Ultimate Kathmandu Valley Tour, Lodging, and Food Guide

March 5th 2020

This is a guide to assist you in selecting the top tours, accommodations, and dining alternatives if you're considering a trip to Kathmandu.

Tour:

  1. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Changunarayan Temple, and Patan Durbar Square. You can book a tour to explore these cultural landmarks and learn about their history and significance.
  2. Trekking and Hiking: Kathmandu is also famous for its trekking and hiking trails. You can choose from a range of options, from short day hikes to longer treks that take you to the Himalayas. Some popular options include the Langtang Valley Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek.
  3. City Tours: A city tour of Kathmandu will give you a chance to explore the city's bustling markets, ancient temples, and unique architecture. You can visit places like Thamel, Asan Bazaar, and Freak Street, which are popular tourist spots.

The price of a trip in the Kathmandu Valley might vary based on a number of elements, including how long your vacation will last, the kinds of activities you want to participate in, and the amount of luxury you desire. To give you a basic sense of price ranges, see the following:

  1. Guided city tours: A half-day guided tour of the major cultural and historical sites in Kathmandu, such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath, can cost around 1500-3000 Nepali rupees (approx. $15-30 USD) per person.
  2. Trekking and outdoor activities: If you want to go trekking in the Kathmandu Valley, prices will vary depending on the length and difficulty of the trek. A one-day hike can cost around 5000-8000 Nepali rupees (approx. $50-80 USD) per person, while longer treks can cost several hundred dollars.
  3. Cultural experiences: Kathmandu offers many unique cultural experiences, such as cooking classes, pottery workshops, and traditional dance performances. Prices for these activities can vary widely, but you can expect to pay around 2000-5000 Nepali rupees (approx. $20-50 USD) per person.
  4. Luxury tours: If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, private tours, and high-end hotels can cost several hundred dollars per day.

Nevertheless, the price of a visit to the Kathmandu Valley may be pretty reasonable, especially if you choose inexpensive choices like street food and guided city tours. Booking your trips and activities in advance is usually a smart idea because costs might change based on the season and availability

 

Lodging:

  1. Budget Options: If you're on a budget, there are plenty of affordable lodging options in Kathmandu. You can stay in a guesthouse or hostel in Thamel, which is a popular area for backpackers.
  2. Mid-range Options: If you're looking for a more comfortable stay, you can book a mid-range hotel in areas like Lazimpat or Jhamsikhel. These areas have plenty of hotels and offer a mix of Western and Nepali-style accommodations.
  3. Luxury Options: If you're looking for luxury lodging, Kathmandu has several five-star hotels, including the Dwarika's Hotel, Hotel Yak and Yeti, and the Hyatt Regency. These hotels offer world-class amenities and are known for their excellent service.

The price range for accommodation in Kathmandu Valley varies depending on the type of accommodation and the location. To give you a basic sense of price ranges, see the following:

Budget Accommodation:

  1. Hostels and guesthouses: $5-20 USD per night
  2. Budget hotels: $20-50 USD per night

Mid-Range Accommodation:

  1. Three-star hotels: $50-100 USD per night
  2. Boutique hotels: $70-150 USD per night
  3. Serviced apartments: $50-150 USD per night

Luxury Accommodation:

  1. Four and five-star hotels: $150-500 USD per night
  2. Luxury boutique hotels: $200-600 USD per night
  3. Resorts: $300-1000 USD per night

Remember that costs might change based on the time of year, supply, and location. In comparison to less touristic places, costs will often be higher in major tourist locations like Thamel or Patan. To get the greatest pricing and availability, it's wise to reserve your lodging in advance.

Food:

  1. Nepali Cuisine: You can't visit Nepal without trying Nepali cuisine. Some popular dishes include momos (steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), and chow mein (stir-fried noodles). You can find these dishes at local restaurants in Kathmandu.
  2. International Cuisine: Kathmandu also has a range of international cuisine options, including Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Thai. Thamel is a popular area for international restaurants.
  3. Street Food: If you're feeling adventurous, you can try some of Kathmandu's street food. Some popular options include sel roti (a sweet, deep-fried bread), samosas (a fried or baked pastry filled with meat or vegetables), and chatamari (a savory rice pancake topped with meat or vegetables).

The cost of food in Kathmandu Valley can vary depending on where you eat and what you order. To give you a basic sense of price ranges, see the following:

  1. Street food: You can find many delicious and cheap street food options in Kathmandu. Prices range from 50-200 Nepali rupees (approx. $0.50-2 USD) for popular dishes such as momos, chatamari, and samosas.
  2. Local restaurants: Eating at local Nepali restaurants can be very affordable, with prices typically ranging from 200-500 Nepali rupees (approx. $2-5 USD) for a meal.
  3. International cuisine: Kathmandu has a wide range of international restaurants offering cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Japanese. Prices at these restaurants can vary widely, but you can expect to pay around 500-1000 Nepali rupees (approx. $5-10 USD) per dish.
  4. Upscale restaurants: If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are many high-end restaurants in Kathmandu that offer gourmet cuisine. Prices at these restaurants can range from 1000-5000 Nepali rupees (approx. $10-50 USD) per person, depending on the restaurant and the meal.

 

Generally speaking, the Kathmandu Valley provides a selection of reasonably priced and delectable cuisine choices to suit all tastes and budgets. A fantastic method to save money while enjoying the local culture and cuisine is to dine at neighborhood eateries and sample street food.