Things to Do in Kathmandu Before or After Your Trek
Most trekkers spend one to three days in Kathmandu. With one day, see Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. A second day adds Patan or Bhaktapur. A third can be the Everest mountain flight, a bike ride in the valley, or simply rest.
Our Kathmandu City Tour covers the four main sites in one day with a guide, a car and entry fees included.
- Swayambhunath: NPR 200
- Boudhanath: NPR 400
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: NPR 1,000
- Pashupatinath: NPR 1,000
- Patan Durbar Square: NPR 1,000
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: around NPR 1,800 to 2,000
- Garden of Dreams: NPR 400
Fees are for foreign visitors from outside SAARC. SAARC nationals and Nepali citizens pay less. Rates can change, so carry cash and check at the ticket counter. Last updated: November 2026
Why Kathmandu Matters for Trekkers
Kathmandu is the main arrival point for most international visitors to Nepal. It is where many trekkers arrange permits, meet their guide, check their gear and get ready for the trail. Depending on your route, you then travel on to Pokhara, fly to Lukla or drive to the trailhead. If you are trekking in the Everest region, allow some flexibility for Lukla flight delays.
Before or After Your Trek?
Before the trek, keep it light. You have just had a long flight. Use the day to check your gear, rent or buy anything you are missing, and meet your guide for the briefing. A short visit to Swayambhunath or Boudhanath is fine. For what to rent, see trekking gear rental in Kathmandu.
After the trek is the better time for a full day of sightseeing. Your legs are used to walking, the trek is done, and a day of temples and good food is a nice way to finish. If you only have one spare day, put it at the end.
Things to Do in Kathmandu
1. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
A white stupa on a hill west of the city, with views over the whole valley. The main stairway is steep, with around 365 steps, but a road goes most of the way up the back. Watch your snacks and sunglasses, because the monkeys are bold. Go early for the best light.
2. Kathmandu Durbar Square
The old royal palace area in the heart of the city, full of temples, courtyards and carved wooden windows. It is also home to the Kumari, the living goddess, and visitors may see her at her window, though it is not guaranteed. Some buildings are still being restored after the 2015 earthquake, but the square is well worth a visit.
3. Pashupatinath
Nepal’s most important Hindu temple, on the Bagmati River. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but they can visit the surrounding complex and view the temple from the opposite riverbank. The riverbanks are also where Hindu cremation ceremonies take place. Be respectful and ask before photographing people. The evening aarti ceremony is worth staying for. Its start time changes with the season, so ask your guide or hotel.
4. Boudhanath
One of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan Buddhist life in Kathmandu. Walk clockwise around it with the pilgrims, then find a rooftop cafe for the view. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times.
5. Patan Durbar Square
Patan is a separate old city just south of Kathmandu, and many people think its square is the most beautiful of the three. The Patan Museum inside the palace is the best museum in the valley. The lanes nearby have metal workshops, quiet courtyards and the Golden Temple.
6. Bhaktapur
The best preserved of the three old cities, around 45 minutes to an hour or more from Thamel depending on traffic. Fewer cars, brick streets, the five-storey Nyatapola Temple and the pottery square. Try juju dhau, the local yoghurt. Bhaktapur has the highest entry fee in the valley, and it can easily fill half a day.
7. Everest mountain flight
If you are not trekking in the Everest region, this is the easiest way to see the highest mountains on earth. It is a one hour morning flight from Kathmandu along the Himalaya. Airlines generally arrange window seats so everyone gets a view. Flights depend on weather and visibility, and seeing Everest is not guaranteed even when the flight goes. Book it early in your stay rather than on your last morning, so you have another chance if it is cancelled. See Everest Mountain Flight.
8. Mountain biking in the valley
A day on a bike through villages, terraced fields and hill trails on the edge of the valley. Routes range from gentle village rides to steeper climbs, so we match the ride to your fitness and experience. It is a good choice for active people with a spare day. See Kathmandu Mountain Biking Day Tour.
9. Thamel and Asan
Thamel is the tourist district, with gear shops, cafes, bookshops and bars. A short walk south, Asan is the old market where locals shop for spices, fabric and brass. The walk between them passes small shrines and courtyards most visitors miss.
10. Garden of Dreams
A quiet restored garden at the edge of Thamel, with a cafe inside. It is a good break from the traffic. Entry is NPR 400 for foreign visitors.
How Many Days to Spend in Kathmandu
| Time you have | Suggested plan |
|---|---|
| Half a day | Swayambhunath or Boudhanath, then Thamel |
| One day | Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath |
| Two days | Main Kathmandu sights on day one, then Patan or Bhaktapur on day two |
| Three days | Add the other old city, the Everest mountain flight, mountain biking or a rest day |
Seeing all four main sites in one day is possible with an early start and private transport, but it is a full day. If you prefer a slower pace, leave one site for the next morning.
If you want it organised, our Kathmandu City Tour covers the four main sites in one day with a private car, a licensed guide and entry fees included. For a longer stay, see the Kathmandu Cultural Tour. Heading west next? See Kathmandu to Pokhara and things to do in Pokhara.
FAQs About Things to Do in Kathmandu
How many days do I need in Kathmandu?
One full day covers the main sights. Two days lets you add Patan or Bhaktapur. Many trekkers plan one day before the trek and one after.
Should I sightsee before or after my trek?
After, if you can. Use the day before for gear, permits and the briefing with your guide, and save the full sightseeing day for the end.
How much are the entry fees in Kathmandu?
Most sites cost between NPR 200 and NPR 1,000 for foreign visitors. Bhaktapur costs more, at around NPR 1,800 to 2,000. Fees can change, so carry cash.
Can I see Everest from Kathmandu?
Not from the city. The morning mountain flight gives you a chance to see Everest and other high peaks from the air, weather permitting.
Is Kathmandu safe for tourists?
Generally yes. Watch your bag in crowds and agree taxi fares before you get in. See Is Nepal safe to travel?
