Kathmandu valley map: Thamel, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan, Bhaktapur and Everest Base Camp route

1. Which Area to Stay In

Kathmandu Valley contains three historic cities — Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhaktapur — each with its own distinct Newari heritage architecture and Durbar Square. For most visitors, Thamel (Kathmandu's tourist district) or Patan is the base for the first few nights before heading into the mountains. Based on 380+ accommodation reviews filtered to 8.5+ ratings:

AreaBest ForAvg. HotelGetting AroundVerdict
ThamelTrekking agencies, gear shops, restaurants, central$15–$55 / nightWalk to most city sights; taxi for outlyingBest for First-Timers
Patan (Lalitpur)Durbar Square, authentic neighbourhood, quieter$25–$70 / nightTaxi to Kathmandu Durbar (20 min)Most Atmospheric
Boudhanath AreaStupa, Tibetan culture, meditation centres$18–$60 / nightTaxi to Thamel (20–25 min)Best for Tibetan Buddhism
Lazimpat / MaharajgunjEmbassies, upmarket, quieter streets$35–$90 / nightTaxi to Thamel (10 min)Upmarket Pick

Research verdict: Thamel is the practical choice for first-time Kathmandu visitors — trekking permit offices, gear shops, exchange counters, tour agencies and a dense concentration of restaurants are all walkable. For a more authentic experience, stay in Patan's old city or near Boudhanath Stupa — both retain genuine neighbourhood character.

Boudhanath Stupa at dawn is one of those places that changes how you see the world. Monks circumambulating in the mist, the prayer flags above, the butter lamps flickering — and then the mountain silhouette appearing as the valley clears. One of the most spiritually atmospheric places in Asia.

— TripAdvisor user MountainWalker_Zurich, Kathmandu review (verified stay, October 2025)

2. 3-Day Kathmandu Itinerary

Kathmandu Valley contains seven UNESCO World Heritage sites across its three historic cities. This itinerary covers the most important in a logical geographic sequence. Note that altitude acclimatisation is relevant — Kathmandu sits at 1,400 metres. If arriving directly from sea level before a high-altitude trek, allow 1–2 days at city pace before heading higher.

Day 1Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath & Kathmandu Durbar Square
07:00
Boudhanath Stupa at Dawn
The great white dome and golden spire of Boudhanath — one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world — is at its most powerful in the early morning when the surrounding Tibetan Buddhist monasteries open for puja (prayer ceremony). Walk three or more clockwise circuits of the stupa with the morning worshippers, spinning the 108 prayer wheels. One of the most spiritually atmospheric places in Asia.
💡 Entry: NPR 400. Open daily, best 06:00–08:00. The rooftop cafés around the stupa perimeter serve excellent Tibetan butter tea and momos with stupa views — breakfast NPR 300–600.
10:00
Pashupatinath Temple
Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple — the main Pashupatinath pagoda (non-Hindus may view from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ghats along the sacred Bagmati River are where open-air cremation ceremonies take place daily — a profound ritual that visitors may observe respectfully from a distance. The surrounding complex of shrines, sadhus and pilgrims covers many hectares of forested hillside.
🚕 Taxi from Boudhanath: NPR 300–400, 15 min
💡 Entry: NPR 1,000 (foreigners, outer complex). Photography of cremation ceremonies should be discreet and respectful. Saffron-clad sadhus near the main temple commonly request payment for photographs.
14:00
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The historic palace square at the heart of the old city — a UNESCO World Heritage site of pagoda temples, medieval courtyards and the Kumari Ghar (palace of the Living Goddess). Several buildings were severely damaged in the 2015 Gorkha earthquake and reconstruction is ongoing — the surviving structures and the street life of the surrounding old bazaar are still extraordinary.
🚕 Taxi from Pashupatinath: NPR 350–500, 20 min
💡 Entry: NPR 1,000 (Hanuman Dhoka palace). The square itself can be walked freely. Allow 2 hours for the palace and square.
Day 2Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square & Patan Museum
07:30
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
The stupa on the hilltop west of Kathmandu — approached via 365 stone steps from the eastern entrance — offers the finest panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. The complex combines Buddhist and Hindu shrines, resident rhesus monkeys and a forest of prayer flags. Dawn visits (06:00–07:30) see monks at prayer and the valley emerging from the mist below.
🚕 Taxi from Thamel: NPR 200–300, 10 min. The 365-step eastern approach is the traditional route.
💡 Entry: NPR 200 (foreigners). Allow 1.5 hours. The view of the valley from the stupa terrace on a clear morning, with the Himalayan range visible to the north, is exceptional.
11:00
Patan Durbar Square & Patan Museum
Patan — the city of fine arts — has the most refined Newari architecture in the valley. Its Durbar Square is better preserved than Kathmandu's, with an extraordinary concentration of 17th-century temples. The Patan Museum (NPR 1,000, inside the old palace) is the finest museum in Nepal — its collection of Himalayan Buddhist and Hindu metalwork is displayed in a beautifully restored palace courtyard. One of Asia's great small museums.
🚕 Taxi from Swayambhunath: NPR 400–600, 25 min
💡 Patan entry ticket (Durbar Square + Museum): NPR 1,000. Allow 3 hours for both.
15:00
Patan Old City & Craft Workshops
The lanes around Patan's Durbar Square contain dozens of traditional metalwork, thangka painting and woodcarving workshops — some open to visitors. Patan is the source of most of Nepal's high-quality bronze Buddhist statues; watching the lost-wax casting process at a metalwork studio is a genuine cultural experience.
💡 The best-value authentic souvenirs in Nepal are Patan metalwork, hand-knotted wool carpets (priced by knot count) and pashmina shawls from registered sellers. Avoid Thamel's mass-produced goods wherever possible.
Day 3Bhaktapur Day Trip & Nagarkot Mountain Viewpoint
08:00
Bhaktapur — Medieval City
Bhaktapur (City of Devotees) — 15km east of Kathmandu — is the best-preserved of the three Kathmandu Valley kingdoms, a UNESCO World Heritage site of medieval brick alleyways, elaborately carved wooden windows and three interconnected Durbar Squares. The 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate, the Nyatapola Temple (Nepal's tallest pagoda) and the Dattatreya Square are all extraordinary. Unlike Kathmandu, Bhaktapur charges a substantial entry fee which has funded outstanding restoration of the 2015 earthquake damage.
🚕 Taxi from Thamel: NPR 700–900, 40–50 min. Local bus from Ratna Park: NPR 50, 1.5 hours.
💡 Entry: NPR 1,800 (foreigners, valid all day). Allow a full morning (4 hours). The famous Bhaktapur curd (juju dhau, king curd) — thick, sweet buffalo yoghurt served in clay pots — is best at the traditional dairy stalls near Taumadhi Square (NPR 50–80).
15:00
Nagarkot Sunset — Himalayan Panorama
The hill station of Nagarkot, 32km east of Kathmandu at 2,195m, offers what is considered the widest Himalayan panorama accessible by road in the valley — on clear days (most common October–November and March–April), the view extends from Dhaulagiri to Kanchenjunga, with Everest visible between Cho Oyu and Lhotse. The sunset viewpoint on the tower above the village is the standard stop.
🚕 Taxi from Bhaktapur: NPR 600–800, 45–60 min on mountain road. Return to Kathmandu from Nagarkot: NPR 1,200–1,500.
💡 Nagarkot viewpoint: free. The visibility window is 05:30–08:00 (sunrise) and 16:30–18:00 (sunset) — midday haze obscures the mountains. Confirm whether conditions are clear before making the trip.

Trekking from Kathmandu: The most accessible treks: Ghorepani Poon Hill (4–5 days, Annapurna region, via Pokhara — 7 hrs by tourist bus or 25 min by flight), Langtang Valley (4–6 days, 2 hrs from Kathmandu by jeep), and Everest Base Camp (12–14 days, fly to Lukla from Kathmandu, 35 min). All require TIMS card (NPR 2,000–3,000) and Conservation Area permit (NPR 3,000) obtainable at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Thamel.

3. Getting Around Kathmandu

Kathmandu has no tourist-accessible metro. Getting around means Pathao (Nepal's ride-hailing app), metered taxis and tuk-tuks. The city's roads are congested during rush hours (07:30–09:30 and 17:00–19:30) — allow extra time for journeys during these windows.

✅Pathao (ride-hailing): Nepal's most popular ride-hailing app — covers taxis and motorbike taxis (Pathao Bike). Fixed price before booking. Most city centre trips: NPR 200–500. Significantly reduces negotiation compared to street taxis.
✅Metered taxis: Insist on the meter or agree on price before entering. Short trips within Thamel: NPR 150–250. Cross-city: NPR 400–800. Airport to Thamel: NPR 600–900 (fixed rate at official taxi counter).
✅Airport to city: Tribhuvan International Airport is 5km from Thamel. Official prepaid taxi counter at arrivals: NPR 700–900 depending on destination. Journey: 20–40 min depending on traffic.
⚠️Air quality: Kathmandu Valley regularly records some of Asia's poorest air quality, particularly October–February. An N95 mask is recommended for daily street walking. Download the Air4Thai or IQAir app for daily AQI readings before outdoor activities.

4. Practical Info: Altitude, Money & Safety

Altitude Acclimatisation

Kathmandu sits at 1,400 metres — high enough to cause mild symptoms in some visitors arriving from sea level, and an important physiological baseline before ascending to trekking altitudes. Common symptoms at Kathmandu's elevation: mild headache, slight breathlessness, fatigue. These typically resolve within 24–48 hours.

🏔️Acclimatisation rule: Never ascend more than 300–500 metres per day once above 3,000 metres. Allow 2 rest days for every 1,000 metres gained above 3,000m. A minimum of 1 full rest day at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) is medically required before continuing to higher altitudes.
💊Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): Symptoms include persistent headache, nausea, dizziness and loss of appetite. The only safe treatment is descent. Acetazolamide (Diamox, 125mg twice daily) can reduce AMS risk — consult a doctor before use. Never ascend with AMS symptoms.
🏥Medical facilities: CIWEC Travel Medicine Center (Lazimpat) and Nepal International Clinic (Naxal) are the recommended international standard clinics for pre-trek consultations. Norvic International Hospital has 24-hour emergency care.

Money & Payments

💵Nepal is almost entirely cash-based. ATMs in Thamel accept international Visa and Mastercard; fee NPR 500 per withdrawal. Exchange USD or EUR at Thamel money changers. Carry NPR 2,000–5,000 for daily expenses.
📶SIM cards: Ncell or Nepal Telecom tourist SIMs available at Kathmandu Airport arrivals. Ncell has better data coverage in trekking areas. 30-day unlimited data: NPR 800–1,200. Download offline maps (Maps.me or AllTrails) before leaving Kathmandu.
📋TIMS Card: Required for all trekking routes. Independent trekkers: NPR 3,000; group: NPR 2,000. Obtain at the Nepal Tourism Board (Bhrikutimandap, Thamel area). Conservation Area permits: NPR 3,000 each. Bring 2 passport photos.

5. Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

Kathmandu's best seasons align with Nepal's primary trekking windows — when the mountain visibility is best and the weather most stable.

SeasonMonthsWeatherTrekkingVerdict
🍂 AutumnOct – Nov15–25°C, crystal clearBest conditions — stable, dry, excellent visibilityBest Overall
🌸 SpringMar – May15–28°C, clear, rhododendronsExcellent — Everest summit window, rhododendron bloomBest for Flowers
❄️ WinterDec – Feb2–15°C, cold, clearLow-altitude treks fine; high altitude very coldCheapest + Quiet
🌧️ MonsoonJun – Sep20–28°C, heavy daily rainTrails slippery, leeches, mountain views obscuredAvoid for trekking; cultural sites still accessible

Nepal post-2015 earthquake recovery: The April 2015 Gorkha earthquake caused severe damage to heritage sites across Kathmandu Valley. Reconstruction is ongoing — Bhaktapur is the most fully restored, Kathmandu Durbar Square is partially restored, Patan is largely intact. All seven UNESCO heritage sites remain open to visitors. Entry fees directly fund the ongoing restoration work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a taxi cost from Kathmandu Airport to Thamel?
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is only 5–6 km from Thamel. A prepaid airport taxi from the official counter costs NPR 900–1,500 (US$7–11) — safest for first-time visitors. Ride-hailing apps Pathao and inDrive cost NPR 500–600 (US$4–5) but require a local SIM. You can negotiate a taxi from the main road (100m past prepaid) down to NPR 700–1,000. Journey time is 20–40 minutes. Avoid touts in the parking lot who quote NPR 2,000–4,000 — 3–4× the real rate. Have small-denomination rupees ready; drivers rarely have change for large notes.
Do I need a visa on arrival for Nepal and what does it cost?
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Fees: 15 days US$30, 30 days US$50, 90 days US$125 — all multiple entry. Pay in cash; crisp USD bills preferred. Bring one passport photo. Save time: complete the online pre-application at immigrationnepal.gov.np within 15 days before arrival, print the barcode receipt, and use the faster line. Indian nationals do not need a visa. SAARC citizens get a free 30-day visa once per calendar year. Processing: 30–45 minutes off-peak, up to 90 minutes in peak trekking season (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr).
Is it safe to drink tap water in Kathmandu?
No — tap water in Kathmandu should never be drunk unfiltered. The municipal supply is untreated and frequently contaminated, particularly during monsoon (June–September). Always drink bottled or purified water — check that seals are intact. Use bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth. Factory-sealed bottled water (NPR 20–50 for 1 litre) is widely available. Many hotels and guesthouses have filtered water refill stations — bring a reusable bottle and use purification tablets or a SteriPen as backup. Ice in drinks should be avoided unless confirmed from purified water.
What permits do I need for trekking in Nepal?
For the Annapurna region (including Poon Hill): TIMS card (US$10) + ACAP permit (NPR 3,000, ~US$23). Both can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara — bring passport photos. For Everest region: Sagarmatha National Park permit (NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT) + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit (NPR 2,000). For Langtang: Langtang National Park permit (NPR 3,000) + TIMS. For restricted areas like Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo, additional permits (US$500+) and a registered guide are mandatory. Check latest requirements with the Nepal Tourism Board before trekking. See our Nepal visa guide for more details.
Cash or card — how should I pay in Kathmandu?
Cash is king. Carry Nepali Rupees (NPR) for everything day-to-day: street food, local restaurants, taxis, temple entry fees, trekking permits, and small shops. Cards are increasingly accepted at mid-range hotels, large Thamel restaurants, and supermarkets, but often with a 3–4% surcharge. ATMs are plentiful in Thamel — withdraw up to NPR 35,000 per transaction with a ~NPR 500 fee. Mix small notes (NPR 100, 500) for essentials. Exchange USD or EUR at money changers in Thamel for better rates than the airport. Never rely on cards outside Kathmandu and Pokhara — cash only in trekking regions.

Research Sources & Methodology

How this guide was built — so you can verify every claim.

✓ Verified & updated May 28, 2026
Core Data Sources
Booking.com (380+ accommodation reviews, 8.5+ threshold), TripAdvisor Kathmandu (620+ attraction reviews), Google Maps (430+ local reviews). All data May 2026.
Official Sources
Nepal Tourism Board (welcomenepal.com), TIMS permit fees (ntb.gov.np), Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation permit fees, CIWEC Travel Medicine Center altitude health guidelines. All entry fees and permit costs verified May 2026.
Selection Criteria
Hotels: min 8.5/10, 30+ reviews. Attractions: Google Maps 4.0+, 150+ reviews. Trek permit costs: verified against NTB official fee schedule as of May 2026.
Corrections Policy
Nepal permit fees and entry costs change annually. Contact us via the form — we respond within 48 hours.
Affiliate Disclosure: Hotel "Check Prices" links are affiliate partner links from Booking.com. Full disclosure →

Last verified: May 28, 2026. Permit fees and entry costs subject to change. Always verify with Nepal Tourism Board before travel.