Kathmandu

Sprawling among the foothills at the base of four major mountains (Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri) and annexed by eight rivers, Kathmandu is not only the capital of Nepal, but also its largest, densest, most populated urban center, a city that constitutes the very heart of Nepal. An intersection of diverse languages and religious beliefs, Kathmandu is permeated by historical landmarks, among them Buddhist and Hindu temples, even as modernity creeps closer with each passing day.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Bhasmeshvar Ghats

One of Kathmandu's most compelling sites is the Bhasmeshvar Ghats, the largest cremation center in the greater Kathmandu area. Like India's Varanasi on the Ganges River, Hindus bring the bodies of their loved ones to these ghats, or steps, on the banks of the Bagmati River, to be cremated and to scatter their ashes to guarantee immortality. The main Pashupatinah Temple is off-limits to non-Hindus, but you can wander the tranquil grounds and observe the activities of the temple from across the narrow river.

Boudhanath Temple

Visit Boudhanath Temple, another of Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites, and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the center of Kathmandu on the northeastern outskirts of the city, the stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. Throughout the day, pilgrims can be seen circumambulating the stupa chanting mantras, some completing the circuit while prostrating themselves at each step. The pilgrims continue to circle into the night when the temple is illuminated by butter lamps. Anyone is free to join in, but remember to walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction and also to spin the prayer wheels clockwise.

Durbar Square

Visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, which is located in the old city and whose construction dates to the 11th century. Four different kingdoms added buildings over the centuries, including the Kasthamandap Hindu pagoda, erected by a Malla dynasty king in the late 16th-century, and from which the city takes its name. Today, approximately 50 temples and palace structures remain around the square. Your guide will describe the unique architectural styles and structures you see, and why they have been protected (and, more recently, called endangered) by UNESCO.

Helicopter to Everest

Fly by private helicopter from Kathmandu around the legendary Mt Everest, which stands at an altitude of 29,029 feet (8,848 meters); your pilot will land the chopper near Everest Base Camp, situated at about 18,000 feet (5,486 meters). Since you are not acclimated, you can only stay up there for about 15 minutes before flying back down to 13,000 feet (3,962 meters), where you will have lunch at an upscale trekker's lodge.

Afterwards, return by helicopter to Kathmandu to cap what will have been one of the most memorable days of your life.

Monkey Temple

Visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, a complex of monasteries of all faiths started in 460 A.D. by King Mana Devi of the Licchavi era, on the western fringes of the city. The imposing structure is recognized as a major landmark of Kathmandu and is distinguished by its population of freely roaming monkeys.

Tea with the Locals

Have tea with a family living in one of the historic bahals around a common courtyard in the old part of town. Chat with your hosts about their lives and livelihoods, and hear about a way of life so very different from your own.

The Old Quarter

Wander the narrow streets and alleyways of Kathmandu's Old Quarter, with its myriad tiny stalls and its colorful street life. Visit the many different markets including the famous bead market, and the Indrachowk carpet and textile market.

Nepal Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Kathmandu Itineraries

All Itineraries
Multi Country
Ultra Luxe
Intrepid
Classic Nepal

Classic Nepal

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $13,000
See Itinerary
7-Day Classic Bike Trip through the Nepalese Himalayas

7-Day Classic Bike Trip through the Nepalese Himalayas

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,600
See Itinerary
A Mindful and Cultural Journey

A Mindful and Cultural Journey | Aman Jet Expeditions

Date
Oct 14–28, 2024
Price Per Person
$108,888
See Itinerary
A Mindful and Cultural Journey 2025

A Mindful and Cultural Journey 2025 | Aman Jet Expeditions

Date
Oct 19–Nov 2, 2025
Price Per Person
$118,888
See Itinerary
Back to Nature: Exploring the Birds and Wildlife of Nepal

Back to Nature: Exploring the Birds and Wildlife of Nepal

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,300
See Itinerary
Exploring Tibet's Untouched Holy Land

Exploring Tibet's Untouched Holy Land

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,000
See Itinerary
Following Buddha's Footsteps Across the Himalayas

Following Buddha's Footsteps Across the Himalayas

Duration
19 days / 18 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,600
See Itinerary
Golfing the Himalayas: Kathmandu and Pokhara

Golfing the Himalayas: Kathmandu and Pokhara

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,000
See Itinerary
Hiking the Himalayas: Adventuring through the natural wonders of Nepal

Hiking the Himalayas: Adventuring through the natural wonders of Nepal

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,300
See Itinerary
Kathmandu Culture Trail to the Heights of Jomsom

Kathmandu Culture Trail to the Heights of Jomsom

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,200
See Itinerary
Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu
Preferred Hotel

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

Located just outside Kathmandu, near Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred mountain, Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu is the recipient of a prestigious World Heritage Award given for outstanding historical preservation. The 80 guest rooms and suites are decorated with intricately carved wood and terracotta work in the traditional Newari style and are equipped with wi-fi access. Krishnarpan, one of the hotel’s two restaurants, offers six- to 22-course authentic Nepali meals, Toran has Chinese and Indian specialties, while Fusion has live blues and jazz in a bar setting. Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu has a spa with massage treatments and a swimming pool. The business center is fully equipped with broadband Internet access and secretarial services. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the airport in Kathmandu.

See Hotel
Hotel Yak & Yeti

Hotel Yak & Yeti

Kathmandu, Nepal

Originally a royal palace built over 100 years ago, the Yak & Yeti is now a gorgeous colonial-style hotel, with a brand new wing added to the original structure. It is now a blend of modern comfort and traditional Nepali architecture & heritage. The Yak & Yeti has 270 rooms & suites across both wings of the property. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, International Direct Dial telephones, color television and a fully stocked mini bar. Facilities on the Club Floor include 24-hour butler service, a private lounge for breakfast and cocktails, a boardroom, and in-room outlets for fax machines and computers, which can be rented. Leisure facilities include tennis courts, swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and a fitness centre, complete with state-of-the-art gymnasium and spa. There are several choices for dining including the Sunrise Cafe, the Russian-style Chimney, and The Pub.
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a 5-star luxury hotel and resort, set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds and built in the traditional Newari style of Nepalese architecture. The hotel is just 4 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport and 6 km from the city centre of Kathmandu. The Boudhanath Stupa is within five minutes walking distance from the hotel. The hotel’s 280 rooms and suites enjoy views of either the Boudhanath Stupa or the lush gardens and the surrounding mountain ranges. All rooms are well-equipped and spacious with a private bathroom, a walk-in shower, an in-room safe and a mini bar. Guests at the Regency Club rooms and suites enjoy additional privileges and facilities such as the usage of the boardroom, a dedicated concierge and evening cocktails and canapés. The four exciting restaurants and bars at the hotel ensure the perfect dining experience with an array of cuisine options, while guests can stay fit at the hotel’s fitness centre - Club Oasis, which features a well-equipped fitness centre, a health and beauty spa, two outdoor swimming pools-one for adults and one for children, indoor and outdoor whirlpool, tennis courts and 1.6 km jogging track.

Multi-Country Specialists

Nepal Goes Well With

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A family from Norway

A family from Norway

Everything was excellent. Another Remote Lands trip in a few weeks!

India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand

A couple from Texas

A couple from Texas

My wife and I traveled to Nepal with Remote Lands, and had an incredible time. This was our fourth trip with Remote Lands and the trip was planned perfectly with every detail accounted for.

Nepal

A young couple from Calgary

A young couple from Calgary

The 74-year-old head monk informed us we were the first foreigners he had ever met or to enter the monastery.

Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan

More Testimonials
Travel + Leisure
Financial Times
The Wall Street Journal
The New York Times
Departures magazine
Condé Nast Traveler
Press