Neighborhoods in Kathmandu

Kirtipur is a historic hilltop town southwest of Kathmandu, one of the valley's oldest settlements. Largely untouristed, this medieval Newari town offers authentic architecture, quiet temples, and sweeping views without the crowds of the three Durbar Squares.

Thamel is Kathmandu's legendary tourist and backpacker neighborhood, a labyrinth of narrow streets packed with trekking gear shops, bookstores, restaurants, and guesthouses. It serves as the departure point for virtually every mountaineering expedition in Nepal.

Indra Chowk is a bustling intersection at the heart of old Kathmandu, where ancient trade routes converge amid temples, bead sellers, and textile shops. This crossroads has been a center of commerce and worship for centuries.