I went this past spring and last year, both for research with BYU. We mostly stayed in Bhaktapur but spent a few days during each trip in Kathmandu. Happy to answer any other questions about safe hotels, what to expect, food/restaurants etc.


Boudhanath Stupa Temple- A huge Buddhist temple with lots of shops and restaurants around. You can spend anywhere from 1-3 hours here, I would recommend planning on eating a meal here at one of the restaurants with an amazing view of the stupa.

https://ntb.gov.np/pashupatinath
Pashupinath Temple - One of my favorite cultural experiences I've ever experienced. This is where they cremate their dead and a very holy site. Probably not really a good option for young kids.

https://ntb.gov.np/swayambhunath
The "monkey temple". Monkeys everywhere (dont let them jump on you, as nice as they seem. You dont want to get rabies shots if they get angry. You can climb a huge staircase up to the top, which is fun and you see lots of monkeys, or just drive up. Lots of fun trinket/souvenir shops at the top too.


Thamel is more of a city district than a place... but I would recommend finding a hotel nearby that you can walk to thamel and buy your hearts desire of knock-off outdoor gear, cool Nepal goods, and whatever else you can think of.


The monkey temple and the Stupa are well-known tourist attractions, and there are lots of people who try to take your money. In general, don't give beggars money- they will hound you for more and soon the other people around who are begging will also be all over you. They will follow you and not leave you alone until you get in a car and leave. Mothers will hold crying babies and send their cute 5 year old kids with big, sad eyes to beg for money but you. can't. do. it. They will only pester you more and it encourages them to keep doing it.

They will also try to distract you so they can pick-pocket you. They were touching our feet and grabbing onto the girls arms in our group outside the stupa specifically. One kid a few years ago lost all his cash for the trip because he pulled out a wad of cash to give a couple of dollars to someone, and they grabbed the wad of ~$300 and ran off. Stay in groups and be cautious on the streets where there are lots of tourists.

Dont let that discourage you though! It's an amazing place with some amazing people. I can't wait to go back.

Let me know if you want reccomendations for Bhaktapur too.