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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

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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)

Map

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.

Amazing 1 Day Trekking Experience in Kathmandu Nepal

Amazing 1 Day Trekking Experience in Kathmandu Nepal

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Get up close and personal with Nepal's Geography, mountains and vibrant culture within a day while you are in Kathmandu. Experience one day trekking in Nepal, walk through virgin wild trails along south west of Kathmandu valley rim that most travelers miss. Look Himalayan panorama and Kathmandu city view with gentle guided 5 hrs hike through dense pine and rhododendron forest covering 15 km hike. You most be physically fit for this hike. Superb! you can see most of the mountains which are in Nepal including Mt. Everest and Annapurna from distant throughout the journey. Escape hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, meet hundreds of birds and wildlife along the trek. Cable car riding up to Chandragiri will be memorable. This is the most beautiful one day trekking experience in Nepal.

4.9 (22 reviews)

From $130 USD

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Experiences

Teaching at Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal
teaching

Teaching at Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal

Minimum 4 weeks

Nepal

$495/week

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Volunteer Teaching in Kathmandu, Nepal
teaching

Volunteer Teaching in Kathmandu, Nepal

Minimum 1 week

Nepal

$370/week

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Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal
adventure

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal

Minimum 4 weeks

Nepal

$615/week

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Poon Hill Trek in Nepal
adventure

Poon Hill Trek in Nepal

Minimum 1 week

Nepal

$1040/week

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Adventure Week in Nepal
adventure

Adventure Week in Nepal

Minimum 1 week

Nepal

$675/week

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Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal
adventure

Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal

Minimum 4 weeks

Nepal

$975/week

Learn More

Attractions

4.9 (48 reviews)
Life and spirituality tour of Kathmandu

Life and spirituality tour of Kathmandu

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The tour gives you a glimpse of the cultural life and spirituality of Nepal in general. Walk through the medieval town designed with principles of Vastu Sastra (science of architecture) and see the imprints of historical incidents in the architecture and culture. Visit Lalitpur (Patan), the city of fine art and find out why it is known as one of the oldest existing Buddhist cities in the world. Watch the Hindu ways of life from Karma (deeds) to Bhakti (devotion) at the temple complex of Pashupatinath. Learn about Hindu ascetics (Sadhu) and the philosophy behind cremation and reincarnation. Dishaphore the metaphoric Tantric erotism behind the cosmic consciousness, that is Shiva. Feel the 'Little Tibet in Kathmandu' at Boudhanath Stupa. Learn about Tibet and Himalayan lifestyle and feel the positive vibration with hundreds of pilgrims chanting 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. It will be egoistic to say that we know. But we guarantee the experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.

From $50 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Patan Tour - Half Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Patan Tour - Half Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu

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Nestled just south of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu is the city of Patan. Known as the city of art, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an incredible jewel. Once an independent kingdom, it features its own Durbar Square, ancient temples and the famed Patan Museum which features some of the finest examples of art in all of Nepal.  The Patan half-day tour arrives Patan Durbar Square in a private car. The small group tours feature a highly professional guide who can explain the unique culture, religion, and heritage of the city. Patan is also home to a large Buddhist community and there are many incredible stupas mixed in with Hindu art. It is about a 4-hours tour including both ways of transport time.

From $65 USD

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5.0 (51 reviews)
Kathmandu Tour: 2 or 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Day Tour

Kathmandu Tour: 2 or 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Day Tour

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Free Cancellation

Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage sites Tour takes you through the old gallis (alleys) of Patan Durbar Square where timeless wood and stone carvings of hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist idols greet you from every temple wall. You can admire the countless designs on wood carved windows and the architectural achievements of Newar craftsmen of centuries ago. The stone-carved Krishna temple is one of the most amazing craftsmanship in the old Malla palace and the row of pagoda temples enriching the Durbar Square is a sight to see. The Patan Durbar Square is beautiful and filled with rich culture and architecture. You can also visit Swayambhunath and Baudhanath where you can enjoy a blissful time away from the noise and chaos of the city. Spinning hundreds of prayer wheels that encircle the main domes and becoming a part of spiritual enchantments and prayers that take place in the evenings gives you a whole new experience.

From $40 USD

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5.0 (10 reviews)
Full Day Kathmandu Tour - 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Full Day Kathmandu Tour - 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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Kathmandu one day tour offers you a sprinkling of things to explore around Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu is a famous destination for historical and cultural exploration. During this one day tour, you will visit 5 of the UNESCO world heritage sites ( Swyambhunath Stupa, Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Basantapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square). You start your tour from Swyambhunath stupa famously known as Monkey temple. This temple is a perfect blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. After exploring chaityas and stupas for a while, we will take you to Patan Durbar Square, which is the ancient Palace with a visually stunning concentrated mass of temples of Newari Architecture. Then you head out to Boudhanath Stupa, with one of the oldest monument of Gautam Buddha which is said to be built around the 14th century. One of the major places to explore during the day is Pashupatinath temple which is a Hindu pilgrimage site. It is a temple complex which is the sprawling collection.

From $64 USD

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5.0 (36 reviews)
Explore Kathmandu in 2 Days: 5 UNESCO and Nagarkot Sunrise Tour

Explore Kathmandu in 2 Days: 5 UNESCO and Nagarkot Sunrise Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Kathmandu Valley UNESCO Tour takes you through the old gallis (alleys) of Patan Durbar Square where timeless wood and stone carvings of hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist idols greet you from every temple wall. You can admire the countless designs on wood carved windows and the architectural achievements of Newar craftsmen of centuries ago. The stone-carved Krishna temple is one of the most amazing craftsmanship in the old Malla palace and the row of pagoda temples enriching the Durbar Square is a sight to see. The Patan Durbar Square is beautiful and filled with rich culture and architecture. You can also visit Swayambhunath and Baudhanath where you can enjoy a blissful time away from the noise and chaos of the city. Nagarkot sunrise and Himalayas views trip offer you stunning views of Sunrise and Himalayas include Mt. Everest and other mountains. We can see nice views of Kathmandu Valley and Bhaktapur city. In Bhaktapur Durbar Square UNESCO Tour we observe more unique then others.

From $120 USD

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5.0 (9 reviews)
Full Day Kathmandu city tour

Full Day Kathmandu city tour

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Kathmandu Valley Tour: a guided sightseeing tour to ancient monumental and cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu in a just a day. Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition has designed this Kathmandu valley day trip package for those who have just a day in Kathmandu to explore its fascinating heritage sites. Kathmandu valley day tour is fully a guided trip to historical and cultural landmarks of Kathmandu where our experienced guides will take you around the city to explore these sites to gain in-depth knowledge about the history and culture of Nepal.

From $70 USD

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5.0 (36 reviews)
Full Day Kathmandu City Sightseeing Tour of UNESCO Heritage Sites

Full Day Kathmandu City Sightseeing Tour of UNESCO Heritage Sites

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Nepal is a country rich in culture and tradition. The best highlights of Kathmandu valley include the sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage. Dive deep into the cultural and spiritual richness of the city of temples. Let’s go on a full-day tour of Kath

From $50 USD

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4.8 (6 reviews)
Private Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Sites with Narayanhiti Museum

Private Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Sites with Narayanhiti Museum

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Free Cancellation

Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu in a taxi can be expensive however we are putting forth you a brilliant offer of getting a taxi to take you around the valley at very affordable price.

From $75 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Half Day Budget Tour to Patan Durbar Square

Half Day Budget Tour to Patan Durbar Square

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Enjoy a half-day tour in the town of Lalitpur, Patan. As it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal, you will find many preserved culture, art, tradition, and architecture all around you. It is one of the budgeted tours made especially for those with less time on their hands. Explore many temples like Golden temple, Krishna Mandir, including the whole Patan Durbar Square which also includes Patan Museum having tantric and Hindu symbolism in them.

From $70 USD

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