For millennia, Kathmandu Valley has been a crossroads of Himalayan trade, art, and faith. Its three royal cities—Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur—raised gilded pagodas and stone palaces that still anchor daily life. Despite the 2015 earthquake, meticulous restorations continue, and the city’s spirit remains palpably resilient.

Today’s Kathmandu hums with temple bells, bicycle bells, and the clink of tea glasses. Monks circle Boudhanath Stupa at dawn, pilgrims gather at Pashupatinath at dusk, and craftspeople in Patan still hammer sacred bronzes the old way. In between: markets piled with spices and pashmina, momos steamed by the tray, and rooftop cafes with snowy-horizon views on clear days.

Practical notes: Expect some dust and traffic—bring a light mask and patience. Dress modestly at shrines, remove shoes where posted, and keep small notes handy for entry fees and donations. ATMs are easy to find; SIM cards are inexpensive; power is 230V with Type C/D/M plugs.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and cultural heartbeat of Nepal—an intoxicating blend of medieval squares, Hindu and Buddhist shrines, and contemporary cafes. You’ll dip into three eras in one day: ancient courtyards, Rana palaces, and modern galleries.

Don’t miss the “Valley trio” of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath, plus the refined Patan Museum. Save time for Old Kathmandu’s Asan Bazaar, where copper pots, spice pyramids, and temple façades collide in the tightest of lanes.

• Top flavors to try: momos (steamed dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), dal bhat (lentils, rice, and curry), Newari yomari (sweet rice-dough dumpling), and chiya (spiced milk tea).
• Hidden gems: sunset kora (circumambulation) at Boudhanath; pottery demos in Bhaktapur; the tranquil courtyards of Itumbahal near Asan.
• Fun fact: Kathmandu’s living goddess—Kumari—resides in a historic palace off Durbar Square; on auspicious days, she appears briefly at an upper window.

Where to stay (affiliate links):

• Iconic heritage: Dwarika's Hotel (hand-carved woodwork, a serene pool, and the celebrated Krishnarpan restaurant).
• Resort near Boudha: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu (sprawling grounds, stupa views on clear mornings).
• Great-value base in Thamel: Hotel Yala Peak (friendly staff, walkable to cafes and shops).
• Browse more options: VRBO Kathmandu or Hotels.com Kathmandu.

How to get there (flights): Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Search competitive fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Visas are available online or on arrival for many nationalities; carry a passport photo and cash/card for fees.

Optional transfers and extensions (Viator picks):

• If you’re pairing this trip with Pokhara, a private car ride back to Kathmandu takes ~6–8 hours (scenic Prithvi Highway). Bookable here:
  Pokhara To Kathmandu Private Tour with Luxuries Car and Jeep

  

• Wildlife lovers with extra days can add a West Nepal safari at Bardia National Park (think tigers, gharials, river safaris):
  Bardia National Park package with Tiger Tops Karnali lodge

  

Day 1: Thamel, Garden of Dreams, and a Taste of Newari Flavors

Morning: In transit to Kathmandu. If you land early, drop bags at your hotel and fuel up at Himalayan Java (Thamel) for a flat white and a cinnamon roll, or Yala Café for masala chiya and a hearty Nepali breakfast set.

Afternoon: Ease into the city with a guided-or-self walk of Thamel. Duck into handicraft shops for singing bowls and handwoven dhaka. Cross to the restored Garden of Dreams—neo-classical pavilions and lily ponds that feel worlds away from the traffic. For lunch, try Yangling for Tibetan momos (hand-pleated, juicy) and thukpa, or Thakali Bhanchha Ghar for a satisfying dal bhat with gundruk and achar.

Evening: Golden-hour rooftop at Mezze by Roadhouse near the old palace—brick-lined terrace, wood-fired pizza, and city views. Night owls can catch live guitar at Purple Haze Rock Bar or a quieter digestif at Sam’s Bar, a backpacker institution. Rest well; tomorrow is for temples.

Day 2: Swayambhunath, Patan Museum, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath

Morning: Start at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Climb the stone steps past prayer flags to gaze over the valley; the all-seeing eyes on the stupa date to the Licchavi period. Coffee and croissants at nearby Beans The Coffee Shop or head back to Thamel’s Kar.ma Coffee for ethically sourced brews. Then drive to Patan Durbar Square, a masterpiece of Newar urban design.

Afternoon: Explore the superb Patan Museum—arguably South Asia’s finest collection of bronze iconography—with clear explanations of Hindu-Buddhist symbolism. Lunch in the old lanes at Café Swotha (seasonal salads, handmade pasta, local produce) or Honacha for rustic Newari classics like choila and bara. Don’t miss a sweet stop at The Village Café for yomari, a steamed rice-flour dumpling filled with molasses and sesame.

Evening: At dusk, witness ritual life in motion. First, stop at Pashupatinath, where sadhus linger near ghats and evening aarti unfolds by the Bagmati—be respectful and observe from designated areas. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa for a sunset kora: the circumambulating crowd, butter lamps, and low hum of mantras are hypnotic. Dine steps away at Krishnarpan (in Dwarika’s) for a multi-course Nepali tasting served on traditional brass, or choose Roadhouse Café Boudha for wood-fired pizza with stupa views.

Day 3: Bhaktapur Morning, Asan Market Meander, and Departure

Morning: Leave early for Bhaktapur Durbar Square (40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic). Wander the Nyatapola Temple plaza, Taumadhi Tole, and Pottery Square where clay bowls sun-dry in neat constellations. Snack on juju dhau (“king curd”) from a traditional terracotta bowl—lush, lightly sweet, and beloved by locals.

Afternoon: Return toward central Kathmandu and dive into Asan Bazaar, a historic trading node where six streets collide. Shop for cumin, cardamom, brass oil lamps, and Nepali tea. For a quick lunch, pick OR2K (colorful vegetarian plates and fresh juices) or Nepali Chulo (set thalis with wood-beam ambiance). Head to the airport for afternoon departure; factor in traffic and 2–3 hours before your flight.

Evening: If you have a late flight, unwind with a final stroll back in the Garden of Dreams and a light bite at Kaiser Café. Alternatively, a last cup of chiya at Yala Café makes a gentle farewell.

Getting around: Taxis and ride-hails are plentiful; negotiate or ask the meter to be used. For day trips (Patan/Bhaktapur), a hired car often saves time. If you’re tacking on Pokhara, consider a 25–35 minute flight (often from ~$100–170 one-way, season-dependent) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com; by road, plan 6–8 hours and consider the Viator private car above.

In three days, you’ll trace Kathmandu’s living heritage from hilltop stupas to intimate courtyards and kitchen hearths. With temples, tea, and Newari flavors, this short Nepal travel plan packs depth without rush—and leaves room to dream about a longer Himalayan return.