Capital city in Bagmati Province, Nepal
Can you drink tap water in Kathmandu?
Can you drink the tap water in Kathmandu?
Don't drink the tap water. Don't drink tap water or ice from unknown sources. Use refill stations, filters or sealed bottles.
Key facts
- In Kathmandu: Don't drink tap water or ice from unknown sources. Use refill stations, filters or sealed bottles.
- Across Nepal: Don't drink tap water. Use refill stations or purification tablets; popular trekking routes have safe-water stations that cut plastic bottles.
- Safely managed drinking water: 16% of people in Nepal (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water across Nepal
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Kathmandu?
Don't drink the tap water. Don't drink tap water or ice from unknown sources. Use refill stations, filters or sealed bottles.
Can you drink tap water in Nepal?
Don't drink tap water. Use refill stations or purification tablets; popular trekking routes have safe-water stations that cut plastic bottles.
More about Kathmandu
Going to Kathmandu solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kathmandu meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
- CDC: food and water safety for travelers
- Nepal Tourism Board
- Nepal Immigration (arrival form)
- Tribhuvan International Airport
- CIWEC Hospital
Verdicts reflect official utility statements and what locals actually do. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.