10 Interesting Things to Do in Kathmandu

Being one of travel operators you can truly rely on, and being a company based on Kathmandu as well, Cold Feet Adventure found an urge to write about some of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. To be more precise, we’d like to share some of the things that most of the visitors find interesting to do in Kathmandu. Many of you couldn’t think of much to do here in the crowded and unorganized city of Kathmandu except restaurant and bar hopping, but if you start exploring the city, you will surely find that there was much to do. I am sure every one of you will enjoy these stuffs during your Kathmandu-stay. So, let Cold Feet Adventure Nepal give you the privilege to enjoy going through 10 interesting things to do in Kathmandu.

10. Hiking Around

Kathmandu offers some of the interesting hiking options for hikers. While you are in Kathmandu, you can opt to hike around. The most popular day hikes around Kathmandu can be Nagarkot Hike, Chisapani Hike, Champadevi Hike, Nagarjuna Hike, and so on. It’s not that hard, and not bad for the first time hikers! You can find some reliable travel operators to organize your perfect Kathmandu private hiking trips. Definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Kathmandu!

9. Eating out in Kathmandu

If you explore the food scene in Kathmandu, you can easily identify the diversity of it. You can find almost anything to eat in Kathmandu ranging from Bhutanese street food to French dining. Kathmandu serves you almost any sort of cuisine you want to taste. But there are some foods you shouldn’t miss out during your stay in Kathmandu. Local Nepali Food is what I meant. There are some quality hotels in Kathmandu that serve you exemplary Nepali foods. They provide some out of this world versions of Nepalese National dish—Dal—Bhat—Tarkari (lentils—rice—vegetables) along with some other unusual cuisine options.

8. Shopping in Kathmandu

Shopping—one of the wonderful things to do in Kathmandu! And there are various options and categories of shopping in Kathmandu. Just walk out in the city, get lost in all the winding streets and shop your way through. Shopping in Kathmandu depends solely on your taste. But, there’s everything you can shop ranging from trekking gear, local arts, to souvenirs and all. The list is gonna be endless if I start to make it. So, better not mention ’em all here! If you have enough time to kill and money to burn, shopping in Kathmandu can be really easy!

7. Mountain Flights

Another interesting option available in Kathmandu is to take scenic mountain flights. You can opt to get the glimpse at the best via various mountain flights from Kathmandu. If you do not have enough time for trekking in Everest and Annapurna regions, Mountain flights offer you the best option. You have many choices for charter companies offering flights or helicopter rides to Everest region, Annapurna region, or Kanchenjunga. If you have lack of time, it’s pretty fabulous way of observing the top of the world in few mere hours.

6. Garden of Dreams

On the entrance of Thamel is The Garden of Dreams. Garden of Dreams is said to be a beautiful garden in the midst of the craziness of Kathmandu. You can find European style landscaping and architecture—a great juxtaposition to what is just outside the fence. The garden itself has gone through renewal and it can be the momentary escape if you take a little time to experience the fresh air in the city of smog.

5. Meditate in Kopan Monastery

If you are looking for a crash course in Meditation in Kathmandu and you want to escape from the chaos of Kathmandu, just visit Kopan monastery. It can be one of the best places to go. Kopan Monastery offers various courses on Buddhist Meditation and Yoga which probably will give you some spiritual insights. It could be worth climbing as well, and if you love trekking in Kathmandu, it will take about 2 hours from Thamel. Kopan Monastery can be one of the best options if you want to escape from the crowd of Kathmandu.

4. Visit Pashupatinath Temple Premises

If you ask me, Pashupatinath is definitely one of the most culturally interesting places in Kathmandu. As long as you are open-minded, and you’ve respect for a different tradition, Pashupatinath can be an eye opener. Pashupatinath is known as one of the most significant Hindu Temple in the entire Asia. Located at the Bagmati River bank, Pashupatinath temple shares many interesting things if you’re keen to observe. You can explore the open-air cremations placed on the bank of Bagmati River. There are some stone slabs for funerals. However it seems morbid from western standpoint, it’s the tradition of Hindu people and you’ll realize that this is everyday life. It’s really an incredible place to visit in Kathmandu and it will provide you a different perspective on the Nepalese culture.

3. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square

Located at the heart of bustling old town of Kathmandu, Durbar Square (aka Basantpur Durbar Square or Kathmandu Durbar Square) is surely the best place to start your exploration of Kathmandu. Hanuman Dhoka, built around the 16^th century, used to be the old Royal Palace is one of the central attractions of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Another highlight of Kathmandu Durbar Square comprises one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world, renowned to be the source behind the name of Kathmandu. Wait, wait, wait… how can I forget to mention the most intriguing part of Durbar Square? Kumari Chowk obviously—home to Kumari—the living virgin goddess! Dating back to the Middle Ages, the practice of worshipping a prepubescent girl as the incarnation of goddess Taleju is said to have been existed in Kathmandu. If you happen to be in Kathmandu, don’t forget to visit this wonderful place once. Well, have you ever heard of Freak Street? If yes, it’s literally on the left lane after the entrance to Durbar Square. Freak Street—where you can find a lot of hippies and they have dozens of cafes and restaurants, tattoo parlors and piercing parlors….

2. Walking in Thamel

If you are looking for things to do in Kathmandu and you are still clueless about where to start with, go to Thamel. Thamel has been known to be the heart and soul of chaos in Kathmandu. You will find shops and markets all open from the dusk till down. Thamel is the center where tourists and locals intermingle with each other. Here, you can access all things imaginable, from souvenirs to knockoffs, restaurants to tattoo parlors, and mainly trekking and tour companies. Even our Cold Feet office is located at Sat Ghumti, Thamel. If you ever happen to be in Thamel, don’t forget to visit us! We will help you plan your best Nepal trips.

1. Visit Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa, popularly known as Boudha, is one of the holiest and most popular sites you must have to visit once you are in Kathmandu. Cited as UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site in 1979, Boudhanath stupa is also one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world. You can see a tall central spire from which colorful prayer flags are draped all around. And how can you stay without appreciating those eight eyes of Buddha in all four directions? I think, Boudha is best known for its unique architecture too. Since the inception of the monastery, Boudhanath is regarded as the religious center of Nepalese and Tibetan Buddhist Community. You can discover around fifty monasteries and shops settling around the Stupa. Situated within the noise of Kathmandu city, I bet you Boudha will let you forget all the hustle and bustle.

Conclusion:

Here in the list above, we’ve included some of the most interesting things to do in Kathmandu. Kathmandu might look crowded and cluttered but there’s an interesting history and wonderful culture in the city. Sure, you will find more temples than good roads and you will find all dusty streets and traffic jams. But if you happen to be here in the city, chances are you might end up being clueless about what to do. And we have contributed this post to help you sort out the same confusion. I know there are many things I could have included under this list. I know I could have missed out some more interesting things too. Just came to know now, how could I missed out the awe-inspiring Rock Climbing at Nagarjuna, and visiting Swayambhunath—the Monkey Temple? Anyway, I do hope you’ve enjoyed reading what we’ve included. Please share your part via comments below, if you think there are some other interesting things to do in Kathmandu.