The Ultimate Kathmandu Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Kathmandu, Nepal? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The capital city of Nepal, with a population of around 1.4 million.
It is the largest urban agglomerate of the country, located in the bowl of the Kathmandu Valley.
With a history spanning nearly 2,000 years, the city is a rich trove of cultural heritage.
Nicknames: City of Temples, Switzerland of Asia, KTM, Tri-City, City of Glory.

Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). 1000 NPR = 7.5 USD.
Spoken languages: Nepali, Hindi and English.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to December are, respectively, the spring and autumn months and the best periods of the year to explore the city and its valley. Summer sees a lot of rainfall and humid weather while the winters get very cold at night.
Arriving via airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is served by an airport shuttle that delivers passengers to the city centre for NPR40. Taxis charge NPR400-NPR600.

Best Kathmandu hostel for solo travelers: Thamel Hotel & Spa. Excels at the most important things to look for here: very clean, warm showers, and close to great restaurants / cafes. Book ahead to lock in your spot.
Thamel is where most visitors base themselves for the convenience of being close to central Kathmandu – with the best options for hotels, restaurants and shops.
Boudhanath is the cultural half of the city with scenic accommodation, close contact with the locals, and an honest view of the pace of the city.

Kathmandu’s public transportation consists of bus and tram lines that leave much to be desired. It is often easier and less taxing to rent a motorcycle for the day and allow more freedom to explore beyond the city limits. 1-day rentals cost roughly Rs350 for a 125cc bike.
Taxis take a little patience due to heavy negotiations, but can otherwise prove useful when traveling with luggage or heavy bags. Prices should always be agreed on prior to boarding. Call 4224374 to pre-book.

Drinking age is 18, and last call is 4 AM.
Durbar Square is a popular venue thanks to its numerous bars and laid-back scene.
Freak Street is where the bars get loud and the music doesn’t let up until the morning.
Great bars for solo travelers: Purple Haze Rock Bar (frequent live music), Trekkers Bar, Sam’s Bar.

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important and sacred Hindu temples dedicated to the Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple due to the large population of macaques that inhabit the grounds. The religious temple complex is comprised of a magnificent domed stupa and a collection of shrines and temples that serve pilgrims from all over the world.
Basantapur Durbar Square is one of three durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley that are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dharahara also called Bhimsen Tower is an intrinsic part of the city’s architecture belonging to the 19^th century when it was built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa.

Kaiser Mahal or Garden of dreams is a beautiful space of beauty and peace, a romantic pocket of the city removed from the noise and dust.
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most sacred sites for Tibetan Buddhism, a spectacular feat made all the more inspiring in the evening when it is lit up.
National Botanical Gardens is home to splendid collections of plants and flowers ringed by evergreen natural forest.

Kumari Devi is the tradition of worshipping pre-pubescent girls believed to be the manifestation of divine female energy. The Royal Kumari of Kathmandu lives in Kumari Ghar in the city centre and can sometimes be seen at its windows.
Sacred sites demand respect. Always follow the lead of the locals, dress accordingly and remove shoes before entering sacred sites.
Great restaurants in Kathmandu: Marcopolo (Italian), Forest & Plate, Kathmandu Steak House, Nepalaya, Laughing Bird Cafe.
Best Momo (dumpling) restaurants: Banglamukhi Mahabharat Momo and Yangling Tibetan Restaurant.
Where to find good cheap eats: Freak Street and the alleys of Naxal are popular among budget-conscious travelers. Budget restaurant pick: Artmandu.
Dangerous areas: while no area can be singled out, it is to be noted that petty crimes are known to occur. Scam artists, paddlers and pickpockets prey on tourists.

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days