Things To Do
Explore the best things to do in Kirtipur. Discover nature and outdoor activities, local attractions, cultural experiences, Newari food and festivals to include in your Kathmandu sightseeing.
Culture
Find the top places to visit in Kirtipur to experience Newari culture, delicious food, unique temples and family fun
Events
Plan your visit around one of the local festivals or annual events and join in with the celebrations, music and dancing
Culture
Uma Maheshwor Temple
Climb the steep stairs to Uma Maheshwor, Kirtipur’s highest temple. Take in the 17th century pagoda along with stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley.
Whoopee Land
For a day of family fun, head to Whoopee Land Water and Amusement Park in Chobhar, Kirtipur – Kathmandu’s favourite fun park.
Aadinath Temple
Get off-the-beaten-path in Kirtipur and visit Aadinath Temple. The unique temple is covered in copper vessels by couples wishing for a happy life together.
Kirtipur Thai Vihar
The Kirtipur Thai Vihar temple was built in traditional Thai Buddhist style and is the only temple of its kind in the Kathmandu Valley.
Monasteries
Perched on hills overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, Kirtipur has a couple of gumba or monasteries/nunneries that are worth a visit.
Lohan Dega
Lohan Dega or Stone Temple in Kirtipur is an unassuming but beautiful example of a shikhar style temple, tucked away in the backstreets of the hilltop town.
Bagh Bhairab Temple
Bagh Bhairab Temple is one of the most famous attractions in Kirtipur. The temple has views of Kathmandu, plenty of charm and Gurkha weapons on display.
Newari Food
For the best Newari food in Kathmandu, head to Kirtipur. Try chhoila, chhaang, yomari or one of the other delicacies in our Top 10 Newari Foods.
Chilancho Stupa
Discover one of Kathmandu’s best-kept secrets. Chilancho Stupa is a Buddhist temple in the backstreets of Kirtipur and one of the oldest in the area.
Jal Binayak Temple
The Jal Binayak Temple in Chobhar is on the banks of the Bagmati River in southern Kirtipur and has a sense of faded glory.
Newari Culture
Experience authentic Newari culture and architecture while walking through the laneways of Kirtipur or taking part in one of the many traditional festivals.
Kirtipur Festivals
Plan your visit to Kirtipur around one of the best local festivals or jatra. Experience Nepalese culture through the local celebrations, music and dancing.
Kirtipur Vipassana Centre
Take part in a 10-day spiritual retreat or other courses at the Dhamma Kirtipur Vipassana Centre and learn the art of meditation.
Nature
Hiking
Go hiking in the Kathmandu Valley. Hike from Kirtipur to the ‘White House’, climb up Champadevi Hill on a day hike or continue to Chandragiri or Haatiban.
Viewpoints
Check out the best views of Kathmandu from one of the viewpoints around Kirtipur. From its elevated position, take in the Kathmandu Valley and Himalayas beyond.
Suspension Bridge
Cross the Kirtipur suspension bridge to neighbouring Chandragiri for views of Kathmandu and to peer down into the narrow gorge below.
Champa Devi Hill
Head up Champa Devi Hill on a day hike near Kathmandu. Take in the views from the third highest mountain in the Kathmandu Valley.
Taudaha Lake
Taudaha Lake in southern Kirtipur is Kathmandu Valley’s only natural lake. Do a spot of bird-watching or go for a romantic stroll around the lake.
Chobhar Gorge
For a unique Kathmandu day trip, watch the Bagmati River pour through the cliffs of Chobhar Gorge or explore one of the caves in nearby Manjushree Park.
Manjushree Park
Enjoy some green space in Kathmandu with a visit to Manjushree Park in Kirtipur. Wander through the gardens situated next to Chobhar Gorge.
Events
Bagh Bhairab Jatra
Experience Bagh Bhairab Jatra, a unique festival that’s celebrated in Kirtipur. Join hundreds of locals for the festivities in August.
Nepali New Year
Mark the Nepali New Year with a hike up Champa Devi Hill. Join hundreds of Nepalis as they worship the goddess, hoping for their wishes to come true.
Kirtipur Gai Jatra
Join Kirtipur’s Gai Jatra festival, Nepal’s version of Day of the Dead, commemorating people who have died in the last year with fun and colourful rituals.
Kirtipur Indrayani Jatra
Immerse yourself in an authentic Nepalese festival in Kathmandu. Kirtipur Indrayani Jatra in November-December is an experience you won’t forget.