Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the lively heart of Nepal, is a place where ancient traditions harmoniously mingle with the pulse of modern life. Tucked away in the stunning Himalayas, it’s a fantastic gateway to breathtaking landscapes and sacred sites, promising travelers a vibrant mix of experiences. From the energy of bustling markets to the tranquility of hilltop views, Kathmandu enchants everyone who steps through its doors.

What to Expect:
Get ready for a sensory adventure in Kathmandu! You'll be greeted by the captivating aroma of incense wafting from age-old temples, the familiar buzz of honking motorbikes zipping through narrow streets, and the sight of beautifully carved wooden buildings that whisper stories of a rich past. Durbar Square is a must-see, showcasing royal palaces, shrines, and statues from the magnificent Malla period. And don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) and Pashupatinath Temple—they’re the spiritual heartbeats of this vibrant city, drawing both Hindus and Buddhists from afar.

While the streets can feel a bit busy, especially in the lively Thamel district, there’s a constant thrill in the air. Visit local markets bursting with fresh produce, aromatic spices, and artisan crafts, or unwind in rooftop cafes offering stunning views of the city. From trendy spots to cozy yoga studios, Kathmandu combines modern conveniences with its authentic charm.

What You Should Know:
Cultural Heritage: Kathmandu is a treasure trove of history and spirituality. As you wander around, you'll stumble upon countless temples, stupas, and historical landmarks. The architecture tells tales of the city’s past, especially in the beautifully preserved areas of Patan and Bhaktapur.

People & Traditions: One of the best parts of Kathmandu is the warmth of its people. The hospitality is genuine, and locals love to share stories, give directions, or just have a friendly chat over a cup of chai.

Traffic & Infrastructure: With rapid growth, Kathmandu can get pretty congested, and you might encounter the occasional power cut. Traffic jams and uneven sidewalks are part of the adventure, but exciting improvements are on the horizon, like better roads and new infrastructure projects.

Outdoor Activities: If you’re up for a little adventure, Kathmandu is the perfect launching pad for trekking up to Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. If trekking isn’t your thing, the nearby hills of Nagarkot and Dhulikhel offer breathtaking sunrise views of the Himalayas without stepping too far from the valley.

Food Scene: When it comes to food, Kathmandu has something to tantalize every palate. You’ll find delicious local staples like Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), and traditional Newari cuisine. Plus, there’s an increasing number of charming cafes and eateries serving a variety of international dishes.

Spiritual & Healing Retreats: Many travelers find themselves drawn to Kathmandu not just for adventure but also for spiritual growth and healing. Whether it’s a yoga retreat, a meditation center, or a wellness resort, Kathmandu is a nurturing space for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves.

Final Thoughts:
At first glance, Kathmandu may seem a bit chaotic, but the city rewards those who take the time to explore its many layers. Whether you’re here to soak up history, embark on a Himalayan journey, or simply enjoy the local culture, Kathmandu offers an unforgettable experience. Its unique mix of the old and the new leaves a lasting impression on all who visit!

Kathmandu has frequent power outages as of December 2019 even though everyone says otherwise, as does Pokhara. The old outages are referring to the load shedding issue which were routine power outages for the majority of the day. Now power outages are not routine and can last unknown amounts of time, even the main (and only) airport loses power often. Buildings are unheated, water for showering is generally unheated or lukewarm, many houses get their water from urban aquifers which may be heavily polluted, as city water is yellow and oily. Many roads in the city are dirt, and air quality is extremely poor, especially during the crop burning season. Locals are friendly and helpful and many outside of tourist areas may have never met a foreigner before. The locals and the mountains make the place special, everything else about it is quite bad, notably hygiene, food safety, traffic danger, and exposure to all sorts of environmental pollutants. That said, I will be returning to visit the local friends made while there.

I can't relate to many of the ratings here.
I spent half a year in Kathmandu and it's amazing for digital nomads. I would give high scores for all mentioned categories except air quality.

Great happiness. Great wifi (better than Munich in many places), good hospitals, amazing culture and people. Nomads there know each other. The community is small but growing

Kathmandu is an upcoming destination in the digital nomad community for its cheap living, great outdoor opportunities and its vibrant expat community. After the earthquake the country had to recover and with it came some major improvements: Internet connectivity has reached levels similar to many places in Asia such as Bali and the Philippines. Power cuts have been brought down to a minimum. And more and more places have started up co-working and living places that suit the digital nomads’ needs. Kathmandu now is a place that is alive with positive energy and is moving forward.

MMM I really think these ratings are really wrong. Kathmandu is a super polluted city, air quality get you dizzy dizzy... cost of living is really expensive if you want to have small comforts... like a swimming pool is 6euros, the zoo is 20 euros... you have to think that if you are a foreign you have an extra tax in most of the prices, there is a local price and a tourist price. Also taxis can become really expensive, short ride can jump into 6 euros, moto is a better solution but again, pollution and safety is not really into vogue. Also about food, there are no fridges in the supermarket so your milk or daily products must be buy in local shops, and again hygiene is not at its best. Woman friendly is not so much... you must cover you up in order to don't attract followers... there are no go zones in Kathmandu... and also be aware of bands of dogs... Internet is good speed after the earthquake, most houses have solar power so you will be able to be online full time... getting a SIM card needs the help of a local, since again SIM cards for foreigns need a permission, so is not easy going as a city... in fact is really chaotic and super dirty.... is not a 100% walkable city... is a moto city, and again is super dirty, so I you want to walk in rainy season better to not have bear foot... Pokhara is a better option...

There's an exciting buzz in Nepal now with the current government providing some stability and power cuts largely being a thing of the past.