Kathmandu Valley

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

Though Jhamsikhel might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pachali Bhairab & the Southern Ghats and Patan Zoo.

Jhamsikhel
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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
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
5 out of 5
Manakamana Marg, Naxal, Kathmandu
The price is P9,672 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
P9,672
P11,123 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 23 - Dec 24
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! (126 reviews)
"One of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed at! Facilities are beautiful and the service was outstanding! Loved every minute!"

Reviewed on Nov 23, 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 1 Dec to 2 Dec
P3,927
P4,438 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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! (229 reviews)
"Nice place, reasonable price"

Reviewed on Nov 24, 2024

Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
Hotel Mulberry
Hotel Mulberry
4 out of 5
Jyatha, Thamel, Kathmandu
The price is P4,911 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
P4,911
P6,252 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 16 - Dec 17
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (225 reviews)
Fantastic
"This hotel has always been my go to hotel for the last few years. It’s clean, nice and friendly staff has always been worth it."

Reviewed on Nov 24, 2024

Hotel Mulberry
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
Kakani Adventure Camp
Kakani Adventure Camp
2 out of 5
Kakani Park Marg, Kakani, Central Development Region
Stay at this campground in Kakani. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attraction Osho Tapoban Meditation Center is located ...
Kakani Adventure Camp
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.

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