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Zoos & aquariums

Kathmandu Zoo

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Kathmandu Zoo

Kathmandu Zoo

Located in Jawalakhel in Lalitpur, this facility houses approximately 900 animals from over 100 species across a 6-hectare site. It serves as a public zoological garden where visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in an urban setting. It is a suitable stop for those traveling with children or those interested in the local fauna of the region.

Getting There

The zoo is situated in Lalitpur, just across the Bagmati River from the center of Kathmandu. Depending on your starting point in the city center, you can reach the site via taxi or local transport. The journey typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, though travel time varies significantly based on local traffic conditions.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours to walk through the grounds and view the animal enclosures. The compact size of the site makes it manageable for a half-day excursion.

When to Visit

Visiting during the cooler months from October to March is generally more comfortable due to the mild weather. It is advisable to arrive early in the day when animals are typically more active. The site can become crowded during public holidays and weekends.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location in Lalitpur, the zoo can be combined with several cultural sites nearby:

  • Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral (0.4km)
  • Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (1.4km)
  • Krishna Mandir (1.4km)
  • Patan Museum (1.4km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Kathmandu Zoo

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Kathmandu Zoo Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral, Kathmandu

Temples & religious sites

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral, Kathmandu

A Catholic cathedral in the Lalitpur area of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. It serves as the spiritual center of the local Catholic community and is worth visiting for its architecture.

0.4 km away

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

Temples & religious sites

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

A historic Buddhist monastery in Patan (Lalitpur), Nepal, affectionately known as the Golden Temple for its lavish gold decoration. It is a great place to admire intricate carvings and gilded ornamentation.

1.4 km away

Krishna Mandir

Temples & religious sites

Krishna Mandir

This 17th-century Hindu temple, built in shikhara style, stands within Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Damaged in the 2015 earthquake and later restored, it lets visitors admire its intricate stone carvings up close.

1.4 km away

Patan Museum

Museums & galleries

Patan Museum

Patan Museum stands in Keshav Narayan Chowk, once a royal palace of the Malla dynasty, within Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur. It displays traditional Nepali religious art, making it a natural stop alongside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed square.

1.4 km away

Patan Durbar Square

Parks & gardens

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square, in Lalitpur (Patan), Nepal, is a historic plaza lined with former royal palaces and temples. Wandering among its traditional architecture, visitors can sense the atmosphere of an old royal city.

1.5 km away

Kumbheshwar Temple

Temples & religious sites

Kumbheshwar Temple

Kumbheshwar Temple is a Hindu temple near Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, Nepal, and the oldest temple in Patan, built in the 14th century. Dedicated to Shiva, it is renowned for its elegant proportions and intricate wood carvings.

1.5 km away