Capital city in Bagmati Province, Nepal
Kathmandu
Chaotic, temple-packed capital and the launch pad for Himalayan treks, with cheap food, easy trekking logistics and a big traveler scene in Thamel. Dust, traffic and power or strike disruptions are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$584–908Comfortable, one person · Rs90,000–140,000Details
- Value for money91/100Better value than 90% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–Apr, Oct–NovWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Air quality37 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet89 MbpsFixed broadband, Nepal medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water or ice from unknown sources.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$10–26Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPathaoWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in hotels, upscale restaurants and larger shops; cash for taxis, momo stalls, markets and trekking agencies.Details
Where to stay in Kathmandu
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Thamel | First-timers and trek prep: hostels, gear shops, restaurants |
| Jhamsikhel (Patan) | Long stays: cafés, expats, quieter streets |
| Lazimpat | Embassies, upscale hotels and the CIWEC clinic |
| Boudha | Tibetan monasteries, calm and walkable around the stupa |
| Patan Durbar Square area | Newar heritage, craft shops, guesthouses |
Apps that work in Kathmandu
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Foodmandu | Biggest restaurant choice; works in English |
| Pathao Food | Same app as rides; good in central areas |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Maps.me: Offline trekking trail maps
- Taxis: Taxis often skip the meter; agree a price first or use an app. Airport pickups from the arrivals area are fine with prepaid taxis.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Nepal.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in hotels, upscale restaurants and larger shops; cash for taxis, momo stalls, markets and trekking agencies.
- Currency: Rupee (NPR). US$1 ≈ Rs154.20 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs often charge foreign cards about NPR 500 per withdrawal and cap withdrawals at NPR 10,000–35,000.
- Tipping: Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge plus 13% VAT. Tip trekking guides and porters about 10–15% of the trek cost.
- Paying by phone: Fonepay and eSewa QR codes are everywhere but need a Nepali account; Indian visitors can pay them by UPI.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa on arrival at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports and main land borders: US$30, 50 or 125 for 15, 30 or 90 days.
- Fill the online arrival form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before landing to shorten the airport queue.
- Since 2023 most trekking routes in protected areas, including Everest and Annapurna, require a licensed guide and a TIMS card.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1144
Plugs
Type C, D, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Ncell and Nepal Telecom counters at Kathmandu airport; bring your passport. Ncell tourist plans cost NPR 595–1,995 for 7–28 days. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Nepal
Going to Kathmandu solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.