Kathmandu, Nepal - Travel Guide

Kathmandu is a vibrant historical city offering a captivating blend of ancient Hindu and Buddhist sites, bustling markets, and a unique cultural atmosphere. It serves as the gateway to the Himalayas, attracting trekkers and spiritual seekers alike, with a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$25/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$1000/day

Known For

Kathmandu ValleyPatanBhaktapurLalitpurSwayambhunathBoudhanathThamel

🇳🇵 Country Information: Nepal

CapitalKathmandu

CurrencyNepalese rupee (₨)

Language Nepali , Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newari, Magar, Gurung, Sherpa, English, Hindi

Phone Code+977

Electricity230V (Type C, D, M)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas
In restaurants, a 10% service charge may be added; if not, 5
10% is appreciated
For porters and guides on treks, a tip is expected, often calculated per day of service
For drivers, a small tip is customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are available but not always reliable, especially outside major cities
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants in tourist areas, but less so elsewhere
Bringing cash (USD, EUR, or INR) for exchange is highly recommended, especially for smaller purchases and rural areas
There can be a black market for currency exchange, but it's generally safer and better to use official exchange counters or ATMs

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; cover shoulders and knees
Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items
Avoid public displays of anger or frustration
Do not point with a single finger; use an open hand
It is considered rude to step over someone's legs or belongings
When eating, it is customary to wait for the host to indicate when to start

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. While homosexuality was decriminalized in 2007 and Nepal has made some strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including recognizing a third gender, societal acceptance and legal protections are still limited, especially outside of urban areas. Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties, including long prison sentences

Special Laws

Do not touch sacred objects or people with your feet
Always remove your shoes before entering temples or people's homes
Do not publicly display affection
Photography may be restricted in some religious sites
Be aware of the local customs when bargaining in markets
Do not kill animals in sacred areas

Common Phrases

NoChaina (chai-nah) छैन

YesHo (hoh) हो

HelloNamaste (nah-mah-steh) नमस्ते

PleaseKripaya (kri-pah-yah) कृपया

Excuse mePheri bhetau (peh-rih beh-tao) फेरि भेटौँ

Thank youDhanyabad (dhun-yah-bahd) धन्यवाद

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon season: Jun
Sep

Getting There

Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu from major Asian hubs like Delhi, Dubai, or Kuala Lumpur (prices vary widely, typically $200
800)
Overland travel from India is possible via bus at various border crossings (e
g
, Sunauli, Raxaul) but can be lengthy and less comfortable (e
g
, 20
30 hours from Delhi, $20
40)

Getting Around

Taxis and ride
sharing apps (Pathao, InDriver) are common for local transport
Public buses and micro
buses are available but often crowded
Rickshaws for short distances in tourist areas
Walking is popular in Thamel and Durbar Square areas

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP) recommended
Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid recommended
Rabies recommended for prolonged stays or exposure to animals
Altitude sickness medication may be relevant if planning trips to higher elevations (e
g
, Everest Base Camp trek), though Kathmandu itself is not at extreme altitude (1,400m)
Probiotics can be helpful for street food
No specific malaria tablets needed for Kathmandu valley, but may be advised for southern lowland areas like Chitwan

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available
Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) are major providers
Airalo and Nomad eSIM are known to work in Nepal

Local Cuisine

Momos must_try

These are steamed or fried dumplings, often filled with minced meat (like buffalo or chicken) or vegetables. They are a staple snack and street food i

Dal Bhat regional_speciality

The national dish of Nepal, consisting of lentil soup (dal) served over steamed rice (bhat). It is traditionally accompanied by vegetable curries (tar

Thukpa street_food

A comforting Tibetan noodle soup, often featuring hand-pulled noodles, meat, and various vegetables in a clear, flavorful broth. It is particularly po

Sel Roti snack

A traditional, slightly sweet, ring-shaped rice bread, deep-fried to a golden crisp. It is primarily made during festivals like Tihar and Dashain but

Juju Dhau dessert

A rich, creamy, and distinct type of sweet curd (yogurt) traditionally prepared in the city of Bhaktapur, near Kathmandu. It is made from buffalo milk

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Restricted Area Trekking Permit (Outside Kathmandu Valley) permit_or_pass

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Permits for popular restricted trekking areas (e.g., Upper Mustang, Dolpa, Manaslu) must be obtained through an authorized agency and often involve a minimum group size, requiring lead time to organize and secure.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Multi-day Treks and Guided Expeditions tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 months in advance

Booking multi-day treks early ensures availability of reputable guides, porters, and the best teahouse accommodation, especially during peak seasons.

Fun Facts

1. Kathmandu was once known as Kantipur, meaning "The City of Glory," before its current name was derived from the wooden temple Kasthamandap in Durbar Square.
2. Geologists and local stories suggest that the Kathmandu Valley was originally a large lake surrounded by mountains, which is now the current site of the city.
3. The tradition of the Kumari, a living goddess, is unique to Nepal and is a significant part of Kathmandu's culture.
4. Kathmandu holds one of the highest concentrations of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, with seven of Nepal's ten sites belonging to the valley.

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