Hotels in Kathmandu

Kathmandu: Gateway to the Himalayas at 1,400 Metres

Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, sits in a valley at 1,400 m elevation, ringed by peaks that include Langtang to the north. The city holds seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a 15 km radius — among them Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River, the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath (one of the largest in Asia at 36 m high), and Swayambhunath, the hilltop shrine dating to the 5th century. The medieval core of Thamel is the main traveller hub, dense with trekking outfitters, thangka galleries, and teahouses. Durbar Square in the old city preserves Malla-dynasty palaces and temples from the 12th–18th centuries.

Where to Stay in Kathmandu

Hotels cluster in Thamel for budget and mid-range options, while Lazimpat and Jhamsikhel host quieter guesthouses and boutique properties. Patan, 5 km south across the Bagmati, offers smaller hotels beside its own Durbar Square. Most trekkers use Kathmandu as a base before flights to Lukla (the entry point for Everest Base Camp) or road transfers toward Pokhara, 200 km west.

Practical Tips

• Altitude: At 1,400 m, acclimatisation is minimal, but allow a rest day before ascending higher.
• Visas: On-arrival visas (15/30/90-day options) are available at Tribhuvan International Airport, 6 km east of Thamel.
• Air quality: Dust and traffic are heaviest October–May; a light mask helps on foot in central lanes.
• Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR); ATMs are plentiful in Thamel and New Road.