Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.5 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 132 NPR, Visa and Mastercard accepted widely in major establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ncell and Nepal Telecom are popular mobile providers offering good coverage and data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Citizens Bank, Nabil Bank, and Standard Chartered are accessible options. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments; Airbnb is also popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Somewhat cashless friendly, but cash is often preferred, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local apartment rental sites like Homestay offer various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Zostel and Kathmandu Guest House offer affordable lodging for travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Thamel is a popular area for tourists, known for its restaurants, shops, and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Lazimpat is ideal for digital nomads, with many coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive is one of the best coworking spaces, located in Thamel. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mitini in Lazimpat is known for its good Wi-Fi and quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are often held at The Bakery Cafe; check local Facebook groups for events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Kathmandu Expats Community organizes regular social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Pathao and Tootle are popular ride-hailing apps in Kathmandu. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting scooters is available through various local agencies in Thamel. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches in Kathmandu; the nearest coastal area is in India. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Yeti Airlines and Buddha Air offer regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Emirates provide major connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Prithvi Highway connects Kathmandu to Pokhara and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kathmandu does not have a train system; public buses are the main transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis; no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available for traveling to nearby cities such as Pokhara and Bhaktapur. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital is a reputable facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Nepal offers various classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness Zone are well-known fitness centers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available, as well as laundry services at most hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodmandu and Pathao Food are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Momo (dumplings) and Dal Bhat (rice and lentils) are local favorites. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like The Kathmandu Kitchen and OR2K cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mitho Restaurant & Bakery is famous for its desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Thamel area is great for street food and budget eateries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz is the leading e-commerce platform in Nepal. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Bhat-Bhateni Online offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Thamel has the most vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and live music venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kathmandu Brewery provides tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Tasting Room offers a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Thamel serve various local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like Mokkah Cafe & Restaurant serve international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Taragaon Museum showcases the history of tourism in Nepal. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Pashupatinath Temple is a sacred site for Hindus. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Dashain is the largest festival celebrated annually in Nepal. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Thamel is known for its cultural significance and tourist-friendly atmosphere. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Shree Harsha Theater hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Asan Market is famous for its vibrant local atmosphere. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music performances are common in cafes and bars in Thamel. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Kathmandu has vibrant street art, particularly around the Thamel area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at the Nepal Cooking School teach authentic Nepali cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artisan's Gallery showcases contemporary Nepali art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Jagannath Temple is an architectural marvel. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Newar culture is a prominent part of Kathmandu's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nagarkot offers stunning sunrise views and is perfect for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO site known for wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The valley offers various trails for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Bhaktapur Durbar Square has great views of the Himalayas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Outdoor camping areas around Nagarkot allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Nepal Post offer parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Thamel can repair gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Kathmandu Language Institute offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The British Council library is a quiet place for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers like the Nepal Bharat Library host community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming centers are located in various parts of Thamel. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Rad offers gaming experiences in Kathmandu. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate applies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applicable on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Citizens are taxed based on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 36% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates vary based on valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% tax on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives but relatively low living costs. |