Kathmandu

Temples, dust, momos and the best trek-planning base in the Himalayas. (₹1 ≈ NPR 1.6)

verifiedLast verified: August 14, 2026

Getting There

• Fly Delhi→Kathmandu (~1.5 hrs; budget carriers approx ₹6,000–12,000 return).
• Overland: Delhi → Raxaul or Gorakhpur by train, cross the border on foot, then night bus to Kathmandu (~11–13 hrs, approx NPR 1,000–1,300 / ₹625–800).
• Indians are visa-free — carry a passport or voter ID. Aadhaar is often NOT accepted at land borders.

Typical Budgets

• Backpacker: ~NPR 3,000–4,500/day (₹1,875–2,800) — hostel dorm (NPR 800–1,200), local meals, city buses.
• Mid-range: ~NPR 7,000–11,000/day (₹4,400–6,900) — 3-star hotel, restaurant meals, taxis.

Practical Tips

• Base in Thamel for transport, food, and trek agencies.
• Monument entries add up — Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and the Durbar Squares charge NPR 400–1,000 (SAARC rates lower; carry your passport).
• Buy a tourist SIM (Ncell/NTC, ~NPR 500–600) at the airport or Thamel — Indian roaming is unreliable across the border.
• Carry ₹100/₹50 notes only — ₹500/₹2000 Indian notes are not accepted in Nepal. Exchange on the Nepal side of the border for the best rate.
• Use the Pathao app or metered taxis; short rides run NPR 300–500.

What I Wish I Knew

Kathmandu’s real cost is the “entry fee drip” — half a dozen monuments at NPR 500+ each adds up fast. Pick two, do them well.

Permits & Notes

• No permits for the city. Standard visa-free entry for Indian citizens.
• Dust mask for valley traffic; drink filtered or bottled water.