Kathmandu is loud, full and alive, and in the middle of it are some of the most beautiful sacred places in Asia. In one day you can see four of them without rushing, if you keep the plan simple.
Early morning: Swayambhunath
Start at the hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath before the day gets hot. Climb the long stairway from the east side, walk round the stupa clockwise with the people who come to pray, and look out over the whole valley.
Late morning: Kathmandu Durbar Square
The old royal square of the city: temples, courtyards and the palace. Walk slowly. Look for the house of the Kumari, the living goddess, and the carvings on the temple roof struts. Have lunch nearby.
Afternoon: Pashupatinath
The great Hindu temple of Shiva on the Bagmati river. Only Hindus may enter the main temple; visitors watch from the other bank. You will see cremations on the riverside: stand quietly, keep your distance and do not photograph the families.
Dusk: Boudhanath
End the day at the great stupa of Boudhanath, when the light turns gold and hundreds of people walk the circle clockwise, turning prayer wheels. Join them. Sit on a rooftop with a cup of tea afterwards.
Good to know
- Entrance tickets: each site charges foreign visitors at the gate. See the current list on our entrance fees page.
- Getting around: the distances are short, but traffic is slow. A taxi between sites is simplest; agree the price before you get in.
- Clothes: cover shoulders and knees at temples, and take off your shoes where others do.
- All four sites are part of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site. More on our UNESCO page.
If you have a second day, give it to Patan or Bhaktapur. One square, slowly, is better than five quickly.
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