4 Days in Kathmandu: A Comprehensive Itinerary

Last Updated on July 29, 2025

Kathmandu is known for its busy markets, local restaurants, historic Durbar squares, and significant landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa.

Since Nepal’s only international airport is in Kathmandu, most travelers pass through the city at the beginning or end of their trip. Many stop in Kathmandu before trekking, or heading to other regions of Nepal like Chitwan or Pokhara.

However, Kathmandu is more than just a transit point. It’s a large, historic city with a lot to see and do. Spending time here provides insight into urban life in Nepal before venturing into rural areas. 

Ready to visit Kathmandu? Here’s how to spend 4 days in Kathmandu. This Kathmandu itinerary covers where to stay, what to do each day, where (and what) to eat, and more. 

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How Long Should You Spend In Kathmandu?

I recommend spending a minimum of 4 days in Kathmandu, because it’s a large city with a lot to see, both in the center and the surrounding areas. It has important historical and cultural sites, including Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, that take time to visit. 

Beyond the city, places like Bhaktapur, Patan, and Nagarkot give you a chance to experience more of Nepal’s history and landscapes. A short visit wouldn’t be enough to see everything the area has to offer. If you have flexibility in your schedule, spend 4 days (or more) in Kathmandu, so you can really get to know the city. 

Where To Stay in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, you’ll want to book a (locally-owned!) hotel. I’ve shared some recommendations below, at different price points.

Headed outside of Kathmandu on your trip? Consider booking a homestay through the Community Homestay Network. They list homestays all throughout Nepal.

$$$ Kailash Boutique Hotel 

Kailash Boutique Hotel is a well-located and higher-end option in Kathmandu, just a short walk from the busy streets of Thamel. From the hotel, you can easily visit markets, restaurants, and cultural sites. 

The rooms in Kailash Boutique Hotel are nicely decorated and comfortable, with all the amenities you need, like air conditioning, toiletries, and flat-screen TVs. There’s also an on-site restaurant, free airport pickup, and a rooftop terrace with city views. 

$$ Hotel Mega & Apartment 

Hotel Mega & Apartment is the perfect choice for a blend of comfort and convenience in the heart of Kathmandu. My husband and I like Hotel Mega so much, we’ve stayed there 3 times! We keep returning because the staff are friendly, the rooms are cozy, and they serve a great breakfast. 

Situated just in the Thamel district, Hotel Mega & Apartment is within walking distance to local attractions, shops, and dining spots. The rooms are spacious and clean with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. 

Hotel Mega & Apartment has a range of thoughtful services, like complimentary airport pickup and an on-site restaurant serving local and international meals. And, the hotel has a rooftop terrace where you can have a drink while enjoying views of the city. 

$ Hotel Yambu Kathmandu

Hotel Yambu is a well-located option in Kathmandu, situated in the heart of Thamel. From this hotel you can easily walk to local markets, restaurants, and cultural sites. 

The hotel’s rooms are spacious, well-furnished, and have modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies in some rooms. 

While staying at Hotel Yambu you can also enjoy free airport pickup, an on-site restaurant serving Nepali and international foods, and a rooftop terrace with city views. 

How to Get Around Kathmandu

Getting around Kathmandu depends on your budget, schedule, and comfort with local transport. Thamel, the city’s main tourist area, is pretty compact which makes it easy to get around on foot. 

Reaching other parts of Kathmandu can require transport and some planning. Public buses are the most affordable option but can be confusing to navigate. Taxis cost more, but are a more convenient way to travel. Here’s a breakdown of your main options:

On Foot: The central area of Kathmandu, especially Thamel, is easy to get aorund on foot. Streets are narrow, and many attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance. Sidewalks can be uneven or crowded, and you’ll often have to walk in the street, so be sure to stay alert while walking aorund Thamel and other parts of Kathmandu.

Public Bus: Local buses and microbuses connect different parts of the city. These busses can be crowded, and you might find them confusing to navigate. Routes are not always clearly marked, and stops are informal. But, if you have the time and patience, getting around Kathmandu by bus can be a fun way to see the city and take part in the daily life of locals.

Taxi: Taxis are widely available and can take you anywhere in the city. Meters are rarely used, so you’ll typically need to negotiate your fare before getting into the vehicle. Traffic congestion can make trips slow, especially during peak hours. You also have the option of moto-taxis, but this isn’t known to be a very safe way to get around the city so I’d avoid moto-taxis in general. 

Your 4 Day Kathmandu Itinerary

Now that you know some basics for visiting Kathmandu, let’s dive into this 4-day Kathmandu itinerary. 

Kathmandu Day 1: Markets, History, and an Epic Sunset

On the first day of your 4 days in Kathmandu, you’ll focus on getting to know the Thamel neighborhood of the city, and you’ll visit one of Kathmandu’s most famous temples. 

Start your day with an early breakfast in your hotel. Before heading out, ensure you’re wearing  comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing lots of walking!

If you aren’t up for walking, all of the sites you’ll visit on day 1 can easily be reached by taxi. 

Walk through Thamel

Walking through Thamel on foot is the best way to observe and absorb the neighborhood’s busy atmosphere. While the business of Thamel is exciting, you do need to be cautious as you walk around the area. 

There aren’t always sidewalks, so make sure you’re aware of your surroundings in the narrow streets and be careful of passing vehicles. 

As you wander Thamel, stop at Pilgrims Book House for a bit of shopping. If you get hungry, grab a snack and coffee at Pumpernickel Bakery. Or, visit the Museum Of Nepali Art to learn more about local culture. 

Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the many things that Kathmandu is famous for. When the ancient kingdoms of Nepal were in rule, Durbar squares served as the royal and administrative centers. They were where kings were crowned, important ceremonies took place, and governance was conducted.

Kathmandu’s Durbar Square was built during the Malla dynasty, which ruled Nepal from the 12th to the 18th centuries. Today, you can wander the square, admiring temples, palaces, and statues that showcase Nepal’s architectural heritage.

Foreigners are required to pay an entrance fee of NPR 1,000 ($10 CAD / $7 USD) to access the area. This fee is collected to help with preservation of the square and general upkeep. You’ll be asked to pay the fee to an attendant when you enter this area of the city – be sure to hold onto your receipt in case anyone asks if you’ve paid after the fact.

While in Kathmandu Durbar Square, be sure to see the Kumari Ghar, which is where the living goddess of Nepal lives, and the Kasthamandap, a wooden structure believed to have been built from a single tree. 

While visiting, it’s important to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site by refraining from loud behavior and not taking photos in restricted areas. Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting the square.

You might start to feel ready for lunch while visiting Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. Head to Revolution Cafe & Restaurant, which is a short walk from the square. They make great butter chicken masala and chicken biryani!

Also nearby the Durbar Square is the Snowman Cafe. This cafe has been run by the same family since 1965, making it one of the oldest and most famous cafes of Kathmandu. 

In the 60s and 70s, lines of people sat outside the Snowman Cafe sipping coffee or tea. It was a popular spot to hang out during the Hippie Trail era, when young backpackers flocked to Kathmandu as part of their travels. 

Today, the Snowman Cafe is still a popular spot – although mainly with younger locals. It’s a tiny cafe where you can enjoy a cup of masala tea and a slice of home-made cake. Be sure to walk around the cafe to check out old photos and art that are hung on the walls. 

Wander Asan Bazaar

Markets in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu, have a long history tied to the region’s role as a major trade hub between India and Tibet. 

For centuries, traders brought goods like salt, wool, spices, and textiles through Kathmandu Valley. This led to the establishment of many busy marketplaces, where these goods were sold and traded.

Asan Bazaar is one of Kathmandu’s oldest and busiest markets. Here, you can buy spices, textiles, traditional jewelry, religious items, and local handicrafts. The area is also lined with narrow alleys and historic buildings, making it an interesting area of the city to wander around. 

We loved buying spices and tea to bring home from Asan Bazaar, but shopping isn’t the only reason to visit this market. Whether or not you’d like to make purchases, you’ll enjoy observing the energy of this market, seeing what’s being bought and sold, and people-watching.

Just on the outskirts of Asan Bazaar, you’ll find the best lassi in Kathmandu! Lassi is a yogurt–based beverage that has a smooth, easy-to-drink consistency. It’s sweet and creamy and often comes with toppings, like cashews or almonds. You can try it at Janakpur Dahi Lassi Bhandar, which is just a short walk from the bazaar. 

Lassi at Janakpur Dahi Lassi Bhandar

Watch the Sunset From Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is an ancient religious site in Kathmandu.  The temple is believed to date back to 460 A.D., built by King Manadeva. By the 13th century, it had become an important center of Buddhism, and it still is today. 

Swayambhunath stupa has a large white dome and gilded spire. You’ll notice on the stupa Buddha’s all-seeing eyes, which are a traditional element of Newari Buddhist architecture. 

The symbol is painted on all four sides of the cube at the top of the stupa to symbolize the Buddha’s wisdom seeing all things in all four cardinal directions.

Swayambhunath is about a 45 minute walk from Thamel. While the walk is nice, you may want to take a taxi instead, in the interest of time. 

Hail a taxi in Thamel and ask the driver to take you to Swayambhunath (or you can say Monkey Temple). The ride typically takes about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Be sure to negotiate the price before getting into the taxi.

Swayambhunath is famous for its historic stupa and its location. The temple is at the very top of a large hill in Kathmandu, which means that you do have to climb a steep staircase to reach it – but the climb is worth it for the panoramic views of the city and surrounding valley!

Sunset is the best time of day to visit Swayambhunath. The fading light creates an especially beautiful atmosphere, and the temple becomes busy with people stopping by after a day of work. 

Sunset time changes throughout the year, so be sure to check ahead of time when the sun will set. Plan to get to Swayambhunath about an hour before sunset time, for the best views.

The other thing this temple is famous for? Monkeys! The reason Swayambhunath is often called “Monkey Temple” is because of the large population of monkeys that live in and around it. 

There’s an abundance of monkeys at Swayambhunath Temple because of the temple’s location, and religious practices. Swayambhunath is surrounded by greenery, where the monkeys have found refuge from the city streets. 

Over time, these monkeys have become associated with the temple and are seen as part of the Swayambhunath’s spiritual symbolism, often linked to the revered deity of wisdom, symbolizing playfulness and energy in local culture.

Locals and visitors regularly feed them, which has led to their large numbers, and over time, the monkeys have become an established part of the temple’s environment. 

You’ll likely see people feeding the monkeys while you’re there, but I don’t recommend this. It isn’t always safe to come in contact with monkeys (they are wild animals!), and feeding them isn’t aligned with the best practices around responsible wildlife tourism. 

While visiting Swayambhunath, be sure to be a responsible tourist. Dress modestly, give plenty of space to worshippers, and avoid interrupting rituals or ceremonies. Be sure to follow the best practices for taking photos and videos respectfully.

Have Momos for Dinner!

Momos are a popular Newari dish, often steamed or fried, and filled with meat, vegetables, or a combination of both. They’re typically served with a spicy dipping sauce called achar, making them a flavorful snack or meal. 

Don’t miss trying momo with traditional buffalo meat filling. For great momo, I recommend going to Pasa Newari Kitchen in Thamel.

Kathmandu Day 2: Famous Temples

On your second day in Kathmandu, you’ll visit two of Kathmandu’s most famous sites: Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath. I recommend getting an early start after having breakfast in your hotel. 

Your first stop of the day, Pashupatinath, is a long walk from Thamel, and although you can go there by bus, it would take a long time. So after breakfast, head out onto the street to hail a taxi, or ask your hotel to call one for you.

Visit Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is Nepal’s most important Hindu site. As one of the most sacred Shiva temples in the world, it has been a site of worship for over a thousand years, with its origins dating back to at least the 5th century CE.

The Hindu ceremonies that are performed at Pashupatinath Temple are deeply rooted in ancient traditions that honor Lord Shiva, the deity that the temple is dedicated to. 

Central to the rituals at Pashupatinath are daily worship practices, which include offerings of flowers, incense, and prayers to Shiva’s sacred lingam. Pashupatinath is also the site of cremation rituals, which are held on the ghats along the Bagmati River. 

Cremations are an important tradition in Hinduism, because a cremation symbolizes the soul’s journey toward liberation. At most times of the day, cremations are taking place at Pashupatinath. 

At Pashupatinath Temple, you should visit the main temple complex, which houses the sacred shrine of Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Note that you may not be able to actually enter the main temple – when we visited in 2024, entrance was only permitted for Hindus.

You can also observe the cremation ghats by the Bagmati River. While it’s okay to observe, if you do go to see this ritual, be respectful. Keep a distance and don’t take photos.

What not to do in Nepal? Ignore the best practices for visiting religious sites in a respectful way.

While visiting Pashupatinath, dress modestly, give plenty of space to worshippers, and avoid interrupting rituals or ceremonies. Be sure to follow the best practices for taking photos and videos respectfully, too.

There is a small entrance fee charged to foreigners visiting Pashupatinath Temple, which you’ll be asked to pay upon entrance. Plan to spend around 2 hours at the temple. 

When you’re finished visiting Pashupatinath Temple, you’ll head to Boudhanath Stupa. It’s pretty straightforward to walk there – the walk takes about 20 minutes. Otherwise, you can take a short taxi ride to get to Boudhanath. 

Walk Around Boudhanath Stupa

Built in the 14th century, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in Nepal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the holiest places for Tibetan Buddhists. 

When you arrive at Boudhanath Stupa, you’ll be asked to pay a small entrance fee. For foreign nationals, the fee is NPR 400 (about $4 CAD / $3.50 USD). After paying, you can spend as long as you like walking around the stupa. 

Walk clockwise around Boudhanath, and be sure to stop to view its prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags. Surrounding the stupa there are many small shops and restaurants that you can pop into.

You’ll also notice some quiet monasteries, like Jamchen Lhakhang Monastery. If you enter any monasteries, be sure to remove your shoes upon entry, be quiet, and be respectful of the monks. 

I recommend walking around Boudhanath several times, because with every lap around the stupa, you’ll notice and observe new things.  

As with the other religious sites in Kathmandu, be sure to be a responsible tourist while visiting Boudhanath. Dress modestly, give plenty of space to worshippers, and avoid interrupting rituals or ceremonies. Be sure to follow the best practices for taking photos and videos respectfully.

You’ll likely start to get hungry for lunch after spending some time walking around Boudhanath. There’s several restaurants in the area that you can drop by for a good meal. 

For lunch with a view, head to Roadhouse Cafe. They serve a mix of Nepalese and Western dishes, including vegetarian options, so there’s something for everyone. And, from their rooftop patio you’ll have a beautiful view of the stupa. 

Alternatively, head to Himalayan Sherpa Food House. This spot is fun to find because it’s pretty hidden. To find it, head to the Google Maps pin. You’ll think you don’t see it, but that’s only because you need to walk about 15 meters down the alleyway – this small restaurant will be on the left. 

Himalayan Sherpa Food House serves traditional Sherpa food. Be sure to try their rildok (potato dumplings in soup) and the rikikur (potato pancakes / roti).

Spend the Afternoon in Patan Durbar Square

After lunch, you’ll head to Patan Durbar Square. Patan Durbar Square, also known as Lalitpur Durbar Square, is an ancient city and the former home of the Malla kings. It’s famous for its Newari architecture, historical monuments, intricate carvings, and temples, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Patan Durbar Square is technically in another city, Lalitpur, which is just outside Kathmandu. The fastest way to get there is by taxi, which takes around 30 minutes. You can also opt for public transit, but expect a longer journey if you go to Patan by bus. 

When you arrive at Patan Durbar Square, you’ll be asked to pay a fee of NPR 1,000 ($10 CAD / 7 USD) to visit. Be sure to hold onto your receipt as you may be asked to show it while walking around the site.

Something to know when visiting Patan is that in 2015, a major earthquake hit Nepal, causing significant damage to Patan Durbar Square. Many of its historic temples and structures were either destroyed or severely affected. 

Local volunteers quickly stepped in to salvage and protect valuable artifacts from the debris. Restoration efforts have been ongoing, focusing on rebuilding these cultural landmarks while enhancing their resilience against future quakes. 

While visiting Patan Durbar Square, you might notice evidence of the damage the earthquake caused, as well as some of the ongoing restoration efforts.   

There’s several sites, mostly temples, you’ll want to visit in Patan Durbar Square. The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) is a 12th-century Buddhist monastery known for its golden facade and intricate metalwork. 

You’ll also want to stop by the Mahabouddha Temple, which is also known as the “Temple of a Thousand Buddhas.” This temple is adorned with thousands of terracotta tiles that each have an image of Buddha.

Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is also worth visiting. It is known for its erotic carvings and the stone statues of elephants guarding its entrance. And finally, be sure to visit Taleju Bhawani Temple, a five-story temple dedicated to the goddess Taleju, the personal deity of the Malla kings. 

Visiting the Patan Museum is a must when you’re in the area. Entrance into the museum is included with the fee you pay as a foreigner to visit Patan Durbar Square. 

It’s housed in a beautifully restored palace within Patan Durbar Square. Inside, you’ll find a collection of traditional Nepalese art, including impressive metalwork and sculptures.  

The museum does a great job of explaining the cultural significance behind these pieces, so you walk away with a deeper understanding of artistic heritage in Nepal. Plus, the serene courtyard and on-site café make it a pleasant spot to stop for a drink and snack.

You’ll likely spend 2-3 hours, maybe longer, walking around Patan Durbar Square. We stayed quite a long time because along with admiring the beautiful historic temples and architecture, it’s a great area to sit, enjoy a drink, and people-watch. Be sure to take your time!

When you’re ready to head back to Thamel, go by bus, or hop in a taxi. 

Krishna Temple in Patan Durbar Square, and inside the Patan Museum

Dinner at Mo:Mo Star

For dinner, I recommend going to Mo:Mo Star, a cozy Nepalese restaurant tucked away on a side street of Thamel. This restaurant is known, of course, for momos, so you’ll want to order those (I love the veg and cheese momos), but they serve other delicious dishes, too, like thukpa (a Nepalese soup). 

Kathmandu Day 3: Day Trip to Bhaktapur and Nagarkot

On the third day of your 4 days in Kathmandu, you’re going on a day trip! 

You’ll visit the old city of Bhaktapur, where you can see the region’s most beautiful Durbar Square, and then you’ll go to Nagarkot, which is known for breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range.

There are two ways you can approach this day trip. You can go independently, using a bus or taxi to get around, or, you can book a guided tour. 

I recommend going with a guided tour because it will make for an easy day to have all of your transport organized for you. 

That, and you’ll have a local guide! With a local guide, you’ll have a more enriching experience – they’ll be able to share with you history, context, and other valuable information throughout the day. 

Bhaktapur, Nepal

Tour To Bhaktapur and Nagarkot

On this private Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Day Tour From Kathmandu you’ll head first to the ancient city of Bhaktapur, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Your guide will bring you to key sites in Bhaktapur, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring historic palaces and temples, and the Nyatapola Temple, known for its impressive five-tiered pagoda design. 

The next stop on this Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Day Tour From Kathmandu is a visit to Nagarkot, a hill station famous for its panoramic Himalayan views, especially during sunrise and sunset. On a clear day, you may be able to see Mount Everest!

Included with this Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Day Tour From Kathmandu is hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and the services of an English-speaking guide.

Book: Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Day Tour From Kathmandu 

Visiting Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Independently

If you decide to visit Bhaktapur and Nagarkot independently instead of on a guided tour, you’ll want to get around by taxi. Start by taking a taxi from your hotel in Thamel to Bhaktapur. The trip will take around 45 minutes. 

When you arrive at Bhaktapur, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee before accessing the historic square. The fee, which goes toward restoration and protection of the site, costs NPR 1800 ($18 CAD / $13 USD) for foreign nationals.

Start your Bhaktapur visit at the 55 Window Palace in Durbar Square, built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th century. This palace is renowned for its intricately carved wooden windows and served as the royal residence until 1769.

Afterward, walk a few minutes to the nearby Nyatapola Temple. It’s Nepal’s tallest pagoda, constructed in 1702 under King Bhupatindra Malla. Amazingly, the five-tiered design of this pagoda has withstood multiple earthquakes.

From Nyatapola Temple, walk to Pottery Square, which is the heart of Bhaktapur’s ceramic industry. Here, artisans craft traditional pottery using age-old techniques, and you can observe the entire process, from shaping clay on the wheel to sun-drying finished pieces.

Another must-see in Bhaktapur is the Dattatreya Temple, originally built in 1427. This temple is known for its unique construction, which is believed to be from the timber of a single tree. In looking at Dattatreya Temple, you’ll notice incredible woodwork.

While in Bhaktapur, don’t miss tasting Juju Dhau, or “King Curd,” a rich and creamy yogurt made from buffalo milk, for which the city is famous. You can order it in most restaurants, or head to Barahi King Curd Store to taste it. 

You’l likely want to stop for a meal while in Bhaktapur. I recommend Himalayan Java Coffee or Cafe Harati. Both are in the Durbar Square, so you’ll have beautiful views of the square while you enjoy your meal. 

After a few hours in Bhaktapur, you’ll head to Nagarkot. The trip there will take around 35 minutes by taxi. 

Nagarkot, located about 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is famous for its panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even Mount Everest on clear days. 

The main spot you’ll want to visit is the Nagarkot View Tower. From the tower you’ll have 360-degree vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. I recommend timing your visit for the evening, around sunset time, for the best views.

One thing to note – if it isn’t a clear day, you may want to skip visiting Nagarkot. Gorgeous Himalayan views aren’t guaranteed unless you have clear weather. If the sky isn’t clear, you can spend longer in Bhaktapur, and head back to Thamel when you’re ready. 

Have Dinner at Roadhouse Cafe

After a busy day trip outside of Kathmandu, you’ll be hungry! Head to Roadhouse Cafe in Thamel for a cozy and tasty dinner.

Their menu has a mix of Nepalese and Western dishes – you choose from wood-fired pizza, pasta, salad, curry, and more. The restaurant has a beautiful garden patio for outdoor dining, and lots of indoor dining too. If you’re craving comfort food, order their nachos! 

Kathmandu Day 4: A Garden, Shopping, and a Cooking Class

Your last day in Kathmandu should be relaxed, so there’s no need to get an early start. If you’d like to sleep in, go for it! Once you’re up, have breakfast in your hotel before heading out to get the day going. 

On day 4 in Kathmandu, you’ll visit a beautiful garden, as well as a quiet stupa and monastery. To wrap up the day, you can do some shopping in Thamel, before going for a cooking class. 

Visit Kathesimbu Stupa

Kathesimbhu Stupa is a smaller replica of the famous Swayambhunath Stupa. It’s a short walk from Thamel, near Asan Bazaar.

Built around 1650 AD, this stupa, which is surrounded by smaller shrines, statues, and prayer wheels, is an accessible pilgrimage site for those unable to visit Swayambhunath. 

In the square where you’ll find Kathesimbu Stupa, you’ll also notice a monastery called Drugon Jangchu Monastery. If the monastery is open, you’re welcome to step inside to take a look – just be sure to be quiet, respectful, and remove your shoes. 

There are a few shops around Kathesimbhu Stupa that sell tea and coffee. While visiting the stupa, we always enjoy ordering a cup of masala tea and drinking it seated on the stools outside the small shops. 

Kathesimbhu Stupa

Visit The Garden of Dreams

The Garden of Dreams, also known as the Garden of Six Seasons, is a beautiful neoclassical garden in the heart of Kathmandu. It was built in the 1920s by Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana, and designed by architect Kishore Narshingh, who drew his inspiration from Edwardian-era gardens. 

The garden has pavilions, fountains, ponds, pergolas, and verandas, and of course, beautiful plants and flowers. The Garden of Dreams is a really lovely retreat from the busy streets of Kathmandu, which makes it a nice way to spend your final morning in Kathmandu.

Garden of Dreams is open to the public from 09:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. Entry tickets are available at the entrance. For a snack or coffee, you can drop by the on-site Kaiser Café. 

Shopping in Thamel

On your last day in Thamel, take some time to soak up the neighborhood. Go for a wander around the busy streets, popping into the area’s artisan shops for gifts to bring home for yourself, or as gifts for others. 

For a unique souvenir, consider popping into one of the many embroidery shops you’ll come across in Thamel. Inside, you can purchase a custom-embroidered shirt and other clothing items. 

There are tons of these shops, so there’s lots to choose from. We had a good experience at Seema Embroidery. 

You can also find nice paper crafts in Kathmandu. One of my favourite shops for stationery is Dangol Paper Craft. It’s a small shop with lot’s of beautiful paper handicrafts like journals and calendars, and the owner is very kind. 

For beautiful handicrafts head to Mithila Women Handicraft. The owners of this shop are a local couple known for their art. In their shop you’ll find mithila paintings, paper paintings, ceramics, paper mache with unique mithila art.  

Take an Evening Cooking Class

Taking a cooking class while in Kathmandu is a great way to learn about local food culture. You’ll get to spend time with locals, pick up new cooking skills, and learn about the traditions behind the dishes.

This highly-rated Half-Day Cooking Class in Thamel runs a couple times a day. I recommend booking their late afternoon class, so that the class doubles as your dinner. 

With the Half-Day Cooking Class in Thamel, you’ll kick things off by picking out fresh ingredients, then get hands-on making traditional dishes like momos. With three different menus, each featuring four authentic Nepali dishes, there’s plenty to choose from.

And of course, you’ll get to eat everything you make! This Half-Day Cooking Class in Thamel is a fun, laid-back way to get a taste of local life and flavors. 

The class is about 2.5 hours long, and I recommend booking it well in advance to secure your spot. A Nepalese cooking class is the perfect way to wrap up your 4 days in Kathmandu!

Final Thoughts: Spending 4 Days in Kathmandu

Many people head to Nepal to visit the mountains, or to go trekking in the Himalaya, which makes sense – the Himalayas are incredible! But often, visitors treat Kathmandu as a quick stopover for before or after their Nepal itinerary. 

Kathmandu deserves more than a 24-hour stopover. It’s a massive, historic city, with tons to see and do. And, spending time in Kathmandu will give you perspective about city life in Nepal. 

With 4 days in Kathmandu, you’ll have time to get to know the city’s iconic temples, bustling markets, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath. And, you’ll have time to venture outside the city to historic sites like Bhaktapur Durbar Square.