Kathmandu is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Kathmandu?
You should plan to spend around $61 (NP₨8,339) per day on your vacation in Kathmandu. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $14 (NP₨1,913) on meals
- $6.82 (NP₨925) on local transportation
- $79 (NP₨10,710) on hotels
A one week trip to Kathmandu for two people costs, on average, $860 (NP₨116,746). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$430
NP₨58,373
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$860
NP₨116,746
-
One Month
Per person
$1,843
NP₨250,170
-
One Week
For a couple
$860
NP₨116,746
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,720
NP₨233,492
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,686
NP₨500,340
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kathmandu cost?
A one week trip to Kathmandu usually costs around $430 (NP₨58,373) for one person and $860 (NP₨116,746) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Kathmandu on average costs around $860 (NP₨116,746) for one person and $1,720 (NP₨233,492) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kathmandu will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Kathmandu on average costs around $1,843 (NP₨250,170) for one person and $3,686 (NP₨500,340) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Kathmandu expensive to visit?
Kathmandu is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Kathmandu can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $19 (NP₨2,602) per day, mid-range travelers spend $62 (NP₨8,339) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $232 (NP₨31,182) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kathmandu.
Within Asia, Kathmandu is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hyderabad or Dali.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kathmandu Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kathmandu?
The average Kathmandu trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kathmandu travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kathmandu cost?
Kathmandu on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$11
(NP₨1,442)
|
$39
(NP₨5,355)
|
$172
(NP₨23,361)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$2
(NP₨333)
|
$7
(NP₨925)
|
$21
(NP₨2,817)
|
|
Food 2
|
$6
(NP₨770)
|
$14
(NP₨1,913)
|
$34
(NP₨4,628)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$3
(NP₨392)
|
$8
(NP₨1,070)
|
$23
(NP₨3,155)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-3
(NP₨146-438)
|
$3-8
(NP₨384-1,152)
|
$8-23
(NP₨1,055-3,165)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Kathmandu, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $19 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Thankfully, Kathmandu offers plenty of hostels such as Elbrus Home, Zostel Kathmandu, and WanderThirst Hostels. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to Kathmandu are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $62 per person, per day.
In Kathmandu, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Shambaling Boutique Hotel is a great choice for families, and Ambassador Garden Home is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Kathmandu.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $232 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Kathmandu Private Day Tour: Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $27, but during peak season they jump to an average of $50. You can find budget options starting at $12 up to luxury rates at $112. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kathmandu for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $79 (NP₨10,710). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $39 (NP₨5,355) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kathmandu include:
- Shambaling Boutique Hotel starting at $46
- Ambassador Garden Home starting at $42
- Norbulinka Boutique Hotel starting at $34
- Hotel Tibet International starting at $98
- Hotel Moonlight starting at $50
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Kathmandu
Unfortunately, Kathmandu does not have a reliable public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $6.82 (NP₨925) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kathmandu. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kathmandu is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.82
NP₨925
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Transfer with Private Vehicle or V.V. For $76 details
- Private car transfer from Kathmandu Airport to hotels in Kathmandu for $15 details
- Private Car Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan or Vv for $90 details
How much does it cost to go to Kathmandu? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Kathmandu will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Kathmandu are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
Food Budget in Kathmandu
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Kathmandu can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kathmandu is $14 (NP₨1,913) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$14
NP₨1,913
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kathmandu is around $14 (NP₨1913) per person, with previous travelers spending from $6 to $35. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kathmandu are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $4 to $10
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Restaurants in Kathmandu are quite good. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants that cater to tourists in the Thamel neighborhood. Nepalese food is similar to Indian food with subtle differences and some Chinese influence. The most popular dish is the momo. Momos are a form of dumpling that originated in the Tibetan mountains. You can order them either steamed or fried and they are typically filled with either buffalo, chicken or vegetables. A Nepali set meal usually includes rice, daal, and a vegetable or meat curry. You'll also find plenty of Thai, Chinese, and dessert options throughout the Thamel area.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Kathmandu. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu for $40 details
- Walking Street Food Tour and 2 UNESCO Sightseeing in Kathmandu for $65 details
- Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu for $14 details
Typical prices for food in Kathmandu are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Kathmandu. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
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Dessert
NP₨180
-
Dinner for Two
NP₨400
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kathmandu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kathmandu typically cost an average of $7.88 (NP₨1,070) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$7.88
NP₨1,070
Kathmandu is at the cultural heart of Nepal and there are countless sights to visit while you're in town. Of particular interest is Swayambhu, or the Monkey Temple. It sits on a hill that looks out over the city and is a sacred Buddhist site. It is covered with monkeys that interact with visitors along the 350 steps to the top.
A visit to Durbar Square is a must to see the many temples and palaces. Also visit Boudha Stupa, which is one of the most sacred sites for Tibetan Buddhism. This is a huge stupa and a World Heritage Site. Other sites of interest around town include Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Pashupatinath, the Garden of Dreams, and Budda Neelkanth Temple.
Most people travel to Nepal to trek or hike in the Himalayan Mountains. Kathmandu offers many facilities to help you organize and coordinate your trek. It's also possible to coordinate activities such as mountain flights or village visits through any of the travel agencies around town.
Popular festivals in Kathmandu include the Festival of Lights, Bikram Sambat's New Year's, Indra Jatra, the Himalayan Blues Festival, and Dashain.
A nice way to explore destinations in Kathmandu is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Kathmandu Guided Tour for $120 details
- Kathmandu Valley Day Tour: 2 or 4 UNESCO Heritage Sites Option for $37 details
- Explore Kathmandu in 2 Days: 5 UNESCO, History and Sunrise Tour for $95 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Kathmandu are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Kathmandu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.66 (NP₨768) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kathmandu per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.66
NP₨768
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Kathmandu. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Nightlife and Pub Crawl Tour for $16 details
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 24, 2024
Traveling in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in the country of Nepal. Its metropolitan area forms one large urban area that includes the area of Patan to the south. As of 2011 there were 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu metropolis and over 3 million in the entire metropolitan area. Kathmandu is likely to be your entry point into Nepal and is a great place to pick up supplies and arrange the details for any treks you hope to do. Many travelers rush through Kathmandu, turned off by the pollution and crowds, but to skip Kathmandu is to miss a major cultural, financial, and influential part of what defines the country of Nepal. The city itself is quite fun to explore if you allow it enough time and an open mind.
The city is at an elevation of about 1,400 meters or 4,600 feet. It's located in a bowl shaped valley in the central part of the country and is surrounded by the mountains of Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri. The city's climate is relatively temperate with a humid subtropical climate in the parts of the city that are at a lower elevation and subtropical highland climate at the higher elevations. The average summer temperature is in the mid 80s Fahrenheit and the average winter temperatures are around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall occurs most heavily during the monsoon months of June and August.
Neighborhoods & Around
As a tourist, you'll likely spend most of your time in the Thamel Chowk neighborhood. This is where you'll find plenty of equipment shops, food stores, and hotels. You'll also have no trouble meeting other travelers who are either beginning, or just finishing their treks. If you're hoping to pick up some equipment, keep in mind that most of the supplies are knock offs, and the quality is variable. Negotiate hard, and if you're purchasing an authentic item, you are likely to pay full price for it, a price that is comparable to what you would pay in a western country.
Kathmandu's Durbar Square is also a point of interest. It is filled with palaces and temples and is best visited during the early morning when all of the merchants are open and the devotees are making their offerings to the shrines and temples.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.