There are so many things to do in Kathmandu at the start and end of a trek. It's an incredible city steeped in history and culture and worth exploring. However, it's important to note that like any other city, Kathmandu has its safety considerations. We recommend staying in well-lit areas, avoiding isolated places at night, and being cautious with your belongings. Now, let's dive into the top tourist places to see and bars to enjoy. It gives you a little flavor of the place.

Cultural things to do in Kathmandu

Swayhambhunath Stupa

Swayhambhunath Stupa is one of Nepal's most sacred Buddhist sites. The temple sits at the top of a hill and was founded around 2000 years ago. The base is about a 20-minute walk from Thamel, and the temple is accessed via 365 ancient steps. You will meet many monkeys there, and the city has stunning views. We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Refreshments are available at the top, and there are many trinkets to remind you of your visit. Do it—you won't forget it!

Durbar Square

This ancient square has palaces, temples, courtyards, and gardens. The architecture is breathtaking, dating from as far back as the 12th Century and from the 16th and 17th Centuries. The kings were crowned and ruled from here, which remains the heart of the old town. The museum is well worth a look, as it provides a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the area. It's also perfect for just chilling on the steps of one of these beautiful temples and watching the world go by. It's hard to do it justice – do it – you can't appreciate it fully until you've experienced it!

Garden of Dreams

Initially built in 1920, the gardens fell into neglect until renovations started to happen in 200, with the help of the Austrian government. These formal gardens, together with pavilions and ponds, are an oasis of calm and reflection amongst the city's bustle. The cafés are good, and the bar upstairs is a great place to have a drink as the sun goes down.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu Temple in Kathmandu. It is dedicated to Shiva and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. It's ancient and beautiful, but a visit may also coincide with an open-air cremation, a sacred ritual in Hindu culture. It's important to respect the customs and traditions of the place you're visiting, so bear that in mind, but don't let it put you off a visit to this sacred site. It's an education, and if nothing else, it gives you an appreciation of life, death, and the importance of tradition and culture.

Nightlife things to do in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, you can have any night out you want, be it drinks, dinner, dancing, or live music. The city offers a diverse range of bars and clubs, from trendy rooftop bars with panoramic views to cozy pubs with live music. There's a lot of 70s and 80s music piped out in the bars, but it is possible to escape all that if it gets too much! Whatever your preference, Kathmandu's nightlife scene has something for everyone.

This is just a brief snapshot of the many things to see and do in Kathmandu. Let us know if you have a favorite spot and why it's so unique; we would love to hear your stories.