Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu
Nepal's capital is usually where a journey begins and ends — a dense, living valley of temples, courtyards and markets that rewards slowing down for at least two or three days.
Why start (or end) in Kathmandu
Almost every Nepal journey touches Kathmandu, since it is the country's main international gateway. Rather than treat it as a one-night stopover, we usually recommend two to three nights so there is real time for the valley's UNESCO World Heritage sites, its Newari food culture and at least one heritage walk through the old city.
Shakurma arranges airport pickup, your first-night stay and a valley orientation that is paced to how much time you actually have — whether that is a half-day between flights or a full multi-day stay before heading onward to Pokhara.
What to see in Kathmandu
Heritage squares
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The historic royal palace complex at the heart of the old city, with temples, courtyards and carved wooden architecture spanning several centuries.
- An entry fee applies for foreign visitors; a local guide adds real context to the carvings and history.
Patan & Bhaktapur Durbar Squares
Two further royal cities in the valley, each with a distinct character — Patan for its Newari metalwork and courtyards, Bhaktapur for its beautifully preserved medieval streets.
- Best visited as a half-day each; both work well combined with a heritage-walk guide.
Sacred sites
Swayambhunath (the 'Monkey Temple')
A hilltop stupa with sweeping views over the valley, one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist sites in the world.
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Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Kathmandu's Tibetan Buddhist community — walking a slow kora (circuit) here at dusk is a highlight for many travellers.
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Pashupatinath Temple
A major Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River, and one of the most important Shiva temples in the world. Non-Hindu visitors can view much of the complex respectfully from designated areas.
- Dress modestly; a local guide can explain what you are seeing without it feeling intrusive.
Neighbourhoods & food
Thamel
Kathmandu's central tourist and trekking-gear district — narrow lanes packed with shops, restaurants, bookshops and travel agencies. A useful base and an easy place to explore on foot.
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Newari food & cultural experiences
The valley's indigenous Newari cuisine — from a proper Newari feast (khaja set) to momos and street snacks — is one of the best ways to understand local culture.
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Heritage walks
A guided walk through the old city's backstreets uncovers hidden courtyards, shrines and workshops most visitors never see.
Explore this place →Valley extensions
Nagarkot sunrise & overnight extension
A hill station roughly an hour and a half from the city, popular for Himalayan sunrise views on a clear day. Works well as an overnight add-on.
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Chandragiri
A cable-car-accessible hilltop on the valley's edge with panoramic mountain views — a convenient half-day option when time is short.
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Kathmandu Valley day itineraries
We combine heritage sites, food experiences and viewpoints into a day plan that matches your pace, interests and remaining time before your onward flight or drive.
Explore this place →Experiences in Kathmandu
AI-generated illustrationCulture & Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage squares, living temple culture and Newari, Tharu and hill communities across Nepal.
AI-generated illustrationFamily Travel
Paced itineraries, family-friendly accommodation and activities that work across different ages.
AI-generated illustrationSpiritual Journeys
Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites across Nepal, visited with genuine respect and cultural context.
AI-generated illustrationPhotography
Golden-hour viewpoints, heritage architecture and wildlife, planned around light and timing.
Journeys that include this region
Essential Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
A well-paced first journey through Nepal's three most complementary regions — heritage in Kathmandu, mountains and lakes in Pokhara, and wildlife in Chitwan.
Nepal in Depth: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan & Lumbini
For travellers with more time — a thorough journey through all four of Shakurma's core regions, including the Buddhist heritage of Lumbini.
Kathmandu & Pokhara Short Escape
A compact six-day journey for travellers who only have a short window but still want a genuine taste of both cities.
Guides for your visit
First-Time Nepal Travel Guide: Everything to Know Before You Arrive
A practical starting point for a first visit to Nepal — entry requirements, what to pack, how much time to allow, and how to think about pacing your trip.
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Kathmandu to Pokhara: Flight, Private Vehicle and Tourist Bus Compared
A practical comparison of the three main ways to travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara, so you can choose based on time, budget and comfort.
Read guideKathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini: How Many Days Do You Need?
A realistic breakdown of how much time each of Shakurma's four core regions deserves, and how to combine them without over-packing your schedule.
Read guideReady to plan your Kathmandu visit?
Tell us your dates and interests and we'll suggest how to combine it with the rest of Nepal.
Other destinations
Pokhara
Our home base. A lakeside city facing the Annapurna range, and Nepal's most versatile hub for trekking, adventure sports, wellness and simply slowing down.
Explore PokharaChitwan
A UNESCO World Heritage lowland national park — one of the best places in Asia to see one-horned rhinos, and, with patience, a wide range of birdlife and other wildlife.
Explore Chitwan
Lumbini
A UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage site and the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) — a place of quiet significance rather than a conventional sightseeing stop.
Explore Lumbini