The 8 Market Tours in Kathmandu Most Worth Your Time

1.Kathmandu Secret Food Crawl & Local Market Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 54 reviews · 2 hours · from $28Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide at Chhaya Devi Complex for a two-hour food walk around Kathmandu’s local markets and lanes. You’ll visit Ason Bazar, hear about Newar culture and daily life, and sample at least five foods and drinks. Santosh is a named guide associated with the tour, though your guide may vary.

“Santosh was a fount of knowledge for all things Nepali. Easy to chat to, friendly and courteous. Whilst we were not particularly enamoured with food it was a good selection of Newari cuisine we wouldn’t have tried without this tour. Well recommended.”

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2.Kathmandu Food Crawl & Market Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · from $25Top rated

Start at Chhaya Center in Thamel and walk with an English-speaking local guide toward Ason Bazaar, sampling at least five foods and drinks along the way. Depending on the stops, you might try chatamari, pani puri, laphing, or sweet lalmohan. Guides named Santosh, Manoj, and Namaste have led outings; the two-hour tour ends back at the meeting point.

“THIS IS AN AMAZING FOOD TOUR! 10 out of 10! Highly recommended. First time in Nepal, from America and seriously so good!”

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3.Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · from $30

Spend about three hours exploring local ingredients and cooking Nepali dishes with Nepali cooks. The class includes market shopping, all ingredients, snacks, and a meal made from your work. Groups are capped at eight, and vegetarian or vegan options are available on request. Pickup is offered, but private transportation is not included.

“Great cooking class and learned lots of new things I would definitely recommend going here and plenty of food!”

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4.Kathmandu Food Crawl & Market Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $28

Meet at the main gate of Chhaya Devi Complex for a two-hour food walk through Kathmandu’s old Ason Bazar. Guide Santosh Pandey leads you to local food stops and market lanes, with at least five food items and drinks included. Expect Newari flavors, market life, and conversation about Nepal’s food, culture, and traditions.

“Not just a street food tour, but a nice walk through various markets along the way. Definitely would not have found these delicious foods on my own. Great tasting food complete with friendly people and local atmosphere. Very glad to have experienced.”

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5.Oldest Local Market Walking Tour With Living Goddess Kumari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $39

Meet near Chhaya Devi Complex in Thamel for a two-hour English-guided walk through Ason, Kathmandu’s old market, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, with a chance to see Kumari, the living goddess. A past tour was led by Santos, praised for clear explanations, though guide assignments may vary. The $39 price includes a guide and bottled water, but not the 1,000-rupee square entry fee.

“Her gaze is impressive!! I’m so happy and honored to have visited the living goddess Kumari”

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6.Oldest Local Market Walking Tour with Living Goddess Kumari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $40

Walk from Chhaya Center through Thamel and Ason Bazaar to Kathmandu Durbar Square, then stop at Kumari Chowk for the chance to see Kathmandu’s living goddess. An English-speaking guide leads the two-hour route, which is capped at 20 people. The $40 price excludes monument entrance fees and food.

“Seeing the Kumari is a really special experience, expert guide through the market and Kathmandu Durbar Square, an ideal tour to begin to orientate yourself in the city.”

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7.Half Day Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 3 hours · from $21Best value

Join an English-speaking instructor for a three-hour cooking class in Thamel, with a local market visit and four traditional Nepali and Newari dishes. Choose from three menus, cook and eat each course as it is made, and adjust the spice to your taste. Groups are limited to eight, and momos feature on every menu.

“Wonderful family of cooks who grow there own spices. Very interactive group. We cooked a full menu. Good instructions. Delicious recipes.”

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8.Local Bazaar Walking Tour in Kathmandu with Professional Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $100

This private Kathmandu tour pairs hotel transfers with a guided walk through Asan and Indra Chowk, where stalls sell produce, spices, textiles, brass, and wedding ornaments. You’ll also visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, according to the tour overview, and have the chance to try Nepali food. Bharat is one guide name associated with the tour, though your guide may differ. Lunch is not included in the $100 price.

“Great introduction to Kathmandu. Bharat was a very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended to anyone.”

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