Kathmandu Travel: An Affordable Adventure?

Kathmandu, Nepal, is a popular destination for travellers interested in exploring the region's natural landscape and rich culture. The city is known for its beauty, food, and exciting activities, and can be visited on a budget.

The cost of travelling to Kathmandu depends on factors such as the time of year, the origin city, and the chosen airline. On average, a round-trip ticket to Kathmandu can range from $500 to $1,500, with one-way flights starting at $65.

Accommodation costs vary depending on the type of lodging, with budget options available from $10 per night and luxury hotels costing upwards of $200 per night. Food and transportation are also affordable, with budget-friendly restaurants and local transportation options available.

Overall, Kathmandu is a moderately priced destination within Asia, and travellers can expect to spend around $44 per day on their vacation. With careful planning and a flexible travel style, it is possible to explore Kathmandu without breaking the bank.

Accommodation

Kathmandu offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right place to stay during your visit:

Budget Hotels and Hostels:

• Elbrus Home, Zostel Kathmandu, and WanderThirst Hostels offer budget-friendly dorm accommodations with limited amenities.
• Nirvana Boutique Hotel, located in Thamel, offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, free private parking, and room service. Prices start at $12 per night.
• Hotel Yambu Kathmandu is another affordable option in Thamel, featuring a restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
• Hotel Shanker-Palatial Heritage Kathmandu is a heritage hotel located next to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. It offers an outdoor swimming pool and spa facilities.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Shambaling Boutique Hotel, located in Kathmandu, offers comfortable rooms, good food, and a pleasant atmosphere. Prices start at $46 per night.
• Ambassador Garden Home is another highly-rated mid-range option, with rooms starting at $42 per night.
• Norbulinka Boutique Hotel, located in Thamel, provides friendly service and a good breakfast. Rooms start at $34 per night.
• Hotel Tibet International and Hotel Moonlight are also great choices, with prices ranging from $50 to $98 per night.

Luxury Hotels:

• The Dwarika's Hotel is a luxurious heritage property offering a swimming pool, spa, and excellent service.
• Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel provides a unique and retro hotel experience with beautiful gardens and delicious food.
• Hyatt Place Kathmandu offers modern and comfortable rooms with stunning city views.
• Hotel Mulberry is a quality hotel with a rooftop bar and swimming pool. It is known for its friendly and helpful staff.
• Kathmandu Marriott Hotel is a well-known luxury hotel with excellent facilities and service.

Tips for Saving Money on Accommodation:

• Consider traveling during the low or shoulder season to benefit from lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
• Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you're visiting during peak season, to secure the best rates.
• Look for package deals or discounts offered by hotels, such as early bird specials or loyalty program benefits.
• Compare prices and read reviews before making your final decision to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Transportation

Kathmandu does not have a reliable public transport network, but there are still many ways to get around the city.

The average traveller spends $6.82 (NP₨925) per day on transportation.

Taxi

Taxis are easily recognised by their taxi sign on top and black license plate. Private taxis are more comfortable but charge higher rates. No tip is expected.

It is common for taxi drivers to not use their fare meters due to rising fuel prices. They often quote extremely high fares, especially if you are a tourist. It is a good idea to haggle and negotiate a price with the driver before your trip.

The average taxi ride starts at about NPR 14 before 9 pm and NPR 21 after 9 pm.

Rickshaw

Rickshaws are a great way to experience a popular traditional mode of transport. Found in the main tourist area of Thamel, these foot-powered pedalled contraptions require strength to operate.

Remember to haggle and set a fare price before travelling. Generally, short trips start from around NPR 80.

Motorbike

There are numerous motorcycle rental shops and agencies in Thamel. You will need to leave your passport as a deposit. A Pulsar road bike or a Hero Honda is available to hire for NPR 800 a day.

Fuel for the bike costs around NPR 100 per litre. A few litres of fuel should be enough for one day.

After crossing the Ring Road, fuel stations are often scarce, so make sure to fuel up before heading out of the city.

Public Bus

Riding on the public bus can be an excellent way to explore the local lifestyle of Kathmandu. There are blue and green buses that ply around certain localities and cost between NPR 20-35 for regular trips, depending on the distance.

The government-run Sajha Bus is comfortable and runs along the north-south and east-west main roads of the valley. These buses stop only at designated bus stops.

Bicycle

Mountain bikes and ordinary bicycles are cheap and the best form of transportation for economy tourists. You can hire them at Thamel and Jhochhen (Freak Street).

There are companies that rent out high-quality mountain bikes from around NPR 800 a day for simple models. Companies like Dawn Till Dusk and Nepal Mountain Bike Tours offer high-quality mountain bikes at around USD 10-15 per day.

Long-Distance Bus

Tourist bus services provide easy transportation to prime areas like Pokhara and Chitwan. For other destinations, long-distance day or night bus services are available from Kathmandu to all major cities.

Air

Nepal Airlines has an extensive network of air services to major parts of the country. Besides Nepal Airlines, other domestic airlines (more than 18 in operation) provide regular and chartered services to popular domestic destinations. Some of these airlines also offer mountain flights.

Food

Street Food and Fast Food:

Street food and fast food options are available for as little as 20-30 Nepali rupees for snacks, with a typical fast-food or street food meal costing around 100-300 Nepali rupees ($0.80-$2.50 USD).

Local Restaurants:

Eating at local restaurants can be very affordable, with meals costing as little as 50-100 Nepali rupees. Dal Bhat chicken can be found for 250 Nepali rupees, while momos are typically priced at 130 Nepali rupees. Chow Mein is another affordable option, often costing around 100 Nepali rupees.

Mid-Range Restaurants:

For mid-range dining, prices typically range from 700-1500 Nepali rupees ($6-$12.50 USD) per meal. These restaurants offer a mix of local and international cuisine.

High-End or Luxury Restaurants:

Luxury dining options in Kathmandu can cost upwards of 1500 Nepali rupees ($12.50 USD) per meal. These restaurants offer gourmet meals and fine dining experiences.

Budget for Different Traveler Types:

The daily food budget can vary depending on the traveler's preferences and budget:

• Budget travelers can expect to spend around $6-35 per day on meals, with an average of $14 per day.
• Mid-range travelers typically spend around $10 per person per meal, which equates to about $45 per day.
• Luxury travelers may spend upwards of $138 per day on food, as they opt for high-end restaurants and gourmet experiences.

Tips for Saving Money on Food:

• Eat at local restaurants or street food vendors to enjoy affordable and authentic Nepali cuisine.
• Consider staying at hotels that include complimentary breakfast to save on meal costs.
• Carry your own water bottle instead of purchasing drinks with every meal to save money and reduce waste.
• Take advantage of free activities and attractions, such as visiting temples or exploring local markets, instead of spending money on expensive restaurants.
• Book tours that include meals to avoid paying for food separately, as this can help you stick to your budget.

Overall, Kathmandu offers a range of dining options to suit different budgets, and with some careful planning, travelers can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

Entertainment

Kathmandu is a great place for entertainment, with options to suit a range of budgets.

Climbing and Adventure Activities

Kathmandu has a range of climbing and adventure centres, including the Kathmandu Sport Climbing Centre, which offers bouldering, lead climbing, top roping, slack-lining, and physical strength training. The Outdoor Adventure Centre Nepal is another great option for those seeking outdoor thrills.

Laser Games and Paintball

For those who enjoy laser games and paintball, Lasermaxx Kathmandu and Battlefield- The Ultimate Paintball Game are highly-rated options. Both offer a professional and exciting experience, with Battlefield also providing a well-designed field with natural and man-made obstacles.

Cinema

For movie lovers, the QFX Jai Nepal Cinema is the place to go for the latest Bollywood-style Hindi or Nepali films. If you're looking for English-language Hollywood blockbusters, there is a cinema offering 50% weekday morning discounts.

Bars and Music

Kathmandu has a vibrant bar and music scene. A beery bar is the perfect spot to listen to original Nepali rock, reggae, and R 'n' B music, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a jazz bar that comes alive on Wednesday and Saturday nights, offering live jazz in an intimate setting.

Sightseeing and Tours

In addition to the entertainment options above, Kathmandu offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities and tours. The city is known for its beauty, culture, and exciting activities. Some notable sights include the Monkey Temple, Durbar Square, Boudha Stupa, Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Pashupatinath, the Garden of Dreams, and the Budda Neelkanth Temple.

For those interested in exploring the city with local tours, there are options such as the Kathmandu World Heritage Tour, the Kathmandu Guided Tour, and the Kathmandu Valley Day Tour, which includes visits to UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Food and Dining

The culinary scene in Kathmandu is diverse and affordable, with options ranging from street food and budget restaurants to mid-range and high-end dining. Nepalese cuisine combines aspects of Indian and Tibetan food, with rice accompanying most meals and a lentil dish often served as well. The national dish, Daal Bhaat, is a lentil dish served with rice and tarkaari, a mix of spiced vegetables. Momos, dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, are also a popular local delicacy.

For those looking to indulge in the local cuisine, there are food tours and cooking classes available, such as the Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu and the Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class.

Budgeting for Entertainment

The cost of entertainment in Kathmandu can vary depending on your choices. On average, past travellers have spent around $8.12 per person, per day, on sightseeing and activities. This includes entrance fees, tours, and other sightseeing expenses. For context, the average daily budget for a mid-range traveller in Nepal is around $45 per day.

So, whether you're on a tight budget or seeking luxury experiences, Kathmandu has a range of entertainment options to suit your needs.

Alcohol

Kathmandu is generally an affordable destination for travellers, and alcohol is no exception. The average person spends about $5.66 (NP₨768) on alcoholic beverages per day.

The price of a domestic beer (500ml or 1pt) in a neighbourhood pub is around ₨483. A bottle of wine can be purchased for between ₨549 and ₨1,160. For spirits, prices vary depending on the brand and quality. For example, a bottle of vodka ranges from ₨580 to ₨1,159, while a bottle of rum can be found for ₨749.

If you are travelling to Kathmandu and want to bring your own alcohol, you are allowed to bring 1 litre of wine or spirits per person without paying duty/tax. Amounts above this limit will be subject to duty/tax, but the exact rate is hard to find.

Please note that these prices are based on information from various sources and may not be completely up-to-date or accurate.

Frequently asked questions