Things to Do in Kathmandu This Weekend — A Locally Curated Guide

Weekends in Kathmandu can go one of two ways: you make a plan early and land somewhere great, or you end up scrolling Instagram stories at 8 PM trying to figure out where people are. This guide is for the first group — the people who want a plan.

Start with a morning hike

Saturday mornings are prime hiking time. The valley is ringed by forested hills, and most are an hour's drive from the centre.

• Shivapuri — four-hour loop, forest and monkeys, great in every season.
• Nagarjun — shorter, closer, family-friendly.
• Champadevi — steeper, fewer crowds.
• Nagarkot to Dhulikhel — a classic overnight if you want to escape the city.

Most organized hikes have transport included and welcome beginners. See outdoor events for group hikes happening this weekend.

Brunch in Jhamsikhel or Patan

After the hike, refuel. Jhamsikhel is the current brunch capital — Ghangri Café, House 5, Drip Inn — and Patan has excellent options around Pimbahal and Mangal Bazaar. See our Jhamsikhel bars & cafés guide for the full list.

Saturday afternoon: markets & art

• Organic farmers' markets — typically in Jhamsikhel and Bhatbhateni Supermarket forecourts. Fresh produce, local brands, baked goods.
• Gallery openings — Siddhartha Art Gallery, Nepal Art Council, Park Gallery all rotate shows. Openings are free and often serve drinks. Art events.
• Patan Durbar Square — always worth a wander, especially golden hour.

Saturday night: pick your intensity

• Chill — live acoustic at Purple Haze or Moksh, dinner in Patan.
• Loud — rooftop DJ in Thamel, then club. See our Thamel nightlife guide.
• Cultural — theatre at Mandala, Shilpee, or Theatre Village.

Browse the full this weekend events calendar for specifics.

Sunday: slow start, big lunch, sunset somewhere

Sunday in Kathmandu is slow by design. Use it for:

• A long coffee at a café in Boudha (see our Boudha neighbourhood guide).
• A group yoga class — check education & wellness events.
• A drive to Nagarkot for sunset over the Himalayas.
• A late lunch Newari thali in Patan.

Free things to do this weekend

If you're on a budget, the city still has plenty. Gallery openings, community meetups, and outdoor events are often free. Filter our community events to see what's on.

Planning for next weekend?

Save this page — it's evergreen. For day-specific picks see tonight's events and tomorrow's events.