Things to do in Kathmandu before your trek: a 2-day guide

Short version: Most trekkers land 1–2 days early. Spend day one on gear (Thamel) and permits, day two on gentle acclimatisation walks (Swayambhunath, Boudhanath) and real dal bhat. Withdraw rupees, grab a local SIM, and leave two buffer days after your trek.

Day 1: gear and permits

Morning: Thamel gear shopping. Thamel is the trekking-gear district, for both rental and purchase at good quality. Rent a down jacket ($5/day), poles ($2/day), sleeping bag ($4/day). Buy trekking socks, energy bars, blister plasters. I'll take you to my trusted shops if you arrive the day before departure.

Afternoon: Permits (only if self-organising). Nepal Tourism Board office at Bhrikuti Mandap. Allow 2–3 hours. If you booked with me, this is already done, so enjoy the free afternoon.

Day 2: acclimatisation and culture

Morning: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). A 45-minute walk from Thamel, uphill. It's good light acclimatisation, with city views and Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheels.

Afternoon: Boudhanath Stupa. The largest stupa in Nepal. Walk the kora clockwise. It's a calm place to get your head into the mountains.

Evening: dal bhat in Thamel. Not the tourist restaurants. Ask me for my local spot. Rs. 250 (~$2) for a full plate no European restaurant can match.

Practical notes

• Withdraw Nepali rupees here (best rates at bank ATMs, not exchange counters)
• Buy a local SIM (NTC or Ncell, Rs. 100–200, works in most villages)
• Book your flight home with two buffer days after your trek ends

Kathmandu is where my 13-day Manaslu Circuit at USD 960 starts and ends.

Arriving soon and want my shop and food recommendations? Message me on WhatsApp.