Kathmandu is an ideal place of tranquility and divinity and is surrounded by beautiful mother nature. Whether you are an adventure, nature, wildlife, food, or culture enthusiast, the enchanting place has something for every type of tourist. Spend your morning amidst majestic mountains and could also spend a luxurious evening in a casino.
Kathmandu is enriched with catchy experiences and exciting adventures and is an ideal place that makes you mesmerized. Experience a place that is engulfed by the Himalayas, and a modern place with beautiful tradition. Kathmandu is a land of mixed cultures and includes unique smoothness that grabs the attention of travelers. Ensure to explore various places in and around Kathmandu that are worthwhile and are also budget-friendly.
The following is a list of 20 places to visit in and around Kathmandu:
1. Bhaktapur
Near the gorgeous Kathmandu place, Bhaktapur lies around 15.6 km away from Kathmandu, depicting the medieval period. Bhaktapur is considered to be Nepal’s capital during the Malla period and is well-known for its culture, beautiful craftwork, and eye-catching temples that still retain its identity.
Explore various historical monuments and temples with awestruck architecture, and due to this, the place has become a major attraction for archaeological lovers. Spend your two days in these archaeological stuffed monuments along with your friends or family that remind you of ancient Nepal.
Ensure to visit the place in October-April, as the weather remains too hot in summers and too cold in winters. The journey to Bhaktapur becomes easy through taxi, car, or public buses.
2. Kopan Monastery
Kopan Monastery, a sacred Buddhist monastery that is located over the top of Bodhnath, depicts a pious place to visit. A peaceful and pleasant tourist spot in Kathmandu and you could stroll through the entire monastery and could explore it entirely. Ensure to take its seven-day small course just to dive deeply into the depth of calmness and divinity.
The monastery remains open from 9 am to 5 pm and travelers could visit the monastery anytime, but it includes some rules and regulations that everyone is required to follow so that you don’t disturb students and monks. Moreover, it also includes cafes that provide vegetarian food to visitors along with immense delicacies. The Kopan monastery resembles peace, simplicity, and a blissful atmosphere and allows a relaxed mind.
3. Chisapani
Chisapani is an ideal location for adventure lovers that provides travelers with enjoyable treks that allow you to explore varying species of flora and fauna. The scenic panorama of the majestic mountains and beautiful landscape froze the senses and drove you to some dreamland. Chisapani is around 20.5 km away from Kathmandu and is a perfect place for adventure lovers along with friends or family.
Moreover, the best time to visit this enjoyable place is from February-June and September-November. Enjoy a two days trip in Chisapani while enjoying nature, trekking, and various Himalayan ranges, and make the trip more worthwhile. Reach Chisapani via vans, private cars, or through hiace while enjoying the travel.
4. Durbar Square
Durbar Square comes under three regal Durbans of Nepal and the place has witnessed one King’s rule after another King for a longer duration. People could witness the crowning of new rulers along with the beats of trumpets and drums that filled up the entire place. Considered one of the best destinations to visit in Kathmandu, here you could explore the vibrant history of Nepal.
Ensure to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site between late September-December and explore its catchy artistry and craft. People having great taste need to add this place to their bucket list. Till now, the place depicts itself as the most remarkable legacy of Kathmandu, even after natural calamities, the Durbar still retains its glory.
5. Dhulikhel
Situated 31.2 km away from Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is taken as one of the best tourist spots in Kathmandu. Interested travelers could enjoy the Himalayan view once in their lifetime along with their family and friends and one or two days is enough for the visit. Grab a chance to experience Gauri Shankar, Langtang, and Number while admiring nature and enjoying trekking.
Visit the place mainly from March-May or February-September and make many unforgettable memories, especially during temple visits. Reach out to this gorgeous place through public buses, taxis, or through private cars.
6. Langtang National Park
An ideal place for climbing, trekking, and outdoor trips, the park is enriched with pine and bamboo trees, and lies almost 50 km from Kathmandu. Travelers get quickly attracted to this place due to its awesome adventure and views.
You could even witness a high-altitude and serene lake known as Gosaikunda lake which includes rich biodiversity. An ideal place for nature lovers and you could visit the place specified in the Autumn season.
7. Kakani
Kakani lies at a distance of 23.7 km from Kathmandu and offers a picturesque view for family picnics along with the view of various magnificent mountain ranges. Get attracted to its major spot The Thai Memorable Park which was designed in memory of victims of the Thai airline crash.
The beautiful place would surely leave amazing memories on you as its park provides a good aura. Ensure to visit the place in October-May and grab a chance to view snow-covered mountains along with snowfall.
8. Thamel
Thamel is considered a heaven for travelers visiting Kathmandu as the place serves its tourists wholeheartedly. Whether you are in search of clothes, good food, street shopping, new music albums, or trekking, Thamel provides you with everything. The place is home to several restaurants that entirely provide varying and delicious cuisine.
Experience the finest shopping street that serves good quality items along with food at an affordable range. Reach out to this place via a bus that allows you to reach here in just 15 minutes from Kathmandu bus station.
9. Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha, a most popular Buddhist pilgrimage location, lies around 40 km away from Kathmandu. A mesmerizing place that is home to almost 250 young monks, and its monastery welcomes travelers in their evening and morning prayers.
If you are visiting Kathmandu, make sure to visit the peaceful place just for one day and explore its peaceful atmosphere and unique architecture that would entirely relax your mind and soul.
10. Swayambhunath Temple
Swayambhunath temple is situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu and is considered the major essential religious shrine. The majestic temple is surrounded by varying types of trees, and also includes a monastery, temples, museum, several shrines, a giant library, along with a stupa.
The beautiful place possesses a very unique aura that highly attracts people and visiting this temple drains away all your sins. Moreover, you could witness a picturesque and panoramic view of Kathmandu.
11. Lakuri Bhanjyang
Lakuri Bhanjyang, which is only 15 kilometers from Kathmandu, offers the ideal paragliding experience for all adventure seekers. This lovely hill town offers hiking paths in addition to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Lakuri Bhanjyang has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations close to Kathmandu, Nepal, because of its tranquil beauty and natural riches. Families frequently travel to this lovely place to have real picnics.
12. Taudaha Lake
It is said that a Buddhist figure had to cut the hill to drain the water, which is why the lake is now smaller. This is how the lake got its name in myth. Many migrating bird species stop by this location. The ideal location to discover Kathmandu’s market and square.
This lake, which is located outside the city, is well-known for its freshwater. The location is surrounded by hills covered in deep forests, which gives it a peaceful atmosphere.
13. Nagarkot
Nagarkot, an enchanting place that offers travelers with scenic and panoramic views of the surroundings, lies almost 32 km east of Kathmandu. With its astonishing ambiance and calmness, the place provides fresh vibes that make you feel highly energetic. Experience its calming sunrise over the magnificent mountains along with the view of gigantic Everest, and explore fresh nature.
Visit the place in October-April just to achieve a clear view of the mountains, and the ideal trip could be of around two days. Reach out to this stunning place via taxi, car, or public bus, and don’t miss out on the chance to explore this exotic place.
14. Garden of Dreams
Garden of Dream also popularly known as Garden of six senses and Swapna Bageecha that was designed in 1920, and serves as the most famous tourist spot in Kathmandu. Explore its architecture like its beautiful pavilions, ponds, pergolas, urns, and paved paths. A perfect place for nature lovers and picnic lovers that allows human interaction as well.
The beautiful garden opens up at 9 am and closes at 10 pm and you could even enjoy its exotic fountains. Visit the stunning garden either in the morning or in the evening as the temperature remains pleasant during that time. The Garden’s architectural landscape permits travelers to wander around the garden and could view varying vantage points.
15. Kulekhani
Kulekhani, a famous hydropower dam that gives the best opportunity for boating and swimming in its lake-like surroundings, is the ideal combination of adventure and natural beauty.
It is one of the best destinations to visit close to Kathmandu because of its majestic tranquility, alluring rivers, lush surroundings, and amazing waterfalls. Along with its famed monastery and sacred cave, numerous miniature Buddha stupas may be viewed here.
16. Pashupati Nath Temple
One of the most revered tourist destinations in Kathmandu is the Pashupati Nath temple. One of the holiest Hindu locations, it is devoted to Lord Shiva. One of the 12 jyotirlingas is the Pashupati Nath temple, which is situated on the Bagmati river bank on the outskirts of Kathmandu.
Numerous thousands of followers come here year to ask the Hindu deity for blessings. Since Lord Shiva is regarded as the god of uncertainty, you discover that worshippers come here in their final stages of life seeking shelter and moksha.
17. Gorkha
According to legend, King Prithviraj Narayan Shah, the country of Nepal’s founding, was born in Gorkha. Overlooking a hill, Gorkha Durbar is a stunning medieval palace known for its distinctive style.
Two extremely beautiful Gorakhnath and Kali temples have been built inside this mansion. The most pleasurable historical location where you may unwind and appreciate nature is Gorkha.
18. Boudhanath Stupa
This area, which is known for its architecture and historical value, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous followers come to the stupa to take in the quiet and seek blessings.
You can go here in March when the weather is comfortable and suitable for all of your sightseeing in Nepal. It is the best tourist destination in Kathmandu because of the white building’s traditional style and the colorful prayer flags hanging from it.
19. Helambu
Helambu, which is located around 72 kilometers to the northeast of Kathmandu, is renowned throughout the world for its majesty and serene setting.
Numerous Buddhist temples have been built amid an abundant and alluring terrain, which enhances their charm. Since people can go hiking on the trails, it’s the greatest destination for adrenaline junkies.
20. Chandragiri
Chandragiri, a small town in the southwest, is situated to the southwest of Kathmandu. Well, Chandragiri is the ideal location if you’re seeking a weekend getaway to some of the top tourist attractions in the Kathmandu area. The town is a remote location with a beautiful view of the Himalayas where you may unwind and enjoy.
While on vacation, you can engage in a variety of activities. Chandragiri is a unique location that is less crowded than cities, but it is the greatest location to spend time in nature. The only thing that draws people to the town is the surrounding countryside because it is not very populated.
For further information on Nepal, see:
- 10 Popular Nepal Offbeat Places
- Nepal’s Most Famous Places to Visit
- Famous Honeymoon Places in Nepal
- Visit Nepal Beautiful Places in Monsoon
- Nepal Top 10 Reasons to Visit
- 10 Famous Places in Nepal to See in December
- Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Nepal during Winter
- Food of Nepal – 10 Delicious Nepalese cuisines To Try
