Best Things to do in Kathmandu after Trekking

Cultural Treasures in Kathmandu

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Kathmandu Valley is abounding with UNESCO World Heritage sites that testify to Nepal’s unequalled cultural heritage:

Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath, sits atop its hill above the city with its glistening white dome and all-knowing Buddha eyes. This 5th-century-old religious compound is one of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist centers. The city looks out over Kathmandu and interesting blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture is well worth climbing its hundreds of stairs. Start early in the morning to watch locals perform sacrifices and spin prayer wheels as the dawn lights up the city. Resident monkeys, which earn it its local nickname, are a distraction but keep your belongings!

A circle of Tibetan monasteries and prayer wheel kiosks encircles a section of Nepal’s largest round stupa, Boudhanath Stupa. The massive mandala is one of the largest architectural ornaments in Kathmandu. Do kora (processional circumambulation) with locals around the stupa—especially enchanting at morning or evening prayer when monks chant and incense fills the air. The area is dominated by Tibetans in nature with refugees having settled the area after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950s. Visit the monasteries nearby to see Buddhist rituals and even take a course in meditation.

Pashupatinath Temple complex is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple complex of Lord Shiva. Developing on either side of the sacred Bagmati River, this complex of many tiny shrines, ashrams, and ritual cremation ghats is a lasting cultural experience leading to profound insight into Hindu belief in life and death. Although non-Hindus cannot enter the central temple, you can still witness emotional religious rituals along the riverbanks—. Visit at early evening times to see the beautiful Aarti (offering of lights) ceremony when oil lamps are lighted and hymns are sung in honor of the deities.

The Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares of the old times possess good woodcarvings and ancient architecture. The royal squares were the center of their kingdom before the unification of Nepal and are architectural marvels:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square is also home to Nepal’s Living Goddess, a girl child who has not yet reached puberty and is thought to be a reincarnation of the goddess Taleju. It also has the nine-storeyed Taleju Temple and House of Hanuman Dhoka in Durbar Square.
• The best of the three is the Patan Durbar Square that has the old Royal Palace holding one of the best museums of Nepal. Nearby Krishna Temple and Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihara), renowned for their superior carvings, are both extremely high quality.
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square houses the legendary 55-Window Palace and the Golden Gate, most beautiful and exquisitely carved entrance in the whole of Nepal’s art history.

Despite the 2015 earthquake damage to these old centers, they must be visited to uncover Nepal’s cultural heritage and royal past. It is fascinating to see the restoration work being carried out.

Exploring Traditional Neighborhoods

Outside of the major sites, Kathmandu’s traditional neighborhoods provide the city with its true rhythm. Stroll through Asan Bazaar, where religious souvenirs, fabric, and spices spill onto narrow streets. This six-spoked hub centuries-old bazaar and provides a glimpse of Nepali life. The bazaar itself is busiest in the morning and evening when locals do their day’s shopping. Each of the six streets specializes in a range of goods—copper and brassware to wedding saris and spices. Look upwards to see the very well-preserved old Newari houses with finely carved wooden doors and windows.

Indra Chowk and Makhan Tole are met and the lively bazaar action continues with bangle, cloth, and Nepali traditional clothing shops. It is worlds away from Thamel tourist ghetto and consists of more local-type shopping.

Laid-back Patan district (or Lalitpur, the “City of Beauty”) is a stronghold of some of the valley’s most exquisite architecture and handicrafts. Besides its celebrated Durbar Square, stroll the peaceful streets where master craftsmen carry on their ancient trades in the traditional style, creating beautiful metal sculpture, woodcarvings, and thangkas. The Patan Museum, housed in a restored palace of the royalty, chronicles Hindu and Buddhist symbolism and valley art tradition in simple terms.

For an up-close encounter, go to Bhaktapur, or the valley’s best-preserved medieval town. Its car-free streets take you back in time as you stroll down narrow brick-paved streets, inlaid wood paneling, and the renowned Nyatapola Temple, Nepal’s tallest pagoda-style temple. Bhaktapur has proven to be the “City of Devotees” and was just recently proclaimed the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not to be missed is the Pottery Square, where artists continue centuries’ tradition, sun-drying masterpieces of clay work. Yogurt, or “Juju Dhau” or “King Yogurt”—a local delicacy served in clay pots—is also renowned in the city.

Hidden Temples and Spiritual Sites

While the large religious places are thronged, Kathmandu Valley is scattered with countless small temples, stupas, and shrines where one may find quiet moments of insight:

• Kathesimbhu Stupa is a smaller Swayambhunath hidden away in a courtyard north of Thamel. Lacking the tourists of its more popular cousin, it’s a quiet place to sit and contemplate amidst prayer wheels and religious symbols.
• Jana Bahal (Seto Machhendranath Temple) in the city center is home to the White Machhendranath, which is worshipped with equal devotion by Hindus and Buddhists. The square in front is full of little shrines and statues, and residents do their morning rituals.
• Itum Bahal, being one of the largest Buddhist courtyards of the old city, is off the tourist radar. The ancient monastery complex has some shrines, one big stupa, and some beautifully carved wooden structures.
• The Garden of Dreams (Kaiser Mahal), a lay space, has a special spiritual sustenance. The 1920s neoclassical garden that was restored in love is an oasis of peace in the midst of Kathmandu’s chaos with pavilions, waterfalls, and a big café.

Living Cultural Heritage

There is no temple or museum for Kathmandu’s culture—a living mode of being which gets digested during festivals and rituals, a living truth which expresses itself through life itself:

• Kumari View: Visit Kumari Bahal within Kathmandu Durbar Square to have a glimpse at the Living Goddess of Nepal. The Kumari, who is a pre-pubescence girl chosen after a very elaborate process, is believed to be an incarnation of Taleju goddess and pays visits to her window from time to time.
• Cultural concerts of Nepali classical music and dances: There are different cultural centers that arrange Nepali folk dance and music performances. Nepali traditional concerts of music take place at Kirateshwar Sangeet Ashram near Pashupatinath, while Nepali Folklore Society conducts cultural shows based on traditional local music and dances.
• Mask-Making Workshops: In the Patan vicinity, there are workshops where the patient masks are made by artisans, and a few of them give demonstration and short instructions to the visitors.
• Singing Bowl Healing Centers: There are healing centers offering traditional Tibetan singing bowls sound healing sessions throughout Kathmandu, particularly Thamel. The sessions are not relaxing but an experience of the ancient healing arts as well.

Adventure Activities Near Kathmandu

Mountain Flights and Helicopter Tours

Marvel at the beauty of the Himalayas without the added trekking by a mountain flight. One-hour morning flights depart from Kathmandu airport and provide panoramic views of Mount Everest and adjacent peaks. Flights normally take a path with a view that includes eight of the fourteen highest mountains in the world, while the pilots describe and comment on sightseeing places. Window seats are guaranteed to all travelers, and there is one flight a day (subject to weather).

Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Simrik Airlines operate the flights at around $200-250 USD. October-November and March-April are ideal times to view the mountain’s clear vision but they are available year-round.

After completing a trek, if you have the time, taking a mountain flight over Everest can be a wonderful way of concluding your adventure and giving you a new perspective on the mountains. An aerial tour of the Himalayas that includes views of Mount Everest is what tourists experience on an Everest mountain flight.

For a touch of added luxury, take a helicopter ride that could put you in closer range of Everest, Langtang, or the Annapurna massif. The tours are accompanied by veteran guides who explain the landscape during the tour—a pleasant experience if you prefer to view more of Nepal’s mountains without additional trekking.

Helicopter flights have some advantages over fixed-wing mountain flights:

• They can fly lower and closer to the mountains
• Some of them include landings at Everest Base Camp or peaks like Kalapatthar (5,545m)
• More detailed itineraries and bespoke experiences
• Alternatives from 1-hour flight to day excursion

Perfect Helicopter tour packages of their choice are:

• Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: 4-5 hours helicopter ride with brief landing at Kalapatthar for bird’s eye view of Everest
• Langtang Helicopter Tour: Less expensive than Everest flights but no less spectacular, with panorama of Langtang Lirung and the surrounding peaks
• Gosaikunda Sacred Lake Tour: Fly or Drive to this famous high-altitude holy lake religiously worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists
• Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Scenic view over Annapurna range and Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain)

Though incredibly expensive in comparison with fixed-wing air transportations (at least $1,000 USD on group bookings), helicopter tour booking builds experiences of a lifetime, complete with super-quality photographs.

Adrenaline Sports

If your legs have recovered from trekking but you desire more action, the Kathmandu Valley and environs offer alternatives:

1. Bungee Jumping

Nepal has one of the world’s most incredible bungee jumps at The Last Resort on the Tibet border, 3 hours from Kathmandu. It is a 160-meter leap off a suspension bridge over the deep Bhote Koshi River gorge. The heart-stopping free fall is once-in-a-lifetime for the adventure-seeker.

The package typically includes:

• Kathmandu transfer
• Safety briefing and equipment
• The actual jump with professional instruction
• Certificate and T-shirt
• Option to purchase photos and video
• Lunch at the resort

For adventure-seekers wanting more, The Last Resort provides a giant swing off the same bridge and overnight camping in comfortable safari tents. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak season.

2. Paragliding

While Pokhara stands as Nepal’s paragliding capital, there are several sites around Kathmandu that have decent flying conditions:

3. Godawari

Godawari, a two hour’s drive from Kathmandu, offers launches with stunning views over forest and the southern valley. Flights are 20-30 minutes, depending on thermals.

4. Chapakharka

Chapakharka is 45 minutes from central Kathmandu and gives panorama flights over the whole valley. With a good day, the Himalayan chain shows up to the north as you fly over the terraced fields and villages below.

5. Kakani

Kakani, to the northwest of Kathmandu, is reserved for the good pilots and has good solid thermals and pretty mountain scenery.

Experienced pilots escort tandem flights with absolutely no previous flying experience of any kind—apart from a spirit of adventure and being willing to ride downhill on a slope! Flights cost $80-120 USD and you get there, equipment, and a pilot who’ll even hand over control for part of the flight if available in the conditions!

6. Zip-lining

Some places near Kathmandu have zip-lining:

• Chandragiri Hills boasts a zipline from near the cable car top station, soaring over forests with valley views. 850 meters long and up to 80 km/h, it’s a thrilling ride that can be easily combined with the cable car trip and temples at the hill top.
• Dhulikhel (some 30km outside Kathmandu) has one of Nepal’s longest ziplines at over 1km. The ride goes through rice paddies and on a good day has wonderful views of nearby mountains.
• Shivapuri Heights Cottage also has a shorter but still exhilarating zipline as part of their package of activities to do that also includes wall climbing and other sports within handy distance of downtown Kathmandu.

7. White Water Rafting

Nepal white water rafting is of international standard and all rivers are within day trip distance of Kathmandu:

• The Trishuli river is the most sought-after river for day trips, with family and beginner class II-III rapids. Put-in is roughly 3 hours by road from Kathmandu, and trips can be combined with Pokhara or Chitwan trips.
• Another class IV-V rapid location only for experienced rafters or novice thrill-bugs, the Bhote Koshi River is found a few hours on the Tibetan border north of Kathmandu and has also been designated as one of the steepest rivers runs in Nepal.
• An adrenaline-pumping but short raft run off Pokhara, Upper Seti River is worth it if you find yourself in Kathmandu.

Checkout in Details: River Rafting in Nepal

8. Canyoning

Explore Nepal’s stunning waterfalls and gorges canyoning—a sport which includes rappelling, jumping, swimming, and hiking. A mere few hours’ distance from Kathmandu, numerous locations are feasible for organizing guided canyoning expeditions:

• Dhading district’s Jalbire Canyon boasts a series of 5-40 meter waterfalls with plunge pools in which to jump and swim. Day tours incorporate all technical gear and instruction.
• Kakani, north west of Kathmandu, is less technical with simple canyoning for beginners with small waterfalls.

9. Mountain Biking around Kathmandu

Mountain biking within Kathmandu Valley is ideal for beginners and professionals:

Popular Routes

• Shivapuri National Park gives mountain views trails. The “Shivapuri Loop” classic rides pine forest, usual villages, and offers city panorama views. Elevations gain renders it expert to intermediate rider-suited.
• Nagarjun Forest Reserve trails are moderate and near the city in dense forests. Nagarjun Forest Reserve is cool even on hot days, and there are several trails of different difficulty and good wildlife spotting for monkeys and several bird species.
• Dhulikhel to Nagarkot is a pleasant day ride on the valley rim, connecting two of the finest views through villages of character and rice paddies. The mostly flat or downhill riding makes it a good option for less able riders.
• The Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trail is a tour through the old Kirtipur, Bungamati, and Khokana towns, with the option of visiting traditional Newari villages intact for centuries. This relatively flat tour is more cultural experiences than technical riding.
• Kakani Ridge is technical riding with stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan range. The challenging single-track sections offer expert riders a thrilling descent.

Practical Information

Some of the shops in Thamel actually rent out decent-quality mountain bikes for $10-15 USD per day, though multiple-day rates are applicable. There are also full-suspension high-end models which allow technical trails to be accessed.

Half-day to multi-day guided mountain bike trips are offered by some operators. Local expertise, mechanical support, and route adjustment based on your experience are all handled by the guides. The cost for a standard guided full-day tour ranges from $40-80 USD and includes bike rental, helmet, transportation to the trailhead, and sometimes lunch.

The ideal period of practice for mountain biking is in autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April) when weather conditions are nice and the routes are neither dry nor wet. However, under proper preparation, the sport is possible all year round.

Wildlife and Jungle Safaris

1. Chitwan National Park

A simple 5-6 hours drive by car or a short flight from Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park is of another world. A UNESCO World Heritage property, one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, sloth bear, and more than a hundred species of birds.

How to Reach and Where to Stay

Some options to travel to Chitwan from Kathmandu:

• Tourist buses daily from Kathmandu (5-6 hours)
• Bharatpur Airport flights (25 minutes) and short drive
• Private car rental only for extra comfort and convenience
• Jeep and rafting trips on Trishuli River

Accommodation from basic guesthouses to luxury jungle lodges:

• Budget: Some basic guesthouses at Sauraha village with simple rooms and jungle walks
• Mid-range: Easy-style lodges like Jungle Villa Resort or Rhino Residency
• Luxury: Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, Barahi Jungle Lodge, or Kasara Resort with luxury amenities and customized experience

All of the lodges offer package deals that encompass accommodation, food, and jungle activities, so advance booking is no problem.

Must-Do Activities

The below are some of the most popular activities:

• Elephant-back Safari: A old-fashioned way to tour the grasslands of the park, with raised viewing platforms and proximity to animals without frightening them. Some don’t do it on animal welfare grounds—see the ethical operators if that is your concern.
• Jeep Tours: Get more of the park in open-air vehicles with naturalist drivers who watch for wildlife and point out the scenery. Early morning and late afternoon tours provide best times for wildlife viewing.
• Guided Walks: Explore the jungle itself with guided seasoned guides to help find wildlife and learn about plant utilization and tracking tradition. Less group situation in the jungle but less big animals is what you’ll experience.
• Canoe Trips: Easy traditional dugout canoe trips on the Rapti River provide excellent viewing conditions for crocodiles, gharials (long-snout fish-eating crocodiles), and numerous bird species.
• Tharu Cultural Shows: Afternoon dance shows have indigenous Tharu culture living alongside the jungle for centuries.
• Elephant Breeding Center: Watch Asian elephant conservation and see young calves in a special breeding centre.

When to Go

October to March is the best time to visit Chitwan since it is a good season of the year with nice weather and wildlife viewing becomes comfortable. The park remains open all year round except for July-August when monsoons make floods an imminent possibility that closes off some areas.

Winter (Dec-Jan) offers magical jungle vistas in the form of pre-morning fogs but may advance timing for game viewing to mid-morning. March-April is ideal for bird watching as transit birds pass through then.

Check in Detail: Chitwan National Park Safari Tour

2. Shivapuri National Park

Nesting significantly on the northern side of Kathmandu, Shivapuri National Park offers fine day trekking with a chance to see wildlife at short distance from the city center. The park’s altitudes vary between 1,400m and 2,732m and offer mixed habitat to various species.

Wildlife regularly seen are:

• Himalayan black bears (not rare but seen)
• Rhesus macaques and langur monkeys
• Wild boar and barking deer
• Over 300 species of birds such as the color-spashed minivets, barbets, and Nepal’s national bird the Himalayan Monal

There are good walks from oak and rhododendron forests to panoramic views and serene Nagi Gompa nunnery. Bagmati River is the source of which and conservation of its watershed is one of the top objectives of the park.

A local guide maximizes wildlife view opportunity and provides interpretation of park ecology. Guides can be booked by trekking agents or Kathmandu hotels for around $20-30 USD/day.

Bird Watching in Kathmandu Valley

Nepal has over 900 bird species—over 10% of the world’s total—with the majority of species accessible within easy reach in Kathmandu Valley

• Taudaha Lake, a peaceful refuge just 5km southwest of Kathmandu. Natural lake habitat supports many resident and migrant waterbirds including egrets, herons, kingfishers, and passage raptors rarely seen.
• Phulchowki Hill is the valley’s top birding destination, and birds vary with altitude while ascending. Over 300 species have been sighted here, including resplendent sunbirds, flycatchers, and raptors.
• Godavari Botanic Gardens mixes manicured gardens with spots of indigenous forest, and that provides a diversity of habitat that is appropriate for many bird species.

Easy Treks around Kathmandu Valley

For those who still wish to experience nature without the effort of a major trek, there are some good day treks in the region around Kathmandu:

1. Nagarkot to Changunarayan

This 4-5 hour downhill trek has some good mountain views (if the weather is clear) and finishes at the ancient Changunarayan Temple, Nepal’s oldest surviving pagoda from the 5th century. The trek passes through pine forest and standard rural agricultural villages with rice terraces.

From Nagarkot (2,175m), sunrise over the Himalayas renowned, the trek follows a gentle downhill slope through rhododendron forest (merely spectacular in March-April when flowering) and small villages where rural life of yesteryear is seen. The trek concludes at the UNESCO-protected Changunarayan Temple whose beautifully carved wood and stone work is a delight to see.

Nagarkot is easily connected to Kathmandu (1-1.5 hours) and return trips back in buses or taxis can be organized from Changunarayan. It combines this with a one-night accommodation at Nagarkot to see the sunrise view for which it is famous.

Note: Changunarayan to Nagarkot Hike

2. Champadevi

This half-day trip to Champadevi Hill (2,285m) provides bird’s-eye views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas from a holy hilltop south and west of the capital. This 5-6 hour round trip begins in Pharping, an hour east of downtown Kathmandu.

The road winds its way up through villages and forest before finally reaching the top at the summit, where Buddhist prayer flags and Hindu temples blanket it—a par excellence symbol of Nepal’s religious diversity. In a clear day, you can see from west to east: Annapurna, Everest.

Take plenty of water and snacks since there are not many facilities along the way. The trek is moderately difficult due to the altitude gain but one does not need any experience or gear.

3. Phulchowki

Its loftier neighbour at 2,782m, the more challenging day hike with breathtaking reward is Kathmandu Valley’s highest encircling hill, Phulchowki. Forested extensively and celebrated for diversity, exactly birds (well over 300 species seen) and rhododendrons (Nepal’s symbol national), the hill is.

The hike is 6-7 hours round trip from ground level with a road providing shorter hikes by car. The summit features a small temple and telecommunication towers, but the attraction is the unspoiled forest and stunning 360-degree vistas.

Keen birdwatchers prefer to rise with the sun accompanied by a guide who knows his ways to maximize the sightings, and flower lovers prefer spring when rhododendrons add splashes of color to the forest trail.

4. Shivapuri Day Hike

Shivapuri National Park also provides good day treks to the north of Kathmandu. The most scenic walk to Shivapuri Hill summit (2,732m) is via conserved forest with plenty of birds and occasional sighting of wildlife such as barking deer and langur monkeys.

The 5-6 hour round trip hike starts at Budhanilkantha, which houses the world’s largest reclining statue of Vishnu. The popular trail passes through Nagi Gompa nunnery where Buddhist nuns study Tibetan Buddhism to the highest panoramic view point.

Permits (around 500 NPR for foreigners) are required and can be found at park gates. The less tolerable high-altitude weather during the colder months is a welcome relief from hot summer temperatures.

More Ways of Relaxation in Kathmandu Valley After Your Trek

After pushing the level of your body in Nepal’s lovely trails, Kathmandu Valley has ample relaxation options to relax and remember your adventure:

1. Yoga and Meditation Courses

Nepal’s spiritual legacy is the perfect setting to be here and restore your body:

• Take morning or evening yoga classes in studios throughout Thamel and Patan
• Practice traditional meditation at monasteries like Kopan or Nagi Gompa
• Join a multi-day yoga retreat along the peaceful valley border

Some offer drop-in classes for visitors too, with English-speaking teachers and equipment. Pranamaya Yoga Studio and Nepal Yoga Home are two good choices with very experienced instructors.

2. Massage and Spa Therapies

The last trek indulgence, perhaps, Kathmandu spas offer special massages for sore muscles:

• Ayurvedic herbal oil massage
• Sports massage for hiking-strained muscles
• Himalayan hot stone massage for relaxation and release
• Reflexology sessions focusing on feet recovery

Look for the best spas where there are experienced therapists who know what trekkers need. Those at Tranquility Spa and Seeing Hands Clinic (blind masseurs) in Thamel are particularly therapeutic experiences.

3. Hot Spring Soaks

While the most renowned hot springs (tatopani) lie outside of the valley, most of the spas within Kathmandu replicate the experience with mineral baths that relax tense muscles and improve circulation. The hot spring therapy has been highly valued within Himalayan culture for centuries for its medicinal benefits.

4. Cooking Classes

Learn how to cook the meals you enjoyed during your trek in a fun cooking class:

• Learn to prepare momos (Nepali dumplings) with various fillings
• Learn to prepare dal bhat, the typical trekking fare lentils, rice, and curry
• Learn to prepare authentic Newari cuisine found only in the Kathmandu Valley

Half-day restaurant-style cooking classes like at the Himalayas Cooking School include market tour and cultural context and hands-on cooking classes.

5. Cultural Food Tour

Give your feet a break and indulge your palate with a guided gastronomic food tour of Kathmandu’s dining spots:

• Treat yourselves to common street fare like chatamari (Nepali pizza) and sel roti (sweet rice bread)
• Taste local drinks from masala tea to raksi (local rice wine)
• Visit other local restaurants off tourist trails
• Indulge yourselves at traditional Newari feast restaurants at Patan or Bhaktapur

These tours balance culture sensitivity with taste-bud-tingling food in a more relaxed format of city discovery.

6. Sound Bath Healing

Relax with the healing vibrations of ancient Tibetan singing bowls during a sound healing treatment. The vibrations put one into a meditative state that is helpful for:

• Physical tension release
• Stress hormone dispersion
• Enhancement in the quality of sleep following high-altitude acclimatization
• Enhanced mental clarity

Among the spas at Thamel and the vicinity of Boudhanath, there are also those that offer group and individual sound healing sessions that are ideal for physical recovery after trekking.

Conclusion

Don’t rush away from Nepal after your trek! Kathmandu and its surroundings offer the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure to round out your Himalayan experience. From ancient temples and bustling markets to peaceful garden retreats and indulgent spa treatments, post-trek Kathmandu provides the ideal conclusion to your journey.

The pride of Kathmandu is its juxtapositions—trendy cafes and old temples, modern art and traditional crafts. With eyes freshly opened by your mountain experience, you’ll discover layers of Nepali culture that hurried travelers never get to experience at all.

Any of the activities of relaxation are therapeutic for trekkers. Spa treatment soothes muscle wear-and-tear won on the trails. Cooking classes involve you with the flavors that fueled your journey. Meditation provides integration of deep experience gained at altitude. These are not activities as such—these are your celebration.

As numerous trekkers have discovered, these final days often turn into sweet memories unexpectedly. The mountains might have been your destination, but the embrace of Kathmandu is the perfect finale—converting photographs into lifelong connections with Nepal’s heart and soul.