Kathmandu city trip (Nepal)

When is the best time to go?

October and November are the peak months for Kathmandu: the monsoon season is over, skies are clear, and temperatures are comfortably between 10 and 20 degrees during the day. The view of the Himalayan peaks is at its best.

March and April offer spring weather, blooming rhododendrons and pleasant trekking conditions. Avoid June through September, as the monsoon brings heavy rainfall and limited visibility.

Best neighbourhoods in Kathmandu

• Thamel The vibrant tourist district packed with restaurants, bakeries, trekking outfitters and guesthouses. The ideal base for most visitors.
• Patan (Lalitpur) A quieter sister city just outside the centre, with impressive Newari architecture and the best museum in the valley.
• Bhaktapur The third historic city of the Kathmandu Valley, 14 km away, famous for its pottery and well-preserved Durbar Square.
• Durbar Square (Kathmandu) The historic heart of the city with temples, palaces and living culture. Entry approximately NPR 1,000 for foreigners.

Top 5 things to do in Kathmandu

• Boudhanath Stupa One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, surrounded by monasteries and monks. Entry approximately NPR 400 (around 3 euros). Quietest at sunset.
• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) Sacred hilltop temple with panoramic views over the city. Free entry, populated by monkey families and pilgrims.
• Pashupatinath Temple Nepal's most important Hindu shrine, on the banks of the Bagmati River. The evening aarti ceremony is free to watch and deeply impressive.
• Patan Museum Housed in the former Patan Palace, the finest museum in the Kathmandu Valley with an outstanding collection of Buddhist and Hindu bronzes. Entry approximately NPR 1,000.
• Narayanhiti Palace Museum The former royal palace, converted into a museum after the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. Entry approximately NPR 500.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands to Kathmandu

There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Kathmandu. You fly via a hub: Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Emirates via Dubai, Air Arabia via Abu Dhabi or Qatar Airways via Doha.

Total travel time is approximately 13 to 16 hours including the layover. Return flights are available from around 435 euros when booked early (Air Arabia), and typically 650 to 900 euros at standard fares. Departure from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS).

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is approximately 5 km from the city centre. A taxi to Thamel costs approximately NPR 700 (around 5 euros). Ride-hailing apps Pathao and InDrive are cheaper (approximately NPR 450-550).

For day trips outside the city: Pokhara (200 km, bus 7-8 hours, private jeep USD 60 for 4 people) and Nagarkot (32 km, day trip possible). Domestic flights over the Himalayas can be booked for approximately USD 197.

What does a trip to Kathmandu cost?

Kathmandu is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia. Hostels and dorms are available from 7 to 12 euros per night; simple guesthouses approximately 15 to 30 euros. Street food costs 1 to 3 euros; a full dal bhat set approximately 2 to 4 euros. Most temples and squares are free or charge a small entrance fee. Trekking permits for the Everest Base Camp route or the Annapurna Circuit cost approximately NPR 3,000 (around USD 22) per permit. A week in Kathmandu including flights is achievable for approximately 400 to 700 euros per person when booked early.