The Ultimate Kathmandu Bucket List: 10 Experiences You Can’t Skip

Kathmandu is wild.

The kind of wild where cows block traffic, monks scroll Instagram, and you’re not sure if that honk was at you or the goat crossing the street.

The first time I wandered its alleys, I got lost within ten minutes — and I didn’t even care. Every corner had something: prayer flags, sizzling street food, hidden courtyards that felt like secret worlds.

It’s noisy, chaotic, unforgettable — and honestly, I can’t get enough. Here are 10 things to do in Kathmandu that prove exactly why this city is worth the madness.

The Best Things to Do in Kathmandu

No trip to Kathmandu feels complete without visiting these places. These are the spots I always recommend to people visiting for the first time.

Pashupatinath Temple

On the banks of the Bagmati River sits Pashupatinath, the oldest and most sacred Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It’s a place of striking architecture, thick incense, and deep spirituality. This is where Nepalese families say goodbye to their loved ones, and cremations take place daily on the river’s stone ghats.

It can feel intense but also peaceful and deeply moving.

Go with a guide if you can — the history and meaning behind what you see makes the experience ten times richer

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Perched on a hilltop just outside the city, Swayambhunath mixes Buddhist and Hindu traditions into one unforgettable site. It’s affectionately known as Monkey Temple, though these days there are as many dogs as monkeys (and the dogs seem to run the place).

You’ve got two ways up: climb the famous 365 steps lined with prayer flags — and watch out for mischievous monkeys who might eye your snacks — or take the back entrance, where three towering golden Buddhas greet you and the stairs are fewer. Either way, the view of Kathmandu from the top is worth the effort.

If you REALLY want to experience the Monkey Temple without the hassle of figuring it out yourself, this guided tour is a great option — it pairs Swayambhunath with a scenic cable car ride to Chandragiri, so you get two epic views of Kathmandu in one day.

Boudhanath Stupa (Boudha)

Boudha isn’t just one of the largest stupas in the world — it’s the beating heart of Kathmandu’s Tibetan Buddhist community. This UNESCO World Heritage Site feels almost meditative despite the crowds.

Before you wander off to shop or hunt down a café, join the locals in walking around the stupa three times clockwise. Even in a crowd, that slow walk can feel like meditation. The prayer flags overhead, the smell of butter lamps, and the low murmur of chants create a calm you won’t forget.

When you’re ready for food, find a rooftop restaurant. On a clear day, you can spot the snow-covered Himalayas from your table — not a bad lunch view.

Entry is 400 rupees for foreigners, and it’s open daily.

Narayanhiti Palace Museum

Just steps from Thamel is Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal residence. It’s a fascinating look into Nepal’s monarchy — ornate rooms, state halls, and artifacts that tell the story of power, privilege, and ultimately tragedy.

You’ll even see the bullet holes from the 2001 royal massacre, a chilling detail in an otherwise elegant space. Cameras aren’t allowed inside, which somehow makes the experience more intimate and focused.

Entry is 1,000 rupees for foreigners. It’s open from 10:30 to 15:30 every day except Wednesday, and it closes early on Tuesday (13:30).

Garden of Dreams

Just a short walk from the old royal palace, the Garden of Dreams feels like a different world. As soon as you step through the gate, the city noise fades and the air suddenly feels lighter — calmer.

It’s one of the few green spaces in Kathmandu that’s this well-kept. Think European-style gardens: fountains, pavilions, flower beds, and a peaceful pond in the middle. It’s a great spot to read, journal, or just rest if you’ve been dealing with the traffic and crowds in Thamel.

Entry is 400 rupees for foreigners. Open daily from 9:00 to 18:00.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

If you want to see where the city’s story began, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a maze of ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards that once housed Nepal’s royalty.

The 2015 earthquake left its mark here, but restoration work continues and much of the square still stands proud. For me, those visible scars don’t take away from the experience — they’re a reminder of the city’s resilience and ongoing fight to protect its heritage.

Entry is 1,000 rupees for foreigners, and your ticket can be used more than once.

Hike to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa

If you’re looking for a short, quiet escape with some views, this one’s a good pick. The trail starts from Budhanilkantha Temple, which is worth a stop on its own. From there, it’s about a one-hour hike uphill.

The path winds through quiet forest and hills, and near the top, you’ll start to see colorful prayer flags blowing in the wind — they kind of lead the way. As you reach the Jamchen Vijaya Stupa, you’re met with sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley and a peaceful, whitewashed stupa surrounded by offerings and small shrines.

It’s quiet up there. Peaceful in a way that sneaks up on you.

Entry is free, and it’s open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Everest Mountain Flight

Let’s be honest — not everyone wants to hike for days to catch a glimpse of Everest. If the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek aren’t in your plans (or even if they are and you want a different view), a scenic mountain flight is an INCREDIBLE adventure.

It’s a one-hour flight from Kathmandu Airport, heading east toward the Himalayas. You’ll get a front-row view of Everest and several other massive peaks — all from the comfort of your seat. I did it once before a trek and it gave me a whole new perspective on just how big those mountains really are.

Try to grab a window seat, and don’t be shy — you can usually ask the crew for a quick visit to the cockpit. The pilots are used to it, and the view from up front is unreal.

This tour was our absolute favorite and well worth the money.

It’s not the same as standing at Base Camp, but it’s a pretty incredible way to see the world’s highest mountain — especially if you’re short on time or just want to see Everest from the sky.

Explore Patan

Patan is just across the river from Kathmandu, but it feels like a completely different city. It’s quieter, with narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards, and it’s full of local life — artists, metalworkers, and woodcarvers still practicing their craft like they’ve done for generations.

The Patan Durbar Square is less crowded than the one in central Kathmandu, but just as impressive. Don’t skip the Patan Museum — it’s one of the best in Nepal and gives real context to the art and architecture you’ll see all around the city.

Also, make time for the Golden Temple, a Newar Buddhist monastery from the 1400s. It’s tucked into a corner and easy to miss — but stunning once you’re inside.

Take a Nepali Cooking Class (and Eat Everything)

Nepali food is seriously underrated. Taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to dive into it.

You’ll usually learn to make staples like momos (steamed dumplings) and dal bhat (lentils, rice, and curry). It’s hands-on and fun, and you get to eat your work, which is the best part.

Outside the kitchen, don’t miss the street food scene. Kathmandu is full of tiny cafés, bakeries, and hole-in-the-wall spots serving everything from spicy noodle soup to sweet fried dough. Just follow the locals — and avoid anywhere that looks too quiet.