Amitabha Monastery Hike

From Swayambhu to the Amitabha Monastery (in Nepali 'Seto Gumba' you will master an approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) long, 4-5 hour hike, with beautiful panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley and the chance to admire a breathtaking sunset or sunrise, if you time your journey right. For inexperienced hikers, it is recommendable to join a group or to hire a guide for the trek.

Boudhanath Stupa

This temple, located northeast of central Kathmandu, is the largest stupa in the country and the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. After the Chinese occupation of Tibet, thousands of Tibetan refugees fled to Nepal and settled in the area around this temple, making it an important haven for Tibetan culture.

• Address:

  Gangalal Way, Kathmandu

Durbar Square

Kathmandu's central square is a breathtaking sight, packed with palaces, temples, shrines, and pagodas. The colours, sounds and smells are intoxicating as what seems like the whole city passes through on any given day. It is the centre of spiritual and cultural life in Kathmandu and cannot be missed. Kathmandu Durbar Square in front of the old royal palace is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Web:

  www.hanumandhoka.gov.np

• Address:

  Durbar Square, Kathmandu

Garden of Dreams

The ideal place to escape the hectic rhythm and constant bustle of the city, the Garden of Dreams provides a refuge for nature lovers. This small garden with its beautifully decorated gates, fountains and pavilions is a great place for a picnic and a spot of people watching, as young local couples often come for a romantic day out.

• Web:

  www.gardenofdreams.org.np

• Address:

  Garden of Dreams. Kathmandu

• Phone:

  +977 1 1 4425340

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Sat 9am–10pm

Hanuman Dhoka

Dedicated to the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman, this impressive palace complex was constructed between the 4th and 8th centuries and then expanded considerably in the 17th. Spread over 5 acres, it contains the Royal Palace and many beautiful temples and courtyards. Unfortunately, the complex was severely damaged during the 2015 earthquake and reconstruction is still underway.

• Web:

  www.www.hanumandhoka.gov.np

• Address:

  Durbar Square, Kathmandu

• Phone:

  +977 1 4258034

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–5pm

Hike to Kakani

From Kathmandu to the small village Kakani — this hiking path leads you through the sub-alpine forests of Nepal. The trek itself is graded easy with only a slight incline. Keep in mind that the walk might take up to 5-6 hours, though. It is recommended to hire a local agency for secured transport and experienced guides along the way.