Top Sights and Places To visit
In Kathmandu

Discover the best tourist places in Kathmandu with us!

Make the most of our location during your stay at Hotel Shambala and explore these must visit places in Kathmandu on a day trip.

The vibrant capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, attracts tourists with its breathtaking natural beauty and rich tapestry of history and culture. From ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to lively marketplaces and magnificent views, there is plethora of sights and places to visit in Kathmandu that will captivate you.

Top Places and Sights to visit in Kathmandu

Explore historic Swayambhunath, where history traverses every brick, and the famous Boudhanath Stupa, that offers spiritual peace. Tour around Kathmandu’s famous Durbar Square, a testimony to the city’s royal history, and be amazed by the architectural masterpieces that decorate it. Explore this city of temples while also enjoying comfortable stay at our boutique hotel in Kathmandu. Allow the attraction of this Himalayan jewel to enchant your senses and inspire your future excursions in the heart of Nepal.

Boudhanath

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath is one of the most significant and sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Hundreds of thousands of Buddhists from around the world make a pilgrimage to Boudha every year.

Once you get over the awe-inspiring sight and size of Boudhanath stupa, we recommend performing a kora or clockwise circumambulation around it. Besides its spiritual importance, a kora is a great way to explore the surrounding shops and to soak in the overall atmosphere.

Distance from Hotel Shambala: 13-min drive

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares located in the Kathmandu Valley, the other two being Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historic palace complex situated in the heart of Lalitpur, also known as Patan City. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and exquisite Newa architecture, it is a testament of the artistic and architectural achievements of the Malla Kings and the Newar people.

Patan Durbar Square is a highlight of any trip to Kathmandu. We highly recommend visiting the square early in the morning to witness locals going about their daily rituals.

Distance from Hotel Shambala: 30-min drive

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical and cultural gem located in the traditional town of Bhaktapur, a city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Although larger than the other two Durbar Squares in the Valley, this major tourist attraction is comparatively laid-back and slow-paced. Take leisurely strolls down old alleyways and through community courtyards, try the famous Juju-dhau, a creamy yogurt fit for the kings, and feast on Newari delicacies.

Distance from Hotel Shambala: 45-min drive

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in the heart of Kathmandu. This historic square is a prominent cultural and historical center and serves as a testament to the rich heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.

It continues to be a symbol of the city’s rich heritage and traditions, drawing both local and international visitors who are eager to experience its beauty and historical significance. We highly recommend visiting the squares during festive seasons to experience it at its most vibrant.

Distance from Hotel Shambala: 23-min drive

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath, often referred to as the “Monkey Temple,” is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but is also one of the most iconic stupas in Kathmandu. Located on a hilltop in the Kathmandu Valley, approximately 2.5 kilometers west of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath is shrouded in myths and legends. However, we suggest going there for the serene and captivating site, and breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Another advice is to keep all edibles hidden inside your backpack. The monkeys here are a menace and will steal them!

Distance from Hotel Shambala: 20-min drive

Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred and revered Hindu temples in the world, and it holds immense religious and cultural significance in Nepal. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the Kathmandu Valley, Pashupatinath Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus. While foreigners are not allowed to enter the main temple complex, visitors can explore the surrounding areas to witness Hindu rituals, including the cremation rites in Bagmati ghat.

Distance from Hotel Shambala: 15-min drive

Shivapuri National Park

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park shields endangered species and sacred tranquility just minutes north of Kathmandu. Despite hugging the capital, its mossy forests harbor wildlife like leopards, bears, and hornbills undisturbed by the city’s chaos. Trails wind upwards through mystical woodlands veiled in fog, ultimately revealing stunning summit vistas of snow-capped peaks and the sprawling cityscape of the valley. Whether a peaceful day hike from Budhanilkantha or an enlightening spiritual pilgrimage, Shivapuri’s altitude holds Himalayan riches for nature lovers wanting to briefly escape Kathmandu’s concrete maze.

Distance from Hotel Shambala: 30-min drive to the entry point

Budhanilkantha Temple

Nestled peacefully north of Kathmandu proper, Budhanilkantha has long stood as a wellspring of Nepali spirituality. The Budhanilkantha temple enshrines a revered 5-meter basalt statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha in the middle of a small pond. Located at the base of Shivapuri Hill, this holy site doesn’t only attract devotees but is equally popular amongst art aficionados for its masterful craftsmanship. Vishnu’s four hands clasp objects representing divine qualities – the chakra, a conch shell, a gadha, and a lotus.

Distance from Hotel Shambala: 15-min drive

Jamchen Gumba

Built atop Budhanilkantha Hill, Jamchen Gumba or Vijaya Stupa rewards an exhausting hike with tranquility. After an hour and half-long hike, the beautiful gumba arrives, with it unveiling Kathmandu Valley’s sweep in all directions. Explore the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the gumba, listen to buddhist chants and breathe in the mountain air to calm your spirits. Marvel at the intricate architecture and paintings and get lost in meditation inside the sanctuary. However long you linger to soak in the sacred solitude, you’re sure to depart feeling the effort was worthwhile for what the stupa reveals, both inside you and outside of you.

Distance from Hotel Shambala: 15-min drive to Budhanilkantha, followed by 20 mins drive to the stupa or an hour long hike.

Learn more about Jamchen Vijaya Stupa