What to See in Kathmandu
Explore 38 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Kathmandu, Nepal. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
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Swayambhunath
A site on a hill overlooking the city with a large stupa and other Buddhist and Hindu iconography. One of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. There are 350 steps to the top - the back route is less steep but the views on the way up are not as nice. Aside from the views over the city and the ancient carvings in every available space, it's crowded with monkeys mingling with the visitors.…
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The base of the hill is a 30 minute walk from Thamel (make sure you have a map as there are several confusing intersections along the way), or take a taxi or rickshaw. As with the Boudha Stupa, are plenty of Buddhist and Tibetan-inspired trinkets for sale. There are also drinks for sale at the top, and at least one small restaurant selling momos. For those that have their own transport or have difficulty climbing stairs there is a parking lot at the back entrance that significantly reduces the number of stairs that need to be climbed to gain access to the main compound. This is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
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Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Narayanhity" comes from Narayana, a form of the Hindu god Lord Vishnu, and Hiti, meaning "water spout" (Vishnu's temple is located opposite the palace, and the water spout is located east of the main entrance to the precinct). Narayanhity was a new palace, in front of the old palace built in 1915, and was built in 1970 in the form of a contemporary Pagoda.…
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It was built on the occasion of the marriage of King Birenda Bir Bikram Shah, then heir apparent to the throne. The palace area covers (30 hectares) and is fully secured with gates on all sides. This is the former Royal palace which was turned partly into a Museum and partly into the Foreign Ministry in 2009 after the abolition of the monarchy. Now you can visit the splendid Halls of the main building of the palace. Giant fruit bats hanging from the tall trees and 20 foot-tall bamboo around the otherwise modern (and still well secured) former palace are a sight, especially around sunset when the bats depart en masse.
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National Museum
Official websiteThis in an historical building. This building was constructed in the early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa. It is the most important museum in the country, housing an extensive collection of weapons, art and antiquities of historic and cultural importance.…
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The museum was established in 1928 as a collection house of war trophies and weapons, and the initial name of this museum was Chhauni Silkhana, meaning "the stone house of arms and ammunition". Given its focus, the museum contains an extensive quantity of weapons, including locally made firearms used in wars, leather cannons from the 18th–19th century, and medieval and modern works in wood, bronze, stone and paintings.
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Boudha Stupa (Boudhanath)
One of the most sacred sites for Tibetan Buddhism. This huge stupa is one of the largest in the world. This is another World Heritage Site. - Located about 11 km from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu. - The base of the stupa has 108 small depictions of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha.…
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It is surrounded with a brick wall with 147 niches, each with four or five prayer wheels engraved with the mantra, om mani padme hum. At the northern entrance where visitors must pass is a shrine dedicated to Ajima, the goddess of smallpox.
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Dhansā Degah
This is a 17th-century pagoda-shaped building. Its carved wood windows provide a specimen of the art of woodworking which has been highly developed in the Kathmandu Valley since ancient times. The upper part was destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1934, and its height was shortened when it was repaired. It was originally a courthouse.…
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A shrine to Nāsa Dya, the god of music, exists on the ground floor.
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Pashupatinath
An important Hindu temple to Shiva in the form of Lord of the Beasts. It's the location of cremation ghats (steps) on the banks of the Bagmati River. You will also see sadhus, a busy market for religious items and a holy cave. Morning is a great time to go.…
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While entrance to the temple is allowed for Hindus only, the surrounding forest area provides much to explore.
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Garden of Dreams
Official websiteRelax in this beautiful and peaceful walled garden close to Thamel and the former Royal Palace. Beautifully renovated in partnership with Austrian Govt. Currently has two pavilions depicting two of the six annual seasons in the Hindu calendar. It has several expensive cafes and a bar. Nice toilets.
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Kastha Mandap
This is a three-storeyed temple enshrining an image of Gorakhnath. It was built in the 16th century in pagoda style. The name of Kathmandu is a derivative of the word Kasthamandap. It was built under the reign of King Laxmi Narsingha Malla. It was originally built as a rest house for travelers.
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Taragaon Museum
Official websiteturn it into a Documentation Centre – documenting what artists, photographers, architects, anthropologists and Samskritists from abroad had contributed in the second half of the 20th century to identify, highlight and preserve the cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
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Tribhuvan Museum
contains artifacts related to the King Tribhuvan (1906–1955). It has a variety of pieces including his personal belongings, letters and papers, memorabilia related to events he was involved in and a rare collection of photos and paintings of Royal family members.
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Asa Archives
They specialize in medieval history and religious traditions of the Kathmandu Valley. The archives have a collection of some 6,000 loose-leaf handwritten books and 1,000 palm-leaf manuscripts (mostly in Sanskrit or Nepal Bhasa) and a manuscript dated to 1464.
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Lakhu Phalechā
a roadside shelter is linked with the founding of Nepal Sambat. This is where the porters from Bhaktapur are said to have rested with their loads of sand. The procession of the goddess Dāgin, which is held during the Yenya festival, starts from this house.
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Mahendra Museum
This Museum is dedicated to king Mahendra of Nepal (1920–1972). It includes his personal belongings such as decorations, stamps, coins and personal notes and manuscripts, but it also has structural reconstructions of his cabinet room and office chamber.
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Moti Azima Gallery
Located in a three storied building which contains an impressive collection of traditional utensils and handmade dolls and items typical of a medieval Newar house, giving an important insight into Nepalese history.
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The Natural History Museum
Official websiteThis museum has a sizeable collection of different species of animals, butterflies, and plants. The museum is noted for its display of species, from prehistoric shells to stuffed animals
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Maruhiti
is a celebrated stone water spout. The alley was once famed by its nickname Pie Alley for the many pie shops here during the hippie days of the 1960s and 1970s
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Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery
hosts the work of contemporary painters and sculptors, and regularly organizes exhibitions. It also runs morning and evening classes in the schools of art.
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Nasal Chowk
Statues, temples and the Rana museum. Located in the Hanuman Dhoka former palace complex, the courtyard was used for royal coronations as recently as 2001.
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Taleju Temple
One of the oldest temples in the square, this three-roofed temple with its pyramid shaped bases, is an example of the typical Newari architectural style.
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The temple of Maru Ganedya
is one of the more important Ganesh shrines in Kathmandu. A notable feature of this temple is the absence of the usual pinnacle.
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Nepal Art Council Gallery
This gallery contains artwork of both national and international artists and extensive halls regularly used for art exhibitions
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Budda Neelkantha Temple
An idol of Bhagwan Vishnu in a sleeping position surrounded by water is an extraordinary cool and calm experience.
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Freak Street
Historic street where western hippies seeking enlightenment would stay. Now just a few restaurants and hotels.
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Silyan Sata
dates from the 17th century. It contains shops on the ground floor and a hymn singing hall on the upper floor.
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Gakuti
This building is a three-sided courtyard. There is a temple dedicated to Mahadev at the center.
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Ram Mandir
A Historical Temple, made by Prime Minister Shree Teen Jang Bahadur Rana Kunwar in late 1870s.
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Pachali Bhairab
A huge pipal tree formed a sanctuary here. There is an image of Pachali
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J Art Gallery
Displays the artwork of eminent, established Nepalese painters.
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Kumari Palace
- home of "the Kumari", or living goddess, a young girl.
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Thamel Chowk
A tourist neighborhood with many restaurants and shops.
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Raj Ghat
Here can be find a small group of shrines
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Royal botanical garden
-the only botanical garden in the country
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Shantipura Building
Part of the Swayambhunath Complex
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Matrikeshwor Mahadev
Middle of Rani Pokhari Pond
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Machali Mandir, Teku
A small two storey pagoda
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Tindeval Temple
Shikhara style building.
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Shiva Temple on Bagmati Marg
Ruined Shiva Temple
Exploring Kathmandu: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Kathmandu is one of Nepal's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 38 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Kathmandu, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Kathmandu Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Kathmandu is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Kathmandu are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Swayambhunath and Narayanhiti Palace Museum, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Kathmandu, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Kathmandu rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Before you visit major paid attractions in Kathmandu, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Kathmandu's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Kathmandu as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Kathmandu together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Kathmandu is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Kathmandu's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Kathmandu find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Kathmandu, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Kathmandu use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Kathmandu Worth Seeing
Kathmandu offers 38 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Swayambhunath, Narayanhiti Palace Museum, National Museum are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. Nepal's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Kathmandu's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Kathmandu, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing in other Nepal cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu has 38 notable sights including Swayambhunath, Narayanhiti Palace Museum, National Museum. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Kathmandu?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Kathmandu to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Kathmandu.
Are there free things to see in Kathmandu?
Yes — many of Kathmandu's best sights are free or low-cost. Outdoor landmarks, public squares, parks, and certain museums offer free admission or free exterior visits. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Kathmandu's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Kathmandu to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Kathmandu with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Kathmandu. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Kathmandu with company.
Is Kathmandu good for solo travelers?
Kathmandu is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Kathmandu so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Kathmandu with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Kathmandu, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
