About
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, set in the mountains of Asia, and it is a city where old and new sit side by side. Its historic core is dotted with medieval temples and palaces that show centuries of cultural life, and its streets carry a steady, busy energy that makes it a lively place to spend time.
Heritage in the old city
Among the city's best-known places are the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Durbar Square and the Swayambhunath Stupa. Durbar Square brings together temples and palace buildings that reflect the city's long history, while Swayambhunath offers a different kind of visit, with its stupa and views over the valley. Both are worth setting aside time for, and walking between the sites is a good way to see how the city's historic fabric fits together.
Thamel and the streets
Thamel is the district where many visitors base themselves. Its narrow streets are lined with shops selling traditional handicrafts, and there is a wide choice of restaurants serving everything from local dishes to international food. It is a convenient area for wandering, browsing and resting between sights.
What a visit offers
- Historic palaces and medieval temples in the older parts of the city
- UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa
- Traditional handicrafts and a range of cuisines in the busy streets of Thamel
- A mix of ancient heritage and modern city life in one place
Kathmandu suits travellers who enjoy history, architecture and the rhythm of a working city. Plan for unhurried walks, since the value of the place lies largely in moving through its streets from one site to the next.
