Top 50 Things to Do in Kathmandu

Our meticulously planned Top 50 Things to Do in Kathmandu gives you a brief insight into the best things you can do to make your trip unforgettable.

Kathmandu is defined as a touristic destination due to its rich history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, an ancient Bhadgaun City, Patan City, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the Changunarayan Temple. These sites attract thousands of tourists each year who are interested in learning about Nepalese culture and history.

Additionally, Kathmandu offers a variety of activities for visitors, including trekking and hiking in the surrounding hills and mountains, cultural tours, cooking classes, and yoga retreats. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

Kathmandu is also the gateway to the Himalayas, making it an important destination for adventure travelers looking to climb or trek in the world’s highest mountain range. Many tour operators and trekking companies are based in Kathmandu, offering a range of trekking and mountaineering options for all skill levels.

Kathmandu city is a popular tourist destination due to its unique blend of culture, history, adventure, and natural beauty. We have summoned the top 50 things to do in Kathmandu to give you a clear insight into the major activities you can do while you are in Kathmandu.

Here are the top 50 things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal:

1. Visit the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
2. Explore the bustling streets of Thamel
3. Learn about Nepalese culture at the National Museum
4. Admire the stunning architecture of the Pashupatinath Temple
5. Take a scenic flight over Mount Everest
6. Visit the beautiful Garden of Dreams
7. Take a cooking class and learn how to make Nepalese cuisine
8. Explore the historic streets of Bhaktapur
9. Hike to the top of Shivapuri National Park
10. Visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square
11. Go on a guided tour of the city
12. Experience a traditional Nepalese dance performance
13. Visit the Patan Museum
14. Take a yoga class at a local studio
15. Try momos (Nepalese dumplings) at a street stall
16. Take a pottery class and make your own souvenir
17. Attend a Nepalese festival or celebration
18. Visit the Boudhanath Stupa
19. Take a street food tour of the city
20. Go shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs
21. Visit the Hanuman Dhoka Palace
22. Explore the ancient city of Lalitpur
23. Take a traditional Nepalese cooking class
24. Visit the Kathmandu Contemporary Art Center
25. Take a meditation class at a Buddhist monastery
26. Go on a mountain biking tour of the surrounding hills
27. Visit the National Botanical Garden
28. Take a walking tour of the city’s street art
29. Attend a live music performance at a local venue
30. Go bungee jumping in the nearby town of Last Resort
31. Visit the Natural History Museum
32. Take a day trip to Nagarkot for panoramic views of the Himalayas
33. Learn about the history of Nepalese textiles at the Textile Museum
34. Take a day trip to the medieval city of Bhaktapur
35. Visit the Kopan Monastery
36. Go on a photography tour of the city
37. Attend a traditional Nepalese wedding ceremony
38. Take a cycling tour of the city
39. Visit the Indra Chowk Market
40. Take a Nepalese language class
41. Visit the Narayanhiti Palace Museum
42. Take a day trip to the nearby city of Patan
43. Learn about Nepalese architecture at the Nepal Architecture Museum
44. Visit the Mahaboudha Temple
45. Take a day trip to the Chitwan National Park
46. Attend a cooking competition at a local restaurant
47. Visit the Kaiser Mahal
48. Take a day trip to the ancient city of Kirtipur
49. Learn about Nepalese art at the Nepal Art Council
50. Take a day trip to the Balthali Village for a peaceful retreat.

Thangka Painting Workshop in Kathmandu

There are many places in Kathmandu where you can attend a Thangka painting workshop. Thangka painting is a traditional Tibetan art form that involves painting intricate religious images on canvas or silk using natural pigments and gold leaf.

Here are a few places in Kathmandu where you can attend a Thangka painting workshop:

1. Thangde Gatsal Thangka Painting School: This school is located in Boudha and offers courses in Thangka painting for both beginners and advanced students. The courses are taught by experienced Thangka painters and cover all aspects of the art form, including iconography, color theory, and painting techniques.
2. Tsering Art School: This school is located in the Patan area of Kathmandu and offers a range of art courses, including Thangka painting. The courses are taught by experienced artists and include both theoretical and practical components.
3. Mandala Studio: This studio is located in Thamel and offers Thangka painting workshops for both individuals and groups. The workshops are taught by experienced artists and cover the basics of Thangka painting, including drawing and painting techniques, color theory, and iconography.
4. Bodhi Art Studio: This studio is located in the Boudha area of Kathmandu and offers Thangka painting courses for both beginners and advanced students. The courses are taught by experienced Thangka painters and cover all aspects of the art form, including traditional techniques and materials.

The Thangka painting workshop in Kathmandu is a great way to learn about this traditional art form and create your own unique masterpiece to take home as a souvenir.

Learn Wood Carving at Kathmandu

Wood carving is a traditional art form in Nepal, and Kathmandu is a great place to learn this craft. There are several workshops and schools in the city that offer courses in wood carving for both beginners and advanced students. Here are a few places where you can learn wood carving in Kathmandu:

1. Bhaktapur Woodcarving School: This school is located in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, just outside of Kathmandu, and offers courses in wood carving for both Nepali and foreign students. The courses are taught by experienced woodcarvers and cover a range of techniques, including relief carving, carving with traditional tools, and finishing.
2. Kathmandu Valley Woodcarving School: This school is located in the heart of Kathmandu and offers courses in traditional Nepali woodcarving. The courses are taught by skilled woodcarvers and cover all aspects of the craft, including design, carving techniques, and finishing.
3. Kasthamandap Woodcarving School: This school is located in the Patan area of Kathmandu and offers courses in wood carving for both beginners and advanced students. The courses are taught by experienced woodcarvers and cover a range of techniques, including carving with traditional tools, relief carving, and finishing.
4. Nepal Art Shop: This shop is located in the Thamel area of Kathmandu and offers wood carving classes for visitors to Nepal. The classes are taught by experienced woodcarvers and cover the basics of wood carving, including tool selection, carving techniques, and finishing.

Attending a wood carving class in Kathmandu is a great way to learn about this traditional art form and create your own unique piece to take home as a souvenir.

Local Market of Kathmandu

Kathmandu is home to several local markets where you can experience the vibrant culture of Nepal and purchase traditional handicrafts, textiles, spices, and other local products. Here are a few of the top local markets in Kathmandu:

1. Ason Bazaar: This is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Kathmandu, located in the heart of the city. Here you can find a variety of local products such as spices, textiles, and household items. The market is also known for its traditional Newari cuisine.
2. Indra Chowk: This market is located in the historic center of Kathmandu and is famous for its traditional Nepali handicrafts, including brassware, ceramics, and jewelry. It is a great place to purchase souvenirs and gifts.
3. Thamel Market: Thamel is a popular tourist district in Kathmandu, and the market here offers a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, and handicrafts. It’s a great place to shop for trendy and affordable items.
4. Boudha Market: This market is located in the Boudha area of Kathmandu, near the iconic Boudhanath Stupa. It is known for its Tibetan handicrafts and jewelry, including Thangka paintings, prayer flags, and singing bowls.
5. Patan Market: Patan is a historic city just south of Kathmandu, known for its ancient temples and architecture. The market here offers a range of local products, including textiles, handicrafts, and pottery. It’s a great place to purchase unique and authentic souvenirs.

Visiting a local market in Kathmandu is a great way to experience the local culture and support local businesses. Be sure to practice your bargaining skills, as many vendors expect to negotiate the price of their products.