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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.

Nagarkot Sunrise & Bhaktapur Heritage Tour -Private Full Day Trip

Nagarkot Sunrise & Bhaktapur Heritage Tour -Private Full Day Trip

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Escape the city and start your day with a breathtaking sunrise from the hilltop village of Nagarkot, one of the best spots near Kathmandu to catch views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest (on clear days). After soaking in the scenic beauty and enjoying a warm tea or breakfast with panoramic mountain views, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur—a perfectly preserved medieval city rich in culture, architecture and history. Stroll through the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, admire ancient temples, see traditional Newari architecture, and explore pottery squares and hidden courtyards. With a private guide and vehicle, this tour offers flexibility, personal attention and a stress-free way to discover two of the Kathmandu Valley’s most iconic highlights in a single day.

4.2 (42 reviews)

From $60 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 (22 reviews)
Amazing 1 Day Trekking Experience in Kathmandu Nepal

Amazing 1 Day Trekking Experience in Kathmandu Nepal

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

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.

From $130 USD

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5.0 (7 reviews)
Ranikot Village Hiking in Kathmandu

Ranikot Village Hiking in Kathmandu

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

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)
Kathmandu: Champadevi Hiking Day Tour

Kathmandu: Champadevi Hiking Day Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Join this 6-hour private day trip to hike Champadevi, located to the south of Kathmandu Valley. The highest altitude is 2285 meters above sea-level and commands spectacular panorama of the valley, including its surrounding mountains. Champadevi is also the religious site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. During the full moon, thousands of pilgrimages make their journey to Chamapdevi to make an offering to the Goddess.

From $60 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Day Hike from Kathmandu

Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Day Hike from Kathmandu

INSTANT

Kathmandu Day Hiking is hiking from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel. Nagarkot and Dhulikhel are two most popular Himalayan viewpoints. In a clear day, one can witness great Himalayan panorama that includes Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, Everest range and Numbur range from Nagarkot. Nagarkot is just 30 km from Kathmandu and takes about an hour drive. The hill-station is at 2,195 meters elevation. Like wise, Dhulikhel offers spectacular Himalayan panorama. These include Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang, Mt. Phuribichyachu, Mt. Gaurishanker, Mt. Lhotse and many others. Dhulikhel is a nature's paradise where the medieval town of Dhulikhel is also located. One can notice age-old culture and tradition in this town with old houses, streets, temples.

From $80 USD

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4.4 (5 reviews)
Rafting in Nepal: Trishuli, Bhotekoshi & Other River Rafting

Rafting in Nepal: Trishuli, Bhotekoshi & Other River Rafting

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Experience epic Trishuli or Bhotekoshi rafting with us! Experience the thrill of rafting in Nepal with our exciting offerings on the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi rivers. We provide flexible transportation options, including both private and shared vehicles, to accommodate your preferences. Our adventure begins with hotel pick-up in Kathmandu, followed by a scenic drive to your chosen rafting spot. On the Trishuli River, enjoy moderate rapids ideal for beginners and seasoned rafters alike, while the Bhote Koshi River offers a more intense experience with challenging Class rapids. After an exhilarating day on the water, a delicious riverside lunch awaits before we return you to Kathmandu, dropping you back at your hotel. Book your perfect option (spot and transportation) to find the perfect rafting experience for you!

From $90 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
A day hike from Kathmandu to Bagadwaar

A day hike from Kathmandu to Bagadwaar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

A Day hike from Kathmandu to Bagdwara is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu offering jaw dropping panaromic view of Himalayas. This is a refreshing gentle hike in the healthy lush damp green forest taking you through Nagi Gompa, Budhanilkantha, Shivapuri and bagdwara who are in Kathmandu for a day or 2. This forest houses 19 species of wildlife like Himalayan black bear, leopard, barking deer, wild boar, wild cat and monkeys along with 177 species of birds : Bird watchers’ paradise. This is like the Kingdom of Clouds! Staying there for a sec to turn the beautiful scenery into unforgettable pictures is inspring. Bagdwar, the origin of sacred Bagmati River, where the water comes out of a tiger-shaped spout at altitude of 2732m, our ultimate destination. You will enjoy the view of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal and Jugal himals in the north and Manaslu Himal in the south from the second highest hill around the valley : the Shivapuri hill.

From $120 USD

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5.0 (34 reviews)
Kathmandu and Bhaktapur Cities Guided Tour

Kathmandu and Bhaktapur Cities Guided Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This trip is designed in such a way that it helps travelers to explore the local lifestyle of people in Kathmandu Valley including one of the most visited UNESCO enlisted heritage sites and the rest of all the equally interesting but less explored sites of Kathmandu & Bhaktapur city. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest Stupas in South Asia. The giant Stupa is a gateway to heaven serving as a horizon between the earth and sky. The eyes of Buddha painted on Stupa are diversely described as mysterious, impassive, empathy & shrewd. Nawatan Dham, a less explored site but rich in cultural value is a holy shrine of Hindus. Nagadesh is an old city in Bhaktapur that holds ancient values. Shankha Statue park is in the old city Patan, at the bank of Bagmati river. It is a peaceful & fun place to visit. We make sure that who picks this short trip, will not only explore the sites but also learn the culture, lifestyle of people & other shades & sides of Kathmandu & Bhaktapur. Enjoy the trip!

From $100 USD

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5.0 (7 reviews)
Cultural tour in Kathmandu

Cultural tour in Kathmandu

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This trip to the UNESCO listed cultural heritage site Patan and Kathmandu Durbar Square​ will offer you a deeper understanding of the historical development of arts and architecture. The grand Stupa of Swayambhunath along with many monasteries will surely enlighten you spiritually, giving you a glimpse of inner peace and harmony that can be obtained by learning how to be present and accept life as it unfolds. Fusing Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Tibetan culture and the diverse practices of dozens of castes, Nepal is simply one of the most culturally diverse places on earth.

From $103 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Hiking in Kathmandu

Hiking in Kathmandu

INSTANT

The Kathmandu 1-day Hiking Tour is for those who want to enjoy a brilliant walk in the outskirts of the valley. The hiking tour allows its participants to enjoy the beautiful green forests, meadows, and farmlands which are abundant in the outskirts of the valley and also discover the culture and customs of the Nepalese people along the way. Jamacho Day Hike, as the name suggests, can be done in one day. Jamacho day hike is one of the popular short hikes in Nepal. At the top of a hill in Shivapuri National Park, there is a Buddhist shrine called Jamacho Gumba. A view tower stands there which offers a bird’s-eye view of the Kathmandu valley and on a clear day you can see the magnificent Himalayas in the north. And on a smaller hill below you can see Swayambhunath aka the Monkey Temple. It is also a great way to enjoy the distant views of the mountains in a very quaint setting.

From $107 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Kathmandu Paragliding

Kathmandu Paragliding

INSTANT

Paragliding in Kathmandu is a new adventure sport for enthusiast adventures. This trip is carried out experienced international pilots where we experience the thrill and exuberance of flying over beautiful Kathmandu valley surrounded by glorious mountain range with breathtaking topographical view from the top (2100m).

From $250 USD

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