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

A pillar is draped in a faded red cloth with Bagh Bhairab Temple in the background

Find the top places to visit in Kirtipur to experience Newari culture, delicious food, unique temples and family fun

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Nature

Steep rocky cliffs covered in bushes rise up from the waters of the Bagmati River in Chobhar

Head to Kirtipur to take in stunning views, explore caves or do a day hike to Champa Devi Hill

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Events

A dancer wearing a red mask waves a flag as musicians play flutes and drums behind

Plan your visit around one of the local festivals or annual events and join in with the celebrations, music and dancing

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Culture

Cracked stone statue of a man riding an elephant with Uma Maheshwor Temple above

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.

Twenty oil candles in metal stands burn with some smoke wisping up

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.

The stone Lohan Dega temple is surrounded by buildings and powerlines in Kirtipur

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.

Colourful water slides on a hillside with people on the slides and in the pool at the bottom

Whoopee Land

For a day of family fun, head to Whoopee Land Water and Amusement Park in Chobhar, Kirtipur – Kathmandu’s favourite fun park.

The three storeyed rectangular pagoda of Bagh Bhairab Temple made of red brick and wood with knives hanging from the top level

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.

The main colourful building of Kirtipur gumba or monastery in Tibetan Buddhist style

Monasteries

Perched on hills overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, Kirtipur has a couple of gumba or monasteries/nunneries that are worth a visit.

Copper vessels are nailed to the wall of Aadinath Temple and prayer flags hang in front

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.

White main dome with Buddha eyes of Chilancho Stupa on top of carved stone and brickwork

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.

The white main building of the Kirtipur Thai Vihar with gold windows and red paint trims

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.

A woman stirs a pot on a clay stove at the Newa Lahana Restaurant in Kirtipur | © Teagan Glenane, Australian Volunteers Program

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.

Jal Binayak Temple in Chobhar with cloudy skies

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.

A woman in red Newari dress with a gold hairpiece plays the flute in a crowd of peole

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.

A dancer in costume performs the Lakhey dance in Kirtipur

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.

Nature

Colourful houses in Kirtipur with the tree-covered hills of White House and Haatiban in the distance

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.

The hills of Champa Devi and Chandragiri are dusted in snow on a clear, blue day

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.

A pink tree blooms in the middle of Taudaha Lake with Champa Devi Hill in the background

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.

The view from Bagh Bhairab Temple in Kirtipur, looking over Kathmandu| © Teagan Glenane, Australian Volunteers Program

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.

Nepali flag moves in the breeze next to the Kirtipur suspension bridge

Suspension Bridge

Cross the Kirtipur suspension bridge to neighbouring Chandragiri for views of Kathmandu and to peer down into the narrow gorge below.

Manjushree Park in Chobhar, Kirtipur with a view of Champa Devi in the background

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.

The cliffs of Chobhar Gorge with the valley and hills in the background

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.

Events

A golden tiger statue with red tika on its head at the Bagh Bhairab Temple | © Teagan Glenane, Australian Volunteers Program

Bagh Bhairab Jatra

Experience Bagh Bhairab Jatra, a unique festival that’s celebrated in Kirtipur. Join hundreds of locals for the festivities in August.

The sun sets over Champa Devi Hill and Chandragiri

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.

A huge crowd of people surround the chariot and carry food offerings at the Indrayani Jatra festival in Kirtipur

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.

A man dressed as the Grim Reaper at the Gai Jatra festival in Kirtipur

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.