Kathmandu, Nepal
Gateway to Everest and 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — stupas, temples, Durbar Squares, and the launch pad for the world's greatest treks. Direct flights from Delhi, Dubai, Singapore, and Doha.
Kathmandu Highlights
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world — Tibetan quarter, prayer flags, butter lamps at dusk
Pashupatinath Temple
Sacred Hindu cremation temple on the Bagmati river — open-air ghats, sadhus, essential spiritual experience
Swayambhunath
The Monkey Temple — 365 steps, Buddha eyes on the stupa, panoramic Kathmandu Valley views
Thamel District
Kathmandu's tourist hub — trekking gear shops, rooftop restaurants, thangka paintings, budget guesthouses
Patan Durbar Square
Best-preserved of the three Durbar Squares — intricate woodcarving, metal casting, Newari architecture
Everest Trek Gateway
Base for EBC (12-14 days), Annapurna Circuit (15-20 days), Langtang (7-10 days). Lukla flights from KTM.
Nepal Trek Summary
Everest Base Camp
12-14 days. Fly KTM-Lukla (35 min). Reach 5,364m. Best months: March-May, Oct-Nov. Permit: USD 30 (+TIMS USD 20).
Annapurna Circuit
15-20 days. Thorong La Pass 5,416m. Drive to Besisahar. Best: March-May, Oct-Nov. Permit: USD 30 (+ACAP USD 20).
Langtang Valley
7-10 days. Drive to Syabrubesi (8h). Less crowded, easier acclimatisation. Permit: USD 30 + Langtang NP fee.
Kathmandu FAQ
Which airport serves Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is served by Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), approximately 6 km east of the city centre — 20-30 minutes by taxi (NPR 700-1,000). Direct flights from Delhi (DEL, 1h15m), Mumbai (BOM, 2h45m), Singapore (SIN, 4h15m), Doha (DOH, 4h30m), Dubai (DXB, 4h45m), Bangkok (BKK, 3h30m), and Kuala Lumpur (KUL, 4h30m).
What is Kathmandu known for?
Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalayas — the base for Everest treks (Lukla flights depart from here), Annapurna circuit treks, and classic routes to Langtang and Manaslu. The Kathmandu Valley itself has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Changu Narayan Temple.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Most nationalities require a visa — available on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport for USD 30 (15 days), USD 50 (30 days), or USD 125 (90 days). Bring passport photos (2) and USD cash. Indian nationals do not need a visa. Apply online at Nepal's Department of Immigration to save time at the visa on arrival queue, which can take 1-2 hours.
What is the best base for Everest trekking?
All Everest treks start with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport (LUA) — 35 minutes, USD 160-200 one-way, weather-dependent. The standard Everest Base Camp trek is 12-14 days return from Lukla to Base Camp (5,364m). Acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m) are essential. Book Lukla flights at least 2-3 months ahead in peak season (March-May, Oct-Nov).
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