For a chill place to grab a pint with some mates, Sams Bar is the place. Late spring and early autumn. I promise you that your experience will be much different and potentially more rewarding than sleeping in a hostel dorm in the Thamel. Backpackers can find basic dorm rooms for around $2-3 and nice private rooms for between $10-25. Find more hotels in a city close to Sauraha. If you are looking for an authentic hostel experience, Alobar1000 is definitely where its at. That said, The Monkey Temple Backpacker Hostel is a fun spot to put a few back. staff excellant. The average price per night for a cheap hotel in Kathmandu this weekend is 31.54 (based on Booking.com prices). They are the best damn dumplings ever. Located in Kathmandu, a 15-minute walk from Swayambhu, Haus Namaste provides accommodations with a shared lounge, free private parking and a terrace. Again, I would stay away from using the public bus system, it is a nightmare to use. Thanks staff and owners for so nice staying. Not to mention theres the Thamel neighborhood, which is perhaps the biggest counterfeit (and non-counterfeit) outdoor gear bazaar in the world. Really enjoy the atmosphere in the hotel which is completely different from bustling Kathmandu! Its the Nepali version of backpacker wonderland. Crime/Pickpockets/Beggars: Beggars are not in fact criminals most of the time. Kathmandu is not overflowing with pristine historical sites like cities in Europe. Teaching English onlineis a great way to earn a consistent incomefrom anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Prices tend to be higher and there are generally more backpackers about. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. We had a pleasant stay at the Woodapple. Really enjoy the atmosphere in the hotel which is completely different from bustling Kathmandu! The staff is extremely helpful and arranged an early check-in for me. Upon arrival, you will need to make your way to the city center which is roughly 20 minutes 1 hour depending on the traffic. The top things to do in Kathmandu dont cost much money either, which is always a bonus. Ork2K: Tasty Middle Eastern food in the Thamel. Choose your currency. The staffs was friendly and helpful. Thamel Featuring city views, Nagarjun View Homestay Apartment has accommodations with a garden and a terrace, around 3 miles from Swayambhunath Temple. I have seen several people struck my vehicles and motorbikes in Kathmandu. Be sure though, things have changed big time since the humble beginnings of Freak Street back in the 1960s and 70s. If you are not wanting to party or just want a good night rest, avoid hostels directly above or right next to a bar or two. They told me all the best places to visit in the short time I was here, the room was great, very clean. When buying a local craft or piece of gear, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Sams isnt a super flashy bar with loud music blaring out of the open doors. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling. Good food and strong drinks. Want to visit Tibet but are worried that the obligatory tour-group itineraries are going to stop you seeing the real Tibet? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Tribhuvan International Airportin Kathmandu is Nepals main international airport. Drink water from ANYWHERE. All rights reserved. Here is the list of 17 Places to Visit near Kathmandu 1. Places are listed in no particular order. While it is touristy, Durbar Square is also one of the most important historical sites in all of Nepal. Log in. These are the BEST Places to Visit in Kathmandu! Here are 10, in our opinion, best places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal. Friendly staff. And Momos. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. So far on this epic. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Be smart about where you wander off to in the city, especially at night. In Kathmandu, there are limits to what sort of urban exploration you should take on. Workaway is pretty massive, with over 40,000 hosts registered (thats 40,000 opportunities) and over 350,000 reviews on the site. We have reviews of the best places to see in Kathmandu. This 3-star hotel offers a bar. Meeting people is super easy in Kathmandu because a vast majority of travelers are concentrated in the Thamel. Located in Kathmandu with Boudhanath Stupa nearby, Kibu Apartments provides accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking. With 3 days in Kathmandu,you can really cover some ground. The room was clean. Highly rated budget-friendly activities in Kathmandu: The top cheap things to do. Ill be real with you though. If you happen to find yourself in Kathmandu in early March, dont miss the legendary Hindu Holi Festival, also known as the festival of colors. Holi is one of the most exciting Hindu religious festivals to witness (either in Nepal or India). Here is my list of the10 top things to do in Kathmandu to get your ideas flowing. Best time to visit Kathmandu? Nepalese people love sweets. For average Nepalis, bus travel is the main form of transportation to get about the country. Kathmandu is gritty, dirty, sprawling, and yeah, a little rough around the edges, but its also full of beauty and plenty of awesome things to do, if you know where to look. In Kathmandu, the accommodation is so damn cheap that Couchsurfing isnt really necessary from a financial perspective. staff excellant. Broke Backpacker Staff Writer Chris Lininger contributed to this article. You neednt fall so firmly into the love it or hate it camp, though, when visiting Kathmandu. Located in Kathmandu, 1.1 miles from Swayambhu, Woodapple Hotel and Spa has accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar. Jagged, snow-shrouded, and utterly awe-inspiring Everest rises ahead. This 3-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. Its fans admire Kathmandu's centuries of culture and history, its exquisite (if ramshackle) old architecture, and the warmth of its people. The rooms are very clean and the manager Bishnu and the lady receptionist are very helpful are always willing to help. Come hungry. Never pay a person who isnt the bus driver or his assistant. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Top Places to Visit in Kathmandu & Top Things to Do in Kathmandu. Boudinath is one of the most impressive stupas you will ever see; its actually one of the largest stupas in the world. Over the last decade, the Garden of Dreams has seen a real resurgence in its up-keep. We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Kathmandu, which include: Some of the most popular restaurants in Kathmandu include: Kathmandu is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Kathmandu: If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Kathmandu between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Get up-to-date information on where to stay in Kathmandu, top things to do, your Kathmandu daily budget, top free attractions, suggested itineraries, cheap eats in Kathmandu, and much more. Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Each accommodation at the 3-star hotel has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a terrace. The accommodation provides room service, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests. Using the city as a base for exploring small towns and villages on its outskirts is an easy way to have the best of both worlds. First of all, the communication with the hotel was very smooth before the arrival. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a shared lounge and to a terrace. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. Haggling is just part of life in Kathmandu. Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks. You may also like:The Nepali mountaineer reclaiming the HimalayaHow to plan your dream trip to the HimalayasAsk an expert: Jo Bradshaw on how to pack for the Himalayas. 4,745. 18 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Kathmandu yet away from the noise! Receive my ten page beginners guide to Nepal and never miss an email! 5. Best hostel in central thamel with really nice restaurants and coffee shop . Backpacking in Kathmandu is FAR less expensive than most big cities. Pickpockets, petty thieves, and beggar-con men (or kids) do operate in and around the Thamel and beyond. Situated in Kathmandu, 700 metres from Boudhanath Stupa, Pema Boutique Hotel features accommodation with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. Private taxis are quicker. Couchsurfing hosts are NOT free hostels! Vietnamese restaurant in Kathmandu. What to see: Aside from the sunrise and sunsetbest enjoyed from your hotel room or the lookout tower on a clear autumn or winters daythere are some other attractions in and around the town. Every backpacker arriving into Nepal by airplane with undoubtedly find themselves in Kathmandu for at least a couple of days. Popular with guests booking cheap hotels in Kathmandu. Shops, restaurants, people, rickshaws, motorbikes, food, and more people bombard the senses. The views from Namobuddha in the clear winter air encompass a vast swathe of the Himalayan chain. Always packed with plenty of backpackers. Situated in Kathmandu, 3.2 km from Hanuman Dhoka, Hotel Wawa features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. This Kathmandu travel guide highlights all of my top tips for backpacking Kathmandu on a budget (which is easy!). Fun fact: this market has been around for centuries! Everest Irish Pub: Because every major city in the world has at least one dive Irish Bar. 17 Places to Visit near Kathmandu for an Ideal Short Trip Extremely helpful and friendly staff. Basically, all you can do on ten bucks though is eat street food, sleep in a dorm bed, and explore the city on foot. Since you have now read the top thingsto do in Kathmandu, lets have a look at my 3 day Kathmandu itinerary for how to organize your time in Kathmandu for 3 days. March to May is also a good time to visit Kathmandu (and also the Himalaya). Starting just above the town of Budhanilkantha, the park is covered in forest, hiking trailsand a few cultural attractions like monasteries and nunneries. I didnt book any guided trip through them but if I was looking for that I think these guys would be great for that too. Weve tested countless day packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the traveller-approved Osprey Daylite Plus. It is within walking distance of Thamel or 50 RS by pedal rickshaw(though you will have to climb the hill yourself). I ate Daal Bhat at least once (sometimes twice) per day when I was in Kathmandu. If you are looking to party, the Monkey Temple Backpackers Hostel is the closest things you are going to get to an actual party hostel. Momos. A Daal Bhat should never cost you $5 outside of the ThamelI dont care how good it is! Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! We do not represent World Nomads. After Boudnath and lunch, head toSwapna Bagaicha (Garden of Dreams) for a walk around one of Kathmandus few quiet spaces. Eating in Kathmandu can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. Great shower with tropic rain function 24 hours hot water (after Himalayas and some other hotels thats amazing) Sort by: Highest Rating. Hotel Jampa is set in Thamel and provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Swayambhnath is built on the site on one of the oldest religious structures in Nepal initially dating from 5AD. Ltd., and ViaVia Boutique Hotel - Kathmandu. Start your morning off with a solid breakfast in one of the many cafes. You can enjoy with their beautiful garden with organic coffee and yummy breakfast!!! Nepals capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. We told each other we could easily stay here for a month :) The staff excellent location. Its possible to get a local busyou may need to change at Banepabut more comfortable to take a taxi. How to get there: Pharping is relatively easy to get to by bus from Patan (Lagankhel Bus Park) or Kathmandu (Ratna Park), a journey of about 90 minutes. Conveniently situated in Kathmandu, Vastu Boutique Hotel provides air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace. Boudnath is another Buddhist stupa and the surrounding area has become the home of Nepals Tibetan exile population. The Nepali mountaineer reclaiming the Himalaya, How to plan your dream trip to the Himalayas, Ask an expert: Jo Bradshaw on how to pack for the Himalayas, Mount Everest's height has increased by almost a meter, Mount Everest is reopening to trekkers as Nepal resumes tourism, Magnificent Mustang: trekking Nepal's mountain deserts. Hotels close to a popular local landmark. In the east of the Kathmandu Valley, just north of Bhaktapur, this little town is set high on a hill and has good views of the city. Ltd. Has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. If seen, please avoid as he has been known to bite. While Kathmandu can be ridiculously cheap at times, its higher-priced touristy areas (the Thamel in particular) can often reflect a place that has been turned inside out by western visitors. We have more than 70 million property reviews, all from real, verified guests. There is a rooftop terrace and balcony for each room. The 10 Best Cheap Hotels in Kathmandu, Nepal Check out our selection of great cheap hotels in Kathmandu See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. It is a very modern and comfortable hotel, the staff speaks English, the view from the rooftop is amazing, the breakfast was good and fresh. How to get there: Nagarkot is just over the eastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. Need more guidance? Also the privacy the staff gave me during the stay is really worth to mention. Here, you can wander the narrow streets, and check out a few bazaars en route to sites like theItum Bahal courtyard. There is an endless array of accommodation choices. THIS IS OUR FAVORITE HOSTEL IN KATHMANDU! One can easily walk to the bus area from the Thamel in about 10 minutes. Everything you need to know about your destination. The property is 1.3 km from Kathmandu Durbar Square, and within 300 metres of the city centre. House of Snow: An Anthology of the Greatest Writing About Nepal:House of Snow is the largest, most comprehensive and most elegant collection of writing about Nepal in print. The Thamel neighborhood in central Kathmandu is essentially the culmination of decades of western visitors coming to Nepal for backpacking, trekking, and mountaineering adventures. The rooms were very nice and had this amazing fragrance, which for a guy with a sensitive nose like mine, it was so relieving and relaxing at the same time! I tell myself never again for a reason. Remember that while the taxi drivers are trying to overcharge you, they are also trying to make a living. Situated in Kathmandu, a few steps from Patan Durbar Square, Pahan Chhen - Boutique Hotel features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Its a win-win! Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Dont buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. For buses to Pokhara and other parts of Nepal, youll need to head to the main bus strip it isnt a station, just a long line of buses on the side of the road. The Thamel really is a strange alternate reality. These places which are either on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley or just outside of it are the perfect antidote to Nepal's capital city. Things like accommodation in Kathmandu can be much more expensive than in other parts of Nepal. I really liked staying there. This is a brand new hotel so everything there is new and in superb condition. Splurge on a pizza after a long trek, youve earned it. The staff went out of their way to accommodate all our requests from transport to communication about clarification for needed permits, etc. The Best Places To Visit In Kathmandu 1) Boudhanath Stupa 2) Durbar Square 3) Swayambhunath 4) Thamel Souvenirs To Check Out In Thamel 5) Freak Street Best Restaurants On Freak Street 6) Asan Tole 7) Pashupatinath 8) Garden Of Dreams 9) Kopan Monastery 10) Kumari Bahal 11) Bhojan Griha 12) Chabahil Stupa Where To Stay In Kathmandu Staying In Thamel Going out there with your fancy pants camera and full belly might not make you feel so good. There are great city views on clear days. Featuring a shared lounge, a terrace as well as a bar, Thamel Hotel & Spa is located in the center of Kathmandu, a 19-minute walk from Hanuman Dhoka. On very rare occasions violent crime/armed robbery involving backpackers has been reported. I was planning a solo trek of the Three Passes and they were able to book my plane and bus tickets to and from Lukla for the trek at a great price and were not pushy about trying to sell other tours or a guide that I didnt want. The Thamel is great for finding souvenirs and trekking gear (mostly), but the Thamel is not the real Kathmandu. Thisis where Hindu families with enough money to pay for the wood burn their dead. Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar Squares monuments, or join mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel District. Most backpackers (myself included) opt to stay in or very near the Thamel area (outskirts are best in my opinion). The hostel is brand new and room decorated elegantly . I would recommend to anyone who is going to Thamel to stay here! Thamel: Dark Star of Kathmandu: Everything you need to know before diving into Kathmandus most legendary neighborhood. World Packers is an excellent platformconnecting travellers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world. The staff are incredibly nice and helpful and helped me get sorted for my trek and helped booking taxis to places, they even booked my bus ticket for me to Langtang. Take warning. Forget boring accommodation book yourself an EPIC STAY! It is one of the most significant sites in the whole country that includes an old royal palace of the late Kathmandu Kingdom. Also the privacy the staff gave me during the stay is really worth to mention. Normally, Id tell you to stay the hell away from western-style food when visiting an exotic country like Nepal, but unless you want rice and daal three times a day, youll have to go for the bangers and mash every now and then. Peak hotel prices generally start between March and May. Kathmandu is packed full of important religious shrines, temples, relics from history, and places to eat and sleep on the cheap. Carpe Diem Lounge & Bakery. Great shower with tropic rain function 24 hours hot water (after Himalayas and some other hotels thats amazing) The staff went out of their way to accommodate all our requests from transport to communication about clarification for needed permits, etc. Beautiful hotel in a good location. For backpackers gearing up or returning from a trek, the abundance of choices are refreshing. Good value for money. This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide. Whilst I havenever encountered any serious problems while backpacking Kathmandu, there are some things you should be aware of. When Nepali mountaineer, For many of us Mount Everest takes on a kind of mythical quality, destined to remainin the realms of our imaginations. Find and compare prices for this popular flight route. From September to November, the skies are clearest and the mountain views are at their best. Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix itll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. Backpacking Kathmandu or any region in Nepal for that matter often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Nice design, good food, client-oriented staff and fascinating rooftop. Attractively located in Kathmandu, Hotel M Square Pvt.Ltd has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, free private parking and room service. They also have a tour office in the hostel where you can easily book trekking and climbing trips. 2,000 years worth of history live among the collapsing walls and still standing temples. 10/10 will be coming again. (I mean, who doesnt?) The first stop of the day is the Kathmandu Old Town;youll need to take a taxi to get here. This is a brand new hotel so everything there is new and in superb condition. Drug penalties in Nepal are severe, and police have targeted backpackers (for the sole purpose of collecting bribes, Im sure). Really can't complain about anything. Whether you are in search of Tibetan singing bowls, trekking poles, or a tattoo, haggling for the best price is an adventure unto itself. They were prompt, competent and friendly with their hotel and tour agency. Dakshinkali is a major Hindu pilgrimage site, while the meditation caves in Pharping attract Buddhist visitors. All rights reserved. Refill at your hostel! The area immediately surrounding the Stupa is a pleasant, circular marketplacenow populated by restaurants, cafes, and little souvenir shops where the vendors dont hassle you quite as much as they do back in Thamel. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. In terms of atmosphere, positive vibes, and of utmost importance cleanliness, Zostel Kathmandu is certainly one of the best hostels in Kathmandu. Located in Kathmandu, 2 miles from Hanuman Dhoka, Hotel Wawa has accommodations with a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Be prepared for a relatively hefty entrance fee. You can also hike to Nagarkot from here. If you think it doesnt matter, get off my fucking site. Purple Haze Rock Bar: This place has good music (usually rock and the like) on aconsistent basis. Everywhere else in the city is primed for an off the beaten path adventure to a degree. They were always promptly reachable by WhatsApp for coordinating my return flight from Lukla and bus ticket back to Kathmandu. The owner and the staff are very friendly and helpful. One thing is for sure though: there are ALWAYS ways to go over budget. Again, the higher prices only really apply to the Thamel and the immediate surrounding areas. Swayambhunath Temple Next 4.3 /5 3 km from city center 1 out of 45 Highly recommended! The property is located less than 1 km from Boudhanath Stupa, 3.1 km from Pashupatinath and 7.5 km from Hanuman Dhoka. location and rooms are very well thought out. One Google search will instantly reveal how many places to stay in Kathmandu there really are. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report onteaching English abroad. Discover famous attractions, ancient sites, sacred temples, the best food, and the chaos of Thamel with our comprehensive best places to visit in Kathmandu list! the room rate was really cheap compared other hostel in thamel. To get your bearings in Kathmandu, I recommend starting your day exploring the Thamel.