After living in Kathmandu for 7 months, I’ve discovered the ins and outs of the city. I’ve created this ultimate Kathmandu itinerary for 7 days from my in-depth exploration.
Kathmandu is the vibrant and electrifying capital of Nepal. Nestled amongst the Himalayan foothills in central Nepal, Kathmandu is a gateway to high mountains, ancient temples, and unique cultural experiences.
This itinerary focuses on exploring the top sights in Kathmandu and the hidden gems I discovered from 7 months of living there. You’ll explore multiple Word Heritage Sites, admire the unique architecture, and immerse yourself in the beautiful chaos of the city.
In 7 days, you’ll visit Hindu and Buddhist temples, brave the bustling streets of Thamel, and enjoy serenity at the biggest hidden gem (that absolutely BLEW my mind) just a short journey outside of the city.
Read on for the best Kathmandu itinerary for 7 days that will have you bragging about your Nepal trip to your friends.
The BEST Kathmandu Itinerary for 7 Days in Nepal
The Layout of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is part of a larger urban agglomeration known as Kathmandu Valley. The valley has three main cities that all sort of blend together: Kathmandu, Patan (its official name is Lalitpur), and Bhaktapur.
Patan lies directly south of Kathmandu and the two cities have meshed together into what feels like one big city, separated by the Bagmati River. Bhaktapur is located just 13 km east of Kathmandu, making it a common destination worth a visit on people’s trips to Kathmandu.
They each have their own Durbar Square (Royal Plaza) and a list of ancient temples and statues to explore. In this 7 days in Kathmandu itinerary, I’ve included the highlights of all three!
Day 1 – Kathmandu’s Iconic Stupa, Durbar Square, and Bustling Tourist Hub
For day one of your 7 day Kathmandu itinerary, spend a full day sightseeing. For your first stop visit the majestic…
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is a quintessential symbol of Kathmandu and one of Nepal’s most iconic landmarks. One of the largest stupas in the world, it stands as a testament to the country’s rich Buddhist heritage and culture.
The temple is located just on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It is decorated with piercing painted eyes and thousands of prayer flags. The Boudhanath stupa was built in the 5th century and remains an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.
Walking the perimeter of the circular courtyard, you’ll find spinning prayer wheels, local shops, and numerous monasteries that you can peek into. You can even walk up onto the stupa to enjoy the views of the courtyard and temple. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Boudhanath Stupa offers a unique glimpse into Nepal’s spiritual life and allows you to soak up the spiritual atmosphere.
If you’re feeling hungry at the end of your time there, I do recommend grabbing a snack at one of the many rooftop restaurants to enjoy the atmosphere looking down on the courtyard.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
For your second stop of the day, head into the centre of town to visit one of the city’s most major attractions: Kathmandu Durbar Square. Durbar squares are ancient royal plazas that feature temples, palaces, and courtyards.
Wandering Kathmandu Durbar Square you’ll discover intricate carvings in the wood and stone of the temples and unique Newari (the indigenous culture in Nepal) architecture. Keep an eye out for:
- Hanuman Dhoka – The former royal palace complex with ornate gates and courtyards.
- Kumari Ghar – The home of the living goddess Kumari in Nepal. One of the most interesting parts of Nepali culture is their living goddess’ who are believed to be continuous reincarnations of the Hindu goddess Durga. The reincarnation is prompted after each previous Kumari “comes of age” into womanhood and the process of identifying the next Kumari comes from centuries of tradition.
- Kal Bhairav – A massive stone statue of Lord Shiva
Some of the other great things to do in Kathmandu Durbar Square are to check out the artisans and their shops and try some of the street food.
Get Lost in the Allies of Thamel
After a busy morning of sightseeing, walk through the bustling streets to Thamel for lunch. Thamel is the main tourist hub of Kathmandu, made up of a maze of narrow streets and alleys packed with vibrant colours and fascinating chaos.
Thamel started as a hippie haven in the 70’s and has become the city’s primary tourist district filled with vendors, restaurants, hotels, and bars. It can be overwhelming at times, with vendors yelling at you to catch your attention. As long as you keep an eye out for clever pickpockets and go into it with the right expectations, visiting Thamel can be an amazing time!
The best spot to grab lunch on your first day is Thamel Momo Hut. Momos are Nepal’s version of dumplings and are a must-try when visiting Kathmandu. You can get them steamed or fried and can choose between chicken, veg, pork, or “buff” (buffalo). If you want a taste of local cuisine, this is the best place to start.
After lunch, spend more time wandering the streets of Thamel to explore and shop for souvenirs.
The Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Stupa)
Swayambhunath temple is most commonly known amongst tourists as the monkey temple. As you can imagine, it gets its name from the thousands of monkeys that live on the temple grounds. It is perched high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley and looks similar to a smaller version of the Bhoudanath Stupa.
The Monkey Temple is always high on the “best things to do in Kathmandu” lists which is why I have included it here. However, I was NOT a fan of this place and left almost immediately upon getting there. If you haven’t experienced monkeys in the past, they are wretched little things. They are known for stealing things from tourists, including phones, and I met a girl who had been bitten by one of them at that temple.
With that being said, hundreds of tourists visit this place every day. If you are still eager to go, I hope you have a great time. Lots of people end up really liking this place! I just wanted to provide my honest two-sense on it so you can hear both sides.
An Alternative to the Monkey Temple – The Garden of Dreams
If you choose not to visit Swayambhunath temple, check out the Garden of Dreams in central Kathmandu. A serene oasis right in the heart of Kathmandu’s bustling tourist district, the Garden of Dreams is the perfect place to unwind. It was built in the 1920s and restored in the early 2000s.
The garden is beautiful and peaceful with manicured lawns, tranquil ponds, and elegant pavilions. It has six distinct sections to meander through.
Day 2 – The Best View Over Kathmandu and Ancient Temples in Patan
Chandrigiri Cable Cars:
On the second of you 7 day Kathmandu itinerary, take a taxi ride slightly outside of town to the Chandrigiri Cable Cars. This is a true hidden gem, where you can take the cable car up to the top of Chandragiri Hill, one of the towering hills surrounding the city.
The ride takes about 10 minutes, bringing you 2,551 meters high. At the top station, you’ll have 180-degree views of Kathmandu valley and on clear days, you’ll see the Himalayan mountain ranges standing tall above it all. The natural beauty of this place is mesmerizing.
At the top, there is also a small Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, hiking trails, a zip line, and a restaurant. Grab a hot chocolate or coffee from the shop and sit outside to enjoy the views.
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, there is a hiking trail you can take to get down the mountain. It’s a stunning hike, but boy is it hard on the knees.
Lunch in Lalitpur
After enjoying the views over Kathmandu, head to lunch in Lalitpur. I lived in Lalitpur and one of my favourite lunch spots was Kairos Cafe.
The cafe is on a quiet street with an adorable outdoor patio. Their food is excellent, serving a variety of burgers/sandwiches, salads, pasta, and breakfast foods. Their cinnamon buns are to die for and I’d always stop here after work to get one on my way home.
Patan Durbar Square
In the late afternoon, visit Patan Durbar Square. While Kathmandu Durbar Square is impressive, Patan Durbar Square was my favourite of the two. It is arguably the most visually impressive with a high density of temples, royal palaces, and intricate statues. Wander around the square and look out for:
- The Royal Palace – With exquisite Newari architecture, the Royal Palace is home to the Patan Museum. I strongly recommend going inside to marvel at the carvings, statues, and ancient relics. If you can negotiate a good price with a local guide, this is the best way to explore the museum to gain a deeper appreciation of what you’re seeing.
- Krishna Temple – An elegant temple with 21 golden spires.
- Bhimsen Temple – A three story pagoda dedicated to the god of business and trade.
- The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) – A Buddhist monastery known for its gleaming golden roof.
- Mul Chowk – A courtyard with stunning wood and stone carvings.
- Sundari Chowk – This courtyard is known for its sunken bath called Tusha Hiti.
- The alleys branching off from Patan Durbar Square – This is my favourite area of Kathmandu Valley, there are so many stunning hidden courtyards and traditional architecture to discover.
You can visit the inside of some of the active temples in Patan, but make sure you are respectful of the practicing monks and religious visitors.
For dinner, choose one of the rooftop restaurants looking over the main section of the square to enjoy the atmosphere and the views as the sun sets.
Enjoy Nepali Milk Tea With Locals
After dark, wander into the square to find the local Nepali milk tea stands. There is a gathering of stands that sell tea and other Nepali snacks with multiple benches outside. There will be a gathering of locals, sitting, enjoying the tea, and socializing.
Grab a milk tea and sit and enjoy being immersed in local life. When I lived in the area, this was my favourite evening activity to do with my friends.
Day 3 – Authentic Local Experience, Sacred Rituals, and Nepal’s Best Bar
An authentic local experience is a must-add to your Kathmandu Itinerary for 7 days. I am a huge fan of Back Street Academy because they specifically connect you with local knowledge through individual guides, rather than entire tour operators/companies. They aim to give people off-the-beaten-path experiences you can only get in the “back streets” of a popular place. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
I personally opted for the pottery workshop to bring out my creative side and learn about the importance of this traditional handicraft to local families in Kathmandu. You can also find tours offering a local cooking experience, painting, or wood carving with local artisans. There is even the option to learn how to forge your own Gurkha (an elite Nepali army famous for holding off British invasion despite way disproportionate odds) sword or hit the streets on a photography tour.
Pashupatinath Temple
In the late afternoon/evening, visit the Pashupatinath Temple. An incredibly important site for Hindus in Kathmandu, I recommend visiting this temple on a guided tour. There are a lot of people actively practicing their religion there, specifically cremations, every day. Going with a local tour guide ensures you are respectful and provides a deeper appreciation of the rituals you’ll witness.
Pashupatinath Temple consists of a large complex, with over 500 temple shrines and cremation sites, a paved path along the riverbank, and a majestic two-story pagoda in the centre.
By visiting in the evening, you will witness the Pashupati Aarti ceremony. It occurs near the riverbank with priests wearing traditional outfits chanting ancient mantras and performing movements with oil lamps with drums beating simultaneously. It is a completely unique spiritual ritual to take part in and a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of Nepla
I recommend booking this tour because it includes the Aarti Ceremony: Pashupatinath evening tour of the temple and Aarati.
Purple Haze Rock Bar
In the evening check out Purple Haze. One of the best things to do in Kathmandu is visit one of the many awesome bars in Thamel. Thamel is filled with live music, with tunes pouring into the streets almost every evening. The best bar in the entire city is Purple Haze Rock Bar. It has a big stage at the front, more resembling a concert venue than a bar, with concert-like shows playing nightly. My local friend told me that to Nepali locals, playing at Purple Haze is “making it” in the music industry. There are comfortable floor lounge chairs and tables, with a bar at the back to grab a drink. This place is so great you have to experience it once.
Day 4 – Marvel at the World’s Tallest Mountain and Explore Bhaktapur
Scenic Flight Over Mt. Everest
For the fourth of your 7 day Kathmandu itinerary, witness one of the world’s seven natural wonders in the world: Mount Everest.
Seeing the tallest mountain in the world with your own eyes is more accessible than you might realize. You can take a scenic “Mount Everest Flight” that specifically flies you around the Himalayan mountains to see the world’s tallest mountain.
The flight attendants will help point out which mountains are which. It is a nice easy flight and you can take stunning photos of the mountains from the windows. The tours start bright and early to get the best chance of a clear sky, so you’ll be picked up from your hotel at around 5:30 am. You’ll go through customs quickly at the airport and then be off!
Book the Best: Mount Everest Scenic Flight Tour
Explore Bhaktapur
After returning from the flight of a lifetime (and taking a quick nap to recover from your early start), visit Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is located about 15 km or 30 minutes outside Kathmandu. This ancient Newar city is well known for its incredible architecture and the massive pottery square with drying pottery and handicrafts for sale. Their Durbar square is particularly stunning with a 55-window palace, numerous temples, and a large Golden Gate.
Make Sure to Check Out:
- Nyatapola Temple – A massive 5 story pagoda (the tallest in Nepal) with an impressive stairway guarded by stone statues.
- Pottery Square – Witness pottery demonstrations firsthand, learn about the significance of the pottery handicraft, and purchase some souvenirs.
- Dattatreya Square – This square is known for its woodcarving museums and the peacock window.
- National Art Gallery – Within the palace, this museum showcases ancient manuscripts and paintings.
How to Get to Bhaktapur:
- Private vehicle – If you want the ease of pre-arranged transportation you can hire a private vehicle to take you to and from Bhaktapur. Here is a great option if you want to arrange this transport hassle-free in advance: Private Car from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur
- Taxi – Simply hail a taxi anywhere in the city and negotiate the price of transport before getting in
- Bus – The cheapest way to get to Bhaktapur, yet not for the faint of heart. The bus takes 1 hour from the Bhaktapur bus park near Thamel. It is not an obvious station, it’s just a small side street with a couple of buses parked. The cost is 40 rupees and you’ll be dropped a short walk from Bhaktapur Durbar Square (at Siddha Pokhari).
- Sightseeing tour – Visit Bhaktapur on a guided tour that includes transportation. There’s an excellent tour that combines a visit to Nagarkot. Nagarkot is the more rural side of Kathmandu valley with great views of small towns tiered throughout the foothills. On clear days, you can see a panorama of the Himalayas. It’s also an enjoyable scenic drive to get there.
Book the Best: Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Tour from Kathmandu
Day 5 – Journey to a Tranquil Paradise in Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha Resort
Day five of your Kathmandu Itinerary of 7 days will bring you out of the bustling city to the most stunning place in Kathmandu Valley: Namo Buddha Resort.
Namo Buddha is a sacred pilgrimage site about 40 km southeast of Kathmandu. It is the most tranquil and peaceful destination steeped in spiritual significance with the most breathtaking views of terraced hills and natural beauty. Namo Buddha Resort is a small hotel that feels like it’s out of a fairy tale, with colourful gardens covering the property, adorable walkways along the cliff edge with views above the clouds, and old-fashioned yet beautifully designed cottages to sleep in.
A stay at Namo Buddha Resort includes delicious meals for the time you are there, with most ingredients coming from their gardens. Enjoying the sunrise on the patio with my coffee in Namo Buddha is one of my favourite memories of my entire 7 months in Nepal.
To get to Namo Buddha, you can hire a taxi to bring you straight there from the city. Enjoy your day taking in the tranquility of the property, wandering the pathways, and playing with the local cats.
Day 6 – Walk Through the Hills to Namo Buddha Monastery
Tashi Yangtse Monastery
After a delicious breakfast and some tea on the garden patio, head out on a small hike to visit the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery (also known as the Namo Buddha Monastery on Google Maps) and its ancient stupa. It is a 30 min walk with views of prayer flags and mountains.
The Monastery’s Significance:
The monastery was founded as a place of education for Tibetan Buddhist monks. There is a monastic collage and they play an important role in preserving the Tibetan Buddhist culture, art, and traditions. It is located on top of a tall hill with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the monastery is beautifully designed in traditional Tibetan style with vibrant colours and ornate decorations. There is a large Buddha statue and many murals depicting the life of Buddha and other important figures.
The Fascinating Story Behind the Monastery:
An interesting story comes out of this monastery as it claims to be built on the site where a Buddhist Prince discovered a starving tigress and her five cubs. The mother tiger was too weak to hunt, so he was struck with the conundrum of having to kill another living being to save the tigress and her babies or allow her to die. In the end, he ended up deciding to sacrifice himself rather than the life of another. His bones were buried back in town where the stupa was built in his honour.
Day 7 – Return to Kathmandu
After enjoying your final morning of relaxation in Namo Buddha, catch a cab back to Kathmandu. Spend the rest of the day shopping for souvenirs in Thamel, visiting your favourite restaurants from the trip or trying out a new one, and getting prepared for your final departure.
Where to Stay in Kathmandu:
Thamel:
The main tourist hub of Kathmandu Valley, Thamel is a great place to stay if you intend to take a lot of day tours around the city. Here you’ll find the biggest concentration of restaurants, tour operators, souvenir shops, and more. If you are a fan of local nightlife, this is the place to stay. There are also great hotels just outside of the streets of Thamel that remove you from the chaos a little while still feeling in close proximity.
High-End Option: Yak & Yeti Hotel – This gorgeous hotel is an old heritage palace turned luxury hotel that combines traditional Nepali heritage with modern comforts. There are antique fountains, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and amazing staff.
Mid-Range/Budget Option: Nepal Pavillion Inn – This hotel is absolutely stunning. It is heavily decorated in traditional handicrafts and Nepalese cultural pieces. The rooms are comfortable and the staff are known for their incredible hospitality.
Patan:
If you want to be in a much quieter and more “authentic” part of town, yet still a close (and cheap) taxi ride away from the best sights of the city, Patan is the best. Patan is my personal favourite choice of places to stay because of this.
Temple House – Considered one of the best hotels in Patan, Temple House is metres from Patan Durbar Square in a traditional Nepali building. The rooms are cozy and they include a delicious breakfast with your stay.
Pahan Chhen – Another stunning hotel just steps from Patan Durbar Square, Pahan Chenn offers city views in their rooms, beautiful and comfortable accommodation and incredibly friendly staff. They have a restaurant and bar on-site and breakfast included.
When to Visit Kathmandu
The best time to visit Kathmandu is in the peak season between September – Early December and March – May. The winter is not a bad time to travel to Kathmandu, it’ll just be colder with temperatures getting as low as 0 degrees Celcius. Many hotels (like all the buildings in Nepal) do not have central heating, so you’ll use a space heater. It’s not advisable to visit during Nepal’s monsoon season during the summer when the rain and humidity are high.
How to Visit Kathmandu
Planning a trip to and arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal is relatively easy. You’ll arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Here you can purchase your visa upon arrival, paying a visa fee of:
- $30 USD for 15 days
- $50 USD for 30 days
- $125 USD for 90 days
Final Thoughts on the Ultimate Kathmandu Itinerary for 7 Days
Plan Your Trip to Nepal – Logistical Tips:
📱 Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply down the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola.
🏠 Book Your Accommodation
Hostelworld is the best place to book hostels, whether you are staying in a dorm or a private room. They offer great environments to meet people and many will also offer activities. If you prefer hotels, Booking.com is great for finding the cheapest rates.
🚘 Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in Kathmandu is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation.
As your 7 days in Kathmandu comes to an end, you’ll find yourself with a newfound appreciation for this incredible city and its rich tapestry of culture and spirituality. You’ll have walked in the footsteps of ancient kinds in the Durbar squares, witnessed the devotion of pilgrims at Boudhanath and Pashupatinath temples, and even caught a glimpse of the mighty Everest. In this Kathmandu itinerary for 7 days you’ll experience the chaotic, yet exhilarating, energy of the city balanced with moments of tranquility in hidden courtyards and atop hilltop retreats. Happy adventuring!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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