3.46/5
275 reviews
Photo by Sujitabh Chaudhary via Unsplash

Kathmandu

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power

adventure

air

outages

vibrant

views

locals

friendly

food

water

quality

nomads

great

community

super

lively

traditions

modern

Kathmandu is growing in popularity among digital nomads thanks to its fast internet, friendly locals, and access to outdoor adventures like treks and hikes. There is a small but welcoming expat community, and the city's historical and spiritual sites offer unique cultural experiences. Internet and power stability have improved significantly since past challenges, which makes remote work easier. The food scene is expanding, with both local and international options available, and there's a new wave of co-working and wellness spaces emerging, particularly in districts like Thamel.

However, there are notable downsides. Air pollution is a major issue, especially during certain seasons, and overall cleanliness and hygiene—including food safety—can be concerns. Infrastructure challenges remain; roads can be poor, power outages still occur occasionally, and water quality is unreliable. Prices for foreigners are often higher, especially at attractions or in taxis, and SIM card access can be complicated without local help. The city is not very walkable, particularly in rainy weather, where dirt roads and lack of sidewalks make mobility difficult. While locals are generally helpful and friendly, safety and comfort levels vary—especially for women—and care is needed in certain areas at night. Kathmandu offers a rich experience but requires a tolerance for its rougher edges.

AI-generated summary of reviews
57 years ago

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!

2 years ago

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.

6 years ago

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

6 years ago

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.

7 years ago

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...

7 years ago

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.

7 years ago

✅ Fast internet

✅ Friendly people

✅ Great outdoor activities

✅ Very cheap to live

✅ Pretty safe

✅ Lots of fun stuff to do

✅ Warm now

✅ Warm in the spring

✅ Nomads.com members liked going here

✅ Many Nomads.com members have been

✅ Spacious and not crowded

✅ Good hospitals

✅ Freedom of speech

✅ People can speak basic English

✅ Safe for women

✅ Family friendly

✅ Very friendly to LGBTQ+

✅ Not many people smoke tobacco

✅ Not a lot of alcohol abuse

❌ Very polluted

❌ Poor hygiene and infrastructure

❌ Not affordable for foreigners

❌ Not very democratic

❌ Pretty slow internet

❌ Gets cold in the winter

❌ Bad air quality today

❌ Not many Nomads.com members right now

❌ Difficult to do business

❌ Quality of education is low

❌ Roads can be dangerous

❌ Marijuana is illegal

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Feels (median)

1355°
cool

1152°
cool

1966°
mild

2272°
mild

2170°
mild

2373°
mild

2170°
mild

1457°
cool

Real (median)

1355°
cool

1152°
cool

1966°
mild

2271°
mild

2170°
mild

2373°
mild

2169°
mild

1457°
cool

1456°
cool

Humidity

nice
55%

nice
56%

nice
39%

nice
33%

nice
75%

nice
91%

nice
95%

nice
98%

nice
94%

nice
85%

damp
71%

nice
59%

Most common

Rain

dry
2mm

dry
20mm

dry
28mm

rainy
55mm

rainy
204mm

rainy
475mm

rainy
550mm

rainy
664mm

rainy
382mm

rainy
95mm

dry
17mm

dry
28mm

Cloud

pockets
15%

pockets
13%

pockets
12%

pockets
39%

pockets
43%

pockets
46%

pockets
47%

pockets
39%

pockets
24%

pockets
19%

pockets
17%

Air quality

bad
155 US AQI

bad
145 US AQI

bad
107 US AQI

bad
138 US AQI

bad
121 US AQI

clean
16 US AQI

clean
9 US AQI

okay
61 US AQI

okay
86 US AQI

bad
137 US AQI

bad
158 US AQI

bad
153 US AQI

Sun

seek shade
5 UVI

avoid sun
6 UVI

avoid sun
9 UVI

avoid sun
10 UVI

avoid sun
7 UVI

avoid sun
6 UVI

seek shade
4 UVI

avoid sun
7 UVI

seek shade
5 UVI

Remote workers

1,036 people

1,350 people

1,800 people

2,262 people

1,680 people

1,300 people

960 people

1,650 people

1,477 people

2,727 people

1,733 people

1,150 people

Green is good. Red is bad. Values shown are the medians of all daily highs in a month based on past few years, not necessarily current numbers. Remote worker count is estimated based on the total amount of trips logged by Nomads.com members.

If you'd like to filter destinations based on their climate, try Nomads.com's Climate Finder

Based on Kathmandu's cost of living, here's selected remote jobs that would cover your costs:

Help pick the best photos for Kathmandu and improve this page's look by tappingclicking on them and the site saves your feedback Vote photos

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✈️4h

$1,044 / mo

🌇 Also went here86 people

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United Arab Emirates

⭐️ OverallAll

💵 Cost 😙 Affordable

📡 InternetWiFi 🙂 Good

👍 Liked mediocre

👮 Safety mediocre

Tap to open

🌥 Feels 9° 48° 10° 50° AQI 119 😷

✈️7h

$1,654 / mo

🌇 Also went here105 people

Amsterdam

Netherlands

⭐️ OverallAll

💵 Cost 🧐 Pricey

📡 InternetWiFi 🙂 Good

👍 Liked bad

👮 Safety good

Tap to open

🌧 Feels 12° 54° 13° 55° AQI 59 😷

✈️11h

$3,876 / mo

🌇 Also went here92 people

New York City, NY

United States

⭐️ OverallAll

💵 Cost 😳 Extremely expensive

📡 InternetWiFi 🙂 Good

👍 Liked good

👮 Safety mediocre

Tap to open

🌥 Feels 7° 45° 7° 45°

✈️16h

$7,114 / mo

🌇 Also went here92 people

600 remote workers in Kathmandu now, of which 1+ members checked in (some members are set to private)

Members who will be here soon

Members who have been here

Values shown are estimated visits by traveling remote workers based on the total amount of trips logged by Nomads.com members. Visits to a place are only counted once per year per user, even if they visit more in that year. Visits are also normalized by overall trips added per month on the site, so if site usage goes up or down it does not affect trends. Not all digital nomads are on Nomads.com, and not all Nomads.com members log their trips. So the data is only indicative.

The chart below shows visitors by nationality normalized for population size. This means we take all trips logged on Nomads.com, check which country of origin the user is from, then divide that total visit count by the country of origin's population. If we didn't, it'd just show the big countries like US, Brazil and India always on top. Instead, this shows which nationalities worldwide proportionally visit more or less, which is more useful.

🎒 Nomad Score™	3.46/5 (Rank #117) 275 reviews
❤️ Liked by members	👍8 liked it 👎2 disliked it
👍 Quality of life score	Good
👶 Family score	Okay
🎒 Community score	Okay
🤯 Overcrowding score	0% is nomad here
💵 Cost	😝 Cheap: $899 / mo
📡 Internet	😡 Slow: 6 Mbps (avg)
😝 Fun	Great
⛅️ Temperature (now)	🌞 Perfect: 24°C74°F (feels 24°C75°F)
💦 Humidity (now)	😊 Comfy: 72%
💨 Air quality (now)	😷 Unhealthy : 173 US AQI
💨 Air quality (annual)	😐 Moderate: 86 US AQI
👌 Safety	Good
👩 Safe for women	Okay
🌈 Safe for LGBTQ+	Great
🤮 Food safety*	Okay
👮‍♀️ Lack of crime*	Good
🎓 Education level*	Low
⚡️ Power grid	Bad
🌊 Vulnerability to climate change	Bad
💰 Income level*	Very low: $60 / mo
🙊 English speaking*	Okay
🚶 Walkability	Great
🚦 Traffic safety*	Bad
✈️ Airline scores*	Okay
🧳 Lost luggage*	Great
🏥 Hospitals	Okay
😄 Happiness*	Bad
🍸 Nightlife	Bad
📶 Free WiFi in city	Bad
🖥 Places to work from	Great
❄️ A/C or heating	Bad
😁 Friendly to foreigners	Great
🗯 Freedom of speech*	Good
🎅 Startup Score	Okay

🌍 Continent	Asia
🚩 Country	Nepal
🗓️ Average trip length	10 days
📡 Internet speed (avg)	6 Mbps
⛅️ Weather (now)	🌫 24°C 74°F + 😊 Comfy (72%) = feels 24°C 75°F
💨 Air quality (now)	👎☠️ 173 US AQI = 🚬 🚬 / day
💨 Air quality (annual avg)	👎😷 86 US AQI = 🚬 / day
🔌 Power	230V 50Hz
🚕 Best taxi app*	Sarathi
🚑 Travel medical insurance	Safetywing
💸 1,000 NPR in USD	USD 6.78
🏧 Suggested ATM take out:	NPR 10,000 = USD 68
💳 Cashless	💵 No, cash only (esp. for foreigners)
🚰 Tap water	🚫 No, not drinkable
♻️ Return rate	👍16% of visitors return
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Population	1,000,000 people
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 GDP per capita*	$722 / year
👫 Gender ratio (population)	👨 56% 👱‍♀️ 44%
👫 Gender ratio (young adults)	👨 50% 👱‍♀️ 50%
👫 Gender ratio (nomads)	👨 79% 👱‍♀️ 21%
🏠 Apartment listings	Hamrobazaar
✈️ Best short-haul air carrier	Jet Airways
✈️ Best int'l air carrier	Etihad Airways
🏥 Best hospital	CIWEC

💵 Cost of living for nomad	$899 / month
💵 Cost of living for expat	$513 / month
💵 Cost of living for family	$1,005 / month
💵 Cost of living for local	$287 / month
🏨 Hotel (median price)	$346 / month
🏡 Airbnb (median price)	$797 / month
🏠 1br studio rent in center	$133 / month
🏠 Median home price	$101,847
🏨 Hotel (median price)	$16 / night
🏠 Airbnb (median price)	$26 / night
🏢 Coworking hot desk	$166 / month
🍛 Dinner	$3
🥤 Coca-Cola (0.3L)	$0
🍺 Beer in cafe (0.5L)	$2
☕️ Coffee in cafe	$1
👩‍🏫 International school	$2,731 / year
📱 Mobile data (~10GB)	$1 / month
🚕 Taxi price (avg trip ~3km/2mi)	$2 / trip