Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, is often called the gateway to heaven. It lies in the lap of the majestic Himalayas and is home to some of the world’s highest mountains. Winter is the best time to visit Kathmandu, when the city witnesses clear sunny mornings, providing excellent visibility for trekkers and mountain lovers. Kathmandu in January is a somewhat dry season in terms of tourism. There are fewer tourists during this time of the year, as the nip in the air is chilling with foggy mornings. But despite this, some people dream of visiting Kathmandu at its chilly best this month. Although the peaks usually remain mostly hidden, there is still much to see around Kathmandu in January.
Kathmandu In January 2025: Best Places To Visit
Here’s a list of the 10 best places in Kathmandu to visit in January for a heartwarming experience you will remember all your life!
- Boudhanath Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Lumbini – An Auspicious Place
- Pashupatinath Temple – Remarkable Architecture
- Kopan Monastery – Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
- Durbar Square – Stunning Architecture
- Royal Botanical Gardens – Witness The Rare And Wild Flora
- Bhaktapur – Third Of The Medieval City States
- Langtang National Park – Offers Enchanting View
- Indra Chowk – Vibrant Market Squares
- Nagarkot – Offers Breathtakingly Beautiful View
1. Boudhanath Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Image Credit: Solundir for Wikimedia Commons
Boudhanath Stupa, or temple, is the tomb of Kassapa Buddha’s remains, and hence, it is associated with many legends and folklore. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this sprawling white mausoleum is the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. It is a very significant place to visit if you are in Kathmandu and wondering about things to do in January.
It is said that the remains of Kassapa Buddha dwell in this stupa. Every day, thousands of pilgrims from many faiths congregate here. They conduct a ceremonial ‘kora’, or circumnavigation, of the enormous dome. Good karma is said to be bestowed upon anyone who walks around the stupa without harboring any negative thoughts. Numerous monasteries and smaller stupas can be seen in the vicinity of Boudhanath Stupa.
Location: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Entry Fee: Foreign nationals and Chinese citizens: NPR 400
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2. Lumbini – An Auspicious Place
Image Credit: Photo Dharma for Wikimedia Commons
This is the most auspicious place for somebody who believes in Buddhism and the principles of Lord Buddha. Considered the birthplace of Lord Buddha, this temple is also known as the Mayadevi Temple and is a pilgrimage site in all senses. Awaken your spiritual senses while visiting Kathmandu in January and experience the gentle serenity of the land.
Buddhist groups from all over the world have constructed monasteries and meditation centres all over Lumbini. Each monastery’s distinct architectural design represents Buddhism’s global expansion. Beyond its historical and spiritual assets, Lumbini is encircled by the Terai plains’ breathtaking natural surroundings. The endangered Sarus cranes and other wildlife might find refuge at the nearby Lumbini Crane Sanctuary.
Location: Lumbini, Nepal
Top Attractions: Maya Devi Temple, World Peace Pagoda Lumbini, Bodhi Tree, Myanmar Golden Temple
3. Pashupatinath Temple – Remarkable Architecture
Image Credit: Harry Paudyal for Wikimedia Commons
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pashupatinath Temple, is the most widely visited Hindu Temple in the World. It has a few remarkable features in terms of architecture and history, making it one of the most sacred places in Kathmandu.
The temple has inscriptions, images, and much-preserved history, as well as being home to several ashrams and temples of Lord Shiva. Do not miss the most important of the 12 Jyotirlingas of the lord, of which the head lies here! It is a great place to visit in Kathmandu in winter.
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal, near the Bagmati River
Entry Fee: NPR 1000 for Foreign and SAARC Nationals, free for Indian and Nepalese
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4. Kopan Monastery – Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
Image Credit: Aleksandr Rain for Wikimedia Commons
Kathmandu witnesses a remarkable intermingling of the Buddhist and Hindu cultures, as these two religions are widely acclaimed here. There are quite a number of temples and also a handful of monasteries, to begin with. The Kopan monastery is worth mentioning because of its sheer location.
Nestled in lush green against the backdrop of a dazzling view of the Himalayas, the Kopan monastery redefines the meaning of tranquillity, which the Kathmandu Nepal weather in January accentuates perfectly.
Location: P9V7+3X7 Ward 11, Budhanilkantha 44600, Nepal
Entry Fee: No entry fee
5. Durbar Square – Stunning Architecture
Image Credit: Alexander Shafir for Wikimedia Commons
A beautiful courtyard of the age-old Kathmandu Palace kingdom, the Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its stunning architectural brilliance and the unrivalled craftsmanship of the museums.
A quick stroll through the place allows you to soak in the Nepalese culture and also witness the surreal Kumari Chowk, where a Kumari, or young girl, is showcased as the reincarnated Hindu goddess Durga, which is a very curious attraction for tourists.
Location: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Entry Fee: NPR 100 approx
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6. Royal Botanical Gardens – Witness The Rare And Wild Flora
Image Credit: Koshy Koshy for Wikimedia Commons
The botanical garden is the perfect place to showcase Nepal’s rare and wild flora. The weather in Kathmandu allows many colourful orchids and tropical species of flowers to grow.
This is the best place to visit if you want to avoid the popular tourist places and spend a few refreshing hours amidst nature. The garden is exceptionally well maintained and ideal for a small picnic, although you might need some paperwork!
Location: H9WJ+X5W, Satdobato-Godavari Rd, Godawari 44709, Nepal
Entry Fee: Free of cost
7. Bhaktapur – Third Of The Medieval City States
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The Newar dynasty has ruled Nepal for a good part of its history and has a significant influence on the Buddhist culture of today; it had its roots here in Bhaktapur. Another world UNESCO heritage site, Bhaktapur, is a rich confluence of well-preserved palace courtyards, temples, monasteries, traditional art, architecture, and craft.
Bhaktapur served as the capital city of Nepal until late into the 15th century. This is one of the famous places to explore when visiting Kathmandu in January because of the pleasant weather.
Location: Bhaktapur, Nepal
Top Attractions: Palace, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Square, Changu Narayan, Doleshwar Mahadev Temple
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8. Langtang National Park – Offers Enchanting View
Image Credit: Santosh Yonjan for Wikimedia Commons
Being the fourth national park and first Himalayan Park, the Langtang National Park is one of its kind. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayan terrain, this National park is a fantastic day trip, camping or trekking trip in the Kathmandu weather in January.
A few hours within nature, amidst the forests of pine and bamboo trees and incredible flora and fauna, this park also provides its visitors with some mind-blowing views. It is a wonderful place to see in Kathmandu in winter.
Location: Helambu, 45007, Nepal
Entry Fee: NPR 1000 onwards
9. Indra Chowk – Vibrant Market Squares
Image Credit: Sharada Prasad CS for Wikimedia Commons
This marketplace is hidden among the alleyways of the great Akash Bhairab Temple and is a must-visit place to shop for gifts and taste the local cuisine here. Shopping in Kathmandu is one such experience that will surely leave you happy.
The courtyard is always filled with people and craftsmen lining the streets with colourful beads, bangles, and other articles that tourists would want to possess as memoirs. Apart from this market, the four metal and two brass lions guarding the doors of the Sky Temple are also a marvel in themselves.
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Things To Do: Go on a shopping spree
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10. Nagarkot – Offers Breathtakingly Beautiful View
Image Credit: Sherparinji for Wikimedia Commons
The panoramic view of nature is what the people come to Nagarkot for. This place has breathtakingly beautiful views of Nature and a few good hotels. Since the temperature in Kathmandu in January may drop to chilly levels, you would want to pack some warm clothes if you are wondering what to wear during this time. It is said to showcase 8 out of the famous 13 ranges of the Himalayan Mountains, which you might luckily spot if the weather and your luck permits!
Location: Bhaktapur District, Nepal
Things To Do: Paragliding, Trekking, Hiking
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Even if you miss out on a few great experiences, visiting Kathmandu will keep you returning for more. But if you long for a snowfall in Kathmandu in January, do not count on it much. And without further ado, plan a trip to Nepal, pack your bags and fly off to experience a different but breathtakingly beautiful avatar in Kathmandu in January.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kathmandu In January
Is January is a good time to Visit Nepal?
January is a great time to visit Nepal when the weather is awesome, the skies are clear, and the views are spectacular. Also, there are fewer visitors in Nepal in December and January, and hotel rooms are priced at their lowest.
How many days do you need to visit Nepal?
You need about 5 – 8 days to explore Nepal fully. If you only wish to visit the Kathmandu Valley, then 2 to 3 days should be enough. But if you add Pokhara to the list, you would need at least 6 days to see and experience all that this country has to offer. This also includes various activities like trekking, sightseeing, and shopping in Kathmandu.
How cold is Nepal in January?
January is essentially the coldest month of the year in Nepal, especially Kathmandu. The average day-time temperature stays around 7°C, whereas the nights can get very cold with an average temperature of about 3°C.
How cold is Nepal in January?
January is essentially the coldest month of the year in Nepal, especially Kathmandu. The average day-time temperature stays around 7°C, whereas the nights can get very cold with an average temperature of about 3°C.
Does it snow in Kathmandu in January?
It does sometimes snow in Kathmandu in December and January during winter. Most times, the snow tends to stay till the month of February.
Is there snowfall in Nepal?
It snows only about 2 or 3 times in the entire winter season in Nepal, even in the higher altitude areas. However, once it has, the snow tends to stay on the ground till February. Overall, the winter season in Nepal is characterized by a dry climate.
Which is the most beautiful place in Nepal?
Rara Lake, Khapdak National Park, Panch Pokhari, Ghore Pani Poon Hill, Chitwan National Park, Gosainkunda Lake, and the Janakpur Dham are said to be the most beautiful places in Nepal.
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