Kathmandu Travel Guide

About Kathmandu

Himalayan gateway where ancient temples, prayer flags, and the spirit of adventure converge beneath the world's highest peaks.

This guide covers the neighborhoods worth your time, when to actually go, how to get around, what to eat, what it costs, and the rookie mistakes most first-timers in Kathmandu make. Built to be paired with Elvara — the AI trip planner app for iPhone — so you can turn it into a personalized itinerary in a tap.

When to visit Kathmandu

Best months: October, November, March, April, May.

Five seasons. Best for trekking in autumn (Oct-Nov) and spring (Mar-May). Monsoon June-September. Cool winters.

What to eat in Kathmandu

Nepali cuisine includes dal bhat (lentils and rice - eaten twice daily), momos (dumplings), and Newari cuisine. Simple but satisfying.

Must-try dishes

Dal Bhat, Momos, Newari feast, Chatamari, Sel Roti, Gundruk, Thukpa, Masala tea

Street food tips

Thamel area for tourist-friendly food. Local chiya (tea) stalls everywhere. Asan Tole market for authentic Newari snacks.

Is Kathmandu safe? What to watch for

Very safe for tourists. Nepali people are incredibly kind. Main risks are altitude sickness and trekking hazards.

Common scams

Fake trekking guides. Overpriced rickshaw rides. Gem and pashmina scams in Thamel.

Emergency numbers

Emergency: 100 (Police), 102 (Ambulance), Tourist Police: 1144

Customs, etiquette, and what to wear

Local customs

Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. Walk clockwise around Buddhist monuments. Namaste greeting.

Dress code

Casual and practical. Modest dress for temple visits. Trekking gear for mountain adventures.

Tipping

10% at restaurants. Tip trekking guides and porters generously - it's often their main income.

Do's and don'ts

Do: Visit Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, try momos, hire local guides. Don't: Point feet at people or religious objects, touch heads, step over prayer wheels.

Practical info for travelers

Visa

Visa on arrival for most nationalities. Apply at Kathmandu airport or border crossings.

Health

Altitude sickness awareness. Drink bottled water. Comprehensive travel insurance essential for trekking. Basic medical facilities outside Kathmandu.

Useful local phrases

Namaste (Hello with prayer hands), Dhanyabad (Thank you), Kasto cha? (How are you?)

A short history of Kathmandu

Valley of temples dating back over 2,000 years. Birthplace of Buddha (Lumbini). Former Hindu kingdom, now secular republic.

Plan your trip to Kathmandu with Elvara

Once you have a sense of Kathmandu, the next step is turning the inspiration into a real itinerary: dates, neighborhoods, restaurants, what to pack, and how to get around. That's exactly what Elvara is built for. Tell the app your travel style, dates, and budget, and it produces a personalized day-by-day plan, a packing list tuned to Kathmandu's weather, and a chat that knows Kathmandu's neighborhoods, customs, and quirks.