Last Updated on July 29, 2025
Kathmandu is famous for its busy markets, local restaurants, Durbar squares, monuments, and its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa.
Because Nepal’s only international airport is located in Kathmandu, most visitors to the country will spend time in Kathmandu at the start or end of their trip to Nepal. It’s a natural stopover for people planning to trek, or heading onward to Pokhara.
But I would argue that Kathmandu deserves more than a few-days stopover. It’s a massive, historic city, with tons to see and do. Spending time in Kathmandu will give you perspective around city life in Nepal, before heading to more rural regions of the country.
Read on to learn what Kathmandu is famous for, and 6 reasons why you should spend time in Kathmandu, Nepal.
What is Kathmandu Known For?
Kathmandu is known for its long history and cultural landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s history spans over 2,000 years, with its roots tracing back to the Licchavi period. The Licchavis of Nepal ruled over a kingdom in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal from approximately 450 to 750 CE.
As Nepal’s political, cultural, and economic hub, Kathmandu has long been a center for trade, religion, and artistic development, influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Kathmandu’s history as a trade hub in the Himalayas is reflected in the city’s busy markets and traditional craftsmanship.
In Kathmandu you’ll find ancient temples and stupas like Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Kathmandu is also home to a historic Durbar Square, which was once the royal palace complex.
Aside from its many historic sites and beautiful architecture and markets, Kathmandu is known for food. Throughout the city you can try everything from street food classics like a glass of lassi, to staple Newari meals like dal bhat.
Read on to learn the details of why Kathmandu is worth visiting – and for longer than just a day or two!
6 Reasons to Visit Kathmandu, Nepal
Let’s dive into the 6 reasons why you should spend 4 days in Kathmandu (or more!) while visiting Nepal.
1. Newari Food
What not to do in Nepal? Skip eating local food!
Newari food has been influenced by Indian, Tibetan, and local Newari traditions. It often uses fresh ingredients like lentils, rice, vegetables, and spices to create dishes that are tasty and very healthy.
In Kathmandu you have tons of restaurants and street food stands to choose from, so you’ll be able to find a wide range of Newari dishes to try. Here are some of the staples you won’t want to miss in Kathmandu:
Momo (dumplings): 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, head to Mo:Mo Star in Kathmandu. We loved their spicy chili paneer, too!
Sel Roti: A traditional Newari rice flour doughnut, sel roti is lightly sweet and crispy on the outside while soft inside. It’s typically served for special occasions, like during festivals or religious holidays. You might see this on restaurant menus, but you’ll also find it at street food stands and in bakeries in Kathmandu.
Dal Bhat: This staple dish consists of lentil soup (dal) served with steamed rice (bhat), accompanied by sides like vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that most local folks eat daily. For great dal bhat (and great momos, too!), I recommend going to Pasa Newari Kitchen in Kathmandu.
Lassi: 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. The best place we found in Kathmandu to have it is Janakpur Dahi Lassi Bhandar.
Lassi at Janakpur Dahi Lassi Bhandar
2. Durbar Squares
What is Kathmandu famous for? It’s heritage-protected Durbar Squares, which are historical plazas or courtyards.
When the ancient kingdoms of Nepal were in rule, these squares served as the royal and administrative centers. They were where kings were crowned, important ceremonies took place, and governance was conducted.
Today, Nepal’s Durbar Squares are where you can go to get a glimpse of Nepal’s history, and admire Newari architecture. In Durbar squares you can see palaces, temples, and statues.
Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is in the heart of the city. This square was the royal palace of the Malla and Shah kings.
Today, you can see in the square the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Kumari Ghar (home of the Living Goddess), and several pagoda-style temples. It’s both a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a cultural hub.
While Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is the easiest to visit while in the city, there are two more that can be visited as a day trip:
Patan Durbar Square: Situated in the city of Lalitpur, this Durbar Square is known for its beautiful Newari architecture and artistic heritage. Highlights include the Krishna Mandir, a stone temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, and the Patan Museum, where you can see Newari art and learn some history.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Located in Bhaktapur, about an hour from Kathmandu, this square is famous for its preserved medieval atmosphere. You’ll want to see the 55-Window Palace, the Nyatapola Temple, and intricate wood carvings. It’s a perfect spot to learn about Nepal’s history and craftsmanship.
Nepal’s Durbar Squares are heritage sites, and therefore, most of them require foreigners to pay a fee to visit. The fees are reasonable, and go toward protection and conservation of the sites.
3. Busy Markets & Shopping
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.
In Kathmandu, historic markets like Asan Bazaar have existed for generations, selling everything from spices and produce to clothing and religious items. These markets are more than just shopping destinations, they are hubs of daily life and tradition in Kathmandu.
You’ll want to visit a few of Kathmandu’s markets, so that you can experience their diversity. Here are three of the must-visit markets in the city:
Asan Bazaar: One of Kathmandu’s oldest and busiest markets, Asan is known for its bustling atmosphere. You can find fresh produce, spices, traditional Newari cookware, religious items, and textiles here.
Thamel Market: Thamel’s markets are popular for tourists, because they sell lots of trekking gear, souvenirs, handicrafts, and pashmina scarves. In Thamel you’ll also find shops selling local artwork, jewelry, and gifts.
Indra Chowk: This traditional market is famous for its bead shops and traditional clothing. It’s a great place to buy malas (prayer beads), bangles, and other accessories, along with Newari snacks and spices.
Kathmandu streets and markets
4. Temples and Stupas
Kathmandu is a religiously diverse city, home to both Hindu and Buddhist temples.
Throughout the city you’ll find important Hindu temples like Pashupatinath, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Krishna Mandir, a 17th-century Shikhara-style temple located at the Patan Durbar Square.
These temples have pagoda-style architecture and are where religious rituals, including daily worship and cremation ceremonies happen.
Kathmandu also has major Buddhist sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These stupas are large dome-shaped structures that often have intricate carvings, and are decorated with prayer flags. These are significant pilgrimage sites for Tibetan Buddhists and locals. People come to the stupas to circle clockwise around them, spinning the prayer wheels while they pray and meditate.
It’s important to be a responsible tourist in Kathmandu, especially when visiting religious sites.
Be conscious of dress code (make sure shoulders, midriff and legs are covered), be quiet and respectful, avoid touching religious items, and take photos responsibly.
5. Hindu Rituals at Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu 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.
During Maha Shivaratri, a festival that commemorates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, devotees and sadhus (holy men) gather at Pashupatinath to perform special rituals, meditate, and celebrate Shiva’s divine energy. If you happen to be in Kathmandu during the festival, it’s a great time to visit Pashupatinath Temple.
There is a small entrance fee charged to foreigners visiting Pashupatinath Temple, which you’ll be asked to pay upon entrance.
6. Cultural Festivals
Kathmandu is home to many cultural festivals that are known for their rituals, music, and community spirit. Throughout the year, the city is home to various festivals that are rooted in religious traditions.
If you happen to be in Kathmandu during one of the city’s festivals, you’ll want to plan to join in the festivities. Just be sure to be well-informed about them, avoid cultural appropriation, and participate responsibly.
Dashain (September/October): Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival, Dashain, celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Goddess Durga defeating the demon Mahishasura. Families gather to worship, exchange blessings, and enjoy festive meals. In Kathmandu, temples are beautifully decorated, and locals receive tika (a red mark on the forehead) and jamara (barley grass).
Tihar (October/November): Known as the festival of lights, Tihar honors animals like crows, dogs, and cows, recognizing their importance in Hindu mythology and daily life. Families light oil lamps, decorate their homes, and exchange gifts. Kathmandu’s streets are filled with lights and rangoli (colorful patterns).
Indra Jatra (September): This is a week-long festival that celebrates Lord Indra, the god of rain and harvest. It features masked dances, chariot processions of the Kumari (Living Goddess), and traditional music. Held in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Indra Jatra is a lively and culturally significant event.
What is Kathmandu Famous For? Final Thoughts
With its iconic temples, bustling markets, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath, Kathmandu is a must-see for anyone interested in Nepal’s traditions and history.
Whether you’re exploring Durbar Squares, experiencing the local food, or learning about local religious rituals, Kathmandu will be a perfect starting point for any trip to Nepal. Kathmandu is much more than just a stopover—be sure to spend at least two full days getting to know this awesome city.
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