Cover Image Credit: Pixabay

From cultural jaunt to audacious rendezvous, there are a number of things to do in Kathmandu that will exuberate your holiday experience in the Himalayan nation, Nepal. Kathmandu, being the national capital of Nepal, is flecked with awe-insring places that offer incredible entertainment and pleasure you might not have experienced before. It’s a hub of adrenaline-filled activities that include bungee jumping, rock climbing, river rafting and many more.

One of the most perfect times to visit this phenomenal place is between October to December as the climate will be clear and the spectacular views can be seen with utmost clarity. Apart from this, winter lovers can see perfect panoramas in the month of January and February. Besides, it is also advised not to plan a trip in the monsoons as clouds obscure the magnificent mountain views.

Top 16 Things To Do In Kathmandu

We list down top things to do in Kathmandu to make your trip a drastically unforgettable and worthwhile one. Head over to this beautiful place to make sure you get the best. Explore the best of Nepal’s culture with this detailed travel guide.

  • Mt. Everest: For A Fun Trekking Experience
  • Rafting: For An Ultimate Experience
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Bust A Gut To Experience
  • Bungee Jumping: An Amazing Recreational Activity
  • The Everest Mountain Flight: Feel Like A Bird
  • Rock Climbing: For Adventure Lovers
  • Mountain Biking: Enhance Your Skills
  • Paragliding: Enjoy The Implausible Adventure
  • Trekking: Relish The Incredible Experience
  • Cultural Dinner Show: Experience Different Flavors Of Nepalese Food
  • Thamel: Shop And Stroll In The Markets
  • Cooking Class Or Painting Workshop: For A Fun Experience
  • Meditation And Yoga: Relax Your Mind And Soul
  • Nagarkot: Witness The Gorgeous Sunrise
  • Bhaktapur: Explore The City Of Culture
  • Boudhanath Stupa: See The Largest Stupa

1. Mt. Everest: For A Fun Trekking Experience

Snow Clad Everest Mountains

Image Credit: Peellden for Wikipedia

One of the most sought after tourist destinations, Mt. Everest is the world’s highest mountain having an altitude of 29,035 ft. It makes for a perfect trekking spot with vast blue sky in the backdrop. Wrapped with snow-capped mountains and lush green landscape, Everest base camp trek is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal. You will experience the quaint villages, grassy paths, steep rocks while passing through the trek. Apart from beautiful valleys, waterfalls and forests, you will also get a chance to explore the lifestyle of sherpas—the mountain climbers. So, take your adventure up to a whole new level and become a part of the glacial moraines this year!

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Timings for Entry and Closing: 9 AM to 9 PM
Ideal for: Adventure, Families, Friends
Entry Fee: For Foreigners – NRs 3,390 per person and for SAARC – NRs 1,695 per person
Stay Options: Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep are few of the staying options at EBC

Must Read: Trekking In Kathmandu: A Pocket Guide For Experiencing Ultimate Thrill Amidst Nature


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2. Rafting: For An Ultimate Experience

People rafting over Trishula river

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A pivot of eight remarkable peaks in the world, river rafting in Nepal is an awesome thing to indulge in. Wonderful rivers that you would like to explore include Trishuli, Seti, Bhoe Koshi and Sunkoshi. Offering wonderful and stunning flows, these rivers are the ultimate setup for white water rafting – which is one of the most famous things in Kathmandu.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Ideal For: Adventure, Families, Friends, Nature
Activity Cost: Rs. 4,410/- per person
Stay Options: Various riverside resorts like Royal Beach Camp, Galchhi Bagar Resort, Manaslu Resort etc

Suggested Read: 15 Engrossing Things To Do In Nepal For All Adventure Junkies!

3. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Bust A Gut To Experience

Hot Air Balloon

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If you are interested to view the enchanting beauty and magnanimous mountain ranges along incredible waterfalls from a certain height, then Hot Air Balloon Ride would a great options for you. The balloon takes you about 3,000 meters above the ground and gives you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the enthralling picturesque. This is among the top things to do in Kathmandu as the magnificence of the whole Nepal unfolds in front of your eyes!

Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Ideal For: Recreation, Families and Friends.
Activity Cost: INR 7000/- per person.
Stay Options: Hotels and Resorts are available.

Suggested Read: 12 Things Not To Do In Nepal For A Hassle-Free Holiday Experience

4. Bungee Jumping: An Amazing Recreational Activity

Man In a Bungee

Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures for Pixabay

Kathmandu being a perfect place for recreational activities offers amazing getaways to bungee jumping. Jumping into 160 deep Bhote Kosi River and coming out with a deep rush is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu. All adventure geeks add this into their bucket list and experience the perfect amalgamation of adventure and recreation.

Location: Bhote Kosi River Gorge near Kathmandu
Ideal For: Families and Friends.
Activity Cost: INR 5700 /- per person.
Stay Options: Various Resorts and Hotels i.e. The Last Resort

Suggested Read: Kathmandu Nightlife: 10 Places That Bring It To Life Every Night

5. The Everest Mountain Flight: Feel Like A Bird

Everest Mountains

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Ever had a feeling of flying like a bird above the highest mountain ranges? This is a time to let your feelings flow into reality with Everest Mountain Flight. It is a 1 hour flight journey that gives you an opportunity to set your eyes on Mount Everest from a close distance. This kind of experience can only be availed in Nepal and is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Kathmandu.

Timings: Open 24 Hours.
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Ideal For: Mountain lovers, Nature lovers, Families and Friends.
Activity Cost: INR 14,697 /- per person
Stay Options: Very famous hotels and resorts are available amongst which Everest View Hotel is quite luxurious.

6. Rock Climbing: For Adventure Lovers

Man Climbing Rock

Image Credit: wallace769 for Pixabay

Wondering what adventurous things can you do in Kathmandu? Gear up for the most exhilarating and physically demanding sport, Rock Climbing. This sport has achieved rising popularity in Nepal as it gives a feeling of ease within the mountains and hills. This is a perfect sport that indulges you to develop your skills, strength, endurance and agility. This 30-minute rock climbing activity will surely enable you to forget all your stress and strains. It is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous things to do in Kathmandu. 

Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Ideal For: Adventure Geeks, Families and Friends.
Activity Cost: INR 700/- per person.
Stay Options: Various Hotels and Resorts are available.

Suggested Read: Shopping In Kathmandu: 10 Best Places In The City That Have A Lot In Store For Shopaholics!


Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!


7. Mountain Biking: Enhance Your Skills

Biker in a Mountain

Image Credit: ID 272447 for Pixabay

Nepal is one of the best places for Mountain Biking in this entire world. Kathmandu is a pivot for this thrilling sport as it fetches several unimaginable trails that you can explore, discover and conquer. You can enjoy passing through the monasteries at Shivapuri National Park. This is a very famous trail where voyagers from all over the world encounter thrilling experiences of mountain biking.

Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM.
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ideal For: Adventure Enthusiasts.
Activity Cost: Free of cost except for the charges of renting a motorbike.
Stay Options: Various Hotels and Resorts are easily available.

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit Near Kathmandu That’ll Help You Learn The Essence Of Nepal

8. Paragliding: Enjoy The Implausible Adventure

Paraglider in Air

Image Credit: Pixabay

Exploring for the best things to do in Kathmandu? Paragliding in Kathmandu is the way to go! It is a perfect adrenaline-pumping experience for any adventure seeker illuminating panoramic views of snow-capped mountains while enjoying the beautiful astonishing scenery. You will definitely love the glimpses of villages, monasteries, sonorous Himalayas, lakes and forests. Pokhara Valley near Kathmandu is one of the most recommended destinations for Paragliding.

Timings: Paragliding companies offer 3 flights a day: 10:30 AM, 12.00 PM and 2.00 PM.
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ideal For: Adventure Enthusiasts, Adults.
Activity Cost: INR 6000 /- per person.
Stay Options: Several Hotels are easily available near the sites.

9. Trekking: Relish The Incredible Experience

A Girl Is Trekking In a Path

Image Credit: Pixabay

If travelling is an addiction, then trekking is what makes you addicted to it. Get ready to conquer the different awe-inspiring trails of Kathmandu. You won’t believe that trekking is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu in June. During this time, you will enjoy trekking as you get an opportunity to see lush green vegetation, blooming flowers and quaint trails that makes your experience even more beautiful.

Timings: 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM.
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ideal For: Adventure geeks.
Activity cost: Around Rs. 50, 000 /-
Stay Options: Trekking companies arrange accommodation for the voyagers

Suggested Read: 6 Best Kathmandu Restaurants To Please Every Taste & Budget

10. Cultural Dinner Show: Experience Different Flavors Of Nepalese Food

Platter Of Nepalese Food

Image Source

Piquant flavors of Nepalese food will leave an everlasting punch on you. What if you get a chance to taste the amazing delicacies along with watching the traditional cultural performances of peacock (traditional Mayer). This kind of cultural amalgamation would take the enjoyment level to a great high. Being part of the Cultural Dinner Show is unbelievably one of the best things to do in Kathmandu at Night. You will get to taste the famous lamb curry, dal bhat, sel roti – some popular delicacies of the region.

Timings: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ideal For: Fun, Families and Friends.
Entry Fee: INR 1,470/-
Stay options: Hotels and Resorts.

11. Thamel: Shop And Stroll In The Markets

A Night Market

Image Source

Perpetuated by rows of Tibetan prayer flags, crowded with an old-world feel, and illustrating the traditional artefacts, Thamel exhibits true Nepalese culture. You can indulge in shopping and buy colourful clothes, jewellery, paper lanterns and thangka paintings!

Location: Kathmandu
Timings: Full day
Ideal for: Shopping
Cost: Free of cost
Stay Options: Resorts, Rooms, Hotels

Suggested Read: 10 Best Homestays In Kathmandu For A Budget-Friendly Stay Experience In This Ancient City!

12. Cooking Class Or Painting Workshop: For A Fun Experience

A Painting Workshop

Image Credit: Angela_Yuriko_Smith for Pixabay

You will be astonished to know that you can attend classes to learn cooking traditional cuisines as well as famous thangka paintings. Go ahead and be a part of such workshops as a little local skill becomes a treasured stories for your grandkids in the future.

Timings: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Location: Kathmandu
Ideal For: Families, Tradition Lovers.
Activity Cost: As per your wish.
Stay Options: Hotels and Resorts

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Kathmandu To Explore The Art And Culture Of This Ancient City

13. Meditation And Yoga: Relax Your Mind And Soul

A Girl Doing Yoga

Image Credit: Pexels for Pixabay

It is really astonishing to get a chance to relax and meditate during your voyage. Yes, it’s true! Kathmandu offers two day yoga and meditation classes including Ayurvedic massage and nose cleansing sessions along with meals and transportation.

Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Location: Nepal Yoga Academy, Kathmandu.
Ideal For: Families, Youngsters.
Activity Cost: From INR 11,000 /-
Stay Options: Nepal Yoga Academy.

14. Nagarkot: Witness The Gorgeous Sunrise

A View of a Mountain and houses

Image Source

Nagarkot, a mountainous village in Nepal is famous for its sunrise view over the Himalayas. You can enjoy early morning panorama over the well-known peaks before a scenic hike to the Changu Narayan.

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ideal For: Families and Friends.
Activity cost: From INR 4,414 /-
Stay Options: Nagarkot Resorts.

Suggested Read: Kathmandu in January: 10 Best Places That Add Charm To The City’s Beauty!

15. Bhaktapur: Explore The City Of Culture

Bhaktapur in Nepal

Also known as the city of culture, there are numerous things to do in Bhaktapur. Dotted with several monuments, palaces, temples, the city provides gorgeous view of the Himalayas. Make sure to stroll through famous places like the Nyatapola Temple, explore Taumadhi Square and see Durbar Square while you are here. Exploring this historically rich city is one of the fun things to do in Kathmandu.

Ideal For: Families and Friends
Timings: 5 to 6 hours
Stay Options: Hotels and resorts

16. Boudhanath Stupa: See The Largest Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is among the largest stupas in Nepal. For those interested in religious history, visiting the stupa is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu. Walk through the complex and you will find many little cafes and shops.

Location: Buddha Stupa, Boudhanath Sadak, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: Open 24 hours

Further Read: Kathmandu In June: A Pocket Guide For Planning A Blissful Summer Getaway

Take incredible memories and leave the footprints at the enchanting land of Kathmandu to absorb the true beauty of the world now. A trip to Kathmandu is a necessity as this is largely an underrated destination. There are multiple things to do in Kathmandu as it is a peculiar place – one where people greet each other by touching each other palms and bow saying ‘Namaste’.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do In Kathmandu

Is passport required for Nepal?

Indian nationals do not require passports. If you are a national of any other country, then you need passports and other documentation.

Do Indian debit cards work in Nepal?

Yes, you may use but they will charge you in NPR which will later be converted to INR by your bank.

What can I bring home from Kathmandu?

Thangka Paintings, Pashmina Shawls, Traditional Artefacts, Rice Paper items and other beautiful jewelry of Nepal.

How long does it take to get to Everest Base Camp?

It takes 12 days to complete a round trip. Eight days to get to Base Camp and four days to get back down.

What is the duration of Everest Mountain Flight?

The flight has a duration of 1 hour.

How many people can be accommodated on Hot Air Balloon ride?

They can accommodate up to 12 people.

What is the difficulty level of rock climbing?

It is moderately difficult.

What are the most popular things to do in Kathmandu with kids?

Some of the popular things to do in Kathmandu with kids are:
1. Explore Boudhanath Stupa
2. Visit Chandragiri Hills
3. Try different adventure activities like short treks


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