5 best things to do in Kathmandu
The essentials of Kathmandu with the booking notes that actually matter — which tickets sell out, which slots are quietest, which formats reward the advance purchase. Every booking happens with the provider you choose.
Browse all Kathmandu activities
Attractions, tours, day trips and transport passes from major providers — instant mobile tickets.
The Kathmandu shortlist
- Boudhanath Stupa — the great Tibetan stupa; the kora circuits run all day, prayers at dusk.
- Pashupatinath temple ghats — the riverfront temple complex; non-Hindus view from across the river.
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — the 365 steps to the valley-view stupa.
- Patan Durbar Square — the Newari palace square’s carved wooden temples.
- Nagarkot sunrise day trip — Himalaya panorama on clear mornings; leave at 4am, reward is real.
Flying in, Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) serves the city — attraction districts sit 30–60 minutes away at typical city speeds.
Compare Kathmandu activity providers
- Klook — Kathmandu activities — the widest catalogue, instant QR tickets, strong on transport passes and day trips.
- KKday — Kathmandu experiences — local-led formats and small-group tours.
- Tiqets — museums and landmarks with instant mobile entry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Kathmandu?
Boudhanath Stupa — the great Tibetan stupa; the kora circuits run all day, prayers at dusk. Start there, then build the itinerary around it.
Do I need to book Kathmandu attractions in advance?
The headline attractions reward advance booking — timed-entry systems and quota tickets mean walk-up availability is worst exactly when you want to visit. Everything on this page links to providers showing live availability.
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?
Three to four days covers the shortlist above at a humane pace for a first visit; add days for the day-trip formats rather than compressing the city itself.
Is a city pass worth it in Kathmandu?
Run the arithmetic honestly: a pass wins when you would genuinely visit three-plus ticketed attractions in its window. Our provider links show pass options side by side with single tickets — compare before committing.