Nepal · City Guide
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is Nepal's extraordinary capital, a city of ancient temples, vibrant bazaars and the gateway to the Himalayas combining the UNESCO World Heritage Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the magnificent Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath on the sacred Bagmati River and the chaotic, colourful energy of one of Asia's most fascinating cities. From ancient Newari architecture to trekking preparation for Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, Kathmandu rewards every visitor.
Elect's take
"Kathmandu is a city of extraordinary sensory intensity and spiritual depth. The combination of the ancient Durbar Squares, the Buddhist stupas, the chaos of the bazaars and the proximity of the Himalayas creates something I find genuinely overwhelming in the best possible way."
The Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains the historic royal palace complex and numerous temples representing centuries of Newari architectural achievement, though significantly damaged by the 2015 earthquake and undergoing ongoing restoration. Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, is an ancient Buddhist stupa on a hilltop providing panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley. Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture in Nepal. Pashupatinath, on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, is one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in the world with continuous cremation ceremonies. Kathmandu serves as the essential gateway for trekking in the Everest and Annapurna regions.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Durbar Square
A UNESCO World Heritage royal palace complex of historic Newari architecture.
Swayambhunath
The ancient Monkey Temple stupa with panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley.
Boudhanath
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan culture in Nepal.
Pashupatinath
One of the most important Hindu temple complexes in the world on the sacred Bagmati River.
Himalayan Gateway
The essential gateway for trekking in the Everest and Annapurna regions.
Thamel Bazaar
A vibrant district of shops, restaurants and trekking outfitters at the heart of the city.
