How many days should you spend in Kathmandu?
Give Kathmandu more than a rushed arrival night. It can be dusty, loud and tiring, but it also gives the trip its temples, courtyards, food, gear checks and first sense of Nepal’s rhythm.
Answer
Kathmandu is easy to underestimate because it can feel chaotic on arrival. That first impression is real, but it is not the whole city. Give yourself time for temple squares, stupas, old lanes, small courtyards, gear errands and the slow adjustment to Nepali pace before the mountains start making bigger demands. For trekkers, Kathmandu also performs a practical job: permits, equipment checks, guides, cash and contingency planning. For non-trekkers, it is the cultural heart of the trip, not just an obstacle between airport and lake. The right amount depends on your route, but one exhausted night rarely lets the city become legible.