Things to do in Kathmandu in October

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Overview

October is a great time to visit Kathmandu. The weather is usually mildly cool, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 56—71°F (13—22°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Kathmandu during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go on a sunrise hike to Nagarkot, attend the Dashain festival, go trekking in the Himalayas, and more!

Kathmandu has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Kathmandu. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Kathmandu in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Kathmandu in October

Top experiences in October
Go on a sunrise hike to Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a hill station near Kathmandu that offers stunning views of the sunrise over the Himalayas. In October, the skies are clear, and the weather is cool, making it the perfect time to go on a hike to the viewpoint. You can start early in the morning and trek through the pine forests to reach the summit, where you can witness the breathtaking sight of the sun rising over the snow-capped peaks.
Attend the Dashain festival
Dashain is the biggest and most important festival in Nepal, and it usually falls in October. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and receiving blessings from elders. The festival is marked by the flying of kites, the playing of traditional music, and the offering of sacrifices. It is a unique cultural experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Nepal.
Go trekking in the Himalayas
October is one of the best times to go trekking in the Himalayas as the weather is clear and the views are stunning. There are numerous trekking routes to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging, so you can find one that suits your fitness level and experience. You can also visit remote mountain villages and interact with the local people, gaining insight into their way of life.
Explore the Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is a historic area in Kathmandu that is home to ancient palaces, temples, and shrines. In October, the square comes alive with cultural events, traditional music and dance performances, and religious ceremonies. You can wander through the narrow streets, admire the intricate wood carvings, and learn about the history and architecture of the area.
Go paragliding in Pokhara
Pokhara is a popular destination for adventure sports, and in October, the weather is perfect for paragliding. You can soar through the sky and enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range, the Phewa Lake, and the Pokhara Valley. Whether you are an experienced paraglider or a beginner, there are options for everyone to experience this thrilling activity.
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Take a cooking class
Nepalese cuisine is delicious and diverse, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about the local ingredients and cooking techniques. In October, you can visit the local markets to buy fresh produce and spices, and then learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as momos (dumplings), dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), and sel roti (rice flour donuts).
Go on a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Nepal to see wildlife such as rhinos, tigers, elephants, and crocodiles. In October, the weather is dry, and the grasslands are golden, making it easier to spot animals. You can go on jeep safaris, elephant rides, and canoe trips to explore the park and its diverse ecosystem.
Visit the Swayambhunath Stupa
Also known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site. In October, the weather is pleasant, and the stupa is surrounded by blooming flowers, making it a beautiful and serene place to visit. You can climb the steps to the top of the stupa and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.
Visit the Garden of Dreams
The Garden of Dreams is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, with lush gardens, pavilions, and fountains. In October, the gardens are in full bloom, and you can relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. You can also visit the on-site café for a cup of coffee or a light meal, and browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
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Holidays in Kathmandu in October
October
  • Ghatasthapana (October 3)
  • Phulpati (October 10)
  • Astami (October 10)
  • Nawami (October 11)
  • Dashami (October 12)
  • Ekadashi (October 13)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Kathmandu in October

Temperatures on an average day in Kathmandu in October

The average temperature in Kathmandu in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 71°F (22°C) to a low of 56°F (13°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Kathmandu, May, has days with highs of 83°F (28°C) and lows of 61°F (16°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 60°F (15°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Kathmandu in October based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in October
71°F
highs
56°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, humid but cool
Feels like
21%
Chance of rain
0.147 in
Amount
6.0 mph
Wind speed
84%
Humidity
11.5 hrs
Daylight length
6:03 AM
Sunrise
5:35 PM
Sunset
74%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 71°F (22°C) and a low of 56°F (13°C), it generally feels mildly cool, humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Kathmandu in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Kathmandu has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Kathmandu that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Kathmandu for October.
Buddha Stupa
1. Buddha Stupa
4.7
(15978)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Buddhist place of worship featuring a sizable white dome topped with a towering, golden spire.
Swoyambhu Mahachaitya
2. Swoyambhu Mahachaitya
4.6
(17087)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
A very old religious site, this Buddhist complex has an iconic stupa, temples & many shrines.
Thamel
3. Thamel
Neighborhoods
A buzzing, visitor-friendly area, Thamel is the city’s main nightlife zone. Bars blast out live music by cover bands, and lively eateries serve Nepalese and international dishes. Designed in 1920, the stately Garden of Dreams is dotted with pavilions, fountains, and urns. Markets and stores sell metal handicrafts, colorful jewelry, and trekking gear, while pedestrianized Mandala Street has upmarket shops and spas.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
4. Kathmandu Durbar Square
4.5
(33279)
Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark, ancient royal complex with various palaces, temples & courtyards, plus a museum.
Pashupatinath Temple
5. Pashupatinath Temple
4.7
(36368)
Hindu temple
Sights & Landmarks
This famous, sacred Hindu temple & cremation site on the riverbank was rebuilt in the 15th century.
Garden of Dreams
6. Garden of Dreams
4.2
(11713)
Nature & Parks
Garden
Elegant garden created in 1920, with 6 pavilions, fountains, landscaped grounds, urns & birdhouses.
Pashupati Electric Crematorium
7. Pashupati Electric Crematorium
3.8
(13)
Cremation service
Sights & Landmarks
Kapan Monastery
8. Kapan Monastery
4.3
(1159)
Research institute
Sights & Landmarks
Large Tibetan Buddhist monastery providing courses & retreats in a picturesque hilltop setting.
Kumari Ghar
9. Kumari Ghar
4.5
(399)
Place of worship
Sights & Landmarks
Historical palace of the living goddess Kumari who is worshipped by Hindus & Buddhists.
Hanuman Dhoka
10. Hanuman Dhoka
4.5
(1107)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Palace museum named after the entryway's stone Hanuman, with exhibits on the Shah Dynasty.
Pashupatinath
11. Pashupatinath
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
Bhuijasi - Budhanilkantha Temple
12. Bhuijasi - Budhanilkantha Temple
4.6
(8922)
Hindu temple
Sights & Landmarks
Open-air Hindu temple featuring a large stone statue of the god Vishnu lying in a pond.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
13. Kathmandu Durbar Square
4.5
(33301)
Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark, ancient royal complex with various palaces, temples & courtyards, plus a museum.
Narayanhiti Royal Palace
14. Narayanhiti Royal Palace
4.4
(4801)
Government office
Museums
Museum & former palace showcasing the royal jewels & the scene of the Nepalese Royal Massacre.
Chandragiri Cable Car Top Station
15. Chandragiri Cable Car Top Station
4.5
(9354)
Mountain cable car
Transportation
Lush green hill with a cable car ride to an observation tower for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Dakshinkali Temple
16. Dakshinkali Temple
4.6
(4421)
Hindu temple
Sights & Landmarks
Hindu temple complex dedicated to the goddess Kali, with occasional animal sacrifices.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Kathmandu?

Get inspired for your trip to Kathmandu with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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