Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a place of extreme adventures and incredible entertainment. Bestowed with a beauty that is unimaginable and alluring. You will find infinite attractions and things to do in Kathmandu for experiencing the thrill. Be it the vibrant culture or the heritage, or some breathtaking beauty, Kathmandu never fails to impress travelers. The city is a commercial, political and cultural hub where you can discover a myriad of attractions exhibiting its significance and excellence of art. Now, if you are planning your holidays in Nepal, we have the best activities to make your vacation a bit more exciting.
Best 8 Activities In Kathmandu You Must Try On Your Next Trip
Kathmandu, with its striking beauty of nature, old heritage, and incredible architecture is the best place you can explore on your vacation. There is an adventure, luxury, and spirituality that makes a holiday experience in the city, with your memory. Here are some of the best things you can do in Kathmandu for an exciting holiday.
1. Rafting In The Pristine Rivers of Nepal
Nepal, lying in the Himalayan region, is home to a number of magnificent rivers that are originating right to the mountains. There are fourteen peaks in Nepal that make it a land of pristine rivers. From Trishul to Bhote Koshi River and Sun Koshi Rivers, you will find the most enthralling rafting experience, which is the best adventure in Kathmandu.
Trishul river is the most popular river for rafting in Nepal. Flowing through the magnificent gorges with some breathtaking rapids, the river flows at a violent speed, making it the best rafting spot in Kathmandu. There are levels as grand 1, 2, or 3, and depending on your experience and budget you can plan a river rafting tour in Kathmandu. You can even add more activities like kayaking and canoeing.
Location: Trishuli River, Kathmandu
Timings: 08:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Best Time for Activity: January to May
2. Paragliding Over The Green Landscape
When we say Kathmandu, the first thing that strikes our mind is its magnificent vista and lush green fields. Paragliding is not just one of the best adventure activities in Kathmandu, but it is also the best way you can admire the picturesque beauty.
Flying over the serene land, paragliding gives you a real adrenaline rush as you discover the closer view of snowcapped mountains and the dense forests. Pass through the villages, the temples, monasteries, and every other attraction that has made Kathmandu the best place to visit in Nepal. There will be a pilot to direct your way during tandem paragliding. So, even if you have no experience in paragliding before, this is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu for some adventure. You can even visit Pokhara valley that is 200 km from Kathmandu, for the best paragliding experience.
Location: Kathmandu
Timings: The timings depend on the slot offered by the companies
Best Time for Activity: March to May
3. Seek The blessings Of Pashupati Nath Temple
When you are in Kathmandu, there are many attractions that you just can’t miss. Add a tour of the Pashupati Nath temple to your list of activities in Kathmandu and seek blessings of the Hindu deity- Lord Shiva.
The temple is one of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites in Kathmandu that is also known to be the holiest shrine. Devotes from every place in India come to worship and seek blessings from their god-Pashupati Nath. The temple sits on the bank of the Bagmati River and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas as the head of the body. There are ashrams to rest and inscriptions to read and learn more about Hindu Mythology.
The temple is not just a land of spirituality, but it exhibits the great Hindu architecture of the era. The temple was rebuilt atop of an old shrine that got ruined over the period.
Location: Pashupati Nath Road 44621, Kathmandu
Timings: 4 a.m to 7 p.m
Entry Fees:
- Free for Indians
- NPR 1000 for SAARC citizens
Best Time for Activity: March to May
Suggested Read: Shopping In Nepal: Guide To The Best Local Shopping Experience In The Country
4. Langtang National Park Hiking
Hiking in Kathmandu is the best thing you can do for some thrill. Langtang National Park is the first and the oldest Himalayan National Park that has many wild trails to explore. Opened in the year 1976, the park is home to a plethora of wildlife that includes birds, animals, and exotic Himalayan flora. Trekkers or hikers often visit the place for witnessing the panoramic beauty of this attraction in Kathmandu.
Vegetation is very rich with 14 diverse varieties in the Langtang region. You will find alpine scrub, tropical forests, and perennial ice region in Langtang that offers a niche to 18 different ecosystems. Such a magnificence of nature has made Langtang park heaven to explore. Hikers from every corner of the world come here to discover the charm of nature and the abundance of flower species and dense jungles at Langtang National Park. You can choose from a trek of 8 days up to 19 days.
Location: Helambu, 45007, Kathmandu
Timings: Depends on the tour you choose
Entry Fees: Permit cost
- 3,390 NPR for Foreigners
- NPR 200 for SAARC citizens
- 1,000 NPR TIMS permit
Best Time for Activity: March-April and October-November
5. Everest Mountain Flight
Witnessing the incredible beauty of the mountains from a closer distance is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu. There are Everest Mountain Flights operated for tourists who want to discover the breathtaking beauty of the mighty Everest peak. Things bring you the opportunity to closely observe the white snow-peaked mountains and fly across the clouds floating over.
The flight is for 50 minutes, and the departure point is set 20 miles away from the peak. As you fly closer to Everest, you can observe many secluded ranges in Neal that are hidden. Call it an adventure or sightseeing, but the scenic flight over Everest will be the best thing to do in Nepal for a lifetime memory.
Location: Helambu, 45007, Kathmandu
Timings: Starts 06:00 am (approximately50 to 60 minutes tour)
Tour Price: 21,018 NPR approximately (Depends on the season and airlines)
Best Time for Activity: September and May
Suggested Read: Wedding Destinations In The World That Will Awe-Inspire You
6. Everest Base Camp trekking
Nepal is one of the best places to visit in Asia for hikers and Trekkers. Well, hiking in Kathmandu is something that everyone loves to do but when it comes to some extreme sport and adventure, prepare your bag for a long trek to Everest Base Camp.
You must be well trained and physically fit and healthy of this expenditure as it requires a lot of mental and physical strength. The harsh climate of base camp can be unbearable at times, and you may never predict the upcoming hurdles. These tours are organized under the supervision of trained mountaineers and experts who assist you on this long trek of 13 days. You will start from Lukla to Phakding, reaching Pheriche and then back to Lukla.
Location: EBC Trek, Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, 44600.
Timings: Starts 06:00 am (approximately50 to 60 minutes tour)
Tour Price: Depends on the season and operators
Best Time for Activity:
- March to mid-May (summers)
- September to mid-November (winters)
7. Witness the Magnificence of Largest Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal
Discovering the charm of Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal is one of Kathmandu's best things to do. The Great Stupa or Jharung Khashor is the oldest and the most incredibly designed stupa that is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the world. You can get the best hotel in Kathmandu close to the Boudhanath Stupa for your holiday stay in Nepal.
The stupa was built in the 5th century by the sons of Jadzima as a symbol of Buddha’s mind. Seek blessing from the pristine pilgrimage and learn about the rich Buddhist culture. There is a legend associated with the Boudhanath Stupa that will let you go deeper into the significance of this land of devotees, meditators, and practitioners.
Location: Buddha Stupa, Boudhanath Sadak, Kathmandu
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fees:
- Free for locals
- NPR 100 per person for SAARC citizens
- NPR 400 for foreigners
Suggested Read: Honeymoon Destinations In Asia: The Ultimate Guide
8. Shopping and Dining at Thamel
Thamel is a hub for tourists where there are the best shops, showrooms, and restaurants for your shopping and dining activities in Kathmandu. Where adventure lures adrenaline junkies in Nepal, these leisure activities should never be missed.
Thamel is the most vibrant and lively attraction where there are cafes serving traditional cuisines. You can even find some of the best hotels in Nepal in this marketplace for closely admiring the vivacious lifestyle. You can buy souvenirs and some handicrafts like Pashmina and Thangkas as your gift from the vacation.
Location: Central Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Kathmandu 44600
Timings: 10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m
Entry Fees: Free
Kathmandu is an enchanting destination for vacationers where there is a lot to explore and experience. Pull up your socks and get ready for some breathtaking adventure like paragliding, bungee jumping, shopping, and more. With the best things to do in Kathmandu, you can make your vacation one of the best experiences of your life. You can get your Nepal flights booked today and head off for some enriching experiences. The rich culture and art, the splendid landscape, and the white snow mountain peaks reflect the real beauty of Kathmandu that will leave you awe-stunned.
FAQs
The top activities you can do in Kathmandu are:
- River Rafting
- Temple tour
- Everest Helicopter flight
- Shopping
Thamel in Kathmandu is the shopping place in Nepal you can visit for buying the best souvenirs.
The best adventure activities to do in Kathmandu are:
- River Rafting
- Paragliding
- Trekking and Hiking
- Bungee Jumping
Pashupati Nath temple is located in Kathmandu as one of the major Pilgrimage and Jyotirlinga. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The top hiking tours in Kathmandu are:
- Champa Devi Hiking
- Langtang National Park Hiking
- Everest Base Camp trekking
- Ranikot Village Hike
Yes, Langtang National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and a permit is required to enter the park. The permit cost is as follow:
- 3,390 NPR for Foreigners
- NPR 200 for SAARC citizens
- 1,000 NPR TIMS permit
River rafting, kayaking, and canoeing are some of the best water adventures in Kathmandu you can try. There are best rafting and kayaking tours organized at Trishul to Bhote Koshi River and Sun Koshi Rivers.
Everest Base Camp trekking is only for hikers with some experience and those who are mentally and physically sound. This is a 19 days long trek that requires a lot of stamina and willpower.
