Kathmandu Travelers Recommend

The trek to Mount Everest Base Camp is on most hikers’ bucket lists, and the Khumbu region of Nepal—known for its spectacular mountain peaks and friendly indigenous people—is one of the most popular places to do so. Here’s what you need to know about getting to this trekkers’ pilgrimage site.

Highlights

• Push your body to the limits as you take in the spectacular Himalayan scenery of the Everest region.

• Enjoy the expertise of a local guide who can help you acclimatize and trek the best routes to the base camp.

• Spend nights in remote Himalayan villages like Gorak Shep, Pheriche, and Phakding.

• Watch the sunrise over the world’s highest peak from Kala Pattar.

• Taste local foods and learn about Sherpa traditions from the welcoming indigenous people of the region.

• Stop at cultural points of interest like Namche Bazaar, Sagarmatha National Park, and Tengboche Monastery.

How to Prepare

The trek to Everest Base Camp is not easy, so it’s a good idea to join a private or small-group trek with an experienced guide to help navigate the route, troubleshoot along the way, and offer insight into Nepali history and culture. While nothing will really prepare you for the extreme elevation—Everest Base Camp is located at 17,598 feet (5,364 meters) above sea level—cardiovascular training such as hiking, walking, and climbing (lots of) stairs will help get you physically ready for the trek through the Himalayas. Even with this, the altitude will be a factor in your expedition, so to avoid altitude sickness, give yourself some time to acclimate in Kathmandu before heading out on your trek.

Breathable layers are the best option for comfort, as the temperature can change quickly in the mountains, and sunscreen and sunglasses are a must for the bright sun at altitude. Be sure to break in your hiking boots before you arrive, and carry moleskin or another blister remedy for when the inevitable occurs.

When to Go

The best times to trek to Everest Base Camp are from the beginning of March to mid-May, and from the beginning of September to mid-November. In the spring, the mountains burst into color when the rhododendrons bloom, and the temperature is more moderate as the snow is melting from the mountains. In fall, the monsoons have cleared the air of dust, though the days are cooler and shorter.

Things to Know

• Everest Base Camp trek tours last between 12 and 16 days, and typically include meals, accommodations, and licensed guides and porters.

• Hiking poles are not required but can be helpful in alleviating pressure on the knees. 

• The trek to Everest Base Camp should be attempted only by those who are physically fit.

The sheer number of temples located in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley has earned it the nickname City of Temples. You could easily spend your entire Kathmandu trip hopping from one temple to the next. To help narrow it down, here are five you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Pashupatinath Temple

Located just east of Kathmandu on the banks of the Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is best known for its magnificent architecture. The two-story pagoda structure houses a sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Shiva, making it one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal and the most important Shaivite temple in the subcontinent. Pashupatinath is also the site of the most-used cremation spot in the Kathmandu Valley.

Bodhnath Stupa

Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranks among the most important and holiest Tibetan Buddhist sites outside of Tibet. The white 14th-century structure is said to house a bone from the Buddha’s body. Worshippers come here to circumambulate the stupa while spinning prayer wheels and praying to the 108 small images of the Buddha that surround the structure.

Swayambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath Temple, situated southwest of Kathmandu, is instantly recognizable by its golden spires with ominous-looking eyes painted on them. This Buddhist temple, nicknamed the Monkey Temple for its large population of resident monkeys, affords spectacular views of the city lying in the valley below.

Budhanilkantha Temple

Off the main tourist circuit, Budhanilkantha Temple centers around a 16-foot (5-meter) statue of the reclining Hindu god Vishnu in the middle of a pool of water. You’ll likely find more local devotees than tourists at this holiest of Hindu temples in Nepal, and at a busy period, visitors are treated to a glimpse of day-to-day worship at this traditional temple.

Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple

If you happen to be in Nepal during a full moon, plan to visit Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, situated just outside the city center. On every full moon night, this temple on the western shore of the Bagmati River hosts a free classical music concert using traditional instruments like tabla, flute, and sitar.

Standing 29,030 feet (8,848 meters), the iconic Mt. Everest, which sits on the Nepal-Tibet border, is the tallest mountain in the world. Catching a glimpse is a high priority for many travelers to Nepal, and you can do so several different ways from Kathmandu. From easy to strenuous, here are a few options.

Day Tours

The only way to see Everest on a day trip from Kathmandu is to take a scenic flight. Sightseeing airplanes run when the weather is good, and offer beautiful views of a large sweep of the Nepali Himalaya. For safety reasons, though, you can’t fly too close to Everest in a plane. For a real close-up, take a helicopter tour, some of which stop for breakfast on the way in small settlements in the Everest region.

Multi-Day Tours

No vehicular roads lead to Everest on the Nepal side of the border—the only way to reach the mountain is to trek there on foot. The most popular route is the Everest Base Camp trek: fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek for about 12 days there and back. On the way, you’ll stop at Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar and Khumjung. Quieter alternatives are the Three Passes trek and the Gokyo Lakes trek, both of which offer views of Everest. If you’re short on time, you can trek one way, then hop in a helicopter back to Kathmandu.

Things to Know

• Everest is called Sagarmatha in Nepali, and Chomolangma in Sherpa.
• As the crow flies, Everest is only about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Kathmandu; however, many hills and mountains sit in between. It’s rare but sometimes possible to see a sliver of Everest from Kathmandu on clear days.
• The most common ethnic group in the Everest region are the Sherpa people, Buddhists who originated in Tibet. You’ll see Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and prayer walls along the trekking route to Everest Base Camp.
• If trekking to Everest—or taking a helicopter that stops en route—know the symptoms of altitude sickness. Be prepared to turn back at any point, as altitude sickness can turn deadly.
• Although it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea to trek with a guide in Nepal. They can keep you safe, secure your accommodation along the way, and tell you about what you see.

With two days in Kathmandu, there’s time to experience the city’s cultural treasures and get out into the countryside, too. Visit sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, and enjoy a day hike or a scenic cable car ride with sweeping Himalayan views. Here’s how to make the most of your 48 hours in the Nepali capital.

Day 1: Sacred Kathmandu

Morning: Rise early to reach Pashupatinath Temple at the most atmospheric time of day. This is the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal and an important cremation area. Afterwards, head to the nearby Boudhanath Stupa, the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. Have lunch overlooking the bright white shrine.

Afternoon: After lunch, head south to Patan to check out Patan Durbar Square, a collection of temples and old palace buildings. Explore the informative Patan Museum here, then peruse the lanes surrounding Durbar Square, which hide many more temples, picturesque old buildings, and handicraft shops.

Night: Eat your fill of dal bhat tarkari (rice with lentil and vegetable curries), the Nepali national dish, at a restaurant in the lively district of Thamel, followed by drinks at a rooftop bar. Those who enjoy dancing can groove to the cover bands that play most nights of the week at Thamel bars.

Day 2: Get Out Into Nature

Morning: Wake early, again, to make a trip out to Nagarkot for the sunrise. This town just outside the Kathmandu Valley is famous for its sunrise views over the Himalayas, which rise just beyond the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. Have a postsunrise breakfast in Nagarkot.

Afternoon: This afternoon, active travelers can hike from Nagarkot to a nearby village, passing through forests, farmland, and traditional villages and enjoying great views along the way. Alternatively, return to Kathmandu and head to the Chandragiri Cable Car for sweeping views of the city and, when the weather is clear, the Himalayas beyond.

Night: The shops in Thamel are open late into the evening, making this a good time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Wrap up your stay with a cycle-rickshaw tour around Thamel and the Kathmandu Durbar Square area.

Kathmandu is home to Nepal’s only international airport, so it’s a natural jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the country. With many cultural attractions, delicious food, shops selling Nepali handicrafts, and Himalayan views, there’s plenty to do in Kathmandu. Here’s how to fill an action-packed day in the Nepali capital.

Morning: Sacred Sites

Get up early to experience Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple, at its most atmospheric. Many Nepali people come here to die or be cremated, and there’s a somber but celebratory feel to the temple complex. The mixture of Nepali architecture and traditional culture makes this a must-visit site. Pashupatinath is close to the Boudha neighborhood, the center of Kathmandu’s Tibetan community and site of the Boudhanath Stupa, with its huge white dome, golden spire, and colorful prayer flags. Have a relaxed lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking the stupa.

Afternoon: The Medieval Kingdom of Patan

After lunch, head south of the Bagmati River to Patan. Now part of Kathmandu’s urban sprawl, this neighborhood was once a separate kingdom and maintains a unique atmosphere. The focal point is Patan Durbar Square, a collection of redbrick palaces and temples that represent Nepali carving and metalsmithing at its finest. Visit the Patan Museum here for an informative overview of Buddhist and Hindu culture in the Kathmandu Valley, then dip into the lanes around the square—they’re among the best places in Kathmandu to shop for handicrafts, including paper products, metal statuettes, and Buddhist thangka paintings.

Night: Sample Nepali Cuisine

Many visitors stay in the Thamel area of central Kathmandu, which has a plethora of restaurants and bars and is the center of the city’s nightlife. Most venues are not open much past midnight, so a good night out in Kathmandu means enjoying a hearty dinner and a few relaxed drinks at a bar. You can’t leave Kathmandu without a full dal bhat experience. At its simplest, the Nepali national dish is lentil curry and rice, but at many higher-end restaurants you’ll get a huge platter with several vegetable and meat curries, pickles, a salad, and, of course, rice. It’s a great way to end the day.

Three days in Kathmandu is enough time to get a feel for the city and its culture, watch the sun rise over the highest mountains in the world, and hike through rolling, forested hills. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, including sacred Hindu and Buddhist temples. Here are some great things to do in Kathmandu.

Day 1: Temples and Palaces

There are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites within the Kathmandu Valley, many near the center of the city. First head to Pashupatinath; it's the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal. Next, visit nearby Boudhanath Stupa, the most important Tibetan Buddhist site in Nepal and the center of Kathmandu’s Tibetan community. After lunch overlooking the stupa, head to the hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath, which has been nicknamed Monkey Temple for the monkeys that live nearby. Be sure to take in the great views of the Kathmandu Valley from Swayambhunath. In the evening, have dinner in Thamel or Durbar Marg.

Day 2: Sunrise and Village Life

While Kathmandu is a big congested city, you don’t have to travel far to find rural village life and nature. Get up early to reach Nagarkot in time for sunrise. This town is famous for its sweeping Himalayan views, which are especially notable when bathed in a golden early morning glow. After breakfast, take a day hike or a sightseeing tour to nearby villages. Active travelers can hike to Namo Buddha, Panauti, Dhulikhel, or Changu Narayan. Travelers who want a more relaxed pace can reach these places by car to check out the ancient temples, farmland, and views.

Day 3: Visit an Ancient Kingdom

On your third day, visit either Patan to the south or Bhaktapur to the east. Both are outlying areas of Kathmandu that were once independent kingdoms and still retain their own distinct atmospheres and traditions. The old cities are culturally Newar, with the architectural styles and handicraft traditions reflecting this. The focal points of both are the Durbar Squares, collections of temples and old palace buildings around a plaza. Patan also has the excellent Patan Museum, and Bhaktapur the five-storied Nayatapola Pagoda. In the lanes around the squares, find hidden temples and courtyards, handicraft workshops, and relaxed cafes and restaurants.