Kathmandu City Tour & Hikes

Welcome to the Kathmandu City Guide, your perfect resource for exploring Nepal’s gateway to tourism. Kathmandu is at the heart of Nepal and combines old traditions, history, and urban life. From temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites, easily accessible, foreign-friendly spots, crowded alleyways, crazy festivals, pushing through crowds, modern cafés, and beautiful nature, there’s something for everyone in Kathmandu.

This Kathmandu City Guide has everything you need to plan your visit, including information about the city, food and accommodation suggestions, and trip ideas. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family on vacation, Kathmandu offers you everything you are searching for. Additionally, it is not just a city, but also an emotion that grows stronger and deeper as you explore.

Quick Facts About Kathmandu

General facts

• Name: Kathmandu
• Country: Nepal
• Region: Bagmati province
• Founded: Around the 10th century
• Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level.
• Area: 50.67 square kilometers (19.57 sq mi).

Population

• Approximately 1.5 million in the city
• Over 3 million in the Kathmandu Valley (including Lalitpur and Bhaktapur)

Language

• Nepali
• English is widely spoken in tourism areas and by youngsters
• Newar (among the Indigenous Newar community)

Religion

• Hinduism (Majority)
• Buddhism
• Christians and Muslims (Small Population)

Main Airport

• The only international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, is about 6 km from the city center of Kathmandu.

Currency

• Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Time Zone

• Nepal Standard Time (NST): UTC +05:45

Geographic Coordinate

• 27.71°N 85.32°E

Climate

• Subtropical highland climate: Mild winter, warm summers, monsoon  from June to September

Culture and History

• Known as the “City of Temples”
• Rich Newar culture, traditional festivals year-round
• Seven UNESCO World Heritage sites
• The name Kathmandu is derived from the Kasthamandap temple, built from a single tree in the 12th century.

Popular Tour Package from Kathmandu

Kathmandu World Heritage Tour – 5 Day

A Kathmandu World Heritage Tour focuses on exploring the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites within the Kathmandu Valley. Our 5-day tour is carefully crafted, allowing sufficient time to explore the city’s World Heritage site at a relaxed pace. The trip starts with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, followed by a visit to Bouddhanath Stupa. Afterward, you’ll go for a visit to Swayambhunath Temple, and the first day’s visit ends with a traverse of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Another day begins with a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Afterward, you’ll go for a visit to Changunarayan Temple. It’s a plus point that you’ll visit Nagarkot on this day. Another day begins with a sunrise view from Nagarkot and a return to Kathmandu, marking the end of the trip with an exploration of Patan Durbar Square. Additionally, the trip costs USD 1,020.

Chandragiri Chitlang Hiking – 2 Days

Chandragiri Chitlang Hiking is a popular short route in Kathmandu, suitable for all hikers. The journey is short, taking only two days, and costs $200. On your first day, you’ll hike to Chandragiri Hills and continue your hike to Chitlang. Another day starts with a hike to Kulekhani, the largest artificial lake (dam) in Nepal. Afterward, the journey returns to Kathmandu. However, if you prefer a more extended trip, you can customize your itinerary to include your desired destination.

Chisapani Nagarkot Hike – 3 Days

The Chisapani Nagarkot Hike is a relatively easy and short trek located near the Kathmandu Valley. The trip takes 3 days to complete, but can be shortened and lengthened, depending on your time availability and preferences. The first day takes you to Sundarijal and then leads to a hike to Chisapani. Another day takes you to Nagarkot through Shivapuri National Park. Day three takes you to Changunarayan temple through a scenic walk and then drives back to Kathmandu, marking the end of the journey. Additionally, the Chisapani-Nagarkot hike costs USD 200.

Shivapuri Hiking – 1 Day

Shivapuri hiking is a popular one-day trek in Kathmandu Valley, offering an exciting and easy hike that spans approximately 6-7 hours. Your journey begins early at 7:30 a.m. when you meet your hiking guide and depart for Budhanilkantha. After getting to the entry point of Shivapuri National Park, you’ll begin your hike and walk towards Nagi Gompa and Shivapuri Hill, enjoy your packed lunch, and descend back. After checking out of the national park, you’ll drive back to your hotel. The cost for the day hike to Shivapuri is USD 110.

Nagarkot Hiking – 1 Day

Nagarkot Hiking is a popular day trip near Kathmandu, renowned for its panoramic sunrise and sunset views, as well as a nature walk. The journey begins with an early morning ride from Kathmandu to Nagarkot at around 4:30 a.m. As you get to Nagarkot, you’ll enjoy a sunrise view over the Himalayan ranges.

After the view, you’ll have your breakfast and begin your hike through Nagarkot to Changunarayan Temple. After getting to the temple, you’ll take a moment to explore, have your breakfast, and depart to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. After getting to the Durbar Square, you’ll take an excursion and then return to your hotel. Moreover, it costs only USD 80 for a 1-day Nagarkot Hiking.

What’s Special about Kathmandu?

Instead of wondering what is special about Kathmandu, ask what is not special about the city, as it is a place where history, culture, religion, and modern life intersect. Kathmandu is not just a city; it is the soul of the country, and hence one of the most special things about the city. Kathmandu is also referred to as the “City of Temples” because it has many temples, shrines, stupas, and palaces that make it a city rich in temples and history. The city boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kathmandu is unique because it’s a mixture of cultures. The city has many ethnic groups. When you get to see each ethnic group celebrating, you get to see people in their traditional dress, which is evidence of diversity and harmony in such a small city.

Apart from that, if you look closely, even in a crowd and the noise of the city, you can sense a spiritual aura, which makes Kathmandu a special city. The locals are excellent artists, and therefore, you can find beautiful handmade crafts, thangka paintings, wood carvings, metal statues, and traditional jewelry, which makes it unique as well.

Where to stay and what to eat in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is a well-established city in Nepal that offers all kinds of places to stay and eat. From budget hotels to luxury and charming heritage homes, the city provides places to stay that fit your budget. Similarly, whether you prefer street food, traditional meals, or fine dining, the city offers a wide range of options.

Places to Stay

From the bustling Thamel area to the cultural areas of Bhaktapur and Patan, and to the spiritual site of Bouddha, travelers can stay wherever their heart desires. The Thamel area offers a range of accommodations, from budget to mid-range to luxury, and staying there provides a great opportunity to be close to nightlife and crowds.

However, if you’re a culture lover and prefer a quiet, traditional atmosphere, consider staying in the Patan and Bhaktapur area, where you’ll find boutique hotels in historic Newari houses with traditional architecture. Additionally, if you prefer a peaceful and spiritual setting, consider staying near the Bouddhanath Stupa.

What to Eat

Kathmandu offers a diverse range of dining options. Dal Bhat is a must-try food in Kathmandu and throughout the entire country, as it is a staple dish that is healthy and filled with rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles. Similarly, we recommend trying Momo (dumplings), which is the most loved snack in the country. Another food you should have when in Kathmandu is Newari Food. Moreover, Thukpa, Shyaphale, butter tea, and other street foods are other must-try dishes in Kathmandu.