Login / Sign Up My booking

Kathmandu Travel Guide

Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and international gateway — UNESCO Valley heritage, living temples, Thamel services and the hub for buses and flights nationwide. M

Quick facts — Kathmandu

Province / regionBagmati Province
DistrictKathmandu
Elevation~1,400 m
Best seasonOctober–November and March–May. Monsoon is wet; winter foggy but good for city walks.
Suggested days2–4 days (+ day trips)
Best forFirst-timers, culture travellers, families, transit hub users
Entry / ticketsSeparate tickets per UNESCO site (verify NTB/gate rates; Durbar ~NPR 1000 foreign typical).
Budget tip Budget rooms Rs 1,500–2,500; mid-range Rs 3,500–8,000.
Typical travel timeLocal 20–90 min
From Kathmandu How to get there →

Explore Kathmandu

6Attractions 4Activities 8Tours 1Hotels 16Routes

Getting there from Kathmandu

Tribhuvan International Airport is the gateway. Taxis/apps for valley sites.

Travel timeLocal 20–90 min
Road conditionsCongested paved roads
Main modesTaxi · Valley bus · Walking
FlightsMain international + domestic hub
PermitsNone for city sightseeing; trek permits via licensed agencies.

Explore Kathmandu trips → Cab rentals

Travel references

Last researched: 23 July 2026. Always verify live road/flight status before travel.

Plan your Kathmandu trip

Budget calculator

Estimated trip budget Rs 25,300 1 traveller(s) · 3 day(s)
Stay / room / nightfrom Rs 3,500 × 1 room(s)
Food / person / dayfrom Rs 1,600
Paid activity / person from Rs 2,500
Depends on selected activity and operator.
Local travel / group / dayfrom Rs 2,500
Stay subtotalRs 10,500
Food subtotalRs 4,800
Activity subtotalRs 2,500
Local travel subtotalRs 7,500

Planning estimate for Kathmandu based on published Nepal tourist rates (2025–2026 guides). Hotel is per room (2 guests), food per person/day, local transport per group/day, paid activity once per traveller. Intercity buses/flights and permits are separate. Verify live prices before booking.

Kathmandu price references

Last researched: 17 July 2026. Rates are planning benchmarks, not live quotes.

Best time to visit

October–November and March–May. Monsoon is wet; winter foggy but good for city walks.

SeasonConditionsBest for
Oct–Nov Clear, mild days
Peak season; book early.		 Views, sightseeing, hikes
Dec–Feb Cool, dry; cold mornings
Pack warm layers.		 City walks, clear views
Mar–May Warm; spring blooms
Afternoon haze or storms possible.		 Hiking, outdoor activities
Jun–Sep Monsoon rain, humid
Allow road-delay buffer.		 Green landscapes, lower crowds

3-day Kathmandu itinerary

Day 1 Arrival & highlights
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Swayambhunath
  • Try: Momo
Day 2 Activities & local culture
  • Boudhanath
  • Pashupatinath
  • Heritage walks
Day 3 Scenic side trip
  • Thamel
  • Patan day trip
  • Optional side trip: Patan

History & culture — Kathmandu

Malla-era capitals later unified under the Shah dynasty (1768). The valley remains Nepal’s political, cultural and aviation hub despite earthquakes and rapid urban growth.

Overview of Kathmandu

Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and international gateway — UNESCO Valley heritage, living temples, Thamel services and the hub for buses and flights nationwide. Most Nepal trips start and end here.

Best time to visit

October–November and March–May. Monsoon is wet; winter foggy but good for city walks.

Top attractions in Kathmandu

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Swayambhunath
  • Boudhanath
  • Pashupatinath
  • Thamel
  • Patan day trip
  • Garden of Dreams
  • Asan bazaar
  • Narayanhiti Museum
  • Changu Narayan

Hotels in Kathmandu

Book partner-verified hotels and guest houses in Kathmandu. Compare live hotel prices on Lokrio. Filter by area, budget and room type before you pay.

See hotels in Kathmandu →

Permits & practical notes

None for city sightseeing; trek permits via licensed agencies.

Nearby attractions

  • Patan
  • Bhaktapur
  • Nagarkot
  • Chandragiri Hills
  • Shivapuri National Park
  • Dhulikhel
  • Pokhara

Hotels in Kathmandu

Top attractions

Nearby destinations

Local foods — must try in Kathmandu

  • Momo
  • Dal bhat
  • Newari khaja
  • Thukpa
  • Sel roti

Local tips

  • Separate tickets per site
  • Modest dress at temples
  • Buffer flights
  • Use ride apps

Tribhuvan International Airport is the gateway. Taxis/apps for valley sites.

Frequently asked questions — Kathmandu

What is Kathmandu famous for?

Malla-era capitals later unified under the Shah dynasty (1768). The valley remains Nepal’s political, cultural and aviation hub despite earthquakes and rapid urban growth.

When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?

October–November and March–May. Monsoon is wet; winter foggy but good for city walks.

How do I reach Kathmandu from Kathmandu?

Tribhuvan International Airport is the gateway. Taxis/apps for valley sites. Typical time: Local 20–90 min.

How much do hotels cost in Kathmandu?

Hotel prices in Kathmandu vary by season and area. Compare live rates on Lokrio before booking.

Can I book Kathmandu hotels and buses on the same site?

Yes. Lokrio lets you book bus tickets, hotels, holiday packages and cabs from one Nepal travel desk.

Is Kathmandu good for a weekend trip?

Many travellers visit Kathmandu for 1–3 nights. Book return transport early on weekends and holidays.

Do I need a guide in Kathmandu?

City sightseeing is often self-guided. For national parks, treks or remote areas, use licensed local guides and permits where required.

What should I pack for Kathmandu?

Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a light jacket for evenings, and copies of your e-tickets. Hill and mountain areas need warmer layers.

Are there ATMs and payments in Kathmandu?

Major tourist towns have ATMs and card acceptance, but carry some cash. On Lokrio you can pay online before you travel.

How do I book a cab in Kathmandu?

Use Lokrio cab rentals for airport transfers and intercity hire, or ask your hotel for local taxis.

What food is popular near Kathmandu?

Expect Nepali dal-bhat, momo, Newari or Tharu dishes depending on the region, plus tourist cafes in main hubs.

Is Kathmandu safe for tourists?

Tourist areas are generally welcoming. Use normal travel caution, licensed operators, and keep valuables secure.

What is the road condition from Kathmandu to Kathmandu?

Congested paved roads

How long does Kathmandu to Kathmandu take?

Local 20–90 min

Do I need permits for Kathmandu?

None for city sightseeing; trek permits via licensed agencies.

What is the best time to visit Kathmandu?

October–November and March–May. Monsoon is wet; winter foggy but good for city walks.

How much budget do I need for Kathmandu?

A mid-range planning estimate is around Rs 8,434 per person per day for stay, food, local travel and one paid activity tier — excluding intercity transport, flights and permits.

How many days are enough for Kathmandu?

Two to three days suit the main highlights in Kathmandu; add extra days for nearby trips, trekking or weather delays.