Kathmandu,Nepal

• Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka) — royal palace complex and temples
• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — hilltop stupa with valley views
• Boudhanath Stupa — one of the largest stupas and a major Tibetan Buddhist center
• Pashupatinath Temple — important Hindu pilgrimage site on the Bagmati River
• Thamel — tourist quarter for shops, restaurants and nightlife
• Patan (Lalitpur) & Bhaktapur Durbar Squares — nearby heritage cities with exquisite Newar art
• Garden of Dreams — a restored historic neo-classical garden
• Narayanhiti Palace Museum — former royal palace

• Rich Newar architecture and elaborate wood and stone carvings
• Coexistence of Hindu and Buddhist religious practices in close proximity
• Bustling markets and narrow historic lanes
• Views and access to Himalayan trekking routes and domestic flights to mountain airstrips
• Vibrant street life, festivals and traditional artisan crafts

• Guided cultural walking tours of Durbar Squares, stupas and temples
• Pilgrimage and ritual observation at Pashupatinath and Boudhanath
• Shopping for handicrafts, thangkas, pashminas and singing bowls in Thamel and Asan
• Day trips or short hikes to viewpoints such as Nagarkot and Chandragiri for sunrise/Himalayan vistas
• Organizing/starting treks (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna) and arranging permits and domestic flights
• Participating in cooking classes, meditation or short Buddhist retreats

• Dashain — major Hindu festival (Sept–Oct) celebrated across Nepal
• Tihar — festival of lights (Oct–Nov)
• Indra Jatra — major Kathmandu festival with chariot processions and masked dances
• Buddha Jayanti — Buddha’s birth celebration (May)
• Losar — Tibetan New Year celebrated especially around Boudhanath

Prime months are October–November and March–April for stable weather, clear mountain views and major festivals. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cooler but still good for sightseeing. Monsoon (June–Sept) brings heavy rain and reduced visibility.

Kathmandu has a temperate, subtropical highland climate: warm, humid summers with monsoon rains, and mild to cool winters. Daytime temperatures often range from about 10°C–25°C (50°F–77°F) depending on season and altitude.

Served by Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) within the city. Kathmandu is the transport hub for domestic flights to mountain airstrips (e.g., Lukla) and buses to other regions (Pokhara, Chitwan). Within the valley, taxis, microbuses, rickshaws and walking are common. Expect frequent traffic congestion; allow extra time for transfers.

Spend 3–5 days to explore Kathmandu Valley highlights comfortably. Add extra days if you plan trekking preparations, cultural immersion or side trips to Bhaktapur/Patan and Nagarkot.

Bring lightweight layers, a warm jacket for mornings/evenings (especially in winter), comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing for temples (cover shoulders/knees), rain gear in monsoon, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle with purification options.

Must-try foods: momo (dumplings), dal bhat (lentil & rice meal), Newari specialties (chatamari, yomari), and Tibetan-influenced dishes near Boudhanath. Souvenirs: thangka paintings, prayer flags, pashmina shawls, traditional metalwork, singing bowls and wood-carved items. Bargain politely in markets.