Quick facts
NPR (Nepalese Rupee) Currency — Cash only in most places; ATMs available
Nepali & Newari Language — Some English in tourist areas
NPT (UTC+5:45) Timezone — No DST — one of few :45 offsets
Oct – Dec, Mar – Apr Best Months — Clear skies, warm days, cool nights
~$15–40 USD Daily Budget — Budget to mid-range
On Arrival Visa — Most nationalities get visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10-15 | $20-35 |
| Food | $5-8 | $10-18 |
| Transport | $0.25 | $3-5 |
| Activities | $15 | $20-30 |
| Daily Total | $25-35 | $50-80 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Health & Safety
- Tap water is not safe to drink — buy bottled or use purification tablets/filter.
- Altitude is 1,400m (lower than Kathmandu) so altitude sickness is not a concern here.
- Bhaktapur is one of the safest cities in Nepal — petty crime is rare, but watch for uneven pavements and open drains at night.
Connectivity
- Nepal SIM cards (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) available in Kathmandu for NPR 200 — bring your passport for registration.
- Most guesthouses have WiFi but speeds are slow — do not rely on it for video calls.
- Power cuts are less frequent than they used to be, but carry a power bank.
Getting Around
- Bhaktapur old city is entirely walkable — all major sights are within a 15-minute walk.
- Local buses to Kathmandu (NPR 30, 40 min) depart from the main road near the entry gate.
- Taxis and motorcycle taxis are available at the main gate for trips to Nagarkot, Changu Narayan, and the airport.
Money
- ATMs near the main gate accept international cards — withdraw cash as many places are cash-only.
- US dollars and Indian rupees can be exchanged at money changers near Durbar Square.
- Tipping is not customary but appreciated — round up restaurant bills or leave NPR 100-200.
Weather
- October to December: clear skies, 15-25C days, cold nights. Best for photography and Himalayan views.
- March to April: warm and clear before monsoon, spring wildflowers and festivals.
- June to September: monsoon — heavy rain but fewer tourists and lush green landscapes.
Photography
- Golden hour light on the red brick temples is extraordinary — sunrise and sunset are the best times.
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially during religious ceremonies.
- Drone photography requires a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal — difficult to obtain and rarely granted in heritage zones.
