Kathmandu travel guide 2026: temples, trek prep and itinerary

Most visitors arrive in Kathmandu on their way somewhere else, usually a trek, and treat the city as a staging post. That undersells it. The valley holds several UNESCO-listed squares and some of the most significant Hindu and Buddhist sites in the region, and it rewards two or three days of proper attention. This guide covers seasons, the practical realities of cash and water, temple etiquette and a 3-day plan.

When to visit Kathmandu

Autumn, from October to November, is the prime season: clear skies, mild temperatures and the best mountain visibility of the year, which is why it is also the busiest trekking window. Spring, from March to May, is the second choice, warmer and with rhododendrons in bloom at altitude.

The monsoon between June and September brings heavy rain, obscured mountain views and frequent flight disruption to and from mountain airstrips. Winter is dry and clear in the valley but cold, particularly at night, with some high routes closed.

Cash, water and altitude

Three practical points shape a first visit here.

Nepal runs on cash far more than most visitors expect. Guesthouses, taxis, small restaurants and shops are frequently cash-only, ATMs charge a flat fee per withdrawal that makes small amounts inefficient, and card acceptance outside larger hotels is patchy. Withdraw in larger amounts and carry rupees.

Tap water is not drinkable, and this extends to ice and to brushing your teeth. Bottled or properly filtered water is the norm, and a filter bottle both saves money and reduces plastic use.

Kathmandu itself sits at around 1,400 metres, which is not high enough to cause altitude problems for most people. If you are continuing to a trek or a mountain flight, that changes, and the standard advice applies: ascend gradually and build in spare days.

Buffer days matter here

Flights to and from mountain airstrips are weather-dependent and cancellations are common, sometimes for several consecutive days. Anyone connecting a trek to an international departure should leave buffer days in Kathmandu at the end rather than booking a tight connection. This is standard advice among trekking operators and it is worth taking seriously, because the alternative is missing an international flight.

Temple etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Shoes come off before entering temple interiors, and leather items are prohibited at some Hindu sites. Walk clockwise around stupas and shrines, which is the local convention at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath in particular.

Some areas of Pashupatinath are restricted to Hindus, and the cremation ghats there are an active funeral site rather than an attraction. Photography should be discreet, distant and, where people are grieving, avoided entirely.

Getting around

Taxis and ride-hailing apps handle most city journeys cheaply, with fares agreed in advance or by meter. Walking is rewarding in Thamel and around the old squares but requires attention: pavements are uneven, traffic is dense and does not always yield, and air quality can be poor in the dry season, when a mask is worth having.

Example 3-day Kathmandu itinerary

Prompt idea: "3-day Kathmandu itinerary in 2026, first-time visitor, staying in Thamel, include the main temples and one valley day trip."

• Day 1 - Central Kathmandu: Thamel, Kathmandu Durbar Square, local food and markets.
• Day 2 - The major sites: Swayambhunath for the valley view, Pashupatinath, evening circuit at Boudhanath.
• Day 3 - Valley day trip: Patan or Bhaktapur for their durbar squares, workshops and quieter streets.

If you are combining destinations, our Hanoi travel guide covers a natural pairing with this trip.

See what else the planner handles on the features page, or start from the trip planner directly.

FAQs

Do I need cash in Kathmandu?

Yes, more than in most destinations. Many guesthouses, taxis and small eateries take cash only, and ATMs charge a flat fee per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often.

Can I drink the tap water?

No. Use bottled or filtered water, including for ice and brushing your teeth. A filter bottle is a practical way to reduce both cost and plastic waste.

How should I dress at temples?

Modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes before entering interiors, note that leather is banned at some Hindu sites, and walk clockwise around stupas.

Do I need buffer days before an international flight?

If you are trekking or taking a mountain flight, yes. Weather cancellations on mountain routes are common and can last days, so leaving spare time in Kathmandu before departure is standard practice.

How many days do I need?

Two to three days covers the main valley sites without rushing. Add extra if you are using the city as a base before or after a trek.

Is Kathmandu safe?

Generally yes, with normal precautions against petty theft in crowded markets. The bigger practical hazards are traffic, uneven pavements and seasonal air quality rather than crime.