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 Ballys Casino or Narayanhity Palace Museum 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 Riverbanks of the Bagmati or Gorakhnath Temple while you're exploring the area.

Boudhha
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Sundhara

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

Sundhara
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Jhamsikhel

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

Jhamsikhel
Mt Everest a view from the sky

New Baneshwor

If you're spending some time in New Baneshwor, Seto Macchendranath Temple and Vaisha Dev (Toothache Tree) are top sights worth seeing.

New Baneshwor
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
5 out of 5
Taragaon Boudha, Gpo Box 9609, Kathmandu
The price is P6,752 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
P6,752
P7,765 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kathmandu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (432 reviews)
"All good but some bed"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
5 out of 5
Manakamana Marg, Naxal, Kathmandu
The price is P7,438 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
P7,438
P8,554 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 9 - Apr 10
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! (139 reviews)
"Great hotel. Staff go above and beyond to please you. Definitely recommend if you come nepal"

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2025

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
3 out of 5
Tridevi Marg, KMC- 29, Kathmandu
The price is P3,483 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
P3,483
P3,936 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 8 - Apr 9
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! (251 reviews)
"Great location, staff and accommodation. Central to everything. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2025

Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
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
Lagom Premium Apartment Pvt Ltd
Lagom Premium Apartment Pvt Ltd
3.5 out of 5
APF 2 no.gate, Paach dhara khane pani, Nagarjun, Bagmati Province
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Nagarjun. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pashupatinath ...
Lagom Premium Apartment Pvt Ltd
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 Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pashupatinath ...
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.

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