Attractions in Kathmandu

Kumari Ghar is the palatial residence of the Royal Kumari, a young girl worshipped as the living incarnation of the goddess Taleju. Located in Kathmandu Durbar Square, the 18th-century building features one of the most exquisite courtyards in the valley.

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this sprawling complex of temples, ashrams, and cremation ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual heart of Nepal.

Boudhanath is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism. Rising 36 meters high, its massive mandala-shaped dome dominates the skyline of eastern Kathmandu and is surrounded by a vibrant community of monasteries and shops.

Swayambhunath, popularly known as the Monkey Temple for its resident rhesus macaques, occupies a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. This ancient religious complex features a striking white dome topped by a gilded spire and is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus.

Changu Narayan is the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, perched on a hilltop east of Bhaktapur. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and contains some of the finest stone, wood, and metal carvings in Nepal.

Budhanilkantha Temple houses a remarkable 5-meter reclining statue of Lord Vishnu lying on a bed of serpents in a recessed water tank. Carved from a single block of black basalt, it is one of the largest and most beautiful stone sculptures in Nepal.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is the historic heart of old Kathmandu, a sprawling plaza surrounded by ornate palaces, temples, and courtyards that served as the royal seat of the Malla kings. Despite significant damage from the 2015 earthquake, it remains one of Nepal's most culturally significant sites.

Patan Durbar Square, in the city of Lalitpur just south of Kathmandu, is considered the finest example of Newari architecture in Nepal. The compact square is densely packed with temples, a stunning royal palace, and stone sculptures from the medieval Malla era.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best-preserved of the three medieval Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Located 13 km east of Kathmandu, the car-free old city feels like stepping back in time with red-brick alleys and intricately carved wooden buildings.

Nyatapola Temple is the tallest pagoda-style temple in Nepal, rising five stories above Bhaktapur's Taumadhi Square. Its perfectly proportioned tiers and guardian statues make it one of the most architecturally impressive structures in the valley.

Pharping is a sacred pilgrimage site south of Kathmandu containing multiple Buddhist and Hindu temples in a hillside setting. It is particularly revered as the place where Guru Padmasambhava attained enlightenment, with meditation caves and monasteries marking the event.

Dakshinkali Temple is one of Nepal's most important Shakti temples, located in a forested gorge 22 km south of Kathmandu. Dedicated to the goddess Kali, it is known for its animal sacrifice rituals, particularly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Thapathali Durbar is a ruined Rana-era palace on the banks of the Bagmati River, offering a melancholic glimpse of Nepal's aristocratic past. The crumbling neoclassical facades and overgrown courtyards have a haunting, photogenic quality.

Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a hilltop north of Boudhanath, known internationally for its meditation courses. Founded by Lama Thubten Yeshe, it attracts spiritual seekers from around the world.

Pullahari Monastery is a large Tibetan Buddhist monastery set in forested hills above Boudhanath. Home to Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche's seat, it is a peaceful retreat offering meditation, teachings, and beautiful Himalayan views.

White Gumba (Seto Gompa), officially Druk Amitabha Mountain, is a Tibetan Buddhist nunnery on a hilltop north of Kathmandu. It is home to hundreds of kung fu-trained nuns and offers panoramic valley views.

Seto Machhindranath Temple is a beautiful white-faced pagoda in the heart of old Kathmandu, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is the center of Kathmandu's annual Seto Machhindranath chariot festival.

Pottery Square is an open plaza in Bhaktapur where potters have shaped clay using traditional hand-spinning techniques for generations. Hundreds of clay pots and figurines are laid out to dry in the sun.