Kirtipur Old Town
Step back in time in Kirtipur, a living Newari heritage city offering ancient temples, stunning valley views, and a peaceful escape from Kathmandu's b...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Kirtipur Old Town
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time in Kirtipur, a living Newari heritage city offering ancient temples, stunning valley views, and a peaceful escape from Kathmandu's bustle.
"Kirtipur is a hidden gem, offering a truly authentic Newari experience with breathtaking views!"
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring Kirtipur's ancient alleys. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bagh Bhairab Temple
Main square
A sacred Newari temple dedicated to the tiger god, known for its intricate wood carvings and spiritual ambiance.

Uma Maheshwor Temple
Hilltop
Offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding mountains, a perfect spot for sunset.
Kirti Bihar Monastery
Near Bagh Bhairab
A serene Buddhist monastery showcasing traditional Newari architecture and peaceful courtyards.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Kirtipur's Charm
Getting to Kirtipur
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring Kirtipur's ancient alleys. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:
How to get to Kirtipur from Koteshwor?
Old Newar settlements inside Kathmandu Valley
📸 Capture the views
The hilltop temples offer stunning panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. :camerawithflash:
🚌 Local transport savvy
Be prepared to change buses at hubs like Ratna Park for routes to Kirtipur. :bus:
Opinion: Kirtipur ma date jaane thau?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring Kirtipur's ancient alleys. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:
📸 Capture the views
The hilltop temples offer stunning panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. :camerawithflash:
🚌 Local transport savvy
Be prepared to change buses at hubs like Ratna Park for routes to Kirtipur. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kirtipur for its authentic Newari heritage, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning valley views. The well-preserved architecture and cultural richness offer a genuine glimpse into Nepal's past. Some find the public transport a bit challenging, and accessibility can be an issue due to the hilly terrain and ancient pathways.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
There isn't a direct route from Koteshwor to Kirtipur. Your best option is to take a bus or tempo from Koteshwor to Ratna Park, and then catch another local bus or tempo heading towards Kirtipur from there.
Local buses and tempos are the primary public transport options. They are frequent and affordable, connecting Kirtipur to various parts of Kathmandu.
Taxis are available throughout Kathmandu. You can hire one directly to Kirtipur, which will be more convenient but also more expensive than public transport. :taxi:
Yes, scooter rentals are available in Kathmandu. This offers flexibility for exploring Kirtipur and its surroundings at your own pace. :motorcycle:
The travel time can vary depending on traffic, but typically it takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours from central Kathmandu, including any transfers. :stopwatch:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Kirtipur Old Town itself is generally free. However, some specific temples or monuments within the town might have small entrance fees or donation boxes. :ticket:
Most temples are open from early morning until sunset. It's advisable to check specific timings for major temples like Bagh Bhairab and Uma Maheshwor if you plan to visit early or late. :clock1:
While not as common as in major tourist hubs, you can often find local guides in Kirtipur, especially near the main squares. Negotiate prices beforehand. :guide_dog:
Due to its ancient architecture and hilly terrain, Kirtipur can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Many areas have uneven paths and stairs. :wheelchair:
Photography is usually permitted in the temple courtyards, but it's respectful to avoid taking pictures of devotees during prayer or inside inner sanctums where it might be prohibited. Always look for signage. :camerawithflash:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Bagh Bhairab Temple, Uma Maheshwor Temple for its views, and the Kirti Bihar Monastery. Wandering through the ancient Newari alleys is an experience in itself. :star2:
Exploring Kirtipur on foot is the best way to soak in its atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some uphill walks. :walking:
Absolutely! The Uma Maheshwor Temple, located on a hilltop, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, especially at sunrise and sunset. :mountain_snow:
Kirtipur is a living museum of Newari culture. You'll witness traditional architecture, local crafts, religious ceremonies, and a slower pace of life. :performing_arts:
Kirtipur is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any travel, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. :shield:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Look for local eateries and restaurants in the main squares. Try specialties like Samay Baji, Bara, and Yomari if available. :foodie:
Yes, most Newari dishes have vegetarian components, and many restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. Lentil soup (Dal) and rice are staples. :leafy_green:
Keep an eye out for local sweets and savory snacks sold by street vendors. Yomari, a steamed rice dumpling, is a popular Newari delicacy. :cookie:
While traditional eateries are more common, you might find a few small cafes offering tea, coffee, and light snacks, especially near tourist spots. :coffee:
Eating at local eateries is very affordable. Tourist-oriented restaurants might be slightly more expensive, but generally, Kirtipur offers budget-friendly dining options. :moneybag:
📸 📸 Photography
The Uma Maheshwor Temple offers stunning panoramic views. The intricate wood carvings on temples and traditional Newari houses are also great subjects. :camerawithflash:
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warm glow. Golden hour around sunset is particularly magical. :sunriseovermountains:
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas and temple courtyards. However, always be respectful and avoid photographing people without their permission or inside restricted areas. :noentrysign:
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive valley views, and a prime lens is good for low-light temple interiors. :dslr:
Drone usage is often restricted in and around heritage sites and residential areas in Nepal. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Kirtipur's Heritage Architecture
Walking through the narrow, winding alleys of Kirtipur feels like stepping back in time. You'll encounter dhunge dhara (stone spouts) that once served as primary water sources and bahals (courtyard monasteries) that were centers of Buddhist life. The Kirti Bihar Monastery is a prime example, offering a serene space to admire the architectural details and understand the spiritual significance of these buildings. The preservation efforts in Kirtipur allow visitors to appreciate the continuity of Newari cultural heritage.
Many of the buildings are constructed using traditional materials like brick and wood, with a focus on aesthetic beauty and functional design. The wood carvings found on temple eaves, doorways, and windows are particularly noteworthy, often depicting deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from daily life. These architectural elements not only add to the visual appeal but also tell stories of the town's rich history and religious traditions.
The Spiritual Heart of Kirtipur
Perched atop a hill, the Uma Maheshwor Temple (also known as Vatsala Devi Temple) offers not only spiritual solace but also breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. This vantage point makes it a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists, especially during sunrise and sunset. The temple complex itself is a beautiful example of pagoda architecture, with a distinctive bell that is often rung by visitors.
Beyond these prominent sites, Kirtipur is home to numerous smaller stupas, chaityas, and monasteries, reflecting its deep-rooted spiritual heritage. The Kirti Bihar Monastery stands as a peaceful Buddhist enclave, inviting contemplation and appreciation of its serene environment and traditional art. The coexistence of Hindu and Buddhist practices in Kirtipur highlights the syncretic nature of Nepalese culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit