Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

Stunning Himalayan vistas, big-city bustle, centuries-old temples, an array of vibrant colours, intoxicating aromas, and friendly smiles all come together in the eclectic metropolis that is Kathmandu. Nepal's capital is an emerging cosmopolitan city, yet it remains steeped in cultural, artistic, and religious traditions. Kathmandu offers visitors an assortment of unique sights and experiences. Independent travellers and trekking groups alike will find no shortage of things to do.

Population:

1,424,000 (2020)

Currency:

Nepalese rupee
1 NPR = 100 paisa

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency: 100

Opening Hours:

Nepalese businesses are typically open 7 days a week. Banks open Sunday to Friday 9am–3pm, and Saturday 9am–12pm. Shops usually open at around 10am and close at 8pm and usually remain closed on Saturdays. Bars and restaurants close at 10pm, since music in public places is forbidden after that, but some bars and clubs stay open until midnight.

Newspapers:

Nepali Times
Himalayan Times
The Kathmandu Post

The City

Kathmandu is the largest and most populous city in Nepal, as well as the heart and soul of tourism, the economy and cultural heritage in the country. It lies in the stunning Kathmandu Valley, along with its sister cities of Patan and Bhadgaon, where mountain life, religious tradition and big city buzz coexist.

For centuries an important centre for both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, it is a city steeped in spirituality, with temples, shrines and altars seemingly everywhere you look. However, the Nepalese capital is by no means stuck in the past — it is emerging as a modern, dynamic and cosmopolitan metropolis, offering all the amenities and luxuries of contemporary living without losing its sense of self and historical roots.

Kathmandu also serves as either a starting or finishing point for many trekkers and explorers of the Himalayas. The city is surrounded by stunning mountain views that by themselves could be enough to warrant a visit. Adventurers would do well not to miss the chance to visit.

Do & See

Kathmandu is a spiritual and cultural centre of great importance for both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, and as such, it boasts a dizzying wealth of stunning temples, shrines and sacred places that have been delighting visitors for years. The city is also home to a few genuinely interesting museums that record the at times tumultuous history of Nepal, which are well worth a visit.

Dining

Nepal's geographic, climatic, and cultural diversity means that its cuisine is equally varied. The national dish is Dal Bhat Tarkari, a lentil soup (dal) served on boiled rice (bhat) with curry (tarkari). There are countless variations on this staple, and it is not to be missed. The city also offers an emerging fine dining scene where visitors and locals can find top-class cuisine from around the world.

Cafes

Nepal has historically been more of a tea-drinking culture, rather than favouring coffee, but there has been a recent explosion in interest, and a taste for a good cup of joe has been developing around the country. Beans are now grown locally, and a number of sleek cafes serving high-quality roasts have been popping up for years, providing a welcome respite from the sometimes hectic city streets.