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All Nepal Kathmandu

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Kathmandu

21 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Kathmandu, Nepal

Updated May 12, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Kathmandu

Swayambhunath Monkey Temple

Kathmandu, Nepal

Swayambhunath Monkey Temple

Sacred Buddhist home of some spiritual monkeys.
Garden of Dreams.

Kathmandu, Nepal

The Garden of Dreams

This elegant neoclassical garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the Nepalese capital.
Boudhanath Stupa

Kathmandu, Nepal

Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world keeps an eye out in every direction.
Kala Bhairava at Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu Durbar Square

This historic square in Nepal is home to temples dating back to the third century.
Coins nailed into the shrine.

Kathmandu, Nepal

The Toothache Tree

Nailing a coin to this holy stump is just another way to ask the gods for relief from dental pain.
Grounds of the museum

Kathmandu, Nepal

Taragaon Museum

This Kathmandu museum, built in an Austrian modernist style, looks like a set from Star Wars.
Scarlet minivet

Kathmandu, Nepal

Ranibari Community Forest

This conservation area filled with colorful birds is the last community forest within the city of Kathmandu.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Amideva Buddha Park

This religious site features Nepal’s largest statue of Buddha.
See All 21 Things To Do in Kathmandu
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Kathmandu, Nepal

A
21
Temples 4
History & Culture 4
Sacred Spaces 3
Parks 3
Animals 3
Museums 3
Buddhism 3
Palaces 2
Architecture 2

Kathmandu Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Edward Denny
    10
  2. Rachel
    1
  3. Jessica ONeill
    1
  4. chrisheck1
    1
  5. Timothy Farrelly
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Kathmandu.

Places Edited

  1. Edward Denny
    10
  2. Collector of Experiences
    7
  3. simpsonamanda8
    2
  4. evilolive
    2
  5. Max Cortesi
    2
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. Edward Denny
    19
  2. patsyloo
    13
  3. brandonwthomas
    13
  4. Collector of Experiences
    12
  5. Sum1
    11

Recent Kathmandu Activity

  • mpickering1128

    has been to Swayambhunath Monkey Temple

    about 4 hours ago
  • mpickering1128

    has been to Boudhanath Stupa

    about 4 hours ago
  • mpickering1128

    has been to Kathmandu Durbar Square

    about 4 hours ago
  • mpickering1128

    wants to go to Apollo Lunar Sample Displays

    about 4 hours ago
  • mpickering1128

    has been to Kumari Ghar

    about 4 hours ago

Stories About Kathmandu

The Ga Hiti in the Thamel neighborhood is one of many spouts that provide life-giving water to the people of Kathmandu.

The Lost Waters of Kathmandu Are Needed Now More Than Ever

To prevent drought and save water, Nepal is turning back to 1,500-year-old fountains—with the help of a few snakes.
by Tulsi Rauniyar
September 14, 2023
The sherpa winter stew at Raithaane has dried, cooked unripe maize (phalgi makai), beans, and vegetables.

The Restaurant Preserving Dishes From Every Corner of Nepal

From blog to bistro, Prashanta Khanal’s focus is forgotten and overlooked foods.
by Thomas Heaton
September 17, 2021

Podcast: Nepali Folk Musical Instrument Museum

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team
September 15, 2021

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