Kathmandu Attractions

Kathmandu offers visitors everything from great accommodation to remarkable sightseeing opportunities - a wealth of attractions, located within and nearby the city, still remains as some of the most enchanting features of this once majestic city.

Kathmandu Attractions

Boudhanath
The largest stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath is located on the east side of Kathmandu. Many devout Buddhists can often be seen worshipping here. With three square tiers surrounding the central circle of the dome, Boudhanath is built in the form of a 'Mandala', a symbol of the universe that is often used in Buddhist meditations. A low wall set with hundreds of prayer wheels circle the base, and Tibetan pilgrims circling the stupa often spin them.

When entering the stupa grounds, one passes through a colourfully painted gateway that leads off the busy bazaar street running through the town of Boudha. Once inside the complex, remember to walk clockwise around the stupa, as it’s considered bad luck not to do so.

Brass and Bronze Museum
The Brass and Bronze Museum is housed in a 15th century Hindu priests' home across from the Dattatreya Temple and contains examples of Nepal's skilful metal working history.

Visiting Hours: 10:15 am to 4:45 pm (Wednesday through Monday)

Kaiser Library
Situated on the eastern outskirts of Thamel, the library houses a remarkable collection of rare and old books, some more than 1100 years old. Additionally, an interesting collection of photographs and lifelike stuffed animals are also on display.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Friday)

National Art Gallery
Partly housed in the Palace of 55 Windows on Durbar Square, this museum is noted for its large collection of Buddhist ‘thangkas’. These colourful and intricately detailed paintings on canvas were traditionally rolled up and carried by wandering monks to assist them with meditations and religious services. Carved stone figures of Buddhist idols and Hindu deities are also on display at the museum. In addition to this, a collection of illustrated books that record the history of the kings of Nepal is on display on the 2nd floor.

Visiting Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm from Saturday to Thursday (except on Tuesday) and 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on Friday

National Woodwork Museum
Located steps away from the Brass and Bronze Museum, the National Woodwork Museum features a remarkable collection of wood carvings of different eras. The museum’s alluring wood carvings are complemented by the beautiful woodwork found on the exterior of the 15th century museum building.

Visiting Hours: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday through Monday

Pashupatinath
Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most important Hindu temple. Unfortunately, the temple and grounds are off-limits to non-Hindus - but the extensive temple complex is very interesting to visit. The streets leading to the temple are lined with small shops selling brightly coloured powders, holy beads and offerings to be taken into the temple.

Jungle Trail
The Royal Chitwan National Park, located on the lowlands, offers a different world with lush green vegetation and a humid climate. Tigers, monkeys, deer, leopards, boar, rhinos and a wide variety of species of bird call this beautiful park home.

For the adventurous traveller, the Rapti Valley is known for its great animal safaris, river rafting and trekking.