Updated 2016
Why you should add Kathmandu to your Indie/RTW trip
The heart of Nepal, Kathmandu is no longer the fabled city it once was. For some, the name evokes the image of the starting point before trekkers head out to tackle the countless mountains. For others it’s a dilapidated capital that is struggling to deal with the reality of poverty
- If you’re thinking “adventure,” then you’re thinking Kathmandu – the gateway to Nepal, the Himalayas, Annapurna, and Everest
- Smelly yaks, blue sheep, BIG mountains
- Visa, $40 (for 30 days); bed, $4; steak breakfast, $3… How’s that fit your budget?
- Trek Everest base camp, drink tea on clay floors, buy trinkets from local artisans
- Leave your normal life behind a while; see how it changes after trekking in Nepal
- Your friends don’t think you’ll make it Everest base camp. Prove ‘em wrong?
- While most just use Kathmandu as a base for exploring the rest of the country, there are plenty of sites to see in the city.
- Swayambhu is a highly revered stupa in Nepal as one of the most sacred Buddhist sites.
- Boudha Stupa is another sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists.
- Kaiser Mahal (or the Garden of Dreams) is a walled garden near the former Royal Palace. A great place to come and relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Read: Kathmandu Nights.
Transportation
Flying into Kathmandu is probably your best option, though you can travel overland from India as well. Just don’t expect the most comfortable journey in the world, though if you’re coming to Kathmandu, you are probably already preparing for that.
Read: Nepali Food.
Accommodation
Finding hostels in Kathmandu is pretty easy and extremely affordable. Beds can be had for under $5USD in some cases. If you choose to camp, costs can go down significantly.