Kathmandu
Essentials
The answers you need first
Best for
Newar heritage, Hindu and Buddhist sacred sites, food, museums and trekking preparation
Ideal stay
3–4 full days
Main airport
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Main transport
Taxis, ride-hailing, hired cars and walking within individual heritage areas
Emergency
Police 100; Tourist Police support is available
Currency
Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Main languages
Nepali and Nepal Bhasa; English is common in tourism
City layout
Dense Kathmandu core within a wider valley of historic towns and sacred sites
01
Is Kathmandu right for your trip?
Kathmandu is a dense, rewarding gateway where sacred sites, Newar urban culture and trekking logistics overlap.
The city is intense but deserves more than an arrival night.
Patan and Bhaktapur add essential context to the wider Kathmandu Valley.
- Allow three or four full days.
- Explore beyond Thamel.
- Expect traffic and dust.
- Use the valley as a cultural destination.
02
When should you visit?
Autumn and spring usually offer the easiest balance of weather and visibility, while winter mornings are cool and monsoon travel is wetter.
Season affects mountain views but not the value of temples, museums and neighbourhoods.
Major religious festivals can transform access and traffic.
- Start heritage walks early.
- Check air quality.
- Carry rain protection in monsoon.
- Expect festival closures and crowds.
03
How do you get from KTM airport?
Tribhuvan International Airport is close to the city on a map, but traffic and terminal congestion make transfer times unpredictable.
Your accommodation can arrange a pickup for a late arrival.
Domestic and international terminals are separate, so confirm the correct meeting point.
- Use a prepaid or trusted taxi.
- Confirm the hotel address.
- Avoid unlicensed approaches.
- Keep small cash available.
04
Where should you stay?
Thamel, Patan and Boudha offer distinct balances of convenience, heritage, calm and evening atmosphere.
Central Kathmandu traffic can erase small distance advantages.
Choose the district that matches most of your planned days.
- Thamel for trekking services and nightlife.
- Patan for Newar heritage.
- Boudha for a calmer spiritual setting.
- Check lane access and construction.
05
How do you move around?
Walking works within each heritage zone, while taxis or hired cars are practical between districts and valley towns.
Public buses are inexpensive but can be difficult for first-time visitors.
A driver is useful for a full valley day, but walking guides reveal more detail.
- Agree or confirm the fare.
- Use trusted ride services.
- Allow traffic buffers.
- Avoid crossing major roads casually.
06
How should you visit Kathmandu Durbar Square?
The palace complex and surrounding courtyards reveal centuries of Newar architecture, royal history and living worship.
Earthquake restoration continues to shape routes and views.
Explore nearby lanes rather than treating the square as an isolated monument.
- Buy tickets at the official counter.
- Check restoration access.
- Use a heritage guide.
- Respect active shrines.
07
What should you know about Swayambhunath?
The hilltop stupa combines Buddhist and Hindu traditions with broad valley views.
Monkeys can bite and should not be fed.
Prayer wheels, shrines and rituals deserve space and respectful photography.
- Walk clockwise around sacred structures.
- Watch belongings around monkeys.
- Use the road entrance if stairs are difficult.
- Visit early.
08
Why visit Boudhanath?
Boudhanath is one of the valley's great Buddhist centres, especially atmospheric during morning and evening kora.
The surrounding area supports monasteries and Tibetan cultural life.
A local guide can explain symbolism without interrupting practice.
- Walk clockwise.
- Keep voices low.
- Use rooftop cafes respectfully.
- Avoid blocking worshippers.
09
How should you approach Pashupatinath?
Pashupatinath is a major living Hindu sacred complex and cremation site, requiring restraint and sensitivity.
Some areas are closed to non-Hindus, though external viewpoints are available.
Avoid guides or spectators who turn grief into spectacle.
- Follow entry restrictions.
- Dress modestly.
- Do not intrude on funerals.
- Ask before photography.
10
Is Patan worth a separate day?
Patan's Durbar Square, museum, courtyards and craft traditions make it one of the valley's strongest cultural days.
The historic core is compact and more walkable than central Kathmandu.
Current museum and monument hours should be checked directly.
- Allow at least half a day.
- Prioritise Patan Museum.
- Explore side courtyards.
- Consider staying overnight.
11
How should you plan Bhaktapur?
Bhaktapur rewards a slow day among palace squares, pottery lanes, temples and Newar neighbourhoods.
A night in the old city offers quieter streets.
Combine it carefully with other stops rather than rushing three valley cities in one day.
- Arrive early.
- Carry the entry ticket.
- Stay into late afternoon.
- Respect residential courtyards.
12
What should you eat?
Kathmandu is ideal for Newari cuisine, momos, dal bhat, Tibetan dishes and contemporary Nepali restaurants.
Buff meat and fermented flavours are common in Newari cooking.
Food tours should emphasise hygiene and locally owned businesses.
- Try a reputable Newari set meal.
- Choose busy momo shops.
- Drink treated water.
- State allergies clearly.
13
What is worth buying?
Textiles, metalwork, woodcarving, paper and contemporary Nepali design are stronger choices than generic souvenirs.
Antiques and sacred objects may face export restrictions.
Do not assume every item labelled handmade was produced locally.
- Use fair-trade or specialist shops.
- Ask about material origin.
- Avoid wildlife products.
- Keep receipts for valuable items.
14
How should you prepare for a trek in Kathmandu?
Use registered agencies and verify permits, guide credentials, insurance and equipment before leaving the valley.
A low price can conceal weak staff insurance or inadequate safety planning.
Allow a day for final preparation rather than arriving and departing immediately.
- Confirm the exact route.
- Review TIMS and permits.
- Rent gear only after inspection.
- Keep copies of contracts and contacts.
15
How do money and payments work?
ATMs and card acceptance are strongest in Kathmandu, but cash remains important for markets, taxis and smaller venues.
Power or network issues can interrupt payments.
Keep an emergency reserve in a separate secure place.
- Use bank-linked ATMs.
- Carry small notes.
- Notify your bank.
- Withdraw before trekking.
16
How do pollution and altitude affect the visit?
Kathmandu's elevation is moderate, but dust and seasonal air pollution can still affect breathing and energy.
Travellers with respiratory conditions should seek personalised medical advice.
Clear mornings are often best for outdoor viewpoints.
- Check daily air quality.
- Use a well-fitting mask when needed.
- Choose accommodation away from major roads.
- Hydrate and rest after arrival.
17
What etiquette matters?
Sacred sites are woven into everyday life, so quiet observation and place-specific rules matter.
Photography restrictions differ between temple interiors and courtyards.
Follow local signs and worshippers' space.
- Remove shoes where requested.
- Walk clockwise around stupas.
- Do not touch offerings.
- Ask before portraits.
- Avoid public displays of anger.
18
How do you stay safe?
Traffic, poor pavements, petty theft, scams and animal bites are the main practical concerns.
Earthquake readiness is worth discussing with your hotel.
Tourist Police can assist visitors with reports and support.
- Use trusted transport.
- Secure phones and bags.
- Avoid walking isolated lanes late.
- Do not feed monkeys or dogs.
- Keep insurance details offline.
19
What should you confirm before arrival?
Confirm the airport pickup, district, heritage hours, trekking paperwork and flexible transport time.
Keep the arrival day light.
Recheck local transport and official updates close to travel.
- KTM meeting point.
- Exact hotel pin.
- Museum and monument hours.
- Permit plan.
- Air-quality protection.
- Offline cash and documents.
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