2 Days in Kathmandu, Nepal

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Colorful and vibrant Kathmandu is a feast for the senses. The city was like no place I have visited before! There is so much going on at any given point in Kathmandu that your eyes, ears and nose are constantly on overdrive! Kathmandu is also home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is a considerable number given the size of the city. This 2 days in Kathmandu itinerary is the perfect amount of time to explore the highlights of what this city has to offer.

Day 1

You will see 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites on day 1 of this 2 days in Kathmandu itinerary. You may need a taxi to get from place to place. Make sure that you negotiate the price before you get in to the taxi. Another alternative is to take a tour. Actually, I rather prefer this alternative and it is what I did. The reason for this is because, there is so much history at these sites that you would gain more from your visit if you had an expert’s guidance.

I highly recommend Breakfree Adventures Nepal. I booked them via Viatour but go to them directly as they maybe cheaper this way. They promptly picked me up from my hotel and had a personal guide to driver all to myself. What really impressed me about this company is that someone reached out to me after the tour was over to find out how it went and if I was happy with the service provided. The number to contact them is +977-985-1014557 (you can whatsapp this number).

Swayambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath Temple is also called the Monkey Temple due to the resident monkeys who call this temple their home. This temple is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the Kathmandu Valley and dates back to the 5th century CE. The complex consists of a stupa and a variety of shrines and temples. You need to climb some stairs to get to the main stupa but once you do, you will be greeted with some amazing views of the Kathmandu Valley. The entire complex is very beautiful, although it can tend to get a little crowded.

Pashupatinath Temple

Only Hindus can enter inside Pashupatinath Temple but non-Hindus can still see the temple from the outside. Pashupatinath is considered to be one of the biggest and most important temples in Kathmandu and dates back to the 5th century. From the banks of the Bagmati river, non-Hindus can observe the Hindu burial rituals. My guide did an excellent job of explaining the significance of the rituals.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is located in Lalithpur, a few minutes away from Kathmandu. Lalithpur is known as the city of the arts and crafts. The square consists of a palace complex and numerous temples. The buildings at this Durbar Square really took my breath away. The craftsmanship was absolutely exquisite! Some of the buildings were destroyed in the 2015 earthquake but have been restored to its former glory under the strict guidance of UNESCO. There is also a museum in the complex that I highly recommend visiting. There were some amazing pieces of ancient Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. As someone of South Asian origin, it really made me feel proud of my history and culture.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in Nepal and the world and one of the most important places of pilgrimage and worship for Buddhists. This stupa is so big that it is really hard to capture it. For the best views, climb to the top floor of one of the surrounding cafes or restaurants. When walking around this stupa or any other, always remember to walk clockwise. There are two massive prayers wheels in the complex that is worth seeing.

Day 2

You can walk to all the places on day 2 of this 2 days in Kathmandu itinerary.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

This historical site dates back to the 3rd century. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is vast and has many buildings and sites that are still functioning today. Tickets for entry can be bought at the site (discount for SAARC countries). The Kumari Ghar is one of the most important sites in the square and you can see the Kumari (believed to be a living incarnation of a Hindu god) at certain times during the day). Start at the south end of the complex and walk towards the north. There are guides around the square offering to give you a tour. I say get on! I regret not hiring a guide to walk me through the site. If you don’t get a guide, the leaflet they give you when you purchase the ticket has some explanations on what you are seeing.

Garden of Dreams

This dreamy garden is a much needed respite from the dusty, loud and chaotic streets of Kathmandu. This neoclassical garden was built in the 1920s and consists of ponds, pavilions and places to sit and enjoy the beauty of the gardens.

Narayanhiti Palace

The former royal palace is now a museum that you can visit. It is very close to the Garden of Dreams. The complex consists of a palace, gardens, and vehicles of the former royal family. No cameras, phones or bags are allowed inside. You will have to place all your belongings in a locker prior to entry.

Shopping

Kathmandu is a shoppers paradise if you love shopping for souvenirs, shawls, jewelry and decorative pieces for your home. There are a lot of handmade things you can buy here. Don’t forget to haggle!

Where to Stay in Kathmandu

The main tourist area of Kathmandu is called Thamel. Here, you will find hotels, bars, restaurants and plenty of shopping. Thamel is buzzing all day and night but it is very convenient as everything is walking distance. With only 2 days in Kathmandu, you want to stay close to the action as possible so that you won’t spend time sitting in the crazy Kathmandu traffic.

There are plenty of hotels to fit any budget in Thamel. Some even offer airport drop off or pick up. My recommendation is to use the filter option on booking.com to select a hotel that best suit your needs.

Where I Ate in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Grill

I walked in to Kathmandu grill not knowing that it was a highly rated restaurant in the area. The menu at Kathmandu grill is very extensive. They have anything from western, to eastern to local cuisine. I had their non-vegetarian thali and it was delicious. A thali is a platter of rice and accompanying curries. It is a great way to try local food without over ordering or over eating. The best part is that refills are completely free. If you like a curry, simply ask for more and they will top you up. What I loved most about the Kathmandu Grill were the staff! They were very attentive and friendly.

Fire and Ice

This Italian pizza and pasta restaurant is ideal for a post hike celebratory dinner or really for any reason. Their pizzas are huge and they have a really great menu filled with lots of choice. I recommend booking a reservation in advance as this place is very popular.

Third Eye Restaurant

Third Eye serves Indian cuisine and the food is delicious! I had to stop myself from licking my fingers!

Other Recommended Places

Rosemary

Rosemary has a large menu consisting of western and eastern cuisine. This restaurant is also popular among hikers for a post hike celebratory meal.

New Orleans Café

Similar to Rosemary, New Orleans also has an extensive menu and is a popular restaurant choice in Kathmandu.

Dinner Show

Kathmandu has a few restaurants that offer dinner shows where traditional Nepali dance and music are showcased. I attended one but am not going to recommend it as I am not sure if there is a better show in town. Ask your hotel or accommodation provider for some recommendations.

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Are you in Kathmandu for the Everest Base Camp trek? Check out all my posts on this trek HERE