TRANSPORTATION
International Airport Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport since merged into the city, which is just 5 km from the tourist district of Thamel. Here you will be awaited by huge crowds of obsessive taxi drivers who are ready to literally tear you to pieces, dragging you into their car. Their prices will be, as you might guess, the most expensive. Therefore, if you are planning to use the services of yellow checkers, then it will be easy to find a car for € 4-5 a little further away from the general hustle and bustle. By the way, you can bargain even cheaper from the city to the airport – for € 3.
Shuttles company Sajha Yataya sent directly opposite the terminal and will cost € 0.30.
Local bass does not look into the airport and you have to walk about 300 meters towards the highway, where you will catch a fantastically crowded bus. It might come as a culture shock, but the fare is only € 0.10.
If you have a desire to get to Kathmandu from India by bus, then there are direct flights from Delhi every day. The scenic road will take about 40 hours and cost € 30-40. The buses are quite comfortable and air-conditioned (otherwise you simply won’t survive!). Most buses leave from the Tibetan colony of the Delhi district of Majnu Ka Tilla, where you can buy a ticket. Buses will take you to either Swoyambunath Temple or Ratna Park Bus Stop. From the first to Thamel you will have to take public transport, and from the second just a couple of minutes walk.
There is also an option to get by train with a change to the bus already in Nepal. Check tickets here.
It is most convenient to get around the city itself on foot, but in some places it is too far to stomp, so catch the ever-crowded noisy and slow buses on the street for the same € 0.10. There are also small analogs of tuk-tuk, where you need to manage to get in.
Taxis are quite popular among tourists. As you already understood, the prices here are quite affordable, so it is quite possible to travel for short distances for € 1-2, which will not cost more than our minibus for the company.
Cycle rickshaws are used here more as an attraction than a way of getting around, but they are also great for driving you around the center. The price is usually broken, but it is quickly settled at € 0.50-1 depending on the distance.
Renting a bike here is not a cheap pleasure by local standards, they will ask for about € 5 per day. But this is not a problem yet. The fact is that the traffic in Kathmandu is completely insane: no one cares about the rules, there are no traffic lights, and millions of cars, pedicabs and motorbikes, smoking exhaust nets, will simply roll you off the ground.
Renting a motorbike will cost the same amount plus gasoline. But even here you need to feel very confident on the road. For these services, head to the hostels crammed with travel agencies around every corner, or the famous Singh Motorbike in Thamel.
ACCOMMODATION
Remember the main rule – the whole tourist life of the city revolves around, albeit a large, but only one district of the city – Thamel . Everything is concentrated here: bars, cafes, shopping arcades, temples and, including budget housing. In the area there is simply an uncountable number of practically free guesthouses and small hotels, which you will never find on any booking site. The main thing is to stubbornly walk from one hotel to another and desperately bargain, here they love and practice it. And this is perhaps one of the few cities in the world where it is quite possible to find a room in a hotel for € 3 per day for two. We’re not kidding! There are often cases when it is not during the tourist season that you can agree with the owner about free accommodation in exchange for food in his restaurant.
But if you love to prepare and sleep better with a pre-booked accommodation, then we recommend stopping by the Wander Thirst Backpacker Hostel (Khairibot Marga -2, Kaldhara, Thamel, Kathmandu-16) – one of the best hostels in the city, mainly due to their long a list of activities on offer, from yoga and meditation to fire shows. Here, even in a tent, they offer to spend the night, if you are really longing for spending the night under the stars. The rooms are large, everything is clean, tidy and simple. Price per bed – € 5.
Another “party-hostel” is Monkey Temple Backpackers (house no 279/14, Paknajol Marga, Paknajol) . There is always a lively atmosphere in a good rooftop bar. The owners did a pretty good job of decorating and creating a cozy atmosphere, hang out and hang out!
If you are looking for a relaxing, meditative hostel, then Hostel Himalay (Rayamajhi Marga, Bahati Pokhari) may well be your place. It is located a 10-minute walk from the city center in a quiet back street. There is both a mixed room with 8 beds and a purely lady room with 6 beds. The girls’ room was decorated with delicate paintings, which only adds charm to the room. Each room has a private bathroom with all modern amenities and a sunny balcony. The linens are clean and new, each bed has its own light. Rooms are cleaned every day. Prices per bed from € 6.
Hostel One96 (Paknajol Marg 43/33 | Thamel) lures you with its pleasant relaxed atmosphere – don’t hang out here all day in the rooftop bar! It is customary for everyone to dine here, like one big family. The cuisine is vegetarian, and the hostel is home to everyone’s favorite – a purring cat. Authentic atmosphere in traditional Nepal style.
The family-run Sara’s Backpacker Hostel (Baniyatar Rd 11, Tokha Gorkhali Home) is great for those who like quietness. The hostel is located on the ground floor of a family house, so you can say that you will live right with the locales in the same house. The rooms are small, but cozy and with everything you need. Simple traditional food is prepared here.
Shantipur Kathmandu Hotel (Paknajol Marg, Kathmandu) is located a little outside the city center, but within walking distance of Thamel. There is a restaurant on site that serves Nepalese, Continental and Israeli cuisine. In addition, it has the best Wi-Fi in the city, which is a very significant bonus compared to the snail’s Internet speed in the country. Double room – from € 8.
Avalon House (Lekhnath Marg Thamel) is a relaxing environment with several common areas where guests can socialize. Simple but pleasant rooms, each with its own bathroom with constant hot water. The hotel has a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking Kathmandu. From here you can see the Temple of the Monkeys and the snowy peaks of the Himalayas in clear weather. Breakfast is served here. Double room from € 16.
Guesthouse Kathmandu Madhuban (Pakanajol Road, Thame) is within walking distance of the main attractions, but in a quiet area. Rooms are large and clean with nice decor and all the amenities in the room. The on-site restaurant serves Nepalese and Western dishes. Enjoy masala chai with city views on the sunny balcony. Rooms – from € 30.
A luxury Nepali option, the 5-star Gokarna Forest Hotel (Thali, Kathmandu 20498) is housed in an old lush building from the Malla and Rana period in the ancient Gokarna forest overlooking the majestic Himalayas. Accommodation includes spa treatments, golfing, horseback riding in the surrounding area, pool, barbecue area, bike rental, gym, daily yoga classes – and that’s just the beginning! Needless to say, the rooms here are simply royal – from € 130 for two.
CULTURAL PROGRAM
Although Kathmandu is usually used as a staging post before a trip to the Himalayas, you will definitely not be bored here. So take a couple of days to explore this truly unique and unrepeatable city.
First of all, go to the holy of holies – Boudhanath stupa (Bouddha Bazaar, Kathmandu Municipality Ward no.6), which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The stupa is 120 meters in diameter, making it the largest temple in Nepal. It is surrounded by prayer wheels, and bright Buddhist flags fly in all directions from a 36-meter central spire. Boudhanath is rich in symbols: it has five statues of Dhyani Buddhas representing five elements (earth, fire, water, air and ether), nine levels representing Mount Meru (a mythical peak in the center of the Buddhist cosmos) and 13 rings from base to top (steps towards enlightenment or Nirvana). Observe the custom and walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction, as do lokalas. The stupa was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake, but after a thorough renovation, it was restored and is again open to the public. Entrance – € 2. Come here in the evening,
Despite the fact that the Nepalese royal family moved from Hanuman Dhoka Palace (Hanuman Dhoka Sadak) about a century ago, Durbar Square (Palace Square) still remains the main center of Kathmandu. A huge number of temples are concentrated here, some of which date back to the XII century. See the magnificent Teledgy Temple built in 1564 and Kasthamandap, aka “Wooden Pavilion”, a building that, according to legend, was originally built from tallow. Durbar is still not restored to its original appearance after the 2015 earthquake, but it is definitely worth a visit. The entrance here is fabulously expensive by the standards of Nepal – about € 9, but the ticket booth is easily bypassed if it doesn’t ring in pockets.
On the same square, you will find a special place – the Kumari Baal Palace – an ornate three-story structure carved from wood, built in 1757, in which lives the “living goddess” Kumari, a young girl chosen from the Kathmandu valley. The tradition of choosing a living goddess dates back to the 17th century, and female candidates for this role at the age of 3-5 are tested according to 32 criteria. The main focus is on the external data of the candidates. A foreigner is not allowed to enter the palace, but sometimes you can see a bored goddess in the window, which is considered a very auspicious sign.
Built in 1696 by order of King Bhupendra Malla, Pashupatinath Temple (Pashupati Nath Road 44621) is the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. Pashupatinat stands on the banks of the Bagmati River and has a peculiar gilded pagoda-style roof and four silver doors surrounded by statues of deities. Among tourists, the territory of the temple is known as a popular place for cremations. The ceremony can be watched from the opposite bank. Entrance ticket – € 4.
The Swayambhunath Stupa , which means “self-created stupa”, also known as the Temple of the Monkeys, is located on a hilltop west of Kathmandu. The temple complex was founded by King Manadeva in the fifth century and contains a stupa, temples, shrines, a Tibetan monastery, a museum and a library. The numerous monkeys living here are considered saints because they grew out of head lice living on the head of the bodhisattva (enlightened person) Manjuri. According to legend, it was here that the city of Kathmandu was born. Climb up the 365 steps, spinning before this 12 prayer drums. Nepal loves symbolism so much! Entrance fee is € 2.
The Narayanhiti Palace Museum (aka Narayanhiti Durbar) (North Gate Rd, Kathmandu 44600) served as the main residence of the monarch for over a century until 2008. It was here, in June 2001, that King Birendra, Queen Aiswarya and six other rulers were shot and killed by Crown Prince Dipendra. After this incident, Nepal voted to abolish the monarchy and created the country’s first parliament. The palace-museum consists of 52 rooms (19 are open to the public) and showcases belongings of the former royal family, such as photographs of the royal couple, numerous golden chandeliers and a large tiger skin carpet. The ticket costs € 4.
Kopan Monastery (Budhanilkantha Municipality Ward 18) is a community of Buddhist monks founded in the early 1970s. 360 monks permanently reside in the monastery, and it is interesting to come here for morning and evening services with beautiful singing and drinking milk tea. The monastery also offers daily and lengthy meditation and yoga courses and hotel accommodation with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. An eight-day meditation course costs about € 70. A two-week course costs about € 100.
The Royal Botanic Garden (Godawari 44709) , located 18 km south of Kathmandu in the foothills of Mount Fulhovka, immerses in an atmosphere of peace and grace. About 500 species of various plants grow on a huge territory. A special task for you is to find our cornflowers. The main areas are: an ornamental pond, a collection of rhododendrons (the national flower of Nepal), a lily garden, an orchid garden, a cactus and fern area. Best visited in the spring and fall during the lush blooming of the vegetation. Entrance – only € 1 and a small surcharge for the ability to use the camera.
The Dream Garden (Kaiser Mahal, Tridevi Marg) with its flower gardens, large central pond, fountains and gazebos is a great escape from the busy city. Come here for a picnic – as all the locals do – or read a book. By the way, free Wi-Fi works here. Entrance – about € 1.5.
The place has long been, as the saying goes, “not right”, but get to Freak Street – the cult street of the European hippies of the 1960s and 70s. Then here it was quite legal to buy hashish for a penny, so the surroundings of the street were appropriate.
Perhaps the coolest thing to do in Kathmandu is to book a helicopter flight around Everest. You can fly just 200 meters from the highest mountain in the world! If you wish, you will be landed in the village of Lukla – from there it is best to stomp to the Everest base camp on foot. This will definitely be an unforgettable adventure! Such pleasure is worth, of course, not cheap, from € 150 to infinity – depending on what you want to get on the way out. For example, Mission Eco trek and Expedition or hundreds of other companies around every corner will help you with your implementation . Read reviews and choose verified ones!
Learn in cooking classes how to make traditional momo dumplings, dal baht staple throughout the kitchen, and many delicious Nepalese, Tibetan, Bhutanese and other dishes. Products are usually already included in the price. Contact Nepali Cooking Course for this .
Do not forget that you can vividly celebrate the holiday of the beginning of Holi spring not only in India, but also in Nepal. The holiday always falls on the full moon. The nearest ones are March 2-3, 2018 and March 21-22, 2019. A riot of colors, laughing people, heightened interest in you as a foreigner (s), music is even louder than usual, and street food is pouring from a cornucopia. In general – join in!
Snack / Fast food
The heart of any Nepalese’s life is the hearty and simple Dal Bhat dish , which consists of rice in the center of a huge plate and lentil chowder nearby. Then it depends on the hostess’s imagination. But, as a rule, the dish usually contains potato curries, pickles, chicken or fish pieces, yogurt and chutney. The variations of this dish are countless, but it is simply impossible to miss the acquaintance with it, this is the legend of Nepal.
For a huge portion of Dal Bata, go to Thakali Kitchen (Thamel, Katmandu), widely known among the locals . The portions are huge, the staff are friendly and the curries are delicious. Price per plate – from € 1. By the way, by tradition, you can always ask for a free addition of any components of the dish (in modern conditions you can get everything except meat and curry, the addition of which you may get, but they will look at you unkindly) to infinity. But usually the portions are so huge the first time that you can safely order for two.
Dal Bat is also not badly cooked in Himali Kitchen (Thamel, Katmandu) , where, in addition to it, you will find many different local dishes and drinks at very cheap prices. Vegetarian Dal Bat is also served here.
Thukpa is a Nepalese hot soup with noodles, chunks of meat and vegetables. The hot dish is very popular during the cold season and in the mountainous regions of the country. Often they also throw in momo here to make them more greedy. The richly seasoned broth gives the soup a very pleasant aroma. The various meat fillings reflect the fauna of Nepal and can range from yak, goat and lamb to chicken.
Check out tukpu at the famous Yangling Tibetan Restaurant (Saat Ghumtu Marg, Thamel) . Here they always cook only the freshest ingredients with great love and dedication.
Delicious momo – Nepalese cousins of dumplings – are usually steamed or fried in oil. There are vegetable momo, momo with meat, cheese, and potatoes. They are served with hot searing sauce and yogurt. Locals are not mistaken in choosing the best place, so head for the momos in Momo Magic (Chakrapath, Maharajgunj) , where juicy dumplings, put together right in front of you, will be waiting along with a searing chutney.
You also can’t go wrong if you go to Momo Mantra (Devkota Sadak) , which offers a huge selection of different fillings. The prices are very reasonable – from € 1.50 for meat portions.
Another beloved dish of the Nepalese is gorkali. This juicy young lamb (often served as chops) with a fat, hot potato curry and chopped onions. For added flavor, lamb is often baked in a mixture of different sauces and chili peppers. The best gorkalis are prepared in Nepali Chulo (Lazimpat road) , a little outside the center, but worth a trip just for its sake. The establishment is more prestigious street eateries and the prices are higher, but the atmosphere is pleasant and calm.
Walking the streets, you will surely see locals selling triangular pies from trays – these are samosas – a symbol of Indian gastronomy. The best, in our opinion, are sold right behind the Kumari Palace on Durbar Square. Spicy, greasy and warm pies with a delicious mix of potatoes and beans. Samosas are always vegetarian only. For € 1 you can buy 5-7 pieces – cheap, satisfying, cheerful.
A more advanced version of samosa – Samosa Chaat – pieces of dough with onions, tomatoes, peas, fresh coriander and sweet yogurt. This dish is excellently prepared at Jay Durga Chaat & Egg-Roll (Dafter Marg) , the place is not on the maps, but ask the locals, you will definitely be taken. Samosa will cost € 0.70.
An interesting street snack is Dahi Puri, a thin, heavily fried dough stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas and yogurt. The composition is almost the same as that of samosas, but the taste is completely different due to seasonings and sauces. Look for a nondescript stall that says Khichapokhari Youth Club (Khechapukhu Sadak), and ask the locals for help in your search.
Your nose won’t let you down – if you smell meat, then you’ve come across a place with Sekuwa – small kebabs on a stick. They are prepared from different types of meat, seasoned with red sauce and served with rice and herbs. The best meat is in the area of Durbar Square, come for it in the evening.
Lassi is an ice-chilled yoghurt drink. Despite its Indian origin, it is very popular in Nepal and should never be missed. There are a wide variety of types. The widest range of flavors can be found in Janakpur Dahi Lassi Bhandhar (Chandraman Singh Marg) , a small shop on the same Durbar Square. Large and small portions, with raisins, banana, mango, pistachios, salty and sweet – whatever your heart desires. There are no seating areas, so people gather around the place, you will immediately notice. The price for the largest glass of fruit is about € 0.60. Especially good in hot weather.
Cafes / Restaurants
A newcomer to the Kathmandu café scene, Rosemary Kitchen and Coffee Shop (Thamel Marg, Kathmandu) offers a good mix of European and Asian cuisine. For cooking, only natural products from local farms are used. Here you will find a wide variety of dishes: Mexican breakfast, spicy Thai curry and traditional Nepali Dal Bat. The café has a lovely outdoor courtyard, perfect for a coffee or a glass of wine from an impressive collection of wines.
Kaiser Cafe (Thamel, Katmandu 459) offers one of the most tranquil and relaxing environments in Kathmandu – within the lush Garden of Dreams. There is an excellent selection of food and pastries. Come here for Viennese coffee (only € 1.5), not like in Vienna, but with a claim. Thanks to its light and serene atmosphere, the cafe has become a favorite spot for Nepalese couples in love.
Pizzeria Fire and Ice (219 Sanchaya Kosh) offers the best of traditional Italian cuisine. The establishment prides itself on a good mix of western and local produce. For example, mozzarella cheese is replaced here with identical homemade Nepalese cheese. On the menu you will find pasta and risotto. Leave some room for the rich, creamy ice cream. And, of course, freshly baked pizza with a variety of fillings. The price for a standard pizza is from € 5.
Built over 150 years ago as a residence for a royal priest, the impressive four-story Bhojan Griha (Dilli Bazar) building can accommodate over 250 people. Traditional Nepalese cuisine is served in a setting similar to the palace of Lord Rana, only noticeably shabby. Sit back on the pillows and enjoy Nepalese delicacies in traditional brass dishes. Music evenings with traditional Nepalese folk music and dances from different regions are often held here.
The city has several branches of the excellent Himalayan Java Cafe (Tridevi Marg, Keshar Mahal Marg) , but the largest and most beautiful interior is located on the main road leading to Thamel. Comfortable sofas, low coffee tables, or even large tables with power sockets for laptop users. The choice of food is small, but there are many cakes and the best coffee in town.
The small cozy Cafe & Shop Mitini (152 Rani Devi Marg, Lazimpat) is run by the SEA Center under the leadership of OYORI ASIA, a Korean organization working with migrant women. The profits from the cafe go to programs for the advancement of women in Nepal. Be sure to try masala chai, a traditional Nepalese drink made with milk, spices and yak butter.
The lively and sophisticated OR2K Restaurant (Mandala Marg, Thamel) serves only vegetarian and vegan dishes with a focus on Middle Eastern cuisine. The walls are decorated with large and colorful paintings, and the cozy armchairs are buried in pillows. In the evening, candles are lit at the tables. The restaurant has a small rooftop terrace – perfect for sipping cocktails. The average bill for one person is € 6.
Le Sherpa (Ramalaya, Pani Pokhara) is a restaurant named after an ethnic group in eastern Nepal that is highly regarded for its climbing and mountaineering skills. It serves modern European and Nepalese cuisine in a beautiful yet simple setting. The courtyard is surrounded by lush greenery and is accessible in both summer and winter – outdoor heaters and a fireplace keep you warm. Among the dishes are the delicious Sherpa soup made with beans, radish, potatoes and beef, and braised rabbit tortellini with a glass of red or white wine from the huge wine cellar.
BARs / Clubs
The bar industry in Kathmandu is notable for the fact that most of the bars have live music. You can just move smoothly from one institution to another. Even if the local bands don’t pretend to be rock stars, they play and sing with all their hearts. By the way, according to the laws, nightclubs must be closed until 10 pm, but this has long been forgotten here, so relax without sweating.
Our (and not only) favorite is Tom and Jerry’s Pub (Thamel, Kathmandu, 44600) , small, cozy, noisy – just the perfect place to have a couple of glasses of cold Everest beer after several weeks of trekking in the mountains with the same desperate seekers adventure. There are pool tables and a dance floor to dance with happiness. And very affordable prices – from € 1 for a bottle of beer.
Buddha Bar (Thamel 977) is a fairly new bar on the stage of the city, which has already earned a good reputation for itself as a place to gather with friends and have something to drink. Local rock bands often play here. To get there on weekends, you will have to book your seats in advance – the place is popular not only among tourists, but also locals.
At the end of the rainy season, Kathmandu looks deserted and depressing, and the lush garden in the courtyard of Electric Pagoda (saatghumti, thamel) can help you to plunge into the world of the tropics. Tasteful music and decor, wrought iron tables and chairs with oversized umbrellas are reminiscent of stylish outdoor cafes in Europe.
Jatra (Thamel | JP Road) is a very relaxed and lazy place to enjoy cocktails for hours on end. Make yourself comfortable in the courtyard or on the rooftop overlooking the city. Live music on weekends – mostly Brazilian and Indian fusion. Clients are an interesting mix of locals, expats and tourists.
Sam’s Bar (Thamel 44600) is a great place to meet new friends or meet old ones. The truest bar in the area, where the Nepalese staff won’t rush to serve you. There are just one or two foreigners here. They work until almost 4 am.
Perhaps the most popular among tourists, Rum Doodle Bar (Bhupi Road, Kathmandu) can claim to be the resting place of the most serious mountain climbers , including the very first conqueror of Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary. It is not certain that this is true, but mountaineering expeditions still leave their signatures on the Yeti’s cardboard footprints that adorn the ceiling and walls. Despite the hype, the prices here start from € 3 per dish, and the pizza is especially good.
The only serious jazz in Kathmandu can be heard at the Upstairs Jazz Bar (Lazimpat 44616) . The best musicians are invited to the concerts on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Come to the bar from 8pm to catch some live jazz in this tiny place. By the way, it was in this place that the jazz icons of Nepal – Cadenza were born. Although you probably haven’t heard anything about them, in Nepal they are just a bomb.
House of Music (Amrit Marg, Thamel) is another place where cool musicians and artists gather. It hosts live performances with the participation of dinosaurs of Nepalese rock music: Mukti N Revival , 1974 AD , Albatross , etc. Various art exhibitions and poetry evenings are frequent. In general, if you are looking for a creative get-together, this is the place for you. And treat yourself to a whiskey for only € 2.
Shopping
You can make “Shop till you drop” your motto in Nepal, because Kathmandu is a real shopping paradise. The craftsmanship of woodcarvers, potters and artists from this country is famous throughout the world. And Thamel appears as a huge open-air market. All you have to do is look from one tiny shop to another. Millions of goods are sold on the shelves of nameless stores: wool, scarves, clothes, jewelry, figurines, dishes, furniture, bags – just a head spin!
Various Indian, Pakistani, Afghani and Nepalese handicrafts can be found at Rajdhiani Handicraft (JP Road, next to Road House Caffe) and Himalayan Craft Corner (JP Road, Chhetrapati, Thamel) . Although the prices here are higher than in other places, stop by at least to get stunned by the range.
Everest Mandala Stone Carving (JP Road, Chhetrapati, Thamel) offers a huge variety of statues and metal jewelry . Here you can find the most unusual figurines from a couple of euros apiece, life-size inlaid works of gold, or look at the famous Nepalese kukri knife – Gurkha Khukuri. The price depends on the hardness of the blade and the metal.
Nepal is home to some of the finest jewelers and silver smiths in the world, and the culture of fine jewelry has been around for over 600 years. For something special, check out the New Neem Rana Gift House (JP Road, Chhetrapati, Thamel) . The most typical of Nepal are tourmalines and jewelry with pink, peach, gold and amber stones.
For hundreds of years, paintings of the finest work have adorned the walls of monasteries, temples and houses in East Asia. The Tibetan style of painting is especially unique. Many Tanki schools are still successfully operating in the country, and the works of students can be purchased at the Tibetan Thanka School of Thanka Painting (398 Tridevi Marg, Thamel Chowk) .
Every street here is an art gallery. Walk down JP Road and come across Torqutse Art & Gallery and Nirvana Art Gallery , and for contemporary art, stop by New Art Gallery (Lucky Plaza Shopping Arcade, Shop No.7, House No. 286 Thamel) . We are sure that along the way you will stumble upon a couple more.
Pashmina, from which scarves, blouses and suits are sewn, is a softer and warmer fabric than synthetic. At the same time, it is cheaper than silk, therefore it is very popular among the local sellers. The largest selection of pashmina products can be found in Everest Pashmina Knitting & Weaving Industry (EPC 419 Thamel) – the guys have been working for 10 years and know a lot about their business.
You can also find stylish things made of pashmina and cashmere in the small shop Tomato’s pashmina & accessories (samata margh 102/4 baluwater-2) .
Traditional Nepalese paper commonly known as “rice paper” is made from the bark of the elbow tree. It is used not only for souvenirs, but also for official documents. Almost all souvenir shops in Thamel sell a variety of postcards, calendars, lanterns and notepads made from this paper. You can send a postcard home directly in the store for only some € 0.50. The coolest and largest is the Ekta Book Store (Thapathali) , the main assortment in which is in English,
It is unlikely that all the splendor of Thamel will draw you to shopping centers, but just in case, remember CTC Mall (Bagdurbar-11, Sundhara) – one of the largest malls in the capital. It is full of boutiques with local and foreign brands, one of the largest mobile showrooms in Nepal and the Cine De Cafe for movie lovers in English.
Another giant Rising Mall (Durbar Marg) , in addition to shops, has a Q’s Cinemas and a food court with a huge selection of Chinese food for some reason.
If you are preparing for a track and are looking for a place where you can buy all kinds of tourist equipment (and it is three times cheaper here than in Belarus), then you don’t need to be smart here – go out to any street, look around and you will see at least a couple Magazines with the clothes you need. Don’t forget to bargain!
Map of Kathmandu with attractions from the guide
All sights and museums have different prices for tourists and locals, and the difference can be not only two, but three times. Often good-natured Nepalese sell local tickets to foreigners if asked politely.
Almost in all bakeries and cafes after 8 pm there is a 50% discount on buns and pies.
Many shops (especially small ones) offer to “buy” camping equipment and clothes for rent – upon returning the goods can be returned. It turns out very cheap.
Anywhere in Nepal, even in the capital, the internet is terribly slow. So that you understand the scale of the tragedy: it takes about 10-15 minutes to upload one photo to Vkontakte.
Electricity in the city is cut off every day, it only works for a couple of hours and this is the norm. Many hotels (even cheap ones) and cafes have generators, but just in case, keep your gadgets constantly charged.
