Kathmandu

KATHMANDU, NEPAL

To get the best experience in Kathmandu you need to book one of our local friendly tour guides. He will be able to show you around, make you feel like a local. Whether you want to see the tourist sites or visit places off the beaten track and discover new experiences, then our Guides4me guide is there to make it happen.

Aayam

Aayam is LGBT friendly and speaks English, Hindi & Nepali.

Meet Aayam. Your Energetic, Chatty Guide to Kathmandu! If you’re looking for a guide who’s as excited to meet you as you are to explore Kathmandu, Aayam is your guy. Warm, upbeat, and endlessly talkative (in the best way!), Aayam brings every tour to life with his stories, laughter, and local insights.

With hands-on experience working in both a local restaurant and a buzzing bar, he knows the city’s flavours, rhythms, and hidden gems better than most. Whether you’re strolling through ancient temples or diving into Kathmandu’s nightlife, Aayam will make you feel like you’re exploring the city with a longtime friend. Outside guiding, Aayam is a passionate trekker and hiker, and when he’s not out on a trail, he’s enjoying psychological thrillers, cheering for drag race queens, or dancing like no one’s watching. Oh, and he’s also learning Spanish, so don’t be surprised if he greets you with a cheerful ¡Hola!

Don’t wait, book Aayam for an unforgettable day (or night!) in Kathmandu. We promise you’ll leave with great memories, some local secrets, and maybe even a few inside jokes.

Total cost for the guide services of Aayam for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 33 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 80 in cash to Aayam after his services. This makes a total of USD 113.

This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.

“Aayam was an excellent tour guide, very easy going yet professional. I really enjoyed the day trek to the mountains, with its excellent views. He sure knows good restaurants to go to as well. He is very proud of his city and loves showing it to visitors.” – Malcolm, UK.

Aanand

Aanand is LGBT friendly and speaks English, Hindi & Nepali.

Meet Aanand. Energetic and endlessly passionate about Nepalese culture. Aanand is an experienced and certified tour guide based in Kathmandu, Nepal. With years of guiding under his belt, he brings the vibrant history and spiritual essence of the Kathmandu Valley to life with every step you take alongside him.

Whether you’re exploring ancient courtyards in Patan or wandering through the bustling streets of Thamel. His enthusiasm is contagious and his stories unforgettable. As a professional folk dancer, Aanand doesn’t just talk about culture, he lives it. He often shares traditional dances and music with his guests, giving them a deeper, more immersive experience of Nepal’s rich heritage.

If you’re looking for a guide who combines expertise, energy, and authentic cultural passion, Aanand is your perfect companion in Kathmandu. Come as a traveller, leave as a friend, that’s his motto.

Total cost for the guide services of Aanand for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 33 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 80 in cash to Aanand after his services. This makes a total of USD 113.

This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.

“Aanand was an excellent tour guide. Easygoing, yet highly professional. I had a fantastic time on the day trek to the mountains, which offered breathtaking views and a truly memorable experience. His passion for Kathmandu really shines through; he’s clearly proud of his city and genuinely loves sharing its beauty and culture with visitors.” – Robert, USA.

Our other destination in Nepal is Lumbini.

Kathmandu Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a vibrant city rich in culture, history, and stunning architecture. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, it offers a unique mix of ancient tradition and bustling modern life. For first-time visitors, there is so much to see and do.

Top Things to See in Kathmandu

Durbar Square

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durbar Square is the historic heart of the city. Here, you’ll find palaces, courtyards, and temples dating back to the 12th century. Don’t miss the Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the house of the Living Goddess, Kumari.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Perched on a hilltop, this stupa offers sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley. It’s known for its curious monkeys and spiritual vibes. A great place to experience peace and panoramic sunsets.

Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a centre for Tibetan Buddhism. Walk around the stupa with the locals, spin the prayer wheels, and soak up the calm atmosphere.

Pashupatinath Temple

This sacred Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River is a powerful spiritual site. It’s a place of worship and cremation, and while parts are restricted to Hindus only, the cultural experience is deeply moving.

Thamel

Thamel is Kathmandu’s tourist hub. It’s filled with shops, cafes, bars, and trekking gear outlets. A great place to unwind, shop for souvenirs, or plan your next Himalayan adventure.

Things to Do in Kathmandu

• Try Nepali Cuisine
  Sample dishes like momo (dumplings), dal bhat (rice with lentils), and Newari snacks. Many rooftop restaurants in Thamel serve tasty local meals with city views.

• Take a Walking Tour
  Explore hidden courtyards, local markets, and ancient temples. Guided walking tours are a great way to learn about Kathmandu’s rich history.

• Join a Meditation or Yoga Class
  With its spiritual roots, Kathmandu is perfect for mindfulness activities. Many centres offer drop-in classes for travellers.

• Visit Local Art Galleries and Handicraft Shops
  Discover handmade crafts, thanka paintings, and singing bowls. Great for gifts or unique souvenirs.

The People and Culture of Kathmandu

Kathmandu is home to a warm and welcoming mix of ethnic groups, including Newars, Tamangs, and Gurungs. People here are friendly and proud of their heritage. Most speak Nepali, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.

The culture is deeply spiritual. Hinduism and Buddhism blend in everyday life, visible in prayer flags, street shrines, and religious festivals. Music, art, and dance also play a big role in local celebrations.

Whatever you choose to do in Kathmandu, it will be a unique and memorable experience of a lifetime, with a Guides4me guide, who will look after you and by the end of the trip you’ve made a best friend.

A map of local hotels with discounts up to 60%

The Cheapest Flights to Kathmandu, per month