Kathmandu solo travel statistics

🛂 Entry & Visas

• Visa on Arrival available at Tribhuvan International Airport — 15 days ($30), 30 days ($50), 90 days ($125)
• Bring a passport photo and exact USD cash for the visa fee — the queue moves faster with exact change
• Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance at all times

💉 Health & Safety

• Do not drink tap water — use bottled or filtered water. Many guesthouses and restaurants have safe filtered water stations
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — Kathmandu's hospitals are limited and helicopter rescue is expensive
• Altitude in Kathmandu (1,400m) is mild but can cause minor headaches on arrival. Stay hydrated and rest on day one

🚗 Getting Around

• Taxis do not use meters — negotiate the fare before getting in. Typical Thamel to Boudhanath fare is 400-600 NPR
• Local micro-buses and tempos are extremely cheap (20-50 NPR) but crowded and confusing for first-timers
• Ride-hailing apps (Pathao, inDrive) work in Kathmandu and offer fair pre-set pricing — download before arriving

📱 Connectivity

• Buy an Ncell or NTC SIM card at the airport — data packages are extremely cheap (500 NPR for 30 days of 4G)
• WiFi is available at most guesthouses and cafes but speeds vary. Download offline maps before heading outside the city
• Power outages are less common than they used to be but still occur — carry a portable charger

💰 Money

• Currency: NPR (Nepalese Rupee). Cash is king — carry small bills for local transport, street food, and temple entry
• ATMs are plentiful in Thamel and accept international Visa and Mastercard. Withdraw in larger amounts to minimise fees
• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated — round up at restaurants and tip guides 500-1000 NPR per day

🎒 Packing Tips

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip — Kathmandu's streets are uneven, dusty, and sometimes muddy
• A pollution mask or buff is useful for walking along busy roads — air quality in Kathmandu is poor, especially in winter
• Layers are essential — mornings and evenings can be cool (10-15°C) even when afternoons are warm (25°C+)

🙏 Namaste & Respect

Greet everyone with "namaste" (palms together) — it is the universal greeting in Nepal and opens every interaction with warmth. Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. Walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples.

🌍 Sacred Sites Etiquette

Many temples restrict entry to Hindus only — respect these boundaries without argument. Do not touch offerings, religious objects, or people's heads. Leather items are prohibited in many temple complexes. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.

📸 Photography Etiquette

Ask permission before photographing locals, sadhus, and religious ceremonies. Some sadhus at Pashupatinath pose for photos but expect a tip (100-200 NPR). Never photograph cremation ceremonies up close — maintain a respectful distance from the opposite bank.

🗣 Language & Communication

Learn basic Nepali: "namaste" (hello), "dhanyabad" (thank you), "kati ho?" (how much?), "mitho" (delicious). Nepali people are exceptionally warm and hospitable — a few words in their language earn enormous goodwill and genuine smiles.

🤝 Support Local Communities

Choose locally-owned guesthouses and restaurants over international chains. Buy handicrafts directly from artisans in Patan and Bhaktapur. Hire local guides through community tourism organisations rather than large agencies — your money goes directly to Nepali families.

🕐 Pace & Patience

Kathmandu runs on "Nepal time" — buses leave when full, not on schedule. Embrace the pace rather than fighting it. The best experiences come from slowing down, sitting in a temple square with chiya, and watching the extraordinary daily life unfold around you.