Rainy Day Kathmandu: 15 Indoor Things to Do During Monsoon

The Kathmandu monsoon (June through September) is unpredictable — sunny mornings, afternoon downpours, and the occasional four-hour deluge that cancels everyone's plans. Here's a playbook of indoor things to do when the weather turns.

Museums worth your time

• National Museum of Nepal (Chhauni) — Nepal's biggest, covering everything from natural history to ancient sculpture.
• Patan Museum (Patan Durbar Square) — widely considered the best-curated museum in the valley. Focused on traditional Nepalese art and metalwork.
• Taragaon Museum (Boudha) — smaller, architecturally beautiful, often hosts cultural events alongside its permanent exhibits.
• Kaiser Library (Thamel) — inside Garden of Dreams; old, quiet, charming.

Art galleries

Openings tend to be free and often serve drinks. A rainy afternoon is the perfect excuse.

• Siddhartha Art Gallery (Baber Mahal)
• Nepal Art Council (Babar Mahal Revisited)
• Park Gallery (Pulchowk)
• Image Ark (Kupondole)

See art events for current openings.

Active indoor options

• Astrek Climbing Gym (Thamel) — two tall lead walls plus bouldering. Beginner-friendly routes available.
• Futsal — arenas across Kathmandu and Lalitpur, bookable hourly.
• Squash courts — a few scattered around the city, typically attached to clubs.
• Bowling & arcade — at shopping centres like Labim Mall and Civil Mall.

See sports events for leagues and matches that welcome walk-ins.

Workshops & classes

Monsoon is peak workshop season. Most happen at weekends at small studios:

• Pottery (Bhaktapur and Thimi are the classic centres)
• Thangka painting
• Wood carving
• Cooking (Nepali, Newari, Tibetan)
• Photography

See education events for what's running.

Long café sessions

Many of Kathmandu's best cafés are designed for long stays — reliable Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. For our full list see best cafés in Kathmandu for working.

Cinema

QFX Cinemas is the main chain in Kathmandu, with branches in Durbarmarg, Kupondole, and Labim Mall. Nepali, Hindi, and Hollywood films. Tickets run NPR 300–500.

Yoga & wellness

Monsoon is the traditional ayurvedic cleansing season. Many yoga centres in Jhamsikhel, Patan, and Boudha run indoor sessions year-round. Utpala Café (Boudha) hosts regular classes. See wellness & education events.

Eating well in the rain

The monsoon is peak season for hot, soupy food — jhol momos, thukpa, thenduk. See our best momo places guide for specifics.

Cultural performances

Smaller theatres (Mandala, Shilpee, Theatre Village) run indoor productions year-round. See cultural events.

Planning a monsoon day

Check tonight's events or tomorrow's events on Kata Jaam? — most events include a rain contingency note when relevant.