If you want to see the sights but escape the tourist crowds, check out my tips for the best things to see and do, and the best time to do it.

1. Watch the sunrise over the city from Swayambunath Temple (Monkey Temple)

Avoid the hordes of tourists and get up in the cold before sunrise. Join the locals on their daily exercise or pilgrimage route to the Temple of the Monkeys. It will soon warm up after climbing the stairs in time to see the sun rise over the Himalayas and shine over the city of Kathmandu.

2. Visit the Bouldanath stupa during the full moon

The full moon is an auspicious time for Buddhists. It is a particularly beautiful time to visit Bouldanath, the largest stupa in Southeast Asia. Here hundreds of people come out to circumnavigate the stupa and light butter candles around the entire structure. This is a truly beautiful and cultural experience.

3. Drink local chai at a street vendor

It’s cheap and it tastes great. Duck in any alley and you are sure to find an old woman sitting in front of a gas stove. We guarantee that it will make the best sweet tea ever and it will only cost you 7 rupees. Sit on a stool and watch the world go by.

4. Watch the world go by in Durba Square

Kathmandu Durba Square is a fabulous place to sit and enjoy the daily life of Kathmandu. Climb up one of the temples and hang out with the locals as daily life unfolds on the streets of Kathmandu.

5. Stand behind the colorful curtain and taste the steaming momos in a Tibetan restaurant

All those little portals covered with a blue or maroon curtain, you might think they are someone’s house, they are actually restaurants. Step inside and be greeted by a burly mom who will offer you a plate of steaming buffalo stuffed meatballs (Momo’s) and a spicy red sauce we call Achar. A plate of Momo will cost you about 60 rupees.

6. Take a rickshaw ride down the back street

The cycling rickshaw is the best way to get around Kathmandu. Beat the crowds on the street and get a great view over everyone’s heads. Stroll the back streets and explore the local markets and alleys. Your driver will know the best places to take you and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg like a private tour would.

7. Trade spices and herbs in Asan Tole

Asan Tole is the commercial center of most of Kathmandu. Here you can find colorful piles of spices, assortments of fried goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and in fact just about anything. An hour or two here is well worth it and you can end up with a good selection of condiments to spice up your kitchen at home (although check your country’s regulations before going through customs).

8. Pay homage to Lord Shiva at the Pashupatinath temple.

The best time to visit Pashupatinath is between 5 a.m. M. And 7 a. M. To see the authentic crowd offering worship to Lord Shiva. Although you cannot enter the temple, you can get a tremendous view of Nandi, Lord Shivas Bull and his huge golden bollocks! It is worth getting an early start and the best part is that if you go early, avoid the 500NPR entrance fee.

9. Kayak up the upper Bagmati River

Even if you are not an experienced kayaker, this gem of a river is a fun way to paddle. There are no rapids, but plenty of fun on the winding seven-kilometer ride through the agricultural regions of Kathmandu. Beautiful village life and a great way to spend a sunny afternoon!

10. Ride a mountain bike to Jamcho

One of the seven peaks of the Kathmandu Valley. This is a challenging ride for the fit rider, but the solo time in the jungle and breathtaking views from the top are simply stunning and worth a sweat on the descent that follows on the way up.