Central Nepal

Region

Kathmandu and the land around it, from the Himalaya to the plains. The Kathmandu Valley has the old royal squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur and the stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, the Langtang valley is a short trek north, Chitwan National Park has rhinos and tigers, and Janakpur is a Hindu pilgrimage city. October to November is clearest.

Central Nepal Boudha StupaSwayambhunathBhaktapur Durbar SquarePashupatinath TempleChitwan National ParkPatan Durbar SquareLangtang National ParkKathmandu ValleyGreat Himalaya TrailDharaharaGaurishankarLangtang LirungNarayanhiti PalaceChangu Narayan TempleKathmandu Durbar SquareBudhanilkantha TempleGosaikundaGanesh HimalKailashnath Mahadev StatueManakamana TempleSingha DurbarParsa National ParkHanuman DhokaKopan MonasteryRanipokhariAsan, KathmanduDorje LhakpaHalchowk StadiumIndra ChowkGuhyeshwari TempleKathmanduNagarkotJanakpurLalitpurBhaktapurBirgunjShivapuri Nagarjun National ParkJanaki MandirBharatpurHetaudaKirtipurMadhyapur Thimi

Central Nepal essentials

Country: Nepal
Driest months: Nov-Jan
Pay in: Rupee (₨)
Language: Nepali
Emergency: 110

Where to Go in Central Nepal

City Kathmandu KathmanduCapital city of Nepal with rich history City Bhaktapur BhaktapurAncient city near Kathmandu, Newar cultural center City Nagarkot NagarkotHill station in Bagmati Province, Nepal City Janakpur JanakpurHindu pilgrimage city of Mithila art History Kathmandu Durbar Square Kathmandu Durbar SquareHistoric palace complex at Kathmandu's old royal square History Kailashnath Mahadev Statue Kailashnath Mahadev StatueColossal hilltop Shiva statue and pilgrimage site. History Singha Durbar Singha DurbarHuge palace in Kathmandu housing government offices Nature Chitwan National Park Chitwan National ParkBiodiverse lowland park protecting rhinos, tigers, wildlife Nature Langtang National Park Langtang National ParkHighland park protecting Himalayan forests and endemic species Nature Gaurishankar GaurishankarProminent Himalayan peak in Nepal revered by locals Nature Langtang Lirung Langtang LirungHighest peak of Langtang Himal, glaciated Himalayan summit Nature Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Shivapuri Nagarjun National ParkKathmandu's nearby forested park and hiking area
Regions & Cities
Kathmandu Explore Kathmandu Kathmandu’s temples and narrow bazaars layer incense and spice; visitors come for Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath, Nepali momos on the street, and as the cluttered gateway to Himalayan treks. Nagarkot Explore Nagarkot Nagarkot perches on a ridge for early‑morning Himalayan panoramas; visitors come for short hikes, sunrise vistas and quiet lodges just outside Kathmandu’s bustle. Janakpur Explore Janakpur Janakpur centers on the ornate Janaki Mandir and painted Maithili houses; pilgrims and culture travelers arrive for Ramayana shrines, colorful festivals, sweets and local handicrafts. Lalitpur Explore Lalitpur Known locally as Patan, Lalitpur offers Patan Durbar Square, the Patan Museum, bronze and wood ateliers, and narrow courtyards where Newari artisans still work and sell pieces. Bhaktapur Explore Bhaktapur Bhaktapur’s brick courtyards and carved windows reward slow walking: Durbar Square, pottery square, Newari bakeries and wood‑carving workshops reveal centuries of artisan skill. Birgunj Explore Birgunj As a border city, Birgunj offers hectic bazaars, Indian‑style street food and busy transport links - useful for travelers moving across the Terai or onto India’s plains. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Explore Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park A green rim above Kathmandu, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park offers ridgeline trails, forested day‑hikes and valley views. Janaki Mandir Explore Janaki Mandir Janaki Mandir in Janakpur is a sprawling Hindu temple dedicated to Sita, noted for pink-painted stonework and ornate carvings.

Central Nepal at a Glance

Local Time
5:27 AM
GMT+5:45
Population
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Best Things to Do in Central Nepal