Kathmandu
Plan Kathmandu with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Dawn in Kathmandu begins with bells. At Boudhanath, pilgrims in maroon robes and woollen hats circle the great white stupa clockwise, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras, while butter lamps flicker in the doorways and the painted eyes on its golden tower gaze out in four directions. Across the valley, temple roofs rise through the morning haze, pigeons burst from the squares, and on a clear day the snow peaks of the Himalaya shine pink above the hills.
Nothing matches those filters yet. Widen your search or message us on WhatsApp.
Kathmandu Day Tours
View allKathmandu at first sight
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the heart of a valley that has been a crossroads of Hindu and Buddhist culture for well over a thousand years. Its three royal cities, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, are filled with carved wooden palaces, pagoda temples and quiet courtyards, and the whole valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colourful, spiritual and endlessly alive, it is the gateway to the Himalaya and to the soul of Nepal.
Why include Kathmandu in your itinerary?
- A valley of living heritage. Within a short drive lie the ancient Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, the sacred riverside temples of Pashupatinath and the hilltop shrine of Changu Narayan, all listed together by UNESCO.
- Faith you can feel. Kathmandu's temples are not museums but places of daily worship, where you share the morning kora with pilgrims, watch offerings of flowers and rice, and see centuries-old festivals still celebrated with music, chariots and masked dances.
- The gateway to the Himalaya. From Kathmandu you can watch the sunrise over snow peaks at Nagarkot, take a scenic mountain flight past Everest, or set off for Pokhara, the lakes and the great trekking trails of Nepal.
Signature experiences in Kathmandu
The Valley's World Heritage Sites
In one well-planned day you can see the seven monument zones that make up the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site: the three Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan. Our guided day tours bring a licensed local guide who explains the gods, the symbols and the history, with private air-conditioned transport through the valley's busy roads and time for a relaxed lunch on the way.
Boudhanath and Swayambhunath
Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan Buddhist life in Nepal, ringed by monasteries, prayer flags and small shops selling incense and singing bowls. Swayambhunath, the hilltop Monkey Temple, offers sweeping views over the city after a climb up its long stone stairway. Our guides time these visits for the softest light and the most atmospheric hours of prayer.
Pashupatinath and the Bagmati River
Pashupatinath is Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, set on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, where ascetics with painted faces sit in the courtyards and open-air cremation rites take place on the stone ghats. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main shrine, but the riverside terraces reveal a profound picture of faith, life and death. Visiting with our guides ensures you watch with understanding and respect.
Patan and Bhaktapur
Patan, just across the river, is famous for its exquisite metalwork and the finely carved temples of its Durbar Square, while Bhaktapur feels like a medieval town, with brick lanes, potters' squares and the tall five-roofed Nyatapola Temple. Taste the local juju dhau, a rich sweet yoghurt, and watch artisans at work. Our guided day tours combine both cities with the right pace and plenty of time to wander.
Himalayan Sunrise at Nagarkot
On the eastern rim of the valley, the hill village of Nagarkot looks out over a long panorama of Himalayan peaks, from Langtang to the Everest region on the clearest days. Leave Kathmandu before dawn, watch the snow summits turn gold, then continue down to Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur. A private car with driver arranged by our team makes this early start comfortable and easy.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Kathmandu
Thamel
Thamel is the lively traveller quarter, a maze of narrow lanes packed with guesthouses, trekking shops, cafés and restaurants serving everything from momos to international dishes. It is convenient, central and within walking distance of Kathmandu Durbar Square. It can be noisy and crowded, so choose a hotel on a quieter side street if you want calm evenings.
Boudha
The area around Boudhanath Stupa is peaceful and deeply spiritual, with monasteries, quiet guesthouses and rooftop cafés overlooking the dome. Staying here means joining the evening kora when the lamps are lit and the pilgrims fill the square. It is safe and relaxed, ideal for travellers seeking a slower, more reflective stay, and closer to the airport than the centre.
Patan
Patan, also called Lalitpur, lies just south of the Bagmati River and offers a gentler pace, with heritage hotels in restored Newari houses, artisans' workshops and green residential streets. It is calm, cultured and close to the beautiful Patan Durbar Square, perfect for couples and families who prefer quieter evenings away from the bustle of Thamel.
Durbar Marg and Lazimpat
Durbar Marg is a wide, central avenue near the former royal palace, now a museum, lined with large hotels, airline offices and restaurants, while neighbouring Lazimpat hosts embassies and quieter upscale hotels. Both areas feel orderly and secure, and they are a short taxi ride from Thamel and the old city, with easy access to the airport.
How long to stay in Kathmandu and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend three to four nights in Kathmandu. One day for the World Heritage sites across the valley, one for Patan and Bhaktapur at a slower pace, and a third for a Nagarkot sunrise or a mountain flight. With a fourth night, add a relaxed day at Boudhanath or a hike to the hills on the valley's rim.
How to pair it
Kathmandu pairs naturally with Pokhara, a short domestic flight or a scenic day's drive west, for the lakes and close-up views of the Annapurna range. A seven-day trip combines Kathmandu and Pokhara. In ten days, add Chitwan National Park for rhinos and elephants in the jungle. A fourteen-day journey can include the sacred pilgrimage site of Lumbini or a short trek in the Annapurna foothills.
Best time to visit Kathmandu and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Kathmandu is from October to November, when the monsoon has cleared the air and the mountains are sharp against blue skies, and from March to April, when rhododendrons bloom on the hills. Winter is dry, sunny and cold at night. From June to September the monsoon brings heavy rain, cloudy mountains and green, quieter valleys.
The daily rhythm
Kathmandu's day starts early. Pilgrims circle the stupas at dawn, and the squares fill with markets and worshippers by mid-morning. Midday is the time to explore temples and courtyards, before a late lunch of dal bhat or momos. As the light softens, return to Boudhanath for the evening kora, and end with dinner in a quiet garden restaurant. Halal food is available at a number of restaurants in Thamel and near the city's central mosques.
On-the-ground logistics in Kathmandu
Arrival
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) lies on the eastern side of the city, usually about twenty to forty minutes from Thamel depending on traffic, and closer still to Boudha. Domestic flights to Pokhara and the mountains leave from the same airport. Visas on arrival are available for many nationalities. Our private airport transfers meet you on arrival and take you straight to your hotel, wherever you stay in the valley.
Getting around
The old centre around Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square is best explored on foot, but the valley's sites are spread out and traffic can be heavy. Taxis are plentiful, though fares must be agreed before you set off. A private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable way to combine temples and towns in one day.
Local etiquette tip
Nepal is a deeply religious and gentle country. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove shoes before entering temples, and always walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels. Leather items are not allowed in some Hindu temples. Ask before photographing people and never photograph cremations up close. Greet with a smiling namaste, use your right hand to give and receive, and avoid touching anyone's head.
Must-do things in Kathmandu
- Walk the evening kora around the great stupa of Boudhanath
- Climb the stairway to Swayambhunath for city views
- Watch the sacred rites on the Bagmati River at Pashupatinath
- Explore the palaces and temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Admire the carved courtyards of Patan Durbar Square
- Wander the medieval brick lanes and potters' squares of Bhaktapur
- Taste juju dhau, the sweet yoghurt of Bhaktapur
- See the ancient hilltop temple of Changu Narayan
- Watch the Himalayan sunrise from Nagarkot
- Eat steaming momos and a traditional dal bhat
Do’s and don’ts in Kathmandu
Do
- Do walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels
- Do remove your shoes before entering temples and shrines
- Do dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered
- Do carry a light mask for the dusty roads
- Do drink only bottled or filtered water
Don’t
- Don't enter Hindu temples where non-Hindus are not permitted
- Don't photograph cremations or worshippers without care
- Don't touch anyone's head or point your feet at people or shrines
- Don't take a taxi without agreeing the fare first
- Don't try to see all the valley's sites in a rushed half day
Kathmandu at a glance
Plan Kathmandu with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
About Haqqi Tours: About us Contact us Legal NoticePrivacy PolicyCookies & Marketing PreferencesTerms & ConditionsBooking, Payment & Refunds
More services in Kathmandu
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Kathmandu.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Kathmandu?
First-time visitors usually stay in Thamel, close to restaurants, shops and Kathmandu Durbar Square. For calmer evenings, Patan offers charming heritage hotels, while Boudha is peaceful and spiritual near the great stupa. Our team can suggest the best area for your style and arrange your private airport transfer.
Can Kathmandu be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Kathmandu is not a day-trip destination; most travellers arrive by air and stay several nights. The valley's sites are spread out, and traffic makes a rushed visit tiring. Three or four nights let you enjoy the World Heritage sites, Patan and Bhaktapur, and a Himalayan sunrise. We arrange transfers and guided day tours to fit your schedule.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Kathmandu?
Dress modestly in Kathmandu, with shoulders and knees covered, especially at temples. Remove your shoes before entering shrines, walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, and ask before photographing people. Leather may not be allowed in some Hindu temples. A warm namaste is always appreciated, and our guides explain customs as you go.
Is Kathmandu tourist friendly?
Yes. Kathmandu has welcomed travellers and trekkers for decades, and Nepalis are famously warm and hospitable. English is widely spoken in hotels, shops and restaurants. Streets can be chaotic and dusty, but people are helpful, and exploring with our guided day tours makes the valley easy and rewarding.
Is it safe to travel to Kathmandu now?
Kathmandu is generally considered safe for visitors, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded squares, agree taxi fares in advance and take care with traffic. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Kathmandu?
The must-do things in Kathmandu include Boudhanath Stupa, the Monkey Temple at Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River, the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the hilltop temple of Changu Narayan and a Himalayan sunrise at Nagarkot. Our guided day tours combine these in the best order and timing.
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?
Three to four days is ideal for Kathmandu: one for the valley's World Heritage sites, one for Patan and Bhaktapur, and one for Nagarkot or a mountain flight. Two days covers the highlights at a quicker pace, while a fourth day allows quiet time at Boudhanath or a short hike.
What can I book in Kathmandu with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, including Kathmandu 7 UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Lunch Option. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Kathmandu?
With a private transfer: a driver at arrivals, flight tracking and a fixed price for the whole vehicle, door to door. Tell the desk the flight number and the hotel.
Is there public transport from the airport to Kathmandu?
Public options vary by airport and end at a station rather than your hotel; the private transfer starts at the arrivals door and ends at your door.
Which tours are available in Kathmandu?
Among them: Kathmandu 7 UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Lunch Option. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Kathmandu?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.