EXPLORE KATHMANDU
Step outside Ananta Home and Kathmandu begins immediately — ancient temples, living bazaars, hilltop shrines, and sacred valleys all within reach. Our team is happy to arrange guides, transport, or simply point you in the right direction.
ON FOOT FROM ANANTA HOME
2–5 MIN WALK
A restored neo-classical garden tucked behind the noise of Thamel. Six pavilions, fountains, and manicured lawns create a pocket of calm that feels entirely removed from the city outside its iron gate. Best visited in the early morning when it is almost empty.
10 MIN WALK
One of Kathmandu’s most peaceful religious sites, hidden in a quiet courtyard just minutes from the main Thamel drag. Devotees circumambulate at dawn and dusk, spinning prayer wheels in unhurried silence. Most tourists walk past it entirely.
15 MIN WALK
The oldest market square in Kathmandu, alive since medieval times with the trade of spices, grains, thangka paintings, and everyday goods. Go without a shopping list and simply absorb the colour, the noise, and the smell of incense and cardamom.
15–20 MIN WALK
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former seat of the Kathmandu kingdom. Ancient palaces, open courtyards, intricate wood carvings, and the Kumari Ghar — home of Nepal’s living goddess. The square rewards slow exploration more than hurried photography.
20–25 MIN / SHORT TAXI
Perched on a hilltop west of the city, the Monkey Temple offers the finest panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. The climb up the stone stairway — past resident monkeys, prayer flags, and spinning wheels — is as memorable as the shrine itself.
RIGHT OUTSIDE
The neighbourhood surrounding Ananta Home is one of the most energetic streets in South Asia. Hundreds of shops selling trekking gear, Pashmina shawls, singing bowls, hand-printed textbooks, and freshly brewed coffee exist side by side in cheerful disorder.
DAY TRIPS & EXCURSIONS
Our team can arrange private transport and local guides for all excursions below.
HALF DAY · 30 MIN FROM THAMEL
The best-preserved medieval city in Nepal, Bhaktapur feels like Kathmandu did five hundred years ago. Terracotta buildings, the 55-Window Palace, intricate peacock windows, and potters spinning clay in the afternoon sun. Allow at least half a day — preferably a full one.
HALF DAY · 45 MIN FROM THAMEL
One of the oldest towns in the valley, Kirtipur sits on a twin-peaked ridge with sweeping views over Kathmandu. Largely untouched by tourism, it offers a quiet, authentic window into Newar culture, ancient temples, and a pace of life that has barely changed. Combine with the Chobar Gorge nearby.
FULL DAY · 1.5 HRS FROM THAMEL
Drive to the hilltop village of Nagarkot before dawn and watch the Himalayan range emerge from darkness — Everest, Langtang, Ganesh Himal — lit in shades of orange and gold. On clear days between October and April this is one of the most spectacular sights in all of Nepal.
HALF DAY · 30 MIN FROM THAMEL
Across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu, Patan is the city of fine arts. Its central square contains some of the finest examples of Newari architecture in existence — tiered temples, stone water fountains, and a museum that is widely considered the best in Nepal.
FULL DAY · GUIDED
A forest wilderness beginning just thirty minutes north of Thamel. Hiking trails through dense rhododendron and oak forest lead to the Shivapuri peak at 2,732 metres, offering panoramic Himalayan views and a genuine sense of wilderness surprisingly close to the capital.
FULL DAY · GUIDED
Two of the most sacred religious sites in Asia, both reachable in a single day. Pashupatinath is the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, set along the Bagmati River. Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world, is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. A profound and moving day out.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
1 HOUR · SEASONAL
Board a small aircraft at Tribhuvan International Airport and fly along the entire Himalayan range at close range — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kangchenjunga — all visible from your window seat within an arm’s reach of cloud. One of the most exhilarating one-hour experiences on earth.
HALF DAY · CULTURAL
Learn to prepare traditional Nepali dishes — dal bhat, momo dumplings, sel roti — with a local home cook in Kathmandu. A grounding, delicious way to understand daily Nepali life beyond the temple circuit. Classes can be arranged through our front desk.
MULTI-DAY · TREKKING
Ananta Home is a natural starting point for Nepal’s legendary trekking routes. Whether you are heading to Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, or a shorter trek in the Langtang Valley, our team can connect you with trusted guides, handle permits, and arrange everything before you set off.
Whether you need a guide, a driver, a restaurant recommendation, or simply directions to somewhere off the map — ask us. We know this city well.