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Nepal

Kathmandu travel guide

Plan a trip to Kathmandu: what to eat, where to stay, the best day trips and ready-made day-by-day plans.

What to eat in KathmanduLocal dishes, food streets and markets. See all Where to stay in KathmanduThe best areas to stay and who they suit. See all Day trips from KathmanduPlaces to visit in a day, with distances and a map. See all

What to eat in Kathmandu

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Momo

Tibetan‑style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, sold by stalls and restaurants city‑wide.

Chatamari

Thin rice pancake topped with egg, meat or vegetables, a staple at Newari festivals and bhattis.

Dal Bhat

Daily Nepali set meal of rice, lentil soup, curry, pickles and curd, found in most eateries.

Sel Roti

Deep‑fried, honey‑sweet rice doughnut served at festivals and breakfast stalls.

Where to stay in Kathmandu

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1 Thamel backpackers, nightlife

Heart of the tourist zone, close to shops, restaurants and trekking agencies; noisy but convenient.
2 Boudhanath budget travelers, culture seekers

Near the giant stupa, offers cheap guesthouses and a calmer atmosphere; good for Newari experiences.
3 Patan history lovers, mid‑range

Historic city across the river with boutique hotels and easy access to heritage sites.
4 Freak Street solo travelers, budget

Older tourist street with simple lodges; cheaper than Thamel but less polished.

Day trips from Kathmandu

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Nagarkot 18 km

Nagarkot offers panoramic Himalayan views and sunrise spots, reachable in a few hours from Kathmandu.

Dhulikhel 26 km

Dhulikhel features historic Newari architecture and quiet hilltop walks with city vistas.

Namobuddha 30 km

Namobuddha is a Buddhist pilgrimage site with a stupa and modest hiking trails nearby.

Helambu (Helambu Village) 34 km

Helambu Village provides traditional Sherpa culture and forested trekking routes in the hills.

Best time to visit

Best time to go: November – February

Jan 19°
Feb 20°
Mar 24°
Apr 26°
May 26°
Jun 27°
Jul 27°
Aug 27°
Sep 27°
Oct 24°
Nov 21°
Dec 19°

Midday highs, based on last year's weather. Green months have comfortable temperatures and few rainy days.

Plan your trip to Kathmandu

Turn this into a day-by-day plan with Triptime AI, or start from a ready-made one.

See the ready-made plan Plan 4 days in Kathmandu What to pack in October

Ready-made plans for Kathmandu

4 Days in Kathmandu: Ancient Temples, Stupas & Himalayan Views Nepal · 4 days

Questions about Kathmandu

What is the typical cost of a dal bhat meal?

Around NPR 140‑280 at local eateries; tourist spots may charge about NPR 300‑400.

Do I need to tip in Kathmandu restaurants?

A 10% service charge is usually added; extra tipping is optional but appreciated for good service.

Is it safe to stay in Thamel at night?

Thamel is generally safe with police presence, but keep valuables secure and avoid poorly lit side streets.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

Free Kathmandu Valley maps are available at the airport; take a prepaid taxi or a ride‑hailing app for a reliable ride.

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