How many days in Kathmandu?
Plan 2-4 days for Kathmandu. 2 days hits the must-sees; 4 lets you eat well, walk neighbourhoods you've never heard of, and take one day trip.
The minimum
2 days
2 days fits the top sights, one good food walk, and one neighbourhood deep-dive — no day trips.
The sweet spot
4 days
4 days adds one day trip, two more neighbourhoods, and three more sit-down meals you'll actually remember.
Slow travel
6 days
6 days is when you leave the to-do list at home and actually live in the city for a week.
The headline things to do in Kathmandu
From the Kathmandu guide — these are the items that anchor a 2-day visit. For the full breakdown, read the Kathmandu travel guide.
- Boudhanath Stupa — Boudha
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, its massive mandala dome topped with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha is the spiritual heart of Kathmandu's Tibetan community. The kora (circumambulation) at sunset is mesmerizing.
- Pashupatinath Temple — Pashupatinath
Nepal's holiest Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River, where open-air cremation ghats burn day and night. Sacred to Lord Shiva. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple but can observe from the eastern bank.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square — Old City
The ancient royal palace square with a stunning collection of medieval palaces, temples, and courtyards. The living goddess Kumari resides here. Damaged in the 2015 earthquake but extensively restored.
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — Swayambhu Hill
A 2,500-year-old Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop west of the city, surrounded by cheeky rhesus macaques. The 365 stone steps up are worth it for the panoramic valley views and the spiritual atmosphere.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square — Bhaktapur
The best-preserved of the valley's three Durbar Squares, in a separate medieval city 13 km east of Kathmandu. The 55-Window Palace, Golden Gate, and Nyatapola Temple are extraordinary Newar architecture.
- Patan Durbar Square — Patan (Lalitpur)
The most artistic of the valley's royal squares, in the city of Lalitpur just across the Bagmati River. The Krishna Temple, Royal Palace, and Patan Museum house some of the finest Newar art and architecture in Nepal.
- Thamel District — Thamel
Kathmandu's tourist hub packed with trekking gear shops, restaurants, bookshops, rooftop bars, and budget accommodation. Chaotic and colorful, it is the starting point for most Nepal adventures.
- Garden of Dreams — Thamel
A beautifully restored neo-classical garden from the early 1900s, offering a peaceful oasis amid Thamel's chaos. Pavilions, pergolas, and fountains surrounded by European-style landscaping.
Frequently asked
Is 2 days enough in Kathmandu?
2 days is the minimum for a satisfying visit — you'll see the headline sights but won't have flex time. If you can stretch to 4, you unlock a day trip and the food walks that make the trip memorable.
Is 6 days too long in Kathmandu?
6 days is for travellers who want to slow down — eat at neighbourhood spots tourists don't reach, take repeat day trips, and live in the city. If you're a tick-the-list traveller, 4 is enough.
What's the ideal trip length for first-time visitors to Kathmandu?
4 days is the sweet spot for a first visit — long enough to cover the must-sees, eat at three good spots, take one day trip, and not feel like you're racing a checklist. Less than 2 usually feels rushed; more than 6 is into slow-travel territory.
Should I add Kathmandu to a longer regional trip?
Yes — Kathmandu works well as a 2-4-day stop on a longer regional itinerary. Pair it with a nearby destination via the trip planner so the transit days don't compress your time on the ground.