 45 km south-east of Kathmandu, travelling in a straight line.
Hotel

Nepali Ghar Hotel

A deluge of buildings brought a whiff of foreign styles leading to a new style of development of Architecture.
Hotel

Nirvana Garden Hotel

Nirvana Garden Hotel is located in a tranquil oasis right in the heart of Thamel, Kathmandu's hub of touristic area, within walking distance of the Royal palace.
Resort

Park Village Hotel & Resort

A unique homely and eco-friendly hotel that gives a sense of "Living in Pure Nature right in metropolis Kathmandu" with lots of birds and butterflies at the foothill of Mountain...
Hotel

Radisson Hotel

We are committed to providing you with personalized, professional guest service and genuine hospitality.
Hotel

Royal Singi Hotel

Royal Singi Hotel perfectly combines the traditional elements of Nepal's rich and vibrant culture which the latest in hotel accommodation facilities.
Hotel

Shambaling Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Boudha, Hotel Shambaling is an ideal spot from which to discover Kathmandu.
Hotel

Soaltee Crowne Plaza

Spread over 11 acres of space and surrounded by manicured gardens and with views of the mountain ranges, the Soaltee Crowne Plaza offers a resort atmosphere for both business and...
Hotel

Summit Hotel

The hotel has wide range of accommodation is offered from the self contained apartments in Summit Tower to the air conditioned Himalaya View Wing Rooms, the original Garden Wing Rooms,...
Hotel

Taleju Boutique Hotel

Welcome to Taleju Boutique Hotel, the trending luxury hotel located in Jyatha, Thamel.
Hotel

Thagu Chhen

Located just a stoneâ€™s throw away from the UNESCO enlisted Bhaktapur Durbar Square and yet just a few minutes away from the airport, THAGU CHHEN is an ideal base from...
Hotel

The Everest Hotel

The Everest Hotel has hosted royalty, dignitaries and the celebrities of the world.
Heritage hotel

The Fort Resort

Away from city's relentless traffic noise and pollution; clinging on an eastern ridge of the valley, Nagarkot (2166 meters) offers close up views of the majestic mountains and Himalayas without...
Hotel

The Hotel Malla

Superbly located between the Royal Palace and Kathmandu's fashionable tourist district, Thamel, in the heart of the city.
Hotel

The Inn

A hotel in kathmandu, Nepal.
Hotel

The Shanker Hotel

Hotel Shanker is a palace, a palace built at the turn of the century by a Rana Maharaja with a penchant for French architecture, international cuisine and Eastern hospitality.
Guest house

Tibet Guest House

This is the place to unwind after a hectic day of sightseeing of shopping as well as a great venue for parties and receptions.