Kathmandu - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
To see monkeys, skip Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) because the monkeys are mean and like to steal your boba tea. Go to the Bhandarkal Jungle (Monkey Jungle) instead - it's close-by, has a very diverse monkey population, and because there are fewer tourists you can just watch the monkeys in their natural habitat. Entry is also free. - Jun 2024
Buy veggies at Le Serpa market, visit the burning grounds, get out of the valley as often as possible. There's also some nice hotels that are BnB's close by: Chandra Ban resort and Nagakoit. - Aug 2019
There's a go-kart track that can be fun, a climbing wall. - Aug 2015
I really enjoyed getting out on the weekends for hikes. It takes a little bit of planning but there are lots of good options. There are a number of nice resorts on the hills around Kathmandu that will get you out of the pollution - Namobuddha is my favorite. Pokhara is a nice escape, if touristy. My favorite tourist activity was to wander around the backstreets of Bhaktapur. Lots of outdoor adventure - mountain biking, trekking, rafting, canyoning, you name it. - Jul 2014
Eating out is a good past-time in the city. Otherwise, outdoor activities are where it's at -- mountain biking, climbing and trekking primarily. - May 2014
Nina's Cafe by the Embassy is the best place here. Also, Fire and Ice Pizzeria in Thamel is great. That is it. I have found absolutely nothing interesting to do here. Bored out of my mind. - Apr 2014
If you are outdoorsy this is the place for you. It's cheap and easy to hire a guide to go mountain biking, trekking and/or whitewater rafting. Adventures can be tailored to your needs. The Himalayas are amazing. There are lots of nice little restaraunts and some good places to go shopping for pashmina and cashmere shawls, etc. Silver jewelry with gemstones is plentiful at varying qualities and prices. There are also a few good movie theaters with western movies that play for short periods of time. - Dec 2013
Anything to do with trails is great here. There's a fun Hash-House Harriers group, terrific hiking, and great mountain biking. Also, exploring the culture is fantastic. My wife and I have slept in Buddhist Monasteries, seen incredible cultural sites, and just really admire the country's beauty. The key is to get out of Kathmandu. A lot. - Jun 2013
There are great religious sites and UN World Heritage cites. The old architecture is beautiful. - May 2013
Outside of Kathmandu: trekking and exploring the beautiful country. Inside Kathmandu: lots of nice restaurants, bars, bike rides, temples, etc... but do not expect beauty inside this city. Nepal is a beautiful country, but Kathmandu is not a beautiful city -- quite the opposite. - Jun 2011
Touristing, shopping for knock-off hiking gear, jewelry, curious. Hiking, trekking, cycling (taking life into hands in the city) - Sep 2010
Thamel is a lot of fun and there are some fantastic, cheap restaurants. Chitwan is a must-see. Ride a few elephants and see the rhinos. Pokhara is beautiful if you can visit on a clear day. Some of the scenery is breathtaking. It is much easier to fly to these places but the Nepali landscape is absolutely gorgeous. Patan, Dubar Square and other parts of the city are fun to explore. Definitely get a whole new wardrobe. Visit Women's Planet (Dubar Square) and find yourself a jeans tailor. - Jan 2010
Nepal is physically beautiful and culturally fascinating. There is more to see than is possible in a two year tour! In the KTM Valley there are many religious/cultural sites to visit. Lots of outdoor adventure trips. And, of course, trekking in the Himalayas is incredible. - May 2008
