Kathmandu Valley

Travel Guide
Kopan Monastery which includes a temple or place of worship
This mountain-sheltered region at the foot of the Himalayas is filled with sacred sites of great beauty, religious importance and historic significance. 

Buddhist and Hindu temples and monuments stand side by side in Kathmandu Valley’s ancient cities. Appreciate centuries-old architecture, trek along mountain paths and visit the home of a living goddess.

For more than a thousand years the Kathmandu Valley has been Nepal’s political, cultural and economic hub. Dynasties have come and gone, but cultures and traditions are preserved in the ancient temples.

Journey to Swayambhunath, a hilltop temple on Kathmandu Valley’s western edge. The religious compound is called Monkey Temple for the holy monkeys living here. Examine ancient carvings and statues in Changu Narayan Temple, a fourth-century Hindu shrine. Marvel at the rich ornamentation of Pashupatinath Temple. Go to the Buddhist holy site of Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest ancient stupas, believed to have been built in the 14th century.

Visit Kathmandu, Nepal’s largest city and capital, to explore the temples, palaces and monuments of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Climb up the nine-story Basantapur Tower at Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the former royal residence. Study the architecture of the three-tiered Taleju Mandir temple. Admire wood-carved reliefs of gods inside Kumari Ghar. This is the temple home of a young girl believed to be the incarnation of a Hindu goddess.

Nature lovers and hikers will delight in a visit to Kathmandu Valley. About 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of the capital city is Langtang National Park. The hiking trails climb up forested slopes and through deep gorges where you may see wild boar, gray langur monkeys and red pandas. Walk from Dhunche to Gosaikunda, an alpine lake and Hindu religious site the trek takes several days. Relax after your hike with Nepalese momo stuffed dumplings and chiya spiced tea.

Reach Kathmandu Valley by flying into Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Hire a car and driver or get around by bus, taxi, motorbike or bicycle. Some roads are in poor condition and rides may be bumpy. This minor inconvenience is more than made up for by the valley’s natural beauty.

Where to stay in Kathmandu Valley

Garden of Dreams showing a fountain

Thamel

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

Thamel
Default Image

Lazimpat

Gardens, restaurants, and historic sites are some highlights of Lazimpat. You might stop by Narayanhity Palace Museum or Durbar Marg while you're in the area.

Lazimpat
Boudhanath showing a city

Boudhha

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

Boudhha
Default Image

Sundhara

If you're spending some time in Sundhara, Bhimsen Tower (Dharahara) and Kathmandu Civil Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Sundhara
Pashupatinath Temple showing a city

Gaushala

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Gaushala and surrounding area, you can visit Pashupatinath Temple and Royal Nepal Golf Course.

Gaushala
Default Image

Sinamangal

While there might not be top attractions in Sinamangal, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Royal Nepal Golf Course and Pashupatinath Temple.

Sinamangal
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
5 out of 5
Manakamana Marg, Naxal, Kathmandu
The price is P9,964 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
P9,964
P11,458 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 21 - Nov 22
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (117 reviews)
"Hotel location is at convenient location. Shopping/ eating is at walking distance. Thamel kitchen servers demeanor is less welcoming to local guests."

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2024

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
3 out of 5
Tridevi Marg, KMC- 29, Kathmandu
The price is P3,927 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
P3,927
P4,437 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 20 - Nov 21
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (221 reviews)
"Thank you!"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
Baber Mahal Vilas
Baber Mahal Vilas
5 out of 5
Tanka Prasad Ghumti Sadak, Kathmandu
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
"The hotel had its charm and it was pleasant being there but it wasn’t close to anything and the area isn’t clean, sidewalks are broken up and the traffic was nerve racking. The staff were very helpful and breakfasts were very good."

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2024

Baber Mahal Vilas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Boudha Apart Hotel
Boudha Apart Hotel
3 out of 5
Ramhiti Boudha Rd, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Boudhanath and Pashupatinath Temple ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Staff are helpful and cheerful. The room is clean."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2024

Boudha Apart Hotel
Elegant Apartment Kathmandu
Elegant Apartment Kathmandu
2.5 out of 5
Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province
Stay at this aparthotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath are located ...
Elegant Apartment Kathmandu
Suite Homes
Suite Homes
3 out of 5
Manbhawan Rd, Lalitpur, Central Development Region
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Lalitpur. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath are ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
"I liked it how everybody was very friendly."

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

Suite Homes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do