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Guide
Kathmandu, Nepal π³π΅
#716
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 1.5 million people. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 20 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 132 NPR, Visa and Mastercard accepted widely in major establishments. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type D sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Ncell and Nepal Telecom are popular mobile providers offering good coverage and data packages. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Citizens Bank, Nabil Bank, and Standard Chartered are accessible options. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments; Airbnb is also popular. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Somewhat cashless friendly, but cash is often preferred, especially in local markets. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local apartment rental sites like Homestay offer various options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Zostel and Kathmandu Guest House offer affordable lodging for travelers. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Thamel is a popular area for tourists, known for its restaurants, shops, and nightlife. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Lazimpat is ideal for digital nomads, with many coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Hive is one of the best coworking spaces, located in Thamel. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mitini in Lazimpat is known for its good Wi-Fi and quiet atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups are often held at The Bakery Cafe; check local Facebook groups for events. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Kathmandu Expats Community organizes regular social events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Pathao and Tootle are popular ride-hailing apps in Kathmandu. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting scooters is available through various local agencies in Thamel. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches in Kathmandu; the nearest coastal area is in India. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Yeti Airlines and Buddha Air offer regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Emirates provide major connections. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | The Prithvi Highway connects Kathmandu to Pokhara and other regions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Kathmandu does not have a train system; public buses are the main transit option. |
π Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis; no formal passes available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses are available for traveling to nearby cities such as Pokhara and Bhaktapur. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital is a reputable facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Nepal offers various classes and wellness retreats. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness Zone are well-known fitness centers. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available, as well as laundry services at most hotels. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Foodmandu and Pathao Food are popular food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Momo (dumplings) and Dal Bhat (rice and lentils) are local favorites. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like The Kathmandu Kitchen and OR2K cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Mitho Restaurant & Bakery is famous for its desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | The Thamel area is great for street food and budget eateries. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz is the leading e-commerce platform in Nepal. |
π Grocery Delivery | Bhat-Bhateni Online offers grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Thamel has the most vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and live music venues. |
π» Local Brewery | Kathmandu Brewery provides tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | The Tasting Room offers a good selection of wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Thamel serve various local snacks. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Places like Mokkah Cafe & Restaurant serve international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa are must-visit sites. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Taragaon Museum showcases the history of tourism in Nepal. |
π° Historical Sites | Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
π Religious Sites | Pashupatinath Temple is a sacred site for Hindus. |
π Annual Events | Dashain is the largest festival celebrated annually in Nepal. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Thamel is known for its cultural significance and tourist-friendly atmosphere. |
π Theater Venues | Shree Harsha Theater hosts local performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Asan Market is famous for its vibrant local atmosphere. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music performances are common in cafes and bars in Thamel. |
π¨ Street Art | Kathmandu has vibrant street art, particularly around the Thamel area. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Classes at the Nepal Cooking School teach authentic Nepali cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Artisan's Gallery showcases contemporary Nepali art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Jagannath Temple is an architectural marvel. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The Newar culture is a prominent part of Kathmandu's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Nagarkot offers stunning sunrise views and is perfect for hiking. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO site known for wildlife. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The valley offers various trails for biking and walking. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Bhaktapur Durbar Square has great views of the Himalayas. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is ideal for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Outdoor camping areas around Nagarkot allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Nepal Post offer parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Thamel can repair gadgets. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | The Kathmandu Language Institute offers various language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The British Council library is a quiet place for reading and study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Cultural centers like the Nepal Bharat Library host community activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gaming centers are located in various parts of Thamel. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Rad offers gaming experiences in Kathmandu. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $60,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $102,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $90,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $160,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $144,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate applies. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applicable on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Citizens are taxed based on their worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 36% for high-income earners. |
π§Ύ VAT | 13% standard VAT rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax rates vary based on valuation. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 5% tax on property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives but relatively low living costs. |