Kathmandu 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Kathmandu’s Heritage Sites
Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kanteen, a cozy cafe in Thamel known for its international and Nepalese cuisine.
- Head to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kathmandu dedicated to Lord Shiva. Non-Hindus can only observe from the east bank of Bagmati River.
Afternoon:
- Visit Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. You can take a relaxing stroll around the stupa, visit local Tibetan shops, or even join a meditation session.
- Lunch at Newari Kitchen, a traditional Newari restaurant in Boudha serving authentic Nepalese cuisine.
- In the afternoon, explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the three durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Famous for its 55-window palace, golden gate, and Nyatapola Temple.
Evening:
- Dinner at The Yard Cafe & Kitchen, a charming rooftop restaurant in Thamel offering a mix of continental and Nepalese dishes.
- End your day with a traditional Nepalese dance show at the Kathmandu Living Goddess Museum or Natyaza Theatre.
Day 2: Adventure and Scenic Beauty
Morning:
- Breakfast at Or2K Cafe, a popular spot in Thamel for its pancakes and coffee.
- Take a short drive to Nagarkot, famous for sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. Spend the morning exploring the scenic village, trekking through forests, or visiting the Nagarkot Monastery.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Hotel de l’Annapurna, Nagarkot’s oldest hotel serving authentic Nepalese and Continental cuisine.
- Head back to Kathmandu in the afternoon. Visit Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich Newari architecture, Krishna Temple, and Golden Temple.
Evening:
- Dinner at Shangri La Rooftop Restaurant, offering a panoramic view of Kathmandu city and delicious Nepalese and Continental dishes.
- Visit Durbar Marg, the new hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment in Kathmandu. You can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops here.
Things to Know:
- Always carry small notes as change can be hard to come by.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and monasteries.
- Bargaining is common in local markets, but prices at shops and restaurants are usually fixed.
- Taxis are widely available, but you can also use ride-hailing apps like Tootle or Pathao.
- For longer stays, consider booking a hotel in Thamel for easy access to restaurants, shops, and tourist spots. Some recommended hotels include Hotel Shambala and Hotel Tibet International.
- Don’t forget to try traditional Nepalese dishes like Dal Bhat Tarkari, Momos, Sel Roti, and Chow Mein during your stay!
Enjoy your trip to Kathmandu!