City Guide

Kathmandu Travel Guide

Nepal

5.0M
Population
$117
Daily Budget
70
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

Interactive Map

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Top Picks
Free Entry
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Plan your arrival in Kathmandu

Arriving

  • Tribhuvan International Airport · 6 kmTaxi and Bus

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G · good
  • NetworksNepal Telecom and Ncell
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day
  • Weak signalCertain rural areas outside the city
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Useful apps

  • TransportCity Bus App
  • Food deliveryFoodmandu
  • AttractionsVisit Nepal App

Top Attractions

1
Swayambhunath Stupa
An ancient religious complex atop a hill.
2h $1
2
Pashupatinath Temple
A sacred Hindu temple complex along the Bagmati River.
2h $10

Best Areas to Stay

Thamel
Vibrant area known for shopping and dining.
TouristsNightlife

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Remove shoes when entering temples.
Common Mistakes
  • Underestimating travel time
  • Not bargaining at markets

Food & Drink

Must Try:Dal Bhat, Momo
Vegetarian:High
Tap Water:Unsafe
Newars KitchenThamel House Restaurant

Getting Around

Public Transport:Fair
Walkability:70/100
Bus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Warmest monthJun30°C average high
Coolest monthJan3°C average low
Wettest monthJul384 mm of rain
Driest monthNov6 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan19.22.8152
Feb22.15.3243
Mar26.08.8384
Apr28.612.3637
May29.216.112912
Jun29.519.324217
Jul28.720.338423
Aug29.020.234323
Sep28.618.820815
Oct27.213.9434
Nov23.68.461
Dec20.24.281

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Kathmandu, 3 km from Kathmandu).

Kathmandu travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Kathmandu. Average daytime highs range from about 19°C in January to 30°C in June.

How much does a day in Kathmandu cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport. These are estimates and vary by season.

How do I get around Kathmandu?

Public transport includes bus and is rated fair. Walkability scores 70/100.

Which airport serves Kathmandu?

The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport, about 6 km away. Transfer options include taxi and bus.

Is Kathmandu safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for overcharging by taxi drivers. Areas generally considered safe include Thamel and Boudhanath. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Kathmandu?

4G coverage is provided by Nepal Telecom and Ncell, rated good. Plan for about 1.5 GB a day for maps, messaging and social media. A Nepal travel eSIM lets you get online on arrival without buying a local SIM.

Is tap water safe to drink in Kathmandu?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe. If in doubt, follow local advice or choose bottled water.

Explore more of Nepal

Nepal travel guideNepal eSIM plans

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.

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