Kathmanduकाठमाडौं
Where ancient temples meet mountain horizons
27.7172°N · 85.3240°E · 1,400m
About
Why visit Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, is one of the world's most spiritually dense cities. Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites sit within the valley — Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Changu Narayan. The chaotic streets, incense-laden temples, and the distant white gleam of the Himalayas create a sensory experience like nowhere else.
Location
Where is it?
Transport
How to get there
All transport options from major cities to Kathmandu
From Pokhara
6h 30m
नेरू ६०० – नेरू १,२००
Direct bus from Pokhara Bus Station via Prithvi Highway (Mahendra Highway junction) to Kathmandu. Scenic route through Damauli and Mugling bazaar with mountain views. Most frequent and economical option.
💡 Buses depart every 30 minutes 5am-8pm. Book at station or through operators like Greenline, Sajha, or local companies. Avoid night buses due to road conditions. Bring snacks; stops at Mugling for tea/food (30 mins). Best time: early morning departures.
From Pokhara
5h
नेरू ३,५०० – नेरू ५,५००
From Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)
1h
नेरू ३०० – नेरू ८००
From Janakpur
8h
नेरू ८०० – नेरू १,५००
📞 Emergency
Nepal Police: 100 · Tourist Police: +977-1-4247041 · Ambulance: 102
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⚠ Travel Notes
- ·Air pollution is severe from October through May — particulate levels regularly exceed WHO safe limits, and those with respiratory conditions should carry masks and monitor AQI before extended outdoor activity
- ·Traffic congestion is chronic and unpredictable; allow significant extra time for airport transfers, especially during festivals like Dashain and Tihar when road closures and crowds are common
- ·Tap water is unsafe to drink; even long-term residents rely on filtered or bottled water — ice in cheaper establishments is a common source of stomach illness
- ·Petty theft is common in crowded areas including Thamel, Boudhanath, and public buses — keep passports in hotel safes and carry photocopies instead
- ·Post-2015 earthquake reconstruction is ongoing at several heritage sites including Kathmandu Durbar Square; some structures remain scaffolded or partially closed, and the site looks different from pre-earthquake photographs
- ·Power cuts (load-shedding) still occur intermittently outside peak tourist season — confirm your accommodation has backup power if you need reliable electricity for medical equipment or work
- ·Altitude at 1,400m is generally not a problem for acclimatisation, but travellers flying in from sea level before immediately heading to higher trekking elevations should budget at least one full rest day in the valley
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