Guided Tours & Things to Do in Kathmandu

Two to three days lets you see the main UNESCO sites — Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath — at a comfortable pace, plus time for the Thamel district and a day trip to Bhaktapur or Patan. A guided tour can cover the four core heritage sites in a single well-paced day if you're short on time.

On clear mornings (best October–April) you can glimpse snow peaks from viewpoints around the valley like Nagarkot, a popular sunrise day trip. For a guaranteed close-up, many travelers take a scenic 'Everest mountain flight' from Kathmandu airport. A local guide can arrange either around your itinerary.

Kathmandu is generally safe for travelers; the main challenges are traffic, crowds and air quality rather than crime. The old city is best explored on foot with a guide who knows the maze of lanes, while tuk-tuks, taxis and private transport cover longer distances. A mask for dusty days is handy.