About Kathmandu

Overview

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the city most travelers enter first in the Kathmandu Valley. The historic core still runs through Kathmandu Durbar Square and the lanes of the old city. Patan, also called Lalitpur, lies across the Bagmati with its own palace square, and Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are the two large stupas people cross town to see. From here, domestic flights and long-distance buses continue to Pokhara, Chitwan, and the hill airstrips used for Everest-region treks.

Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

Plan your trip around the right season

Oct-NovBest Window

Why visit

Clearest skies after the monsoon and mild days for the palace squares and stupas. Dashain and Tihar fall in this stretch.

Keep in mind

Hotels and flights book up around the festivals. Expect higher rates and fuller restaurants.

Dec-FebBest Window

Why visit

Often clear days for walking the old city, with cold mornings and evenings. Fewer festival crowds than October.

Keep in mind

Winter fog can dull mountain views from the valley rim, and mornings are cold enough for a jacket.

Mar-May

Why visit

Spring warmth and blooming trees before the rains. Useful if October and November are already full.

Keep in mind

Days turn hot by May, haze builds, and pre-monsoon storms start.

Jun-Sep

Why visit

Lower room rates and green hills around the valley. The stupas are still open between showers.

Keep in mind

Monsoon rain, muddy lanes, and landslide delays on roads out of the valley. Mountain views are often hidden.

How to Reach Kathmandu

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) handles international flights, including direct services from Delhi, Mumbai, and other Indian cities, plus major Asian airports. It sits about 6 km east of Thamel. Domestic flights from the same airport go to Pokhara and, when weather allows, to Lukla and other hill airstrips. Kathmandu has no railway. Long-distance buses use Gongabu (New Bus Park) for Pokhara, Chitwan, and many highway routes, with other stands toward the Indian border at Birgunj (Raxaul) and Sunauli (Bhairahawa). Tourist buses often also pick up in Thamel.

Getting Around Kathmandu

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Taxis and app rides such as Pathao and inDrive cover the valley. Safa tempos and city buses run the main roads. Once you are in Thamel, the old city, or Patan Durbar Square, walking is easier than another short ride. Cross-town trips slow down at peak hours, so the airport run can take 20 to 50 minutes.

Best Areas to Stay in Kathmandu

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Thamel

A first stay and arranging onward travel

Hotels, restaurants, and trek shops in a walkable grid about 1.5 to 2 km north of Kathmandu Durbar Square, roughly 20 to 30 minutes on foot, and about 6 km from Tribhuvan Airport.

Basantapur and the old city

Staying inside the old city

Lanes and courtyards around Kathmandu Durbar Square. Noisier than Thamel and a short walk south of it, so you are already in the historic core.

Patan (Lalitpur)

A calmer neighborhood with its own palace square

Patan Durbar Square and quieter residential streets across the Bagmati. About 5 to 6 km south of Thamel, often 25 to 45 minutes by taxi.

Boudha

Mornings at the stupa

Streets around the Boudhanath stupa, with monasteries nearby. About 6 to 7 km northeast of Thamel, often 25 to 50 minutes by taxi, and a similar distance from the airport on the east side of the city.