So you’ve just landed in Kathmandu and wandering what else is there to do there besides hiking? Or perhaps, you’re still in the trip planning stage?
Regardless of your situation, this guide will help you get the most out of your trip. Yes, Kathmandu is more than just a meeting point for your next hike.
There are a few places in the world that will attack all your senses and make you feel alive in the way that Kathmandu does. The second you land in the airport you will right away feel that this is quite a unique place.
That said, you won’t fail to notice all the travelers in their hiking boots, heavy backpacks and the whole trekking gear.
But no need to worry, I spent close to three months in Nepal without doing any of the major hikes.
Yes I went on a couple of day time walks but besides this, most of the time was spent experiencing the Nepali city dwelling lifestyle. As Such, I feel totally qualified to guide you in your search of Kathmandu alternative activities.
Without further ado, let’s get started
Head to Thamel
Thamel is what I like to see as the heart of the city. It is a sprawling area filled with everything you might desire.
This is the place to go for shopping, eating and pretty much everything in between. You can think of it as the tourist ground zero. This place is also packed with some of Nepal’s best dining options, cafes and hotels.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Now this is the place that makes me totally fall in love with Kathmandu.
Not going to lie, if you’ve seen the movie Dr Strange, you will feel some sort of magic and mystical vibe when you get to the square.
Swayambunath Temple ( monkey temple)
The infamous monkey temple is actually a legitimate temple. It stands beautifully on top of a hill.
Prepare to walk a few flights of stairs but let me tell you, it it totally worth it.
The temple got nicknamed the monkey temple because there is an insane amount of monkeys in the area.
So get ready to be trolled depending on their mood and make sure to keep your belongings tightly secured on yourself as they have been known to be quite thieves.
Pashupatinath Temple
This place is a little bit outside of Thamel. My travel companions and I still walked it and it took around 45 minutes to 1 hour. It is known as a burial temple.
When you go there get ready to witness open air burial ceremonies and ongoing cremations. Most of us aren’t used to witness these but it is seeing as regular business, common day to day stuff, in Nepal.
Krishna Temple
This is a Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is on the smaller scale. I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it but you’re most likely to stumble upon it anyways.
That said, there are tons of manasteries and temples in Kathmandu. Don’t let FOMO get the best of you and narrow it down to your own personal interests.
The Kumari
Quite a controversial part of Nepal’s history.
It is the tradition of revering and worshipping a virgin goddess, literally seeing as a living deity. Did I mention, we’re talking of a little girl?
She is chosen when she is very young based on some most stringent criteria. Apparently, they always have to be prepubescents. Some say , there is close to 32 benchmark rules for a girl to be chosen.
The kumari living goddess lives in a palace in the city center. Some people try to catch her in her palace when it is open for visit.
Relax at the Garden of Dreams
Kathmandu is loud and quite polluted. I don’t think this is any secret.
So if you ever need a break, look no further and head to the most beautiful garden in the city. I promise you’ll forget about all the buzz going on right outside the gate.
Take the best massage of your life
I could not get enough of the massage Seeing Hands. They give the best massages and it is an initiative that aims to hire blind people.
Take a city walking tour
The worldwide free walking tour has taken the world by storm and is no exception in Nepal.
I went with Himkala and the guide is a walking encyclopedia. Don’t forget to leave a generous tip at the end as this is how they make a living.
Go Wall Climbing ” Astrek”
When walking around the city, I was very pleasantly surprised to discover a wall climbing wall in Kathmandu.
This would offer you something totally different to do if you find yourself inclined to do so.
Check out the best views from the guesthouse terraces
Many guesthouses in Kathmandu have one of the best views in the city. In case yours doesn’t, don’t be scared to ask around.
This type of information is very well know and often the guesthouses also run a bar/café/ lounges along with their lodging business.
Cashmere shawl shopping
Nepal is known for its silk and many go there hoping to score a good deal with a cashmere shawl.
Walk around and don’t forget to barter as the prices are heavily inflated within Thamel, the tourist zone.
Go clubbing
Didn’t expect to see this one?
Well, you will be surprised by the amount of clubs and bars in the Thamel area alone.
I myself did go out a few evenings and had a fantastic time. It’s a nice change of scenery from the usual trekking activities.
Freak Street ( Jhhonchen Tole )
Think of Freak Street as one of the major arteries of the city. There is a lot of bustle going on there.
It is crazy hectic and whatever you’re looking for, you can find it there. There’s tons of cafes and souvenirs shops.
Just watch out for the scooters moving around you at what often feels like the speed of light. .
Have a fancy outdoor dinner
If you spend a longer time in Kathmandu, you might find yourself craving a fancy meal one evening. Le Sherpa is a fine dining restaurant that has received many great reviews.
Get lost in the Pilgrims Book House
This is one of my all time favorite places in Kathmandu. This bookstore is massive, spans on multiple floors and has a very Zen feel to it. I could easily spend a couple of hours there at a time.
There is so much more than books and it is a perfect place to pick up great gift items such as soaps, massage oils and various handicrafts.
Jewelry Shopping
You’ll find plenty of stores where you can go hunt for unique locally made jewelry pieces for you to bring back home.
Take a cooking class
Enjoy cooking? Why don’t you sign up for a class and learn how to make one of Nepal’s national dish, the momo, which is a Nepali dumpling.
Then you could go home and show off your new skills to your jealous friends.
Go on a food tour
If you’re more like me and hate cooking but like to eat, a food tour would be perfect. Even better if you can get a walking tour while eating at the same time. Talk about killing two birds.
Grab lunch at Thamel Doner Kebab
Now this is my all time favorite street food in the city. I went there so many times, I lost count.
If you need a break from momos and dal bhat, check this place out for the best shawarma/doner kabab or falafel of your life. I would even go back to Nepal honestly just for that. That’s how good it is.
Here You have it, no matter what you do in Kathmandu, you will have an awesome time. Don’t hesitate to check my other blog posts on Nepal and remember to enjoy your time there.