Travel Guide Kathmandu
Nestled in the depths of the powerful Himalayan peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, Kathmandu is the traveller's very first encounter with venerable Nepal: a rapidly developing capital, a true reflection of the country's ethnic diversity, whose most famous peoples are undoubtedly the Sherpas, Newar and Tamangs. If the Nepalese capital was once a hippie's paradise, today it is the paradise of trekkers and other lovers of large and majestic spaces, all passing through here before embarking on the adventure. The Kathmandu tourist guide will take you on a journey of discovery of the city's breathtaking cultural and heritage richness, as well as its fine cuisine. Arriving in Kathmandu, it would be a pity not to travel through its surroundings, vibrant with a unique wildlife of which the Parsa Wildlife Reserve gives a glimpse: rhinos, elephants, tigers, migratory birds and other crocodiles are never far away!
What to visit Kathmandu?
Suggested addresses Kathmandu
When to go to Kathmandu?
When to go to Kathmandu? The peak tourist season is from October to April, when the weather is dry and sunny. Within this long period, the best time to go to Kathmandu is October and November (fall) and March and April (spring). The low season is from the end of April to the beginning of September: this is the time of the monsoon. While this weather is not a particular hindrance to activities, your view of the mountains may be diminished by the clouds. When is the best time to go to Kathmandu? In the fall and spring!
Weather at the moment
The weather in Kathmandu and Nepal is suitable for all seasons. During the months of June and July, moist air masses from the Bay of Bengal meet the Himalayan range. They cool down and form condensation which falls as rain. This is the monsoon. The average annual temperature in Kathmandu is 18°C.
The Nepalese rupee (Rs) is the official currency of Nepal, used in Kathmandu. Generally speaking, unless one decides to lead a high lifestyle, a stay in the Nepalese capital is rather cheap. You can stay, eat and get around very well without having to break the bank in Kathmandu!
To travel to Kathmandu, obtaining a Nepalese visa is mandatory for tourists. This is not a problem, either before your departure to your home country at the Nepalese embassy or when you arrive at the airport in Kathmandu. Please bring a passport photograph. For 15 days: 25 US$; 30 days: 40 US$; 90 days: 100 US$. At the embassy, the price will be adapted in euros: for 15 days: 25 €, etc.
Except perhaps a certain discomfort due to the altitude, however quickly exceeded, there is no particular problem or health risk in the Nepalese capital. No vaccinations are required to enter Kathmandu and the water is generally drinkable. However, ask about the quality of the tap water, as it can vary from one place to another.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Kathmandu? Our advice & tips
A trip to Nepal has as its natural introduction its capital Kathmandu. Tourism is far from being a new phenomenon in the region: general tour operators and other Himalayan specialists have been offering Kathmandu in their catalogs for quite some time. Whether it is a honeymoon, a family vacation, a stay with friends or solo, the offers are numerous and varied, just pick and choose.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThe average price of a France-Kathmandu flight is 700 € (650 € in high season and 800 € in low season). It should be noted that the price variation depends on the company borrowed but, above all, on the time required to book. To obtain attractive rates, it is essential to do so well in advance. Remember to buy your tickets six months before departure!
To visit the valley of Kathmandu, the hiring of car being impossible, one can employ the cabs which are numerous. Attention: it is advisable to negotiate the prices well before getting into the cab. For the neophytes, we do not advise the use of a motorized two-wheeler because the roads are often in a deplorable state and the conditions of circulation rather rough. Prefer the bus!
