Things to do in and around Kathmandu, sites to visit and places to see. 


kathmandu


Also, how to get to them. Most of these places to see in Kathmandu and nearby have their own detailed guides and tips on our blog, but this one blog post gives you a good overview to plan your Nepal itinerary. While in Kathmandu you should, of course see majestic Swayambhunath, The Monkey Temple, as in the photo above. There is also old Freak Street to explore, and the temple complexes of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.

Patan has Kathmandu’s second Durbar Square and is a short taxi ride from tourist Kathmandu. Just off the Patan Durbar Square you’ll find the Golden Temple. It’s a must-visit.

Years ago, the Golden Temple was a rat temple. We visited way back when, but on our recent visit there was not a rat to be seen.A look at Patan’s Durbar Square. In the photo below you can see entrails strung accross a doorway. A post-earthquake look at the damage in this historic region. We also bumped into Prince Harry there. Read about that too.

If you have time, get outside of Kathmandu and explore the Kathmandu Valley. Starting with Bhaktapur and Nagarkot. Bhaktapur is ancient and relatively tourist-free, it is the Kathmandu Valley’s third Durbar Square. Nagarkot is famous as a Himalayan view point, in season. Both are within 2 hours of Kathmandu.

Nagarkot, we got there by bus from Bhaktapur and stayed a few nights, you could also take a day trip to see the Himalayas. Know which times of year will bring you clear skies.