Kathmandu: A Best Travel Guide to Everything in the Capital City of Nepal

Nepal Tourism: A Comprehensible Kathmandu Travel Guide

Published: 29 Apr, 2019By

Kathmandu is the lifeline of Nepal, and this cannot be ruled out. The thriving capital city is in fact a perfect reflection of the country, and thus, have a plethora of authentic Nepal experiences to offer. The city alone has four out of ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal, and two around it. There are some stunning Buddhist stupas; one of the most important Hindu shrines in the world; some great markets for shopping, and plenty of restaurants and cafes to hangout at. It is suitable to say if you have limited time to explore Nepal, Kathmandu is the quintessential travel destination. Here’s the Kathmandu travel guide that’ll help you explore the capital city better.

How to Reach?

Nepal Airlines

Kathmandu is well-connected by air and has two airports – International and Domestic. From India and China, Kathmandu can be reached by road as well. There are bus services between Lhasa and Kathmandu. Since India fringes Nepal from three sides, there are a number of ways to reach Kathmandu by road from the country.

Transportation in the City- There are three ways to travel within the city:

  • Taxi: The most convenient way to travel around Kathmandu, is taking a cab. The rates are around NPR 45/Km but you always have to bargain.
  • Bus: This will be the cheapest way to visit any place in and around Kathmandu. Usually the buses will be crammed by the local people and have no air-conditioning. But they offer an amazing travel experience. The rates are around NPR 20 – 50/ person depending how far you have to go.
  • Micro bus: These accommodate around 10 people and are a decent way of commuting within the city. The fares usually start from NPR 10/person.
  • Airport to Thamel Taxi Fare: NPR 500 – 700 (current rate)

    What You Need to Know

    • Time Required to Explore Kathmandu: 2-4 Days on an average
    • Best Time to Visit Kathmandu: It can be visited any time of the year, however, late September to November is a peak tourist season.

    Accommodation

    Top Waterfront

    You will never have to worry about where to stay in Kathmandu. Being the capital city and a thriving hub of tourists, Kathmandu is replete with places to stay ranging from budget hotels to hostels, from luxury accommodations to homestays.

    Thamel is the most popular staying options in Kathmandu for tourists. It is a market area which is crammed with usually budget to mid-range hotels. Golkupakha is another place where you can book your hotel or hostel in Kathmandu. Homestays can be found at different places in the city, so can be the high-end hotels. On an average the accommodation in Kathmandu ranges from $7 to $300.

    What to See in Kathmandu?

    What to See in Kathmandu

    Kathmandu like any Asian destination’s capital, offers a melange of modern and traditional world. Therefore, you have a good chance to witness the best of Nepal in Kathmandu. In a nutshell, Kathmandu is dotted with Buddhist religious sites, Hindu temples, markets, monuments, and casinos. Let me categorize the top places to visit in Kathmandu for your ease.

    Monuments in Kathmandu:

    • Kathmandu Durbar Square
    • Hanuman Dhoka

    Hindu Temples in Kathmandu:

    • Pashupatinath
    • Dakshinkali Temple
    • Guhyeshwari Temple
    • Jagannath Temple
    • Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
    • Kasthamandapa

    Buddhist Sites in Kathmandu:

    Markets:

    • Thamel
    • Asan Tole

    Other Attractions:

    • Freak Street
    • Garden of Dreams
    • Casinos

    What to Do in Kathmandu?

    Kumari Manita Shakya, Nepal

    You have plenty to keep you engaged in Kathmandu apart from the sightseeing places. The capital city is a brilliant hub for food lovers, culture aficionados as well as fitness buffs. Apart from this, the city has several other experiences to relish and make the most of a holiday in Nepal. Here are some of the top things to do in Kathmandu.

    • Seek the Blessings of the Living Goddess Kumari
    • Relish the Food & Culinary
    • Buy Traditional Crafts
    • Practice Yoga & Meditation
    • Experience Ayurveda Treatments
    • Explore the Backstreets
    • Take a Class or Workshop
    • Take a Mountain Flight to Everest

    Where and What to Eat in Kathmandu

    Newari Food, Nepal

    You’re going to love food in Nepal, everywhere you go, and Kathmandu is no exception. In fact, there are more places to choose where and what to eat in Kathmandu. One has options ranging from local cuisine to international cuisines to try like Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese etc. Here are some of the top dishes to eat in Kathmandu and a comprehensive list of where to eat in the city.

    Dishes to Try in Kathmandu:

    • Momos
    • Choila
    • Pakora
    • Samosa
    • Thukpa
    • Nepali Thali
    • Dal Bhat

    Top Places to Eat in Kathmandu

    Places to Eat in Kathmandu

    Fine Dining:

    • Krishnarpan Restaurant
    • Toran Restaurant
    • The Old House
    • The Chimney Restaurant

    Local Cuisine:

    • Fusion Himalaya Restaurant
    • Blueberry Kitchen & Coffee Shop
    • Nirvana Cafe & Restaurant
    • Melrose Restaurant & Bar

    Moderately Priced:

    • Ichiban Japanese Restaurant
    • Forest and Plate
    • Kathmandu Steak House Restaurant
    • Cafe Mitra Restaurant & Bar
    • The Northfield Cafe
    • La Dolce Vita

    Cheap Eats:

    • White House Kitchen
    • Paleti Bhanchha Ghar Restaurant
    • Yala Cafe
    • Hity Cafe
    • Yangling in Thamel
    • Tip Top Samosas
    • Kathmandu Durbar Square Lassi Shop
    • Chicken Station
    • Thamel Doner Kebab
    • Food Bazar

    Cafes:

    • OR2K
    • Roadhouse Cafe
    • Mo:Mola Palpasa Coffee
    • Sum Cafe
    • Pumpernickel Bakery
    • Teafresho
    • Espresso Bar
    • Coffee To Go
    • Cafe Kaldi
    • New Orleans Cafe

    Places to Visit around Kathmandu

    Nagarkot Valley Nepal

    The entire Kathmandu Valley has so much on offer for a tourist right from culture to history to nature that one can be spoilt for choice. Some of the top places to visit that are situated at a short distance away, and thus can be enjoyed visiting in a day-trip from Kathmandu. Here are some must-see places around Kathmandu.

    • Bhaktapur – 15 km away
    • Patan – 7 km away
    • Nagarkot – 32 km away
    • Chisapani – 27 km away
    • Dhulikhel – 30 km away
    • Nama Buddha – 40 km away
    • Kakani – 24 km away
    • Kulekhani – 47 km away
    • Lakuri Bhanjyang – 15 km away

    Hope this blog has answered all your questions about visiting Kathmandu. However, we believe, each experience is different, and thus, when you are visiting Kathmandu, we would like you to have your own way of exploring it. Use this travel guide for basic guidance, and then create a travel itinerary on your own accord.

    However, for Kathmandu/Nepal tour packages, you can seek our help as we design some really amazing holiday packages. Call us at +919212553108 or drop us an email at info@tourmyindia.com.

Tags: Asia Nepal Tours

About the author

Nidhi Singh

From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.

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