Thamel
Busy tourist hub, shops, bars, trekking services
City hotel guide
Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, serves as the historic and cultural epicenter of the country. Situated at an elevation of 1,324 meters in the Kathmandu Valley, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with roots dating back to the 2nd century AD. As the former royal capital, it boasts a rich heritage reflected in its numerous palaces, temples, and gardens, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath. The city is a vibrant mix of Hindu and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, offering a unique glimpse into Newar civilization. Today, it acts as the primary gateway to the Nepal Himalayas and hosts the SAARC headquarters. With a rapidly growing metropolitan area, Kathmandu offers frequent-flyer travelers a blend of ancient history, spiritual depth, and modern urban dynamics.
1,017Hotels
14Brands
8Programs
🕐 Asia/Kathmandu · 💱 NPR
Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Best time to visit
☀️ Best months: Mar–Apr, Nov
Jan17° / 5°💧16mm
Feb18° / 6°💧35mm
Mar23° / 11°💧55mm
Apr26° / 14°💧55mm
May25° / 16°💧186mm
Jun27° / 19°💧368mm
Jul27° / 20°💧565mm
Aug27° / 20°💧569mm
Sep27° / 18°💧268mm
Oct24° / 14°💧96mm
Nov21° / 10°💧9mm
Dec19° / 6°💧2mm
High/low are monthly means, 💧 is mean monthly precipitation (2022–23, Open-Meteo); green = comfortable & drier.
Where to stay
Durbar Marg
Central boulevard with upscale hotels and dining
Lazimpat
Quieter embassy-hotel area near Thamel
Boudha
Spiritual stupa area with Tibetan monasteries
Patan / Lalitpur
Historic Newar city with courtyards and cafes
Area guides are reference info (AI-assisted, web-grounded); never ranked by price or commission.
Getting there & around
From the airport
Kathmandu’s main airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), east of the centre and Thamel. There is no airport train or metro. The easiest first-arrival option is a prepaid or metered taxi from the terminal; expect about 20-45 minutes to Thamel or Durbar Marg, longer in traffic. App rides are common in the city, but airport pickup points can vary. Sajha Yatayat buses connect the airport/Sinamangal area with Ratna Park and parts of Lalitpur; use them if traveling light and comfortable with local buses, roughly 30-60+ minutes depending on traffic.
KTM airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →
Around the city
Kathmandu has no metro system and no tourist transit card or pass worth getting. Most visitors combine walking within compact areas such as Thamel, Durbar Square, Boudha and Patan with taxis or ride-hailing for cross-city trips. Public transport is road-based: Sajha buses, private buses, microbuses and tempos, with routes often focused on Ratna Park, Ring Road, Lagankhel and New Bus Park. Carry small cash, confirm the fare or meter before non-app taxi rides, and allow extra time because traffic and sidewalks are unpredictable.
As of 2026-06-20 — confirm current schedules/fares with the operator.
Loyalty program coverage
Before choosing where to stay
Where to Base
Base yourself in the Thamel district or near Durbar Square. Thamel offers a high concentration of hotels and easy access to services, while staying near Durbar Square places you within walking distance of major heritage sites like the palace complex and key temples.
Getting Around
Transport from the airport to the city center varies depending on traffic conditions. Kathmandu experiences rapid urbanization and congestion, so allow extra time for transfers. Taxis are the most common mode of transport for reaching hotels. Given the 1,324-meter elevation, travelers should take time to acclimatize upon arrival.
Best Season
The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These seasons offer pleasant weather and clear skies, ideal for exploring outdoor heritage sites like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath. Clear visibility also enhances views of the Himalayas, making these periods optimal for photography and sightseeing.
Nearby attractions
Pashupatinath Temple
Hindu temple in Kathmandu
Narayanhiti Palace
palace in Kathmandu, Nepal
Boudhanath
Buddhist stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal
Swayambhunath
Hindus and Buddhist holy place and tourist center in Kathmandu, Nepal
Basantapur Durbar Square
square in Kathmandu, Nepal
Dasarath Rangasala Stadium
football stadium
Ranipokhari
reservoir in Nepal
Asan
square in Kathmandu, Nepal
Patan Durbar Square
square in Lalitpur, Nepal
Indra Chowk
market square in Kathmandu
Kasthamandap
Hindu temple in Nepal
Budhanilkantha Temple
Hindu temple in Kathmandu District, Nepal
Dining
Matsuri Tokyo Japanese Restaurant
Japanese
Dalle
Restaurant
Haopin Hotpot
Restaurant
Alice Restaurant Durbarmarg
Restaurant
The Old House
Bar
Madhushala Geet Ghazal Restro & Bar
Bar
Sam's One Tree Cafe
Café
Vootoo
Café
Attraction data from Wikidata (CC0) and open sources, ranked by notability and distance — for reference.
See all guide-listed restaurants in Kathmandu (Michelin / Black Pearl) →
Airport lounges (KTM)
Lounge access is reference info — confirm current terms with the operator; commission never ranks.
Flights to Kathmandu
Off-site flight search (affiliate link — no in-app checkout, no price shown).
Search flights to KathmanduMost-covered hotels in Kathmandu
Ranked by verified records and coverage depth — never by price, never by commission.
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Radisson Hotel Kathmandu
5★0 recordsSparse
The Malla Hotel
5★0 recordsSparse
Hotel Yak & Yeti
5★0 recordsSparse
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
5★0 recordsSparse
Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu
5★0 recordsSparse
The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection
5★0 recordsSparse
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
5★0 recordsSparse
Kathmandu Sunny Hotel
5★0 recordsSparse