Things to Do in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and international gateway — UNESCO Valley heritage, living temples, Thamel services and the hub for buses and flights nationwide. Most Nepal trips start and end here.

Hotels in Kathmandu →

6Attractions 15Activities 1Hotels 16Routes

Plan your Kathmandu trip

Budget calculator

Travellers Days Travel style Paid activity

Estimated trip budget Rs 25,300 1 traveller(s) · 3 day(s)

Stay / room / night	from Rs 3,500 × 1 room(s)
Food / person / day	from Rs 1,600
Paid activity / person	from Rs 2,500 Depends on selected activity and operator.
Local travel / group / day	from Rs 2,500
Stay subtotal	Rs 10,500
Food subtotal	Rs 4,800
Activity subtotal	Rs 2,500
Local travel subtotal	Rs 7,500

Planning estimate for Kathmandu based on published Nepal tourist rates (2025–2026 guides). Hotel is per room (2 guests), food per person/day, local transport per group/day, paid activity once per traveller. Intercity buses/flights and permits are separate. Verify live prices before booking.

Kathmandu price references

Last researched: 17 July 2026. Rates are planning benchmarks, not live quotes.

Budget Thamel private rooms often ~Rs 800–2,000; tourist mid-range ~Rs 2,500–5,500.
Local meals ~Rs 200–450; cafe days ~Rs 1,500–2,600.
Monument fees commonly Rs 500–1,800 per major site.
Short taxis ~Rs 300–500; ride apps often cheaper.
Lokrio researched planning benchmark — Budget Rs 1,600–2,200 · deluxe ~Rs 3,500 · 4–5 star Rs 7,000–9,000; food up to Rs 2,000/person/day.
Hotwire — Kathmandu 4-star example — Live 4-star market example; rates change by date.
Hotel Jiyan — published room rates — Standard room Rs 1,500; AC/deluxe from Rs 2,000.
Pokhara Homes Hotel — published room rates — Normal room Rs 1,500; deluxe room Rs 2,000.
Hotel Sitasharan — Nepal room category guide — Standard Rs 1,200–2,500 and deluxe Rs 2,000–4,000.

Best time to visit

October–November and March–May. Monsoon is wet; winter foggy but good for city walks.

Season	Conditions	Best for
Oct–Nov	Clear, mild days Peak season; book early.	Views, sightseeing, hikes
Dec–Feb	Cool, dry; cold mornings Pack warm layers.	City walks, clear views
Mar–May	Warm; spring blooms Afternoon haze or storms possible.	Hiking, outdoor activities
Jun–Sep	Monsoon rain, humid Allow road-delay buffer.	Green landscapes, lower crowds

3-day Kathmandu itinerary

Day 1 Arrival & highlights

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Swayambhunath
Try: Momo

Day 2 Activities & local culture

Boudhanath
Pashupatinath
Heritage walks

Day 3 Scenic side trip

Thamel
Patan day trip
Optional side trip: Patan

Top activities & attractions

Heritage walks Activity Mountain flight Activity Shivapuri day hike Activity Food tours Activity Handicraft shopping Activity Kathmandu Durbar Square Attraction Swayambhunath Attraction Boudhanath Attraction Pashupatinath Attraction Thamel Attraction Patan day trip Attraction Garden of Dreams Attraction Asan bazaar Attraction Narayanhiti Museum Attraction Changu Narayan Attraction

Plan Kathmandu

Kathmandu travel guide
Hotels in Kathmandu
Bus Kathmandu → Kathmandu
Best season: October–November and March–May. Monsoon is wet; winter foggy but good for city walks.

Planning Kathmandu — FAQ

What is the best time to visit Kathmandu?

October–November and March–May. Monsoon is wet; winter foggy but good for city walks.

How much budget do I need for Kathmandu?

A mid-range planning estimate is around Rs 8,434 per person per day for stay, food, local travel and one paid activity tier — excluding intercity transport, flights and permits.

How many days are enough for Kathmandu?

Two to three days suit the main highlights in Kathmandu; add extra days for nearby trips, trekking or weather delays.

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