Where to Stay in Kathmandu?

Staying in Kathmandu means staying in the capital city of Nepal. 

Kathmandu is the biggest and the most developed city of Nepal where Tribhuvan International lies for international flights. 

Around 4 million people live in Kathmandu and the classical Kathmandu is being spoiled gradually. 

There are 7 world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley in different 3 cities: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. 

You can go to explore these UNESCO Sites while staying in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyombhunath Stupa ( Monkey Temple), Patan, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Chnagunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. 

Besides, one can go and visit Dreams of Garden, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, Budhanilkantha, Dakhinkali Temple, Khokana ( Lalitpur) and Thamel ( most popular tourist hub in Kathmandu ) while staying in Kathmandu. 

Since Kathmandu city is the capital and the most developed city of Nepal, it offers a wide variety of staying options. 

The various options of staying in Kathmandu ranges from homestay, hostel, lodges, hotels to resorts. 

Basically, one can get three major categories of stays in Kathmandu while traveling. 

The three categories of stays in Kathmandu are: Economical Stay (Hostels and Homestays), Tourist Stardard Stay with just enough facilities (Non- Star Hotel and Lodges) Luxury Stay (Star hotels and resorts). 

7 star hotels in Kathmandu 

Although Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and the most developed one, unfortunately, there are no 7 star hotels in Kathmandu. 

Your dream of staying in 7 star hotels in Kathmandu never comes real as you can not find any 7 star hotels in Kathmandu and in entire Nepal. 

5 star hotels in Kathmandu 

You can enjoy a luxury 5 star accommodation stay in Kathmandu. If you are a luxury seeker while staying in Kathmandu, you have got multiple options of 5 star hotels and resorts in Kathmandu city.

Hotel Hyatt Regency, Gokarna Forest Resort, Soltee Crown Plaza,  Hotel Hilton, Hotel Marriot,  Hotel Dushit Princess,  Hotel Radisson,  Hotel Aloof and Hotel Yak and Yeti are the most popular 5 star hotels in Kathmandu.

The cost of 5 star stay in Kathmandu per night per person ranges between USD 95-150 dpending on the services you want. 

Most of these 5 star hotels are located either in Thamel, in Lazimpat or Durbar Marg in Kathmandu. 

4 star hotels in Kathmandu 

If you want to stay in 4 star hotels in Kathmandu while you are in Kathmandu, you will find multiple options of hotels stay. 

There are number of 4 star hotels in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal and the travelers can go with any hotel stay they like to enjoy during their stay in Kathmandu. 

Hotel Tibet, Hotel Vaishali, Hotel Ramada Encore, Hotel Mulbery, Hotel Lo Mustang, Yatri Suite Hotel, Hotel Ambssdor, The Malla Hotel, Hotel Shankar, Hotel Manaslu and many other options are there as 4 star stay in Kathmandu. 

The cost of 4 star stay in Kathmandu per night per person ranges between USD 90-130. 

3 star hotels in Kathmandu 

The highest number hotels in Kathmandu are 3 star hotels. The 3 star hotels are also known as tourist standard hotels. 

These 3 star hotels also meet all the requirements of an international traveler with certain luxuries and comforts. 

The 3 star hotels are more economical than other 4 and 5 star hotels in Kathmandu. You can save money if you stay in 3 star hotels in Kathmandu Which you can for other activities like shopping, clubs and travelling. 

Pavilion Inn, Fairfield Marriot, Kathmandu Suite hotel, Hotel Le Himalaya, Hotel Marshyangdi, Hotel Moonlight, Hotel Royal Singhi, Hotel Shambala, Platinum Hotel, Surya Heritage Hotel, Vaishali, Samsara Resort, Hotel Jampa and many other hotels located in Thamel, Durbar Marg and Lazimpat are categorized as 3 star hotels in Kathmandu. 

You can make an approach to these 3 star hotels for your stay in Kathmandu with the offer price between USD 45-65 per night per individual. 

 Low Rate Hotels, Hostels, Apartments and Homestays in Kathmandu 

The travelers who are looking forward to staying in economical way in Kathmandu, can find numerous low rate hostel, apartment ( Sharing) and homestays during their visit/travel. 

One can easily find the options of hostel, low rate hotels, homestays, sharing apartment even in the central Thamel and just outskirts. 

Actually, majority of the people have the trend of staying in Kathmandu in either hostels or low rate hotels and save the money for travelling and foods. In one way, this is a big challenge to those so-called luxury seekers and hypocrites------------ isn’t it?  

The cost of low rate hotels or hostels in Kathmandu ranges between Rs. 1000-2000 per night per individual. This cost includes your accommodation and breakfast. 

Things to do while staying in Kathmandu 

There are a lot of things to do while staying in Kathmandu. However, the most popular things to do while stayin in Kathmandu are: 

Tour to World Heritage Sites

Nepal — the capital city Kathmandu is rich in culture but offers plenty of modern-day indulgence. Tour to World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Durbar Square. These places display revealed Kathmandu’s religious and design splendor.

You can also visit Patan and Bhaktapur during your stay in Kathmandu. 

Everest Scenic Flight and Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Savor the stunning Scenic Everest Flight or Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour experience. These activities offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas and stunning Mount Everest. These are ideal for capturing memories.

Day Hiking

For lovers of adventure, there is Day Hiking around the Kathmandu Valley on trails leading to tranquil hilltops such as Nagarkot Hiking or Champadevi Hiking, Shivapuri Hiking and Nagarjun Hiking which offer sweeping views across the snow-chipped peaks and green valleys.

Visit our blog Post: Best Day Hiking Around Kathmandu for further information. 

Shopping

No shopper could ignore the markets of this city. Visit Thamel or Asan Bazaar for traditional souvenirs, pashmina shawls, and handicrafts.

You can also go to Patan for marvelous woodworks and carvings. 

Window and Door frames are very artistic and classical in Patan. 

If you want something branded, go and visit modern shopping centers like Durbar Marg and Malls like Labim Mall and Civil Mall. 

Clubs, Spas and Tatoos 

The nightlife of Kathmandu will leave you amazed. In Thamel, have a taste of bars, clubs, and live music while staying in Kathmandu. 

You can expect a lively night at the well loved popular spots, Club Fahrenheit and Purple Haze Rock Bar, Lord Of Drinks ( LOD), Trishara and VIP Lounge.  

The clubs in Themel, Lazimpat and Durbar Marg are open whole night. 

Similarly Babu’s Tattoo, Bros Tattoos and Mohan’s Tattoos, Eros Tattoos, Jads Tattoos, Aamali Tattoo and Eden Tattoos.

Also, the travelers can enjoy the best experiences of spa and massage activities in Kathmandu. The massage and spa hub of Kathmandu valley is located in Thamel, the busiest tourist destination of Nepal. 

Kathmandu brings together spirituality, adventure, shopping and nightlife to ensure that every type of traveler has a memorable trip.

Shopping hubs while staying in Kathmandu 

Thamel is the place to go for authentic Nepali crafts and souvenirs. The area is full of places where you can buy pashmina shawls, prayer flags, handmade jewellery, singing bowls and trekking gears.

If you like good quality, hand woven carpets and traditional artifacts, check the Nepal Art council Gallery or to some shops in Durbar Marg which is also dotted with top-end boutiques. 

A traditional market Asan Bazaar is ideal for spices, dried fruits and brassware as well as snapping a glimpse of local life.

 Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, excellent for wood carvings pottery and traditional masks.

If you want some clothing and accessories in trend go to Labim Mall or Civil Mall where Internationals and local Brands

The very unique experience awaits you at Boudhanath Stupa Market, which is all about finding the best of Tibetan artifacts and thangkas, which are traditional paintings.

Finally, Freak Street near Basantapur is also a destination for purchasing quirkier, cheaper items with a retro feel.

Do not forget to bargain at the local markets for the best deals, while usually the big stores sell at fixed prices, with a quality guarantee. From religious souvenirs to fashionable clothes, from traditional crafts to anything of your choice, Kathmandu has it all.

The best weather/time to stay in Kathmandu 

Autumn (October and November) is the best time to go visit Kathmandu, with its most agreeable weather and splendid views. This season has great visibility with clear blue skies and crisp air, making it the best time to see the snow-covered Himalayas – perfect for sightseeing and trekking. Autumn brings comfortable temperatures in Kathmandu between 10°C (50°F) at night and 24°C (75°F) during the day which is ideal for outdoor activity.

Dashain and Tihar, the two biggest cultural festivals of Nepal also falls under this time frame. Festive decorations, music and cultural performances fill the streets and homes, giving visitors a taste of real culture.

All around are mountains, though down below, the valley is as green as you hope it would be after monsoon rains. The still climate, absence of rainfall and world class Himalayas scenery, autumn is the high season for traveling in Kathmandu and Nepal attractions.

Check our Blog Post Weather in Nepal for more authentic information for weather condition in Nepal. 

Temperatures in Kathmandu 

Kathmandu has a temperate climate, having marked seasonality.

Spring: The temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 25°C from March to May (50°F - 77°F). Days are warm and clear; sunlight is soft, and flowers bloom, which makes it an ideal time for outdoors.

Summer/Monsoon: Usually, the temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, which is about 68°F to 86°F. During this time, it is warm and humid with much rain because of the monsoon. Rain makes everything green, but this period gets in the way of traveling.

Autumn (September to November):

The temperature fluctuates from 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F). This is the peak tourist season in Kathmandu, wherein the weather is dry, the skies are clear, and the mountain scenery is fabulously visible.

Winter (December to February):

The temperatures fluctuate from 2°C to 18°C, that is, from 36°F to 64°F, accordingly. While nights get very cold, especially during January, days are sunny and mild.

Generally speaking, Kathmandu has a temperate climate throughout the year; however, it is spring and autumn that have gained more importance for tourists because of pleasant temperatures and good conditions.

Where to eat while staying in Kathmandu? 

One can find street foods to authentic restaurant cuisines in Kathmandu. 

Bhaktapur and Patan are popular for Authentic Newari Cuisines. 

Thamel, the most popular tourist hub in Kathmandu, offers you a great variety eating options in Kathmandu. 

The restaurants, cafes, hotels and bars located in Thamel are the main eating options of the travelers/tourists who stay in Kathmandu. 

You can easily find a number of Best Rated restaurants to eat during your  stay in Kathmandu. Only the thing that you need to have is money…….money…..

There are some popular Chinese, Japanes and Nepali Restaurants for foodies. Check out them while staying in Kathmandu. 

Best Chinese Foods Restaurants in Kathmandu 

• Yangling Tibetan Restaurant
• Tian Rui Chinese Restaurant
• Tengal Chowmein Pasal
• SUPPER CLUB (Dim Sum & Disco House)
• Zhonghua Restaurant
• Bao Xuan | Flavors of China
• Vinoliva Restaurant & Bar
• Kungfu Noodles
• Kunga Hotel Restaurant
• Macau Dai Pai Dong
• Kathmandu Chinese Mee Restaurant
• Da Hua Chinese Restaurant & Bar

Best Japanese Foods Restaurants in Kathmandu

• Le Sherpa Restaurant
• Sapporo Japanese Restaurant Kathmandu
• Jasper Restaurant
• Japanese Kitchen Kizuna
• Alice Restaurant
• Ofukuro No Aji - Japanese Food
• Kotetsu Japanese Restaurant
• Nagomi Japanese Restaurant
• Momotarou Restaurant
• Sapporo Sushi Training
• Momotarou Japanese restaurant

Best Nepali Foods Restaurants 

Mustang Thakali by State

Nepali Chulo

Paleti Bhanchha Ghar

Gokarna House 

Bhojan Bhumi 

How much do I need to pay for my stay in Kathmandu? 

The pay for your stay in Kathmandu ranges between USD 5-250 per night depending what type of accommodation stay you want.

Actually, the stay in Kathmandu varies between ordinary hostels to low rate hotels to 5 star hotels and resorts. 

If you are searching for very economical stay in Kathmandu, you can go with hostels or low rate hotels, you can get your stay at even USD 5-10 and if you are searching for luxury hotels or resorts while staying in Kathmandu, you need to pay USD 80-250. 

So, its ups to you which category of stay you want in Kathmandu, Prepare your budget accordingly. 

How safe is staying in Kathmandu? 

It’s safe to stay in Kathmandu as there is no any criminal activities, no cultural and religious conflicts and violence and the city is well guarded by security forces. 

Until you engage in unwanted activities like gang fight and other criminal activities, Kathmandu is very safe to stay even for months and years.

One big recent issue of Kathmandu is: Pollution, which, now, can affect your health. Please consider it seriously. 

What are the pre-cautions I need to adopt while staying in Kathmandu? 

Since Kathmandu is getting polluted gradually, you need to adopt certain safety measures while staying in Kathmandu like: 

1. Use Face Mask

2. Use Hand Sanitizer 

3. Better use full-sleeve/ full-length clothes which covers your whole body as Dengue fever can attack you due to mosquito bite

4. Keep your personal belongings safely while walking in the street 

5. Avoid eating street local foods which can cause food poison 

6. Avoid street beggars

7. Don’t easily go and trust local agents/street persuaders 

Are there any dress codes while staying in Kathmandu? 

There is no such special and strict dress code to follow while staying in Kathmandu. 

However, except Thamel, the rest of the Kathmandu city is largely religious and cultural. 

In Thamel, people don’t mind even if you go naked. But, in other places and heritage sites, you are supposed to wear just comfortable, not too tight and too transparent like open and mini skirts. 

The city Kathmandu is liberal in the sense of dress code and there is no such strict dress rules to follow while staying and travelling in Kathmandu. 

Is there threat of floods while staying in Kathmandu? 

If you are travelling in June and July, you need to consider the danger of flood in Kathmandu. 

If it rains heavily for 3-4 days incessantly, the houses and the streets in Kathmandu may sink under water and rescue is very difficult. 

But in onther months of the year except June and July, there is no any threat of flood in Kathmandu. 

See weather forecast before landing in Kathmandu and prepare accordingly. 

Is there any risk of transferable diseases while staying in Kathmandu? 

Dengue is the most dangerous transferrable disease in Kathmandu recently. 

Every year, more than hundred people are killed due to dengue fever in Kathmandu. 

Carry insect spray to keep mosquitoes away from you. 

Ask mosquito spray or mosquito quill with the hotel while staying overnight to avoid mosquito bite and to avoid dengue fever. 

The most vulnerable months to spread dengue fever in Kathmandu are: September, October and November, means autumn season. 

Be careful of dengue fever in Kathmandu, in Nepal while travelling in Autumn, in the months of Sep., Oct, and Nov. 

How much does it cost to stay in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu stay cost ranges between USD 5-250 per night. How much are you willing to spend? 

Hostels and low rate hotels are cheaper and economical and luxury star hotels are expensive.

All types of accommodations ( hostels to luxury hotels) are available in Kathmandu. 

Is it safe to walk around Kathmandu at night?

Yes, it is completely safe to walk around Kathmandu at night as all the places of Kathmandu city has been covered by CC cameras and strong security.

Better have a company while walking around Kathmandu at nighttime. 

You can walk freely and safely in every street of Thamel, the main tourist hub of Kathmandu at night.

What part of Kathmandu to stay in?

If you love serenity and tranquility, stay in out of Thamel like in Lazimpat and Budhanilkantha in Kathmandu.

If you really want to experience the most popular tourist hub of Nepal, Thamel, with spa, club, shopping, foods and tattoos, you must stay in Thamel. 

Actually, Thamel is accessible from every angle in Kathmandu and most facilitated. You can get whatever you want in Thamel in no time. 

How many days should I stay in Kathmandu? 

2-5 days will be a perfect stay in Kathmandu. In 5 days stay in Kathmandu, you can cover all kind of major activities like day hiking nearby, world heritage sites tour, shopping and clubs and spa activities. 

You require having at least 2 days while you are in Kathmandu and maximum of 5 days to stay and experience entire Kathmandu.