Step 1 · Timing
When to visit Kathmandu
Now in Kathmandu—:—Sunrise—:—Sunset—:—
October–November, March–May are popular times to visit Kathmandu. When to go, in planning terms: Clear Himalayan views in autumn; spring is warmer with rhododendron blooms; June–September is monsoon. Deciding your dates first shapes the rest of the plan — how many days to spend and which area to base yourself in.
Warmest in Kathmandu: Jun (27°C / 81°F) · Coolest: Jan (17°C / 63°F) · Wettest: Jul (~31 rain days)
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)
Step 2 · Trip length
How many days in Kathmandu?
Pick a length and follow a ready-made Kathmandu itinerary — each one sequences the sights so your days flow without backtracking.
Step 3 · Itinerary
Build your Kathmandu itinerary
A good Kathmandu plan bases you in one central area, groups nearby sights into each day, and leaves room to slow down. Start from a day-by-day itinerary above, then adjust the order to your dates and pace.
Step 4 · Your base
Where to base yourself
A central base cuts travel time between sights.
- Thamel. An area to consider: Backpacker and trekker hub — gear shops, restaurants, hostels, evening bars.
- Patan. Base yourself here: UNESCO-listed Durbar Square south of the river — quieter, craft shops, heritage hotels.
- Bhaktapur. For your itinerary: Medieval pottery city 13 km east — day-trip-perfect for temple courtyards.
City centerTap a pin to book stays nearbyClick the map to enable scroll zoom
- Thamelneighborhood17 min walk from center
- Patanneighborhood6.5 km from center
- Bhaktapurneighborhood8.4 km from center
Step 5 · Transport
Getting around Kathmandu
Walk Thamel; tuktuks and motorbike taxis (use Pathao app) for longer distances. Moving between sights: Negotiate taxi fares before boarding; check trek permits at the Tourist Information Centre.
Step 6 · Your trip
Plan by trip style
- Family trips. With kids in tow: Day-trip to Bhaktapur, the Boudhanath stupa, the monkey temple at Swayambhu — kid-engaging.
- Couples. Travelling as a pair: Sunset at Boudhanath, dinner in Thamel, a half-day cooking class learning momo dumplings.
- Solo travel. On your own: Thamel is hostel-dense and trekker-friendly; easy to join group treks to Annapurna or Everest base camp.
Step 7 · Before you go
Practical planning
Worth knowing before you go: Safe for tourists; main risks are altitude on treks (acclimatize properly) and pickpockets in Thamel crowds. Moving between sights: Negotiate taxi fares before boarding; check trek permits at the Tourist Information Centre. Work these into the plan early — they affect which neighborhood to base yourself in and how much to fit into each day.
Step 8 · Where to stay
Hotel or whole home?
Two ways to book your Kathmandu stay — pick by trip type.
Hotels & city stays
Best for short city breaks and central locations — compare Kathmandu hotels on Expedia.
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