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Kathmandu

Kathmandu, locally known as Yẽn, is the capital and largest city of Nepal, situated in the central Kathmandu Valley. As the main governmental, financial, industrial, and cultural centre of Nepal, it offers a rich blend of history, spirituality, and urban energy.

Photo: Gerd Eichmann (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Language
Nepali
Timezone
+0545 (UTC+5:45)
Local time now
16:03:54

Hotels in Kathmandu

Kathmandu offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from established hotels like Shiva Tirupati Hotel, Royal Singi Hotel, Hotel Kamal, Hotel Hardik, and Hotel Holiday Taj to guesthouses throughout the city. Whether you're exploring the cultural heritage sites or using the city as a base for trekking adventures, you'll find various lodging choices to suit different preferences and budgets. See all hotels →

Shiva Tirupati Hotel
168 m from centre
Royal Singi Hotel
267 m from centre
Hotel Kamal
277 m from centre

Airports in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is served by त्रिभुवन अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विमानस्थल, the primary airport connecting the city to domestic and international destinations. This airport is a major gateway for visitors arriving in Nepal's capital region. See all airports →

Car Hire in Kathmandu

Kathmandu offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Services like टुर एक्सप्रेस एण्ड भेहिकल सर्भिस प्रा.लि. and Car Rental Kathmandu provide access to vehicles for exploring the city and surrounding regions. See all car hire →

टुर एक्सप्रेस एण्ड भेहिकल सर्भिस प्रा.लि.
289 m from centre
Ason
822 m from centre
Asan
826 m from centre
Car Rental Kathmandu
938 m from centre

Things to Do in Kathmandu

We're still gathering things to do listings for Kathmandu — check back soon.

Restaurants in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's dining scene offers diverse culinary experiences, from traditional Nepali fare to international cuisine. Notable establishments include Kamaladi Bhancha Ghar Restaurant and Bar, Lion Heart Tandoori Kitchen, Samins Before Lunch And Restaurant And Bar, नाङ्गलो क्याफे र पब, and Jamkabhet Resturant and Cafe, each bringing their own character to the city's vibrant food culture. See all restaurants →

Kamaladi Bhancha Ghar Restaurant and Bar
93 m from centre
Samins Before Lunch And Restaurant And Bar
123 m from centre
Lion Heart Tandoori Kitchen
142 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Kathmandu

Kathmandu offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Options include the National Swimming Pool, Bajra Sports Centre, Ambe Apartments Swimming Pool, Nyatapole Swimming Pool, and a swimming pool at the Himalayan Hotel. See all swimming pools →

National Swimming Pool
1.6 km from centre
Bajra Sports Centre
1.9 km from centre
Ambe Apartments Swimming Pool
2.5 km from centre

Spas in Kathmandu

We're still gathering spas listings for Kathmandu — check back soon.

Nightlife in Kathmandu

Kathmandu offers a diverse nightlife experience with venues ranging from relaxed lounges to lively dance clubs. Whether you're looking for a quiet evening at a lounge bar or dancing at spots like Colosseum Lounge and Bar, क्लब नाशा र नृत्य, or फारेनहाइट क्लब, the city's entertainment scene caters to various tastes and preferences. See all nightlife →

Colosseum Lounge and Bar
316 m from centre
रातको रानी नृत्य बार
428 m from centre
फारेनहाइट क्लब
969 m from centre

Bars in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's bar scene offers a variety of venues where locals and visitors can unwind. Whether you're looking for establishments like Bar 1 Durbarmarg, Roots, Small Star, Nasha Bar, or दोर्जे रेस्टुरेन्ट, the city has options to suit different tastes and atmospheres. See all bars →

Bar 1 Durbarmarg
370 m from centre
दोर्जे रेस्टुरेन्ट
831 m from centre
Roots
1.0 km from centre

Cafes in Kathmandu

Kathmandu offers a diverse cafe culture where you can find everything from traditional tea houses like Chiya Ghar to modern coffee establishments such as Himalayan Java Coffee. Whether you're looking for local snacks at Big Bell Sweets And Snacks Pvt.Ltd or international fare at cafes like Sahara Tandoori Cafe, the city's cafe scene reflects both traditional Nepali hospitality and contemporary tastes. See all cafes →

Big Bell Sweets And Snacks Pvt.Ltd
96 m from centre
मिन पसल
124 m from centre
Himalayan Java Coffee
252 m from centre

Shopping in Kathmandu

Kathmandu offers a variety of shopping experiences, from modern malls like Rising Mall and Star Mall to established retailers such as Sherpa Mall and Bagbazar Store. Whether you're seeking contemporary goods or traditional local products, the city's shopping district provides numerous options for visitors and residents alike. See all shopping →

Rising Mall
229 m from centre
Rising Mall
255 m from centre
Star Mall
289 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Kathmandu

Kathmandu offers several natural escapes within the bustling city, including Peace Park, रत्न पार्क, Khula Manch, Bhrikuti Mandap Park, and the Garden of Dreams. These green spaces provide visitors with opportunities to experience nature and wildlife in the heart of Nepal's capital. See all nature & wildlife →

Peace Park
557 m from centre
रत्न पार्क
585 m from centre
Khula Manch
657 m from centre
Bhrikuti Mandap Park
800 m from centre
Garden of Dreams
857 m from centre
नन्दी सामुदायिक पार्क
870 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Kathmandu experiences distinct seasonal variations typical of its mountain valley location at 1,324 metres elevation. The city enjoys mild temperatures throughout much of the year, with warmer summers and cooler winters, though specific seasonal extremes vary.

Interesting Facts About Kathmandu — Weird & Wonderful

  • Kathmandu stands at an elevation of 1,324 metres (4,344 ft) above sea level in the Kathmandu Valley.
  • The city was historically known as Kantipur during ancient and medieval periods.
  • Kathmandu is also referred to as Kasthamandap, reflecting its ancient heritage.
  • The metropolitan area surrounding Kathmandu has approximately 4 million people, making it a major regional hub.
  • As per the 2021 Nepal census, the city proper has a population of 845,767 residents in 105,649 households.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kathmandu

What is the local name for Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is locally known as Yẽn. Historically, it was also called Kantipur during ancient and medieval times, and is sometimes referred to as Kasthamandap.

What is Kathmandu's elevation?

Kathmandu stands at an elevation of 1,324 metres (4,344 ft) above sea level within the Kathmandu Valley.

What role does Kathmandu play in Nepal?

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, serving as the main governmental, financial, industrial, and cultural centre of the country.

How large is Kathmandu's population?

According to the 2021 Nepal census, Kathmandu city has a population of 845,767 residents in 105,649 households, with approximately 4 million people in the surrounding metropolitan area.

In which part of Nepal is Kathmandu located?

Kathmandu is situated in the central part of Nepal within the Kathmandu Valley and is part of Kathmandu District.

Map of Kathmandu

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