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, as 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, as 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, so 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, as 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, so carry a portable charger

💰 Money

• Currency: NPR (Nepalese Rupee). Cash is king, so 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, as Kathmandu's streets are uneven, dusty, and sometimes muddy
• A pollution mask or buff is useful for walking along busy roads, as air quality in Kathmandu is poor, especially in winter
• Layers are essential, because 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, so 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, and 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, and 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, so your money goes directly to Nepali families.

🕐 Pace & Patience

Kathmandu runs on "Nepal time", and 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.