Things to do in Kathmandu Valley

Activities, attractions and tours

Kopan Monastery featuring a temple or place of worship
Nagarkot which includes tranquil scenes and farmland
Kathmandu Valley
Boudhanath which includes a city
Garden of Dreams showing a fountain

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Top places to visit

1. Pashupatinath Temple

One of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrines is a fascinating temple complex known for its beautiful pagoda architecture, monuments and shrines.
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Pashupatinath Temple showing markets

2. Boudhanath

Join devotees on their ritual walk around one of the biggest stupas in the world, spinning prayer wheels as you go.
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Boudhanath showing a city

3. Kathmandu Durbar Square

The lively historic center of Kathmandu is a place to discover ancient architecture, statues of deities and some of Nepal’s holiest religious sites.
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Kathmandu Durbar Square featuring a temple or place of worship

4. Patan Durbar Square

One of the most enchanting collections of religious monuments in Nepal is a beautiful square filled with palaces, temples, shrines and sculptures.
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Patan Durbar Square featuring a temple or place of worship

5. Swayambhunath

The Monkey Temple is a spectacular Buddhist shrine that is home to gilded statues, prayer wheels, mani stones and dozens of mischievous monkeys.
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Swayambhunath showing religious aspects

6. Garden of Dreams

Go for a stroll among the elegant pavilions, pergolas, ornamental fountains and lush green lawns of this beautiful historical garden.
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Garden of Dreams showing heritage elements

What to do in Kathmandu Valley

Popular places to visit

Pashupatinath Temple showing markets

Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Pashupatinath Temple
Boudhanath showing a city

Boudhanath

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Boudhanath
Kathmandu Durbar Square featuring a temple or place of worship

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Learn about the local history of Bhaktapur when you take a trip to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens or seek out the hiking trails.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square featuring a temple or place of worship

Patan Durbar Square

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Patan Durbar Square
Swayambhunath showing religious aspects

Swayambhunath

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Swayambhunath
Garden of Dreams showing heritage elements

Garden of Dreams

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Garden of Dreams
Chandragiri Cable Car Bottom Station

Chandragiri Cable Car Bottom Station

Learn about the local history of Chandragiri when you take a trip to Chandragiri Cable Car Bottom Station. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens or seek out the hiking trails.

Chandragiri Cable Car Bottom Station

Durbar Marg

During your trip to Kathmandu, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Durbar Marg. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens or seek out the local tours.

Durbar Marg

Areas of Kathmandu Valley

Garden of Dreams showing a fountain

Thamel

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Unique features of Thamel include the shopping and cafes. Make a stop by Temples of the Elements or Ballys Casino while you're exploring the area.

Thamel
Boudhanath featuring a city

Boudhha

4/5(9 area reviews)

Unique features of Boudhha include the gardens and spas. Make a stop by Boudhanath or Shechen Monastery while you're exploring the area.

Boudhha
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Lazimpat

4/5(12 area reviews)

Get to know Lazimpat by checking out its gardens, restaurants and historical sites. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Ballys Casino or Narayanhity Palace Museum during your time in the area.

Lazimpat
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New Baneshwor

While visiting New Baneshwor, you might make a stop by sights like Seto Macchendranath Temple and Vaisha Dev (Toothache Tree).

New Baneshwor
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Sundhara

While visiting Sundhara, you might make a stop by sights like Kathmandu Civil Mall and Bhimsen Tower (Dharahara).

Sundhara
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Jhamsikhel

Jhamsikhel might not have many top sights, but Pachali Bhairab & the Southern Ghats and Patan Zoo are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Jhamsikhel
Golden Temple which includes a city

Kathmandu

Golden Temple showing a temple or place of worship

Lalitpur

Nagarkot featuring tranquil scenes and a small town or village

Nagarkot

Photo by Emma Spurlock

Sundarijal