By air
Direct flights to Tribhuvan International (KTM) from Delhi (about 1.5 hours), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Varanasi.
Bagmati Province · Nepal
Kathmandu travel guide
Three old royal cities, two of Asia's great stupas and Hindu temples on the Bagmati, all within an hour of each other. No visa for Indians, and a short flight from Delhi.
Photo: Aaditya Shah / Unsplash
Quick facts
- Best time
- October to April
- How long
- 4–5 days
- Daily budget
- ₹1,800–3,000 backpacking
- Getting in
- Kathmandu (KTM), or overland via Raxaul–Birgunj
- Altitude
- About 1,400 m
Costs are typical per-person ranges in Indian rupees, reviewed September 2026. Nepal prices are in Nepali rupees, fixed at NPR 1.60 to ₹1. Check current prices and conditions before you book.
The Kathmandu Valley holds seven UNESCO-listed monument zones in a bowl about 25 km across. Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur each have their own Durbar Square of pagoda temples and palace courtyards, and the valley rim gives Himalayan views on clear mornings.
For Indian travellers it's one of the easiest trips abroad: no visa, Hindi widely understood, and the Nepali rupee fixed at 1.6 to the Indian rupee. Most people combine it with Pokhara and Chitwan.
When to go
Best time to visit Kathmandu
- Oct–NovBest
Clear skies and mountain views after the monsoon. Dashain and Tihar fall in this window: festive, but some shops and offices close for days.
- Dec–FebGood
Sunny days and cold nights, close to freezing. Fewer visitors; dust and smog can build up in the valley.
- Mar–AprGood
Warm and pleasant, with spring festivals. Haze often hides the Himalaya.
- May–SepMixed
Hot before the monsoon, then afternoon downpours from June. The city is fine, but highways see landslides and mountain views are rare.
Getting there
How to reach Kathmandu
By road
Cross at Raxaul (Bihar) to Birgunj, then about 6–8 hours by bus or shared jeep. From Gorakhpur via Sunauli–Bhairahawa it's 8–10 hours. Indian private cars need a daily customs pass (bhansar) at the border.
By train
No trains run to Kathmandu. The nearest railheads for the border are Raxaul and Gorakhpur.
Budget
Kathmandu trip cost per day
| Per day | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (guesthouse in Thamel or Bhaktapur) | ₹600–1,300 | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Food | ₹400–800 | ₹1,000–1,800 |
| Local transport (bus, taxi, ride-hailing) | ₹200–500 | ₹1,200–2,500 |
| Entry fees (SAARC rates) | ₹300–700 | ₹700–1,200 |
Indians pay the lower SAARC rate at heritage sites: about NPR 500 (roughly ₹310) each for Kathmandu and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, so carry your ID to the ticket counter. Indian rupees are widely accepted, but ₹200 and ₹500 notes are limited to ₹25,000 per person and some shops refuse them; ₹100 notes or Nepali rupees from an ATM are easier.
Itinerary
5-day Kathmandu Valley route
- 1
Day 1: Kathmandu Durbar Square
The Hanuman Dhoka palace courtyards, the Kumari Ghar and the bazaar lanes of Asan and Indra Chowk.
- 2
Day 2: Swayambhunath and Patan
Climb to Swayambhunath for views over the valley, then spend the afternoon in Patan Durbar Square and the Patan Museum.
- 3
Day 3: Pashupatinath and Boudhanath
The ghats of Pashupatinath on the Bagmati, then an evening walk around the Boudhanath stupa with the pilgrims.
- 4
Day 4: Bhaktapur
Durbar Square, the five-storey Nyatapola temple, Pottery Square and a clay pot of juju dhau (curd). Stay the night for quiet evening streets.
- 5
Day 5: Nagarkot or Chandragiri
Sunrise over the Himalaya from Nagarkot on a clear morning, or the Chandragiri cable car, then fly out.
Don't miss
Top things to do in Kathmandu
Boudhanath
One of the largest stupas in the world, ringed by monasteries and rooftop cafés.
Bhaktapur
The best-preserved of the three royal cities, with car-free brick squares.
Pashupatinath
Nepal's holiest Hindu temple, on the Bagmati River.
Patan
A Durbar Square of Newar temples and one of Asia's finest museums.
Kids and pets
Visiting Kathmandu with kids or pets
With kids
Good with planning- Old-town lanes are busy, with motorbikes and few footpaths. A baby carrier works far better than a stroller.
- Monkeys at Swayambhunath grab food and bags. Keep snacks out of sight on the steps.
- Winter and spring bring dust and smog to the valley. Pack masks for children with asthma or allergies.
With pets
Not recommended- Taking a pet into Nepal needs a vet health certificate and clearance from Nepal's animal quarantine office at the border or airport. Check the current rules before you go.
- Temples and heritage squares don't allow animals, and the city has many street dogs.
- If you do bring a dog, go by your own car and choose a guesthouse that has confirmed it accepts pets.
Pet and child policies vary by stay and operator and change often. Confirm before you book.
Local guides
Local guides in Kathmandu
Reviewed by WanderTrail. Message them on the site without sharing your number.
S
Sandesh bhandari
Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan +5 · Nepal
English, Nepali, Hindi
Licence provided
$25 / day
Before you go
Practical tips
- ID for Indians
- Carry a passport or an original voter ID card; airlines and immigration don't accept Aadhaar, PAN or a driving licence. Children under 15 and adults over 65 can show any photo ID that proves age.
- Money and UPI
- The Nepali rupee is fixed at NPR 1.60 to ₹1. ATMs are everywhere in Thamel, and many larger shops accept UPI through Fonepay QR codes; carry cash for small places.
- Temples
- The main Pashupatinath temple admits Hindus only; others can watch from the east bank. Walk clockwise around stupas and take shoes off where asked.
Questions
Kathmandu FAQs
Do Indians need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian citizens need only a valid passport or an original voter ID card. Aadhaar is not accepted as a travel document for Nepal.
Can I use Indian rupees in Kathmandu?
Yes, most hotels and shops accept them at NPR 1.60 to ₹1. You may carry ₹200 and ₹500 notes up to ₹25,000 per person, but ₹100 notes are the most widely accepted.
How many days do I need in Kathmandu?
Four or five days covers Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and a sunrise at Nagarkot. Add three or four days for Pokhara and two for Chitwan.
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