Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, is a vibrant metropolis nestled in the Kathmandu Valley at 1,400 m. It is the cultural, political, and economic heart of the nation, a city where ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions coexist with modern urban life. The valley has been inhabited for over two millennia and is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a 15 km radius, including the iconic durbar squares, stupas, and temples. Despite rapid modernisation, Kathmandu's old city remains a maze of brick-paved alleys, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old Newari architecture.

The climate is mild throughout the year. Spring (March–May) is pleasant, summer/monsoon (June–September) brings rain, autumn (October–November) offers clear skies and festivals, and winter (December–February) is cool and dry. The best times to visit are October–November and March–April. The city is divided into numerous neighbourhoods including Thamel (tourist hub), Durbar Square (historic core), Patan (south across the river), and Boudhanath (Tibetan Buddhist centre).

By Plane

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the sole international airport in Nepal, served by carriers from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Taxis to central Thamel cost Rs 700–1000 (20–30 minutes). Pre-paid taxi counters are available at the arrivals hall.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Kathmandu. The nearest railway stations are in Janakpur and Birganj, on the Indian border.

By Car / Road

Kathmandu is connected by road to all major Nepali cities. The Prithvi Highway links it to Pokhara (200 km, 6–7 hours), the Tribhuvan Highway connects to Birganj and India (175 km, 4–5 hours), and the Arniko Highway leads to the Tibetan border at Kodari (115 km, 3–4 hours). Long-distance buses depart from Gongabu Bus Park (west of the city centre).

Taxis are plentiful – agree on the fare before starting (Rs 200–500 for most intra-city trips). Ride-hailing apps like Pathao and Tootle offer motorbike and car services. Microbuses follow set routes. Walking is ideal for Thamel, Durbar Square, and the old city. Cycle rickshaws are available for short distances but agree on price upfront.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square – UNESCO World Heritage site with the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess), and dozens of pagoda temples.

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) – Ancient Buddhist stupa atop a hill west of the city, with sweeping valley views.

• Boudhanath Stupa – One of the largest stupas in the world, the spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.

• Pashupatinath Temple – Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River; non-Hindus can view from the eastern bank.

• Thamel – The tourist district with shops, restaurants, bars, and trekking gear outlets.

• Garden of Dreams – A neo-classical garden in Thamel, a peaceful retreat from the city chaos.

• National Museum of Nepal – Exhibits on Nepali history, art, and natural heritage.

• Asan Tole – A historic market square in the old city with a vibrant daily bazaar.

• Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum – The former royal palace with beautiful woodcarving and courtyards.

• Newari food tour – Sample traditional dishes in the old city's hidden eateries.

• Trekking gear shopping – Thamel has hundreds of shops for any outdoor need.

• Meditation and yoga classes – Numerous centres offer courses.

• Cooking classes – Learn to make momos, dal bhat, and curry.

• Day hikes – Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and Nagarkot are reachable within a day.

• Festival participation – Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Indra Jatra, and Buddha Jayanti are celebrated with great fervour.

• Yangling Restaurant (Thamel) – Excellent Tibetan and Nepali food including momos and thukpa.
• OR2K (Thamel) – Popular rooftop restaurant serving Middle Eastern, Italian, and Nepali dishes.
• Mitho Restaurant (Thamel) – Affordable Nepali thali and Indian curries.
• Bhojan Griha – Upscale Newari dining in a historic building with cultural performances.
• Fire and Ice (Thamel) – Legendary pizzeria that has been serving Kathmandu for decades.
• Local street food – Try momos, samosas, chatamari (Newari rice crepe), and juju dhau (yogurt) from street stalls.

• Tibetan tea rooms in Boudha serve butter tea and sweet milk tea.
• Krishna's Bar (Thamel) – Rooftop bar with live music.
• Sam's Bar (Thamel) – Laid-back pub atmosphere.
• Tap water is not safe – Drink bottled or purified water only.

• Budget: Alobar1000 (Thamel) – Rs 600–1200. Popular backpacker hostel with dorm and private rooms.
• Mid-range: Hotel Thamel Park, +977 1-4250100 – Rs 3000–6000. Central location with comfortable rooms.
• Upscale: Dwarika's Hotel, +977 1-4479488 – Rs 15,000+. A heritage hotel with stunning Newari architecture and exceptional service.

• Handicrafts – Thamel and Durbar Square areas are full of shops selling pottery, woodcarvings, and statues.
• Pashmina shawls – Quality varies widely; shop at reputable stores.
• Trekking gear – North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and local brands at competitive prices – but check authenticity carefully.
• Thanka paintings – Traditional Buddhist religious paintings available at galleries in Boudha.
• Music – Traditional Nepali instruments and CDs.

• Patan (Lalitpur) (5 km south) – UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, museums, and fine Newari crafts.
• Bhaktapur (15 km east) – Best-preserved medieval city with magnificent palace square.
• Nagarkot (30 km east) – Sunrise views of Everest and the Himalayan range.
• Dhulikhel (30 km east) – Scenic hill town with mountain panoramas.
• Chitwan National Park (150 km south-west) – Premier wildlife safari destination.
• Pokhara (200 km west) – Adventure capital with Fewa Lake and Annapurna views.