Things to Do in Kathmandu for 3 Days: The Ultimate Travel Guide

This guide is designed to be the ultimate, resource for anyone looking for the most comprehensive list of things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days. We delve into history, spirituality, food, and the intricate logistics of navigating Nepal’s capital in 2026.

Kathmandu is a city that defies simple description. It is a place where the 17th century coexists with the 21st, where ancient wood-carved pagodas stand in the shadow of modern concrete, and where the air is thick with the scent of marigolds, incense, and street food. For most, this is the gateway to the Himalayas, the starting point for a trek to Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. However, for those who take the time to look deeper, the city itself is a masterpiece.

If you are researching things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days, you aren’t just looking for a checklist of sights; you are looking for a way to experience the soul of the Newar civilization. This guide is built to help you navigate the chaos and find the magic. We will cover the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the best rooftop cafes in Thamel, and the secret courtyards of Patan that most tourists walk right past.

Part 1: Pre-Trip Logistics and 2026 Updates

Before we dive into the day-by-day breakdown of things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days, let’s ensure you are prepared for the logistics of 2026.

Visa and Entry Requirements

As of 2026, the Nepal Department of Immigration has streamlined the visa process. You can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

• 15 Days: $30 USD

• 30 Days: $50 USD

• 90 Days: $125 USD

• Pro Tip: While digital payments are becoming more common, always carry some cash in USD or NPR for the visa fee to avoid queue delays.

Best Time to Visit

To maximize your list of things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days, timing is everything.

• Spring (March–May): Perfect for rhododendrons and mild weather.

• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Post-monsoon clarity offers the best mountain views.

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Sunny days but cold nights; great for avoiding crowds.

Transportation in 2026

Navigating the city has changed. While the iconic blue-and-white taxis still roam the streets, most travelers now use apps.

• Pathao & InDrive: These are the Uber/Lyft of Nepal. You can book a motorbike (fastest for traffic) or a car.

• Sajha Yatayat: These large green buses are the most reliable form of public transport if you are on a budget.

Day 1: The Heart of the City & Ancient Royalty

Day one of your things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days focuses on the historic center.

09:00 AM – Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur)

This is where the city began. Known locally as Hanuman Dhoka, this square was the seat of the Malla and Shah kings.

• The Kumari Ghar: The residence of the Living Goddess. She is a young girl worshipped as the embodiment of Goddess Taleju. Seeing her window is one of the most spiritual things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days.

• Kal Bhairav: A massive, terrifying stone relief of Shiva. It is said that lying in front of it will cause instant death.

• Taleju Temple: The tallest temple in the square, built in the 14th century.

12:00 PM – The Walk Through Asan Tole

Instead of taking a taxi, walk from Durbar Square toward Thamel. You will pass through Asan Tole and Indra Chowk. This is the traditional marketplace of the city. You’ll find everything from dried fish to traditional wedding attire. Exploring these markets is one of the most immersive things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days.

02:00 PM – Garden of Dreams

Located at the entrance of Thamel, the Garden of Dreams is a neoclassical oasis. It provides a necessary break from the city’s dust. For more information on finding peace in the city, check out the latest travel blogs on Explore All About Nepal.

05:00 PM – Sunset at Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple)

Climb the 365 steps to the top of the hill. The stupa, with its all-seeing eyes of Buddha, is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. Watching the sun dip below the valley rim is a mandatory entry for any list of things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days.

Day 2: The Spiritual Axis,Hinduism and Buddhism

On your second day, we explore the two pillars of Nepali spirituality.

08:00 AM – Pashupatinath Temple

Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal.

• The Ghats: You will witness open-air cremations. It is a powerful reminder of the cycle of life.

• The Sadhus: Holy men with painted faces and long dreadlocks.

• Aarti Ceremony: If you return in the evening, the bagmati aarti is one of the most hypnotic things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days.

11:30 AM – Boudhanath Stupa

A short drive away is Boudhanath, the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The massive white dome is surrounded by a circular market.

• Kora: Walk clockwise around the stupa with the pilgrims.

• Monasteries: Visit the Shechen or Kopan Monastery nearby for a meditation session. These spiritual retreats are often cited as the best things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days.

03:00 PM – Patan Durbar Square (The City of Fine Arts)

Cross the river into Patan. This city is famous for its bronze workers and woodcarvers.

• Patan Museum: Arguably the best museum in South Asia.

• The Golden Temple: A hidden Buddhist monastery covered in gold plates.

• The Krishna Mandir: A stunning 17th-century stone temple.

Day 3: Medieval Majesty and the Living Museum

For your final day of things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days, we head to the outskirts of the valley.

09:00 AM – Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur is like stepping back into the 15th century. It is the most well-preserved of the three royal cities.

• Nyatapola Temple: The tallest pagoda in Nepal.

• Pottery Square: Watch artisans create clay vessels on manual wheels.

• Juju Dhau: You must try the “King Curd,” a thick, sweet yogurt served in clay bowls. This culinary delight is one of the top things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days.

02:00 PM – Changu Narayan

Visit the oldest temple in Nepal, located on a high ridge. The stone inscriptions here date back to the 4th century. It offers a quieter, more academic look at the valley’s history compared to the busy squares.

06:00 PM – Farewell to Thamel

End your trip in the vibrant streets of Thamel. Have a farewell dinner at Bhojan Griha, which offers traditional dance and a multi-course meal. For more restaurant reviews, visit Lonely Planet Nepal.

Comprehensive Food Guide: Tasting Kathmandu

You cannot complete your list of things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days without eating your way through the city.

Dish	Description	Where to try
Momo	Steamed dumplings	Mo:Mo Star (Thamel)
Dal Bhat	Lentil soup, rice, and curry	Thakali Bhanchha Ghar
Chatamari	Newari “Rice Pizza”	Patan Backstreets
Yomari	Sweet rice dumplings	Bhaktapur

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Travel Tips for 2026

1. Water Safety: Never drink tap water. Use a filtered bottle or buy bottled water.

2. Modest Dress: When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees.

3. Bargaining: It’s expected in markets like Thamel, but be fair.

4. Air Quality: Kathmandu can be dusty. A lightweight buff or mask is a lifesaver.

Planning things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days requires energy, so don’t overpack your schedule. Leave room for a coffee break in a hidden courtyard.

FAQs

1. Is 3 days enough for Kathmandu?

Yes, 3 days allows you to see the main UNESCO sites and experience the cultural highlights of the three royal cities.

2. What is the best way to get around?

Use the Pathao app for motorbikes or taxis. It prevents the need for constant price negotiation.

3. Is it safe for solo female travelers?

Kathmandu is generally very safe. However, avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night.

4. Can I see Mount Everest from Kathmandu?

On very clear days, you can see it from Nagarkot or via a Mountain Flight from the airport.

5. What should I buy as a souvenir?

Pashmina shawls, singing bowls, and Thanka paintings are the most popular items.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, the list of things to do in Kathmandu for 3 days never truly ends. The city is a layer cake of history, and every visit reveals something new. From the spiritual resonance of the “all-seeing eyes” at Boudhanath to the medieval streets of Bhaktapur, Kathmandu is a place that will stay in your heart long after you return home.