How to Explore Kathmandu With Kids

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is one of the most popular cities, filled with religious temples, monasteries, and historical sites. The busy markets, streets, and short hiking destinations make exploring Kathmandu with kids a most rewarding vacation filled with adventure and knowledge.

Kathmandu is one of the best destinations to travel to with families and kids, as they can enjoy the original tourism culture of Nepal. The crowded streets and ancient buildings tell the story of the unification of Nepal. The perfect city offering the opportunity to learn about the history of Nepal.

The streets are crowded, so kids can improve their social interaction and learn about Hinduism and Buddhism. They can also explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and create the opportunity to observe Newari culture, tradition, festivals, and old architectural buildings.

The wooden temple, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, the Golden Temple, and many other religious and historic sites. In this blog, we will talk about all the places to explore in Kathmandu with kids that provide the perfect balance of knowledge and adventure.

Why is Kathmandu the perfect destination for families?

The crowded streets and narrow spaces make it look like the worst destination to spend your vacation with a family. The vehicles polluting the environment and streets with dust create a very bad impression on kids. But the city is filled with rich cultural and traditional temples and historic places where kids can learn and enjoy at the same time.

The monkey temple, also known as Swayambhunath, is a religious site where children can enjoy the large population of monkeys around the temple. The world’s largest stupa, Bouddhanath, is surrounded by colored flags and prayer wheels representing the history of the Buddhist religion.

Durbar Square and the museum are located in Patan and Bhaktapur, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal. Children can learn about the sacrifices made by our ancestors to protect our country while enjoying the old architecture-designed buildings made around the 18th and 19th centuries.

History of Kathmandu Valley

The king Gunakamadeva ruled over Manju-Patan in 723 CE, which is later known as Kathmandu. This crowded city was covered with trees and forests. According to stories, the king built a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna from a single tree around the 16th century. So later, the city was renamed Kathmandu, meaning “the wooden temple.”

The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, is located around 1,400 meters above sea level. The altitude is not that high to cause any problems, but you can enjoy the fresh and cool air compared to other places in Nepal. The cold temperature makes the outdoor exploration more fun and easier for kids.

Kathmandu was ruled by the Malla kings from the 12th to the 18th century. In that period of time, they built the unique temples and Durbar Squares in Bhaktapur and Patan. They built the safest routes to trade between India and Tibet. The population of Kathmandu is a mix of Hindus, Buddhists, and Newaris, making the place multicultural.

Nepal was divided into different parts before its unification. In 1768, the king of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan Shah, won the Kathmandu Valley as his first step of unification. Now Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, and also a major attraction for people who love different art and culture.

Major Attractions for Kids in Kathmandu

The unforgettable journey is filled with adventure and education for kids. The historic stories of our brave soldiers who fought for their country, and the religious places closed to the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Here are a few attractive places for kids in Kathmandu to visit:

Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath stupa is 36 meters tall and one of the largest stupas in the world. The white and gold tower with two large eyes on the top can be seen from all over the valley. The colored prayer flags and prayer wheels are engraved with mantras to bring peace and good luck.

You will find five different colored flag cloths engraved with mantras and symbols that represent the natural elements. The blue refers to the sky, white refers to wind, red refers to fire, green refers to water, and yellow refers to earth. They are all around the stupa in a rectangular shape.

The stupa is surrounded by 108 main brass prayer wheels, which are also known as Mani wheels. They are in cylindrical shape and engraved with millions of matras. Children will find these prayer wheels very interesting and make sure to rotate them in a clockwise direction.

The streets of Boudha are filled with antique shops, cafes, and monasteries. The kids can learn about the Buddhist culture and even get the opportunity to observe monks chanting mantras in prayer halls. Some monasteries and shops also provide thangka painting training, a perfect opportunity for kids to learn new things.

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath is the most religious and spiritual temple in the Hindu culture. You will notice a large population of monkeys surrounding the temple, so it is also known as the Monkey Temple. The children will enjoy this exciting journey and the opportunity to observe the monkeys around the temple in reality.

The travelers have to climb 365 stone steps to reach the temple, with the opportunity to experience a short hiking adventure. You will be rewarded with the majestic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley from above the temple. The stairs are surrounded by stoned statues and small praying shrines that hold their own importance.

Remember, the monkeys can attack your food and other belongings. If you are traveling with kids, do not let them tease or touch the monkeys, and don’t let them stare at their eyes. If you keep staring into their eyes, they will take you as a threat and even attack you. If they approach, don’t panic and stay still or move back slowly.

Patan Durbar Square 

Patan is one of the most well-preserved historic destinations in the Kathmandu Valley. The old temples are made of wood, and other buildings show the Newari architecture and represent their culture. Patan offers the most friendly environment for kids to explore and learn about the history of that place.

The royal palace of Patan was later reconstructed as a museum and is also known as one of the best museums of Nepal. The most attractive place for children to visit is Nepal, as they can enjoy the Nepali art and culture. They can also observe the different old monuments that represent and tell the history of Nepal.

Kathmandu is full of mysterious places and is filled with many historic and religious places, with different traditions and cultures followed by the citizens of our country. Exploring Kathmandu with the kids is one of the most fun activities to do on their vacation. You can book your trip from Access Nepal, and we will provide you with the perfect itinerary and travel guide for your journey.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur, one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal, is located 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu. The place is crowded with people, but there will be less vehicle movement compared to other places. The kids can explore the entire place within a safe environment.

Bhaktapur is one of the most popular cities, filled with arts and very popular for pottery. You will find many places where you can spend your time with kids learning to make art with clay using their hands. The interaction with people while creating memories and gathering new experiences with your kids and family.

The place is not only popular for pottery, but it is also famous for juju dhau. The most popular dessert in Bhaktapur is a creamy yogurt made in clay pots with traditional and natural processes. They serve the dessert in small clay pots, and kids can enjoy it as dessert. The place is also popular for food named bara and chatamari, traditional Newari food.

Highlighted places of Kathmandu 

1. Pasupatinath
2. Ratna Park
3. Garden of Dreams
4. Budhanilkantha
5. Nuwakot

Tips to Explore Kathmandu With Kids

Kathmandu is the most crowded city in Nepal. When you are traveling with kids, things like weather, temperature, food, transportation, and health are important. If you have a fully planned and prepared itinerary, you can spend your time with kids making new memories. The things that matter before you begin your journey:

When to Visit Kathmandu, Nepal?

Autumn starts in September and lasts till November. Spring starts in March and lasts till May. These are two of the best seasons to start your Kathmandu journey with kids. The temperatures are suitable for kids, and the sky is clear, so you can even start adventures like short trekking and wildlife spotting while enjoying the different shades of rhododendron covering the forest.

Winter starts in December and lasts till February. The monsoon starts in June and lasts till September. These are the two worst seasons to start your adventure if you are traveling with small kids. The weather is cold, and the trails of the forest are covered with leeches, making your journey difficult. The unstable weather and uninvited monsoon rain can force you to change your plans.

Transportation in Nepal

Kathmandu has one of the busiest streets filled with vehicles. There are many sources of transportation to reach your desired destination. The public bus, microbus, tempo, private vehicles, and taxis. If you are traveling for the first time, avoid public vehicles, as they may be confusing and suffocating for you and your kids.

You can hire a private vehicle, a jeep, or a taxi, so you don’t have to navigate, and they will drop you in your desired location with safety and comfort. You can rent them for one-way, two-way, or for the entire day according to their fare. You can book your travel from Access Nepal, and we will provide you with all the needed facilities.

Food and Health

Nepal is a multireligious and multicultural country filled with different traditions and festivals. Kids can enjoy the normal rice, dal, and chapati, or they can enjoy different traditional foods like yomari, momo, bara, rolls, and many other popular foods. Momo is the most popular food of Nepal, a dumpling filled with vegetables and meat, then cooked with the help of steam.

You must avoid the foods in the streets that are not properly maintained, as they may infect kids with digestive problems. Many hotels and restaurants provide the authentic taste of Nepali food with fresh ingredients and proper hygiene. Make sure to carry a water bottle or buy sealed mineral water and keep yourself hydrated. You must purchase the travel insurance that includes all healthcare facilities.

Do not Disrespect Culture and Tradition 

When you are visiting spiritual and religious places, such as temples, stupas, and monasteries, always remove your shoes before entering. It is one of the oldest traditions of Hindu and Buddhist religions to offer respect to their gods and deities. Make sure to ask for permission before clicking any pictures inside the temples and monasteries. This grants the perfect opportunity for kids to learn about the Hindu and Buddhist traditions and cultures.

1. Remember to walk clockwise around the stupa and the prayer wheels.
2. Do not point your feet at a religious object, as it is considered disrespectful.
3. Always press both palms together and say Namaste, a respectful way to greet your elder and junior.
4. Ask for permission before taking photographs of people or any religious structures.

 Things to Pack for Nepal Tour

You must carry the essential items needed for your travel according to the weather, temperature, and season. Here are a few things to carry with you while exploring Kathmandu with kids:

• Comfortable shoes and clothes
• A first aid kit with all the required medicine.
• Hand sanitiser
• Clothes according to the season to keep you warm and safe
• Antiseptic cream, sun cream, hat, and glasses
• A notebook for children to teach them to write a journal about their adventure.

5-Day Kathmandu travel itinerary with kids

The professional team and travel guide of Access Nepal have made this 5-day itinerary for kids aged 5 to 15 years old. The journey contains the perfect balance of adventure and knowledge regarding the history of Nepal for kids.

Day 1: Arrival and Thamel 

You will arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in the morning, and a private vehicle will drop you at your hotel located near Thamel or Lazimpat. Then in the afternoon, you can explore the streets of Thamel because it is less crowded compared to at night, which is perfect for kids to enjoy without any problem.

If you have energy and still want to explore, you can visit the Garden of Dreams, then enjoy the peaceful sunset and dinner on the rooftop of Thamel with a clear view of city lights.

Day 2: Boudhanath and Pashupatinath 

You can complete exploring the Boudhanath stupa early in the morning, as there will be fewer crowds, so you can spin the prayer wheels and enjoy your morning walk in ciculiar path. Then you can enjoy your breakfast on the rooftop of any cafe to enjoy the view of the entire place.

Then, in the afternoon, you can visit Pashupatinath, one of the most religious and spiritual places for people who follow Hinduism. In the afternoon, around 6 o’clock, you will notice more crowds in that place as all of the people visit there to enjoy the aarti. Then you will return to your hotel and eat the Nepali dinner.

Day 3: Bhaktapur

You can spend the full day exploring the art and culture of Bhaktapur. We will hire a private car or taxi with a travel guide to help you explore the entire place and learn about its traditions.

Day 4: Swayambhunath and Patan 

The temple that holds the spiritual and religious beliefs of Hindu people. You can start your journey and climb the 365 stone stairs to reach Swayambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple.

Then, in the afternoon, you can spend time exploring the museum and the Durbar Square located in Patan.

Day 5: Temples and Kumari Ghar 

You can spend the last day of your journey exploring the Kumari Ghar and other religious temples to end your journey in Kathmandu. You will spend the night shopping and exploring Thamel with family and kids.

You can contact our team, and we will even prepare day to day planned itinerary according to your needs. We will handle all the logistics, including permits, food, transportation, and accommodation with a travel guide, so you can enjoy your adventure with family and kids.

FAQs

Is Kathmandu safe for kids?

Yes, Kathmandu is safe for kids if you follow all the safety measures.

How many days will you need to explore Kathmandu?

3 to 5 days is more than enough to cover all the highlighted and popular places.

Is there an age restriction to explore Kathmandu?

No, there is no age restriction to explore Kathmandu city.

Are street foods safe for children in Kathmandu?

We prefer not to feed them street food as children are sensitive and bad health can ruin your entire traveling experience.