The most beautiful cities of Nepal is Kathmandu. In this article, we will try to give you all the information related to the Kathmandu trip such as how you can reach Kathmandu, what arrangements will be there for staying and food in Kathmandu, which places you can visit in Kathmandu, how you can plan your Kathmandu trip day by day, what will be the best time to visit Kathmandu, and the most important question of how much expense will come to complete your Kathmandu trip.
Along with this we will also tell you whether you will need to take a visa to go to Kathmandu or not and which documents you will need to carry in Nepal. We will also cover which mobile networks work in Nepal. In this article we will try to give you all the information related to the Kathmandu trip step by step in detail so that your trip becomes easier.
About Kathmandu
Kathmandu is not only the capital of Nepal but also a very beautiful city where there are many famous places to visit and see such as temples, monasteries, historical tourist places and beautiful valleys. Tourists like to come here not only from India but from all over the world.
And friends, Kathmandu is not only the best place to visit with family but also if you are fond of trekking or adventure then this beautiful city of Nepal will be the best place for you. Because Kathmandu is famous for trekking tourist places, and along with that you can also do many adventure activities here.
How to Reach Kathmandu
To travel to Kathmandu first you need to know how you can reach Kathmandu. You can reach Kathmandu by bus, train, or flight.
- If you want to reach Kathmandu by bus, then friends, direct buses run from Delhi to Kathmandu through which you can reach Kathmandu. The distance from Delhi to Kathmandu is about 1140 km and it takes 28 to 30 hours to reach Kathmandu through this bus. The ticket costs about ₹2000 per person.
- If you want to reach Kathmandu by train, then you can reach Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh or Raxaul railway station in Bihar by train. These are two best options. So whichever railway station is closer to your city, you can reach there by train.
Option 1 – From Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh side)
Friends, if you want to go from Uttar Pradesh side, you can reach Gorakhpur railway station. From many big cities of India, you get direct train facilities to Gorakhpur railway station.
- After reaching Gorakhpur railway station, you will get direct bus facility to Kathmandu right outside Gorakhpur station, but very few direct buses run for Kathmandu.
- Otherwise, you can go from Gorakhpur railway station to Sunauli border.
- From Gorakhpur to Sunauli you can take buses, taxis, or sharing taxis. The bus fare is about ₹150 per person and the sharing taxi costs about ₹300 per person.
- The distance from Gorakhpur to Sunauli is about 95 km, and it will take about 2.5 to 3 hours to cover.
After reaching Sunauli, you will have to cross the border. You can also change currency here at the shops around the border. After crossing the border, you will enter Bhairahawa (Nepal side). From here you will get buses, taxis, and sharing taxis to Kathmandu.
- The distance from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu is about 265 km.
- By bus, it takes about 9 to 10 hours to reach Kathmandu.
- Bus fare (AC) is about ₹500 per person.
- Taxi fare ranges from ₹7000 to ₹8000.
Option 2 – From Raxaul (Bihar side)
If you want to come from Bihar side then you can reach Raxaul railway station by train. After reaching Raxaul station you will get auto and rickshaw facilities right outside for Raxaul border. After crossing the Raxaul border you will enter Birgunj (Nepal side).
- First, you need to change your currency at Birgunj where you will find many shops.
- From Birgunj, you will get buses and taxis to Kathmandu.
- The distance from Birgunj to Kathmandu is about 135 km.
- By bus, it will take 4 to 5 hours to cover.
- Bus tickets cost between ₹700 to ₹1000 per person.
- If you book a taxi, you will get it between ₹4000 to ₹6000.
You can choose the best option according to your convenience.
Option 3 – By Flight
Friends, if you want to reach Kathmandu by flight, then you will get direct flight connectivity from Delhi and Mumbai to Kathmandu.
Option 4 – By Personal Car or Bike
Friends, if you want to come here by your own car or bike as a solo traveler, you can easily come but you will need to take a permit.
- Car permit costs about ₹500 per day.
- Bike permit costs about ₹150 per day.
You will need to get this permit in advance for the number of days you plan to travel in Nepal.
Mobile Networks in Nepal
Keep in mind that Indian SIM cards do not work in Nepal. So you need to purchase a Nepal SIM at the border itself. The most popular option is Ncell SIM. Most tourists purchase Ncell SIM, which costs about ₹400 to ₹500 including data and calling.
Accommodation in Kathmandu
Friends, once you reach Kathmandu, now let’s talk about the accommodation. You will find many hotels as well as dharamshalas in Kathmandu.
- My advice would be to stay either near Pashupatinath Temple or Thamel market.
- In both places, you will find hotels and dharamshalas.
- Budget hotels near Pashupatinath Temple will cost about ₹500 to ₹1500 per night.
Food in Kathmandu
Friends, in Kathmandu you will not face any problem related to food. You will find hotels and restaurants everywhere. If your hotel provides food facilities, you can eat there or you can eat outside at restaurants.
- Both veg and non-veg food options are available.
- However, veg food is slightly less available compared to non-veg food.
Kathmandu Trip Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1
- Pashupatinath Temple: Start your journey from this temple. It is a famous Hindu temple where lakhs of devotees come every year.
- Timing: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Durbar Square: A famous tourist spot where you will see Hindu and Buddhist temples.
- Entry Ticket for Indians: 150 NPR.
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Swayambhu Stupa (Monkey Temple): A UNESCO site and very important for Buddhists. You have to climb 365 steps to reach.
- Entry Ticket for Indians: 50 NPR.
- Boudhanath Stupa: Another UNESCO site and one of Nepal’s most famous attractions.
- Entry Ticket for Indians: 100 NPR.
Day 2
- Bhaktapur: Located 13 km from Kathmandu. Known for its old architecture including the 55 windows palace.
- Entry Ticket for Indians: 150 NPR.
- National Museum of Nepal: Perfect for history lovers. About 100 years old with Buddhist art and historical collections.
- Entry Ticket for Indians: 50 NPR.
- Timing: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- White Monastery: Known as the most peaceful place in Kathmandu. Famous for sunrise and sunset views.
- No entry ticket. Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Taudaha Lake: A beautiful lake in the valley with a peaceful environment.
- Evening: Thamel Market for shopping.
Day 3
- Guhyeshwari Devi Temple: A famous Shakti Peeth temple.
- Garden of Dreams: Known as the most beautiful garden in Kathmandu.
- Entry Ticket: 200 NPR for Indians.
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
Friends, the best time to visit Kathmandu is from October to April. During this time the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the best views.
Cost of Kathmandu Trip
To complete a 3-day Kathmandu trip for two people the cost will be about ₹15,000 to ₹20,000. This includes accommodation, food, taxi, entry tickets, and local transport after reaching Kathmandu. Flight/train/bus fare to reach Kathmandu will be additional. During peak season the charges may increase slightly.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Delhi | 1140 km |
| Travel Options | Bus, Train (via Gorakhpur/Raxaul), Flight, Car/Bike |
| Stay Options | Hotels & Dharamshalas near Pashupatinath or Thamel |
| Average Hotel Cost | ₹500 – ₹1500 per night |
| Food Availability | Veg & Non-veg (Non-veg more common) |
| Local Transport | Bus, Taxi, Sharing Taxi |
| Best Time to Visit | October – April |
| 3-Day Trip Cost (2 pax) | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
FAQs
Q1. Do Indians need a visa to travel to Kathmandu?
No, Indians do not need a visa to travel to Nepal. You only need a valid government ID such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Passport.
Q2. Which SIM card works best in Nepal for tourists?
The best option is Ncell SIM, which costs about ₹400–₹500 including data and calls.
Q3. How many days are enough to explore Kathmandu?
A 3-day trip is ideal to cover all major attractions. However, you can also finish in 2 days if you want a quick trip.
Q4. What is the budget for a Kathmandu trip?
On average, for 2 people, a 3-day trip will cost about ₹15,000–₹20,000, excluding international flight/bus tickets.
Q5. What is the best area to stay in Kathmandu?
The best areas are Pashupatinath Temple surroundings and Thamel market, where you will find hotels, dharamshalas, restaurants, and shopping facilities.