11 Places to Visit in Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu is Nepal’s vibrant capital city known for its rich cultural heritage, spiritual sites, and beautiful landscape. When you visit Kathmandu you will feel like you have stepped back in time because of its ancient temples and palaces.
In this article, we will discover the 11 Best places to visit in Kathmandu Valley in 2024, the beautiful places of Kathmandu, and why you should visit Kathmandu.
🔑 15-second summary
- 11 best places to visit in Kathmandu including Siddhartha Art Gallery, and Kirtipur
- Godawari for unique plants and relaxation in its calm atmosphere.
- Fun places to see in Kathmandu including jump KTM
- Two best places to visit in Kathmandu with family
Here is the list of places to visit in Kathmandu Valley
| Place | Description | Location |
| Kathmandu Durbar Square | Explore the past and design of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Discover the hidden stories of this old palace | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Siddhartha Art Gallery | Know about the wide range of contemporary Nepali art. Understand the history of and evolution of Nepalese art | Babar Mahal Revisited, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Taudaha | Located on the outskirts of the capital city Taudaha is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu.. | Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Thamel Streets | Experience the vibrancy of Thamel. Discover its shops, restaurants, and 1000-year-old historical streets. | Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Narayanhiti Palace | Step into the royal legacy at Narayanhiti Palace and explore its luxurious architecture and fascinating history | Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Kumari Ghar Museum | Explore historical treasures at Kumari Ghar Museum. learn about Nepal’s cultural heritage. | Basantapur, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Basantapur | Experience the lively vibe of Basantapur, the center of Kathmandu. Explore its rich history and charming atmosphere. | Basantapur, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Garden of Dreams | Escape to the serene Garden of Dreams. Discover its lush gardens and peaceful ambiance. | Kaiser Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Shivapuri National Park | Enjoy the stunning scenery and animals at Shivapuri National Park. Get ready for an exciting journey surrounded by beautiful green forests. | Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Kirtipur | Explore the historical town of Kirtipur, and its surrounding areas also know about local Newari foods. | Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Godavari Botanical Garden | Enjoy the beautiful nature at the Godavari Botanical Garden. Find unique plants and relax in its calm atmosphere. | Godavari, Lalitpur, Nepal |
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the best places to see in kathmandu. The square is like the main hub of the old part of Kathmandu. It’s where you find the most amazing old buildings and designs that have been there for a long time.
But in 2015, when there was an earthquake, this square got hit the hardest. Many temples and towers fell, especially in the Hanuman Dhoka palace area.
Even though some parts got destroyed, it’s still an incredible place to visit. People are working hard to rebuild what was damaged, but it will take a long time to finish everything
2. Siddhartha Art Gallery
The gallery was founded in 1987 by Shashikala Tiwari, a well-known artist from Nepal who is respected worldwide. The galleries have kept safe a really valuable collection of art made by talented and caring artists. If artists are visiting, they can talk to the people in charge to reserve a gallery to show their own work.
The gallery also hosts events like shows for new artists, workshops, book launches, poetry readings, concerts, and talks. Plus there is no entry fee.
3. Taudha
Located on the outskirts of the capital city Taudaha is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. When you are seeking the moment to connect with nature Taudaha is the perfect destination.
Surrounded by greenery and hills Taudaha has a lot of historical and cultural importance. It is a freshwater lake where you can find different types of fish. It’s a paradise for bird lovers! You can also try fishing in the lake if you’re interested. When you visit Taudaha you can feel a sense of peace and calm. If you love photography, Taudaha offers a picturesque landscape scene and reflection of the hills on calm waters.
4. Thamel Street
Located in the middle of the capital city, it is one of the oldest cities in Kathmandu. Thamel is a vibrant and bustling place for both locals and tourists. Thamel is known for its small shops, cafes, and colorful market stalls. Thamel is the ultimate place to hang out in the city and usually the top thing people from abroad are ambitious what to see in Kathmandu.
Thamel features include its lively nightlife where visitors can enjoy live music, cultural performance, and street foods. Here you will find everything from mountain gear to preparing for your trek at a bargain price. The neighborhood is also known for its various budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels.
5. Narayanhiti Palace
Narayanhiti Palace Museum is the royal residence of the Shah kings of Nepal, located in the center of Kathmandu. The Palace architecture tells the fascinating past of royal kings. It is the place where you can find how the king of Nepal lived in their rooms, meeting halls, and many more.
Visitors can easily reach the palace by public transportation. The museum operates on specific days so check the date before coming to the palace. Visitors are required to follow certain guidelines such as photography, noises to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience.
6. National Museum Nepal
In the middle of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, sits the National Museum, also called the Rashtriya Museum. It’s been around for over a hundred years and is a big deal for Nepal because it helps preserve the country’s ancient history and teaches people about it.
The museum is open every day except Tuesdays and some holidays. If you’re not from Nepal, it costs around NPR 300 to get in, but if you’re a Nepali, it’s only NPR 20. Kids and students pay even less. The museum is open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
7. Basantapur
Basantapur Durbar Square is a historical and cultural UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located right center of the city making it easy for visitors to visit. This square is famous for its architecture and beautiful woodwork. When you visit Basantapur Durbar Square it feels like you are stepping into the past because once it was a royal residence. It reflects the ancient Newar craftsmen and woods craving.
The square is easily accessible by foot as it is located in the city center. You can also take a taxi or local bus to reach the destination. Visitors may need to pay an entry fee.
8. Garden of Dreams
Located in the center of Kathmandu near Thamel, the Garden of Dreams is easily accessible to tourists and locals. You can easily reach and take a break from the city hustle and bustle. The Garden of Dreams was built in the 1920s for locals and tourists to come and relax.
When you walk around the garden you will see how well-designed it is. You can explore different parts of the garden like small ponds, fountains, and green trees. If you love photographing the Garden of Dreams offers a picturesque scene
9. Shivapuri National Park
Up in the north it is one of the best place to visit in Kathmandu, there’s a park called Shivapuri-Nagarjun. It’s the only park like this near the capital city. This park is all about beautiful views and it covers parts of four districts: Kathmandu, Sindhupalchowk, Nuwakot, and Dhading.
Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park covers parts of four districts and you can get there from different places. If you’re close to the valley, you can hike from Budhanilkantha. You can also reach it from Sundarijal or Balaju through a bypass.Â
10 Kirtipur
Kirtipur is one of the famous places in Kathmandu, just a short 30-minute ride away. It sits on a ridge, about 8 kilometers southwest of the city. This little town is special because it’s an ancient place where the Newar people live. You’ll see narrow streets with red-brick houses and tiled roofs, and there are also temple squares.
It’s like stepping into history, with old buildings mixing in with newer ones. Kirtipur is always buzzing with activity, especially during traditional events called Jatras. If you visit, you might catch the famous Indrayani Jatra in November and December, or the Bagh Bhairab Jatra in August.
11. Godavari Botanical Garden
Godavari botanical garden is one of beautiful place to visit near Kathmandu. The National Botanical Garden is in a special place, right at the bottom of Mount Phulchowki, which is really tall! It’s about 1,515 meters high and sits in a place called Godavari, in the southeast part of Kathmandu valley. This garden has been around since 1962 and covers a big area of about 82 hectares.
Every year, lots of people, like nature lovers, scientists, and students, come to visit. The garden is surrounded by beautiful forests that never lose their green leaves. Inside, you’ll find all sorts of plants, from pretty flowers to helpful medicinal ones. There are even collections of orchids and cacti!
4 Awesome fun places to visit in Kathmandu
| Place | Description |
| Jump KTM | Jump into the excitement at Jump KTM, Kathmandu’s best trampoline park. Have a blast and enjoy thrilling fun for everyone |
| Whoopee Land | Dive into a world of fun and excitement at Whoopee Land. Discover thrilling rides and activities for everyone |
| House of Palettes | Unleash your creativity at House of Palettes and let your artistic side shine. It’s a perfect place for anyone who loves art |
| Kathmandu Fun Park | Enjoy family fun at Kathmandu Fun Park. Explore its rides and entertainment options. |
Jump KTM
If you’ve ever wished you could jump really high like superheroes, Jump KTM might make that dream feel a bit real. It’s a cool place where anyone can have fun jumping and pushing their limits. You can find Jump KTM in Mandikhatar, Kathmandu, and it’s open every day from 10 am to 8 pm.
They’ve got some awesome stuff like a slam dunk area, dodgeball zone, foam pit, super bouncy trampolines, a big airbag, and even a spot just for little kids.
Whoopee Land
Whoopee Land is a really famous amusement and waterpark in Kathmandu. It’s in Chobhar and has 17 different rides for all kinds of fun: exciting rides, ones for families, ones for little kids, and a big waterpark. There’s so much to do there, like racing down fast slides or playing fun games.
Plus, the park’s Hollywood and Jurassic themes make it a great place to take cool photos!
House of Palettes
House of Palettes is a fantastic spot for people who love art and want to express themselves creatively. You can find it in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, and it’s open every day except Mondays from 12 pm to 7 pm.
Inside, you’ll discover a cozy studio filled with lovely paintings and a welcoming atmosphere. Here, you can pick out the tools and materials you need to make your own artwork. Plus, there’s a mentor who will help you along the way, guiding you to create something amazing!
Kathmandu Fun Park
Kathmandu Fun Park is one of Nepal’s oldest and most loved amusement parks. It’s located at Bhrikuti Mandap and is open from 10 am to 6 pm. There are lots of fun games and rides to enjoy, like the Ferris wheel, rollercoaster, and boat ride.
One of the most exciting attractions is the House of Horror, a spooky haunted house that many visitors enjoy. The prices to get into the park are fair, so lots of families like to visit on weekends for some fun.
What are the best places to visit in kathmandu with family?
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| Places | Description |
| Pashupatinath Temple | Learn about Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred place in Kathmandu. Discover its history and importance. |
| Chandragiri | Take in the amazing sights of Kathmandu Valley from Chandragiri Hills. Get ready for a trip you’ll never forget |
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple located in Gaushala, Kathmandu is a holy Hindu temple that holds cultural and spiritual significance. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati river it is one of the oldest temples in Nepal.
Pashupatinath Temple is filled with fascinating features that make it an extraordinary place in Kathmandu. Its unique architecture including wood craving pagoda style temples, golden roofs, and silver doors makes it one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu.
Chandragiri
A very short distance away from Kathmandu Chandragiri is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu. Chandragiri offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. You can reach Chandragiri by enjoying a cable car ride. From Chandragiri, you can enjoy the view of the Himalayas and the overall Kathmandu valley.
You can visit Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple at the top of Chandragiri hills which is very famous among Hindus. It attracts the devotees who come to seek the blessing. You can easily access a taxi or any transportation to reach Chandragiri. The cable car operates from early morning to late evening. The entry fee for the cable car is 475 for one way and 800 for two ways.
FAQ
What are the best places to visit in Kathmandu?
There are plenty of places to visit in Kathmandu, its upon you what type of place you like to visit. Some of the example are Chobar, Civil Mall, Jump KTM, and Thamel.
For which type of traveling is Kathmandu a perfect destination?
Kathmandu is a perfect destination for cultural exploration, spiritual, nature, budget travel ,and many more.
What are the important places to visit in Kathmandu?
There are many important places to visit in KTM some of them are:
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Garden of Dreams
- Kathmandu Valley Viewpoints
