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10 top things to do in Kathmandu Nepal

28 March, 2024 By Dambar Khadka

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a renowned historically and culturally rich city. Within the valley, there are 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Kathmandu Valley also opens museums and is socially and economically diversified.

One can visit the temples and monuments that date back centuries and are still standing today with a matter of pride. Exploration and hunting of the historical place are not enough, but you can do many more activities here in Kathmandu. Boundless Adventure Nepal presents more than 10 top things you can do in Kathmandu during your visit.

Helicopter Tours Of The Himalayas, 10 top things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal

The tour offers a panoramic and 360-degree stunning view of the Himalayan ranges on the northern sides of Nepal. If you have limited time to spend and are a mountain lover, a Helicopter to the Himalayas is the best. However, the tour offers the most astonishing view of the World’s highest peaks, such as Mount Everest, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Choyo, Upper Mustang, and Muktinath temple in the Dhaulagiri Zone of Nepal.

The view of the mountains from the helicopter is so unique that you want to have the scenic view for the rest of your life. These captivating and mesmerizing scenes are only possible in Nepal by Plane and helicopter ride. Thus, here are the top things you can do in Kathmandu, Nepal.

10 top things to do in Kathmandu Nepal, Everest Helicopter tour
10 top things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal, Everest Helicopter tour

10 top things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar Square is another name for this Durbar Square. Built around the 15th century by the Malla Kings who ruled over Kathmandu, were the former palaces for the kings till the 20th century? It consists of buildings designed in the shape of a square rich in architecture and design, representing the true craftsmanship of ancient Nepalese. This Durbar always amazes us with its design, hand-crafted wooden statues, doors and windows, and carved structures.

10 top things to do in Kathmandu Nepal
10 top things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal

The Swayambhunath Stupa:

The shrine and ancient religious complex is the Swayambhunath Stupa, which sits on top of the hill southwest of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
While climbing up the hill to reach the Stupa, you will find many street shops that offer a variety of holy things, as well as tea shops and cafes.

Once you reach the Stupa, the stunning view of the Kathmandu valley, the Big and round Stupa amazes you with its beauty. The Buddhist monk’s enchanting prayers and many other religious groups come here to Worship the Swayambhunath. The Stupa was believed to have been built around the 14th century. Although not religious, you will fall in love with this place.

10 top things to do in Kathmandu Nepal
10 top things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal

The Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath stupa has always been the mainstream Buddhist belief and path. Said to have been built around the 14th century, the giant Mandala of Peace, with big eyes in all four directions, is the top and most sacred shrine for Buddhists. Also, the monks’ enchanting prayers and the movement of the religious flags can make peace of mind and soul. I highly recommend it if you are Buddhist or want inner peace.

Pashupatinath Temple

The temple is the holy shrine temple of Hindus devoted to dedication to their primary God, Shiva. This temple has much to offer, more than only the religious sites. You can visit the nearby forest, and the temple sits by the bank of the River Bagmati. Similarly, the construction of this temple dates back to centuries around the 14th century, as did other UNESCO World Heritage sites. One can easily find this religious site an excellent place to calm and relax.

Pashupati Nath Temple
Pashupati Nath Temple

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

This antique , architecturally rich Durbar lies about 10 km east of Kathmandu Durbar Square. This impressive Palace was the house of the Malla kings until 1769, when it was conquered. In the meantime, the artistic beauty and construction of such a huge palace remain symbols and evidence of how rich and enthusiastic Malla Kings were about the palace’s construction.

The 55-window palace is one of the major attractions for tourists as the windows are made from wood, and the different signs and symbols are carved on the wood, making the palace worth visiting. You can also explore stone architecture, painting, and wood carving while visiting Durbar, the best place to study Nepalese art and architecture history. Therefore, this incredible piece of art is a milestone for historians all around the World and for Nepalese people.

Bhaktapur Nyatpol Temple
Bhaktapur Nyatpol Temple

Patan Durbar Square Tour

Patan Durbar Square is a unique marvel of ancient architecture, where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur ruled. It was constructed around 1600 A.D. by Siddhi Narsingh Malla, followed by his son Srinivasa Sukriti. The Square remains the main attraction for Hindu and Buddhist devotees in this time frame. Similarly, it is the medieval kingdom that offers monuments, museums, and temples that were built centuries ago.

The Palace, Krishna Mandir, Golden Temples, and the Patan Museum are worth visiting to learn about ancient art and architecture. Thus, this tour can be rated the top site for your Kathmandu Tour. Patan Durbar is the ultimate choice if you are keen on ancient art and cultural history.

Nagarkot Sunrise Tour

Sunrise and the Nagarkot Sunrise tour are famous for their stunning and magical views. The tour takes place at the top of the hill (2100 meters) from sea level. We can easily witness the sun’s rays falling on the golden-colored white snow peaks of the Himalayas.
If you want to witness the sunrise, you must get up early in the morning to go to the Roof of your Hotel or drive to the view tower for the best view of the Himalayan range. Similarly, the majestic scenery will also witness the Great Mountains, such as Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Mount Gaurishankar.

You can also enjoy camping in the nearby forest and live wherever you want. With the best connection, you can fully be in nature.
These are the few things that you can do in Kathmandu. We, boundless Adventures, are ready to help you with trekking and tour packages on Every trekking trail.

Yoga in Kathmandu, why do not try?

Yoga has always been the top activity for calming and relaxing the human body. Yoga in a pristine and natural environment is the best way to escape from a dull and sluggish day.

Similarly, yoga in Kathmandu will help you learn yoga’s core values, eventually helping it transform into thoughtful, easy ways and fun, complete exercises to boost peace of mind and a healthy body.
Yoga in the lap of the pristine and beautiful Himalayas is what one can achieve in Kathmandu.

The Taste of Local Foods

Kathmandu is rich in culture and is mixed with different ethnic groups, so the food available is also diverse and unique. So, if you do not try the locals’ cuisine, you will miss a preeminent part of your tour.

The Newari community dominates the society, and their cuisines rule the local food because of their unique taste and texture. You can taste a wide range of foods like Katamari- a traditional dish like pancakes filled with various spices, a choice- grilled on fire with spices of red buffalo meat, and many more.

If you are ever visiting Kathmandu, the MO: M.O.s are the first and best food that many people will suggest. Kathmandu’s MOMOs are famous locally and globally and have been the most served food in Nepal. A MOMO is a small dumpling filled with finely chopped meat, garlic, tomato, onion, and other spices, then steamed and served with hot sauce. You will love it.

Visit Botanical Garden

This is the best place to go if you are a nature lover. As the name suggests, you will find thousands of plants flowering and ornamental plants of native or foreign origin. This garden offers a pleasant and quiet environment and helps you get lost in the lap of Mother Nature. You can also stroll, enjoy a picnic, or chill in a relaxed, calm place, playing with nature. As a botany student, you will get the chance to research various plants.

Shivapuri- National Park Day Hike

If you are a nature lover, this is the central place to visit, as the national park is near the Kathmandu Valley. The park offers rare species of birds and animals. The park is the habitat of the occasional Himalayan black bear, jungle cat, leopard, monkey, and more than 160 species of birds. Also, the park is home to endangered and rare species of butterflies.
Yes, you can easily be lured by the park’s beauty and pleasant environment. Shivapuri wildlife is one of the best places to hike near Kathmandu.

Shivapuri- National park
Shivapuri- National park

Nightlife And Shopping At Thamel

Thamel is the most popular tourist destination in Kathmandu. There are more bars, clubs, and restaurants to spend your nighttime. You can enjoy your time by clubbing, getting a chilled beer at the bar, and enjoying the music. You can also try the best Nepalese food during your stay in Thamel. This place offers travelers who want to engage in exotic life and markets.
There are also local shops where you can get locally produced clothes and hump bags. You will also witness the many art galleries where you can buy exotic and unique paintings. Similarly, if you are interested in Himalayan trekking and mountain climbing in Nepal, Thamel is the best place to get all the trekking gear at reasonable prices. Boundless Adventure operates such trips and treks, including climbing and trekking gear in Kathmandu.

Cable Car At Chandragiri, Kathmandu

If you are seeking a new way of traveling, the cable car at Chandragiri is the primary destination. This cable Car heads to the top of the hill, 2100 meters from sea level. While heading via the cable car, you can observe the view of the Kathmandu Valley. As you reach the top, you will have a panoramic view of the hills, the valley, and the beautiful Himalayas, including Mt. Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal range.

You can enjoy breakfast and lunch at the top of the restaurant and enjoy the scenic view from the restaurant. I highly recommend it if you want a hassle-free time and to enjoy nature while having dinner.

Rock Climbing For Adventure

If you are wondering about Kathmandu’s thrilling and adventurous activities, rock climbing is designed for all adventure lovers. Climbing requires physical demand and strength; it will refresh your body and mind.

In recent years, rock climbing in Nepal has been increasing due to the many mountain climbing trains. Similarly, a lot of climbers are climbing ice-peak and expeditions. These rock climbing skills will help the climbers with the training to climb the highest peaks of Nepal. However, the adventurous sport will enhance strength, skill, and agility.

River Rafting

Rafting is one of the most entertaining and incredibly adventurous activities in Nepal. The fast-flowing river of rapid solid water offers a fantastic experience.

You can experience rafting near Kathmandu by traveling 80 km west of Kathmandu. You can get there in four hours by car or bus. The Trishuli River offers the best rafting experience with stunning flows of water currents and the scenery around. Trishuli River rafting presents you with easy to an extreme level of rafting. If you are a beginner, this raft will boost your confidence and allow you to go further into a vast group of rafting wilderness. It is advisable to do thorough research and learn about the gear needed for rafting. These are the 10 top things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Dambar Khadka

Dambar Khadka, a passionate adventurer and the founder of Boundless Adventure Nepal, has spent his entire life writing about nature and Nepal's developing tourism business. Dambar's passion with nature and its different cultures began as a child in Nepal's stunning landscapes. He began writing following successful treks and expeditions across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Dambar Khadka created Boundless Adventure Nepal in 1992 to share the majesty of the Nepal Himalayas with the rest of the planet. As an explorer and writer, he is committed to responsible tourism and cultural connection, allowing readers and adventurers to immerse themselves in Nepal's enchantment through his works.

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