The Tribhuvan International Airport is located in Kathmandu, just under 4 miles east of the city center. 

There are rental car companies, taxis, and buses at the airport. 

Taxis can be found outside the airport at the taxi rank and are available around the clock. Taxis are one of the easiest options to reach your hotel. Only pre-paid taxis are available, you can find the taxi desk after you exit the arrivals hall on the right before exiting the building. The fares to various destinations are displayed here, where you will pay in advance. A ride from the airport to the city center will cost approximately NPR700. 

Buses are the only public transportation option available at the airport. Bus services are provided by Sajha Yatayat, and the buses are green. Route 5 connects passengers from the airport to the city center at either Ratna Park near Thamel, Shahid Gate, or Purano Old Bus Park (Durbar Marg). A single bus ticket to the city center will cost around NPR20 and can be purchased from the driver with cash only. Buses pick up and drop off by the airport gate; they don’t offer fixed schedules and can often get crowded.

It is not possible to rent a car without a driver in Kathmandu. How do I get around the city using public transportation?

There are public buses in Kathmandu; it's a cheap way to get around, but buses are extremely crowded. Blue and green buses travel in circles/loops around the city on the “Ring Road” and cost around NPR20-30. The bus has a cashier/attendant who can tell you where the bus stops and alert you upon arrival. 

Tempos are small three-wheeled buses, and mircro buses that offer a cheap way to get around the city. Tempos come in two varietes, the green ones are electric, and the blue ones are petrol. The travel predefined routes around the city. They cost around NPR20-30. Mircrobuses are minivans with lots of seats and a conductor who announces the destinations, they cost around NPR20-30. 

Richshaws are a fun and cheap way to travel around the city. There are many available in the tourist area of Thamel. The drivers can traverse narrow back lanes and escape the heavy traffic. Be sure to haggle the price before travelling, a short trip will generally cost you about NPR80.  

It is not recommended to hire a car in Kathmandu without hiring a driver. The traffic is incredibly bad with heavy congestion and pollution. The roads are badly constructed and not well signposted. A car is not needed in the city. 

There are plenty of taxis readily available in Kathmandu. Make sure your taxi is official and uses a meter, or agree upon a fare before taking the ride. You can hail a taxi from the street, find them at taxi stands throughout the city, or call and order from your hotel. A 10-20 minute taxi ride should cost around NPR200. 

There are ride-hailing apps in Kathmandu: inDrive, Pathao, and Tootle. inDrive is the only one that can be used with international phone numbers. 

There are motorbike taxis available in the city; many congregate at popular junctions or can be hailed off the street. 

The city is explorable on foot, especially in tourist areas like Thamel. Walking around can be a pleasant experience and lead visitors to some great sights and attractions, as well as dining and entertainment options. 

It is possible to rent a bicycle in the city. A bicycle is a good option for exploring Kathmandu Valley but not for exploring the city center. Renting a mountain bike for the day and getting out in the countryside is a great way to see the beauty of the region. 

Kathmandu is considered a safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years, crimes against tourists are becoming more common with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions. At night, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Be careful when walking at night, and don’t walk outside the main center of town. 

There are some shopping opportunities in Kathmandu; there are shopping centers and malls found in the city center. Thamel is the main tourist area filled with winding, busy streets and alleyways decorated with many different kinds of shops selling books, clothes, souvenirs, food, and more. New Road, Chhetrapati, and Boudha are also popular shopping areas. The city of Kathmandu is a haven for shoppers with a great variety of merchandise and unique items to choose from, including cashmere, pashminas, hiking and trekking gear, Himalayan singing bowls, Tibetan Thangka paintings, Khukuri, Nepali tea, and rice paper. The popular malls in the capital city are Civil Mall, Kathmandu Mall, City Center, Sherpa Mall, and Times Square Mall. Markets and bazaars are well-known shopping attractions in Kathmandu. Pote Bazaar, Raki Bazaar, and Asan Bazaar are located in Indra Chowk, where visitors can pick up ‘potes’, colorful glass beads that are symbolic of Nepali married women. Brand names can be found in the posh area of Durbar Marg, which is also known as King’s Way. There are many expensive restaurants, bars, boutiques, and hotels in this area. 

The official language spoken in Kathmandu is Nepali, however, English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Nepal guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.

Kathmandu generally features a fairly temperate climate with warm days and cool nights and mornings. Theres are different elevations in the city, therefore there are different temperature variations. The best time to visit is from September to November when the temperatures range from 50-70 F degrees. The weather during this time is pleasant with clear blue skies, and it's usually dry with many festivals held throughout the region. This time of year is great for exploring the region and enjoying outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing, with crystal-clear views of the mountainous peaks and breathtaking viewpoints. The year's beginning is very cold, with temperatures in the 40s. Late spring in May is a beautiful time to travel to Kathmandu, with temperatures climbing into the 90s with high heat and humidity. It's a stunning time when rhododendrons are in bloom. Monsoon season is June through August, which brings heavy rains and sometimes landslides, which make travel difficult; many places close during this time.  What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Kathmandu is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Nepalese Rupee upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

The capital city of Nepal offers food lovers a vibrant and diverse dining experience. The food scene in the city features both traditional Nepali cuisine as well as international influences along with Tibetan, Chinese, Thai, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Indian cuisines. Fusion dining experiences are growing more popular in Kathmandu, and the growth of tourism in the city has led to culinary creativity and the development of hybrid foods accommodating tourists with Westernized adaptations of traditional dishes. The restaurants around the city offer a diverse array of cuisines and different dishes that showcase the diverse culinary heritage of the country. The vibrant street culture in Kahtmandu is seen in the numerous street food vendors throughout the city selling delicious snacks like samosas, chaats, and fried noodles. The charming, relaxed atmospheres are what make most meals in the city so pleasing. With such an inviting atmosphere and ambiance, the food is a great bonus to the stunning views many restaurants offer of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. Kathmandu is a city where foodies can embark on a culinary journey and enjoy the distinctive flavors of the local delicacies. There are hundreds of traditional Newa delicacies that can be found in bhatti (local restaurants) and cafes, especially in the bustling streets of Thamal. Patan offers some of the best garden restaurants with serene settings and sensational views. 

Some iconic local dishes include; momo (meat or vegetable dumplings, fried or steamed), Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), dhido (buckwheat dish), sel roti (rice doughnut), Thukpa (noodle soup), kwati (bean, and lentil soup), gundruk (leafy greens), Jeri (deep fried sweet treat), Chhoyela (spicy dish marinated meat), laphing (spicy mung bean noodles), Dhau (Nepali yoghurt). 

The streets of Kathmandu have quite a bit to offer partygoers after dark. The chaotic streets of the capital city are filled with restaurants and bars and plenty of charming nightlife opportunities for tourists to experience. The city offers a great blend of cultural charm with modern-day entertainment options. There are lively nightclubs, scenic rooftop bars, cozy pubs, and charming bars with outdoor terraces. There’s also a wide variety of diverse experiences and entertainment options to choose from in the city, with live music, late-night street food, entertainment centers, casinos, and so many festivals. Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a truly wonderful experience at night, with rooftop restaurants and bars offering scenic views and lively music. The square transforms at night and is a fantastic place to be; adorned with lights, the historic charm of the temples and monuments at night is something everyone should experience. 

In case of an emergency dial 101 for fire, 102 for an ambulance. 

Hospital:

Civil Service Hospital of Nepal tel. 977-1-410-7000