Discover cool Kathmandu
Flights to Kathmandu will transport you to a unique and enchanting city that’s like nowhere else on earth.
Wander winding alleyways and browse the bustling markets of Indra Chowk for a unique souvenir to take home with you. Pay a visit to the whitewashed dome of the Boudhanath Stupa, or uncover the city’s history with a trip to the Durbar Squares.
You can live like a local by travelling to the old town in a rickshaw to sample delicious dal bhat – Nepal’s favourite dish.
Meanwhile, there are medieval temples and ancient palaces to explore that offer a fascinating window on Kathmandu’s cultural and religious heritage.
In this city of green spaces, serenity is never too far away.
A two-minute walk from Thamel – the beating heart of Kathmandu – will transport you to the Garden of Dreams, one of the city’s most beautiful enclaves.
An hour outside the city is Nagarkot, where you can soak up genuinely breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Book plane tickets to Kathmandu with Etihad Airways and experience a world where memories last a lifetime.
Reasons to visit Kathmandu
Explore enchanting temples
Nepal’s main religions of Buddhism and Hinduism set the backdrop for many of Kathmandu’s notable sites. Boudhanath Stupa, a world heritage site, is a holy place for Buddhists and offers fascinating glimpses into Nepalese culture.
Climb 365 steps to the famous Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath that sits astride a hill to the west of Kathmandu. This temple was founded at the beginning of the 5th century, making it one of the oldest in Nepal.
For more insight into daily temple life, join a tour led by one of the resident monks. You’ll even get the chance to participate in ceremonies and chanting rituals. While there’s no strict dress code, you should generally be conservative in how you dress when you visit these holy sites.
Stroll through ancient cities
Head south from Thamel and wander through narrow streets in Kathmandu’s old city. Hidden within this maze of alleys are shrines and statues that will leave you in awe.
There are three Durbar Squares in and around the city. All UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these are grand plazas that stand in front of former royal palaces dating back to the time when Nepal was divided into three kingdoms.
Comprising temples, statues and ornate fountains, the squares are well worth seeking out. Patan Durbar Square is in the heart of the city of Lalitpur, around half-an-hour from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur Durbar Square can be found in Bhaktapur, about 40 minutes away.
The real Nepal
Bustling Thamel is home to an array of shops that overflow with brightly-coloured clothing, lanterns, jewellery, carvings and more.
For an authentic shopping experience, visit Asan Tole, located between Durbar Square and Thamel. Here you can buy everything from fresh produce, herbs and spices, to clothing. But it’s the buzzing atmosphere that’s the real draw.
After building up an appetite, head to Lohsha Ghasha, a short walk from Durbar Square, and enjoy home-cooked, traditional Newari cuisine at a reasonable price. Or stop by OR2K in Thamel to eat delicious Newari food the way the locals do – while sitting on the floor.
Flying to Kathmandu: FAQs
How do I get around in Kathmandu?
Rickshaws are a cheap and easy way to travel around Kathmandu. Expect to haggle on your fare and ensure you agree on a price before setting off. Taxis are available but more expensive.
How long should I spend in Kathmandu?
Around five days is enough time to see the main sites of Kathmandu. If you want to take it slower, or explore surrounding areas, two weeks gives you ample time to see rural Nepal. For longer treks, three weeks is the ideal length of time to stay.
Where should I stay in Kathmandu?
Thamel is the place to stay if you want to be close to good restaurants and nightlife. There’s a wide variety of hotels and guest houses available here to suit different budgets, depending on what you’re looking for. For a more luxurious stay, look at the hotels in Lazimpat.