17 answers

Kathmandu, answered

Days, sights, airport transfers, season, where to sleep and what a Kathmandu trip costs.

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AltitudeAbout 1,400 m

Best monthsOct to Nov, Mar to Apr

Ideal stay3 to 4 days

Known for7 UNESCO monument zones

Days 5

How many days do you need in Kathmandu?Three days is the number that works.
How did travellers reach Kathmandu before the modern roads?Accounts from the mid-1800s describe a hard approach from the Indian plains: across the forested Terai, up through the Churia hills to Bhimphedi, and...
Has Kathmandu had big earthquakes before 2015?Yes.
What was the Rana era in Nepal, and what remains to see?From 1846 to 1951, Nepal was ruled by the Rana family, who held the office of prime minister as a hereditary post while the Shah kings stayed in the...
What did early foreign visitors say about Nepal?A handful of 19th and early 20th century writers left accounts that are still read for atmosphere.

How do you get from Kathmandu airport to your hotel?Book a pickup before you fly.

When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?October and November are the sweet spot, with March and April close behind.

Which part of Kathmandu is best to stay in?Thamel is the easy answer for a first visit: hotels, food, money changers and drivers all within a few lanes.

What decides the cost of a Kathmandu trip?Mostly the hotel and how you move.

Is Kathmandu safe for tourists?Yes, in the ordinary way for a big South Asian capital.

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