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Picture of Kathmandu, Nepal

Travel Guide for
Kathmandu

Nepal

Subtropical highland, mild winters

Introduction

Kathmandu, nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by the Himalayan foothills, is Nepal’s vibrant capital and cultural heart. With a history spanning thousands of years, the city is dotted with colorful temples, ancient palaces, and UNESCO sites like Durbar Square and Swayambhunath.

Visiting in mid-October means enjoying comfortable, dry weather with clear blue skies—perfect for both sightseeing and setting up your laptop at a sunny café. Kathmandu’s lively coffeehouses, affordable guesthouses, and fast-growing coworking spaces make it ideal for digital nomads seeking inspiration and connection. Don’t miss the lively markets, warm local hospitality, and the chance to hike or cycle just outside the city.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates17-24 October 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomysightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresvolunteeringnightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Kathmandu, Nepal

Key Facts

Location

Bagmati Province, Central Nepal

Currency

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Religion

Hinduism

Population

1,500,000

Language

Nepali, Newari, English

Electricity

230V, 50 Hz, Types C/D/M

Time zone

UTCNPT (UTC+5.75)

Country code

+977

Internet access

Broadband, 4G widespread, affordable

Climate

Subtropical highland, mild winters

See More Nepal Facts

Language:

Nepali

  • hello

    नमस्ते (na-mas-te)

  • goodbye

    विदाई (bi-da-ee)

  • yes

    हो (ho)

  • no

    होइन (hoi-na)

  • how much

    कति पर्छ? (ka-ti par-chha)

  • please

    कृपया (kri-pa-ya)

  • thank you

    धन्यवाद (dha-nya-baad)

  • excuse me

    माफ गर्नुहोस् (maf gar-nu-hos)

Logistics

Kathmandu is most easily reached by air, with Tribhuvan International Airport serving direct flights from Asia, the Middle East, and some European cities. For digital nomads on an average budget, it’s best to book in advance and consider budget airlines with stopovers in hubs like Delhi or Bangkok. Overland travel via buses from India is also possible, though slower and less comfortable.

There are no trains or boats directly to Kathmandu. From October 17 to 24, weather is usually pleasant and dry, making travel easier, though airport delays can sometimes occur due to air traffic or Kathmandu’s valley fog. Upon arrival, budget taxis and shuttle buses offer easy transfers to the city center and coworking spaces.

Weather

Kathmandu experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (May–August) are warm and humid, brought by the monsoon, while winters (December–February) are cool and relatively dry. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, making them the best times to visit.

From October 17 to October 24, Kathmandu enjoys mild, sunny days and cool nights, with daytime highs around 22°C (72°F) and lows near 10°C (50°F). Heavy rainfall or extreme weather is unlikely during this period. This is a popular time for sightseeing, cultural festivals, and outdoor adventures.

Food & Drink

Kathmandu’s cuisine is flavorful and diverse, with must-try dishes like momos (dumplings), dal bhat (lentil soup, rice, and curry), and sel roti (rice doughnut). Local tea (chai) and the famous Nepali beer are popular drinks. For vegetarian and vegan travelers, there are plenty of options, especially in Thamel.

Great places to eat include OR2K, a popular vegetarian spot, and Places Restaurant & Bar, both in Thamel. For authentic momo, try Momo Hut or Yangling. Coffee lovers will enjoy Himalayan Java, while Social Café is a favorite for coworking and casual bites.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving around 5-10% is common. During festivals, some places may offer special menus, and tap water is not safe to drink—choose bottled or filtered water.

A picture of Momos

Momos

Momos are Nepali style dumplings with various fillings such as meat, vegetables, or cheese, and are served with...

A picture of Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is a traditional Nepali meal consisting of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and a variety of...

A picture of Sel Roti

Sel Roti

Sel Roti is a traditional ring-shaped rice flour bread that's deep-fried until it's crispy on the outside and...

A picture of Yomari

Yomari

Yomari is a special Nepali sweet dumpling made of rice flour dough filled with a mixture of sweetened...

A picture of Chatamari

Chatamari

Chatamari, also known as Nepali pizza, is a rice flour crepe topped with various ingredients such as minced...

Accommodation

For digital nomads on an average budget, Thamel is the go-to neighborhood, packed with reliable Wi-Fi, cafés, and mid-range hotels. Popular options like Hotel Mulberry and Oasis Kathmandu Hotel blend comfort with convenience, offering work-friendly spaces. Nearby, the quieter Lazimpat area features boutique picks such as Hotel Ambassador and Kantipur Village Hotel.

For bookings, sites like Booking.com and Agoda offer competitive rates and guest reviews. During October 17–24, Kathmandu celebrates Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival. Book your hotel in advance, as spots fill quickly and prices may rise. Wherever you stay, check reviews for workspace suitability and Wi-Fi reliability to ensure a productive trip.

Itinerary

Ease into the Kathmandu rhythm by exploring local neighborhoods, sampling Nepali cuisine, and soaking in the first impressions of its vibrant urban atmosphere.

Stroll Through Thamel District

Begin your Kathmandu adventure with a leisurely walk through the lively Thamel neighborhood. This tourist-friendly area is filled with colorful shops, cafes, and street vendors. It’s the perfect place to get a feel for the local energy and browse for unique souvenirs.

Sample Momos at a Local Eatery

Treat yourself to Kathmandu’s iconic street food—momos! Try these delicious Nepali dumplings at a local eatery, like Yangling Tibetan Restaurant, to get an authentic taste and learn about Nepal’s food culture. Vegetarian and meat options abound.

Sundowner at Garden of Dreams

Unwind from your travels at the serene Garden of Dreams, an oasis in the heart of the city. Appreciate its historic architecture and lush gardens, then relax with tea or a light drink at the Kaiser Cafe inside the compound.

Kathmandu: Paragliding near Kathmandu

Kathmandu: Paragliding near Kathmandu

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Paragliding in Kathmandu offers a unique bend of thrill and tranquility, giving you a bird's-eye view of the captivating landscape. Departing from sites like Shankarapur or othe nearby hills, you'll experience a smooth take off and a gradual ascent that reveals the sprawling Kathmandu Valley below. You'll experience a smooth take off and a gradual ascent that reveals the sprawling Kathmandu Valley below. As you glide through the sky, the contrasting views of the bustling city against the backdrop of lush greenery and distant snow-capped peaks create a mesmerizing experience. The well-regulated flights, conducted by skilled instructors, ensure safety and comfort while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serenity and awe-inspiring beauty of Nepal's high altitude scenery. The gentle thermals and favorable wind conditions make this an accessible and memorable adventure for all levels of enthusiasts.

5.0 (1 reviews)

From $150 USD

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Attractions

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Kathmandu: Paragliding near Kathmandu

Kathmandu: Paragliding near Kathmandu

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Free Cancellation

Paragliding in Kathmandu offers a unique bend of thrill and tranquility, giving you a bird's-eye view of the captivating landscape. Departing from sites like Shankarapur or othe nearby hills, you'll experience a smooth take off and a gradual ascent that reveals the sprawling Kathmandu Valley below. You'll experience a smooth take off and a gradual ascent that reveals the sprawling Kathmandu Valley below. As you glide through the sky, the contrasting views of the bustling city against the backdrop of lush greenery and distant snow-capped peaks create a mesmerizing experience. The well-regulated flights, conducted by skilled instructors, ensure safety and comfort while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serenity and awe-inspiring beauty of Nepal's high altitude scenery. The gentle thermals and favorable wind conditions make this an accessible and memorable adventure for all levels of enthusiasts.

From $150 USD

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5.0 (7 reviews)
Ranikot Village Hiking in Kathmandu

Ranikot Village Hiking in Kathmandu

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Ranikot Village Day Hiking will give you the experience of jungle walk with birds creeping, excellent view of Kathmandu Valley in the bottom of Himalayas, village lifestyle of local people, enjoying with a glance, old city of Kathmandu Panauti in one day. As a result, you experience more than you expect in one day tour. Ranikot Village Day Hiking gives you as unwatchable chance to experience the Real Village Hiking. With not going far away from the Kathmandu. Come and enjoy a day hike of Ranikot Village in your spare day in Kathmandu.

From $59 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Explore Kathmandu with local guide

Explore Kathmandu with local guide

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Join us for a truly unique and unforgettable tour, where every step unveils the mysteries of Kathmandu's heritage and spirituality. Meet the Living Goddess, Kumari, a true Kathmandu gem, chosen after a rigorous process from the Newar community, believed to embody the goddess Taleju herself. Embark on a unique adventure from Asan Bazaar, and discover the historical treasures around the area. The travelers willl also get to watch monkeys roam freely as you ascend to the stunning stupa, crowned with Buddha's all-seeing eyes, radiating wisdom and compassion.

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Explore Kathmandu with Local Guide

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we wish our Guests could explore everything even smaller. Many travelers visit this major Sightseeing Place in Kathmandu. But very few people notice the small place inside UNESCO Heritage site.

From $63 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Kathmandu Day Tour

Kathmandu Day Tour

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

The Kathmandu day tour includes a visit to the Kathmandu Durbar squire, Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, and Pasupatinath Temple, our day tour starts at 9:00 to 9:30 am in the morning from the hotel after having breakfast at the hotel and complete about at 4:00 pm and we will drop you at your hotel after the tour.

From $60 USD

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4.8 (5 reviews)
Kathmandu introductory tour, a typical day trip in Kathmandu

Kathmandu introductory tour, a typical day trip in Kathmandu

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The best tour by reliable operator with experienced guide to know the major highlights of Kathmandu. All the places of Visit are listed in world heritage site by UNESCO. We provide well maintained air conditioned car for your comfortable tour.

From $50 USD

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Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Tour

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Experience the history, culture and world heritage sites of Kathmandu valley in this tour. You will be guided by an experienced professional government licensed tour guide.

From $55 USD

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