Katmandu — A sacred, chaotic valley opening onto the Himalayas.
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Nepal

Katmandu Travel Guide

A sacred, chaotic valley opening onto the Himalayas.

BEST TIME: October–November, March–April CURRENCY: NPR COORDINATES: 27.72°, 85.32°

Pagoda squares, spinning prayer wheels, incense smoke, and the start of roads to the roof of the world.

Last updated: 2026-07-16

PRACTICAL INFO

What to know before you go.

Tourist traps, SIM cards, cash vs card, taxis and safety — the city's reality in five questions.

Biggest tourist mistake

Skipping the trekking permit and expecting clear mountain views in monsoon season.

SIM card & internet

Ncell/NTC airport SIMs are cheap; passport and photo required.

Cash or card?

Cash is king; ATMs are limited and charge fees per withdrawal — take out plenty.

Taxi & transport apps

Pathao/inDrive apps exist; street taxis need bargaining, meters don't run.

Safety

Safe for tourists; the real concerns are air pollution (mask), traffic and temple etiquette.

CITY PULSE

The city's 24-hour rhythm.

Turn the dial to any hour and it tells you where you should be.

12:00
0006121823
BUDGET

What will it cost me?

Pull the day dial; the estimated per-person cost is calculated instantly.

Total Estimated Budget
$192
$64 / day · 3 gün
1 day7 days14 days

Figures are per-person daily USD estimates compiled from BudgetYourTrip, Numbeo and recent traveller reports. Flight/ferry tickets not included.

Katmandu budget in detail: daily costs & calculator →

TRAVEL GUIDE

Insider knowledge.

Things you won't find on the first page of a search engine.

Must Do

  • See the valley's three Durbar Squares: Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur (each UNESCO).
  • Catch an Everest silhouette on a mountain flight or from Nagarkot.
  • Eat dal bhat; local fuel, unlimited refills.

Avoid These

  • Skipping the trekking permit (TIMS); checkpoints ask for it.
  • Expecting mountain views in monsoon (June-Sept).
  • Entering temple sanctums with leather (belt/bag) — you'll be asked.

Tips

  • Air pollution can be high; a mask helps.
  • Cash is king; ATMs are limited and charge fees, withdraw plenty.
  • October-November has the clearest skies and sharpest mountain views.

Hidden Gems

  • Sleeping over in Bhaktapur: the medieval city is yours once tourists leave.
  • Kopan Monastery: a hilltop meditation centre with valley views.
  • Patan's back courtyards: hidden Newari temples and metal workshops.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Katmandu: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Katmandu?
The best time for Katmandu is October–November, March–April. Weather and crowd levels are most favourable for travellers then.
How many days are enough in Katmandu?
2-3 days is a good start for Katmandu's highlights; extend to 4-5 to explore the surroundings and nearby routes. Our hour-by-hour City Pulse plan helps you organise each day.
Is Katmandu expensive? What is the daily budget?
For a mid-range traveller, the estimated daily cost in Katmandu is about $64 per person (food, local transport, accommodation and activities; flights excluded). Budget travellers can spend less; use the budget calculator in the guide to see your own figure.
Is Katmandu safe?
Safe for tourists; the real concerns are air pollution (mask), traffic and temple etiquette.
How is internet and SIM in Katmandu?
Ncell/NTC airport SIMs are cheap; passport and photo required.
Cash or card in Katmandu?
Cash is king; ATMs are limited and charge fees per withdrawal — take out plenty.
How is transport and taxi in Katmandu?
Pathao/inDrive apps exist; street taxis need bargaining, meters don't run.

Nearby routes