Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is often referred to as 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, hence providing excellent visibility for trekkers and mountain lovers. Kathmandu in January 2024 is a somewhat dry season in terms of tourism. There are fewer number of tourists during this time of the year, as the nip in the air is chilling with foggy mornings. But in spite of this, there are people who dream to visit Kathmandu at its chilly best, during this month. Although the peaks usually remain mostly hidden, there is still so much to see and do around Kathmandu in January.
Kathmandu In January 2024: 10 Best Places To Visit
Here’s a list of the 10 best places in Kathmandu that you can visit in January to have a heart-warming experience that you will remember for your whole 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
Boudhanath Stupa or temple is the tomb of the remains of Kassapa Buddha, and hence has a lot of legends and folklore associated with it. A UNESCO world heritage site, this sprawling white mausoleum is the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and is a very significant place to visit if you are in Kathmandu, and wondering about the things to do in Kathmandu in January.
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2. Lumbini – An Auspicious Place
This is the most auspicious place for somebody who believes in Buddhism, and the principles of Lord Buddha. Considered to be 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.
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3. Pashupatinath Temple – Remarkable Architecture
Another UNESCO world heritage site, the Pashupatinath Temple is the most widely visited Hindu Temple all over the World. It has a few remarkable features in terms of architecture and history, which makes it one of the most sacred places in all of Kathmandu.
The temple has inscriptions, images and a lot of preserved history, besides 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.
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4. Kopan Monastery – Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
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 among this list, 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 tranquility, which the Kathmandu Nepal weather in January accentuates perfectly.
5. Durbar Square – Stunning Architecture
A beautiful courtyard to the age-old Kathmandu Palace kingdom, the Durbar square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its stunning architectural brilliance, and unrivaled craftsmanship of the museums situated here.
A quick stroll through the place gives you the opportunity to soak in the Nepalese culture and also be a witness of 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.
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6. Royal Botanical Gardens – Witness The Rare And Wild Flora
The botanical garden is the perfect place that showcases the rare and wild flora of Nepal. The weather in Kathmandu grows a good number of colorful orchids and tropical species of flowers. This is the best place to visit if you want to avoid the popular tourist places and spend a few refreshing hours amidst nature is this. The garden is extremely well maintained and is ideal for a small picnic, although you might need to do a little paperwork to do so!
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7. Bhaktapur – Third Of The Medieval City States
The Newar dynasty has ruled Nepal for a good part of its history, and has a great influence on the Buddhist culture of today; 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.
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8. Langtang National Park – Offers Enchanting View
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 an amazing 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 and is a wonderful place to see in Kathmandu in winter.
9. Indra Chowk – Vibrant Market Squares
This is a marketplace hidden among the alleyways of the great Akash Bhairab Temple, and is a must visit place if you want 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 colorful beads and 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.
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10. Nagarkot – Offers Breathtakingly Beautiful View
The panoramic view of nature is what the people come to Nagarkot for. This place has some breathtakingly beautiful views of Nature and a few good hotels too. Since the temperature in Kathmandu in January may drop down to chilly levels, you would want to pack some really warm clothes along, in case 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 of course your luck permits!
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Even if you miss out on a few great experiences, visiting Kathmandu will definitely keep you coming back for more. But if you are longing for a snowfall in Kathmandu in January, do not count on it much. And without further ado, simply plan a trip to Nepal , pack your bags and leave, to experience a totally different, but breathtakingly beautiful avatar of Kathmandu in January.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kathmandu In January
Is January 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.
What should I wear In Nepal in January?
You must pack the following items for your trip to Nepal in the month of January:
1. Thick sweaters or pullovers
2. Thick jackets and coats
3. Heattech clothing
4. Long pants and trousers
5. Boots and comfortable trekking shoes
6. Woolen socks and gloves
7. Mufflers
8. Hats
9. Ear warmers
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 the month of 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.
Which is the coldest place in Nepal?
The coldest village in Nepal is believed to Dingboche in the Solukhumbu district. It is located at an elevation of 4,410 meters and usually serves as a base camp for trekkers heading to the Everest.
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