Kathmandu

Capital City, 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Cultural Epicenter

Nepal's vibrant capital blending ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a thriving backpacker scene in the heart of the Himalayas.

Overview & Highlights

Kathmandu is the cultural, political, and economic heart of Nepal. Perched in a valley at 1,400 metres, the city is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and the historic Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. The bustling Thamel neighbourhood is the base for most Indian travellers, offering easy access to trekking agencies, restaurants, and gear shops. The city is the main gateway for most Nepal visits — all major international and domestic flights connect through Tribhuvan International Airport.

How to Reach Kathmandu

Kathmandu is Nepal’s primary transport hub with Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and direct road connections to the Raxaul–Birgunj border (130 km).

By Air

Direct flights connect Kathmandu to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, Bengaluru, and major international hubs.

Overland from India via Raxaul–Birgunj

From the Raxaul–Birgunj border, regular deluxe buses and private taxis take 4.5–5 hours (130 km) along the Tribhuvan Highway through Hetauda.

Onward Travel & Connections

Common travel routes connecting from Kathmandu.

Kathmandu → Birgunj

4.5 hrs · 130 km · Tourist Bus or Private Car

Regular tourist buses from Kathmandu to Birgunj depart from Kalanki and the New Bus Park at Gongabu. Journey 4–5 hours. If exiting to India at Raxaul, take a prepaid taxi from the Birgunj bus park to the border gate.

Explore Birgunj

Kathmandu → Pokhara

6.5 hrs · 200 km · Tourist Bus or Domestic Flight

By tourist bus: departs Kathmandu Thamel daily 7–8 AM, arrives Pokhara Lakeside 1:30–2:30 PM (6.5–7 hrs, ₹800–1,500). By domestic flight: Kathmandu (KTM) to Pokhara (PKR) is 25 minutes, several airlines daily (₹6,000–12,000). Buses follow the Prithvi Highway through Mugling junction.

Explore Pokhara

Kathmandu → Chitwan

4.5 hrs · 150 km · Tourist Bus

Tourist buses to Sauraha (Chitwan gateway) depart Kathmandu daily, journey 4–5 hours via the Prithvi Highway to Mugling then south on the Narayangadh–Muglin Highway. Tickets ₹700–1,200 available from Thamel agents. Many jungle resorts offer pickup from Bharatpur town (nearest airport, 30 min from Sauraha).

Explore Chitwan

Kathmandu → Janakpur

7.5 hrs · 225 km · Bus or Domestic Flight

By bus: 7–8 hours from Kathmandu New Bus Park via the Sindhuli Highway (scenic mountain road). Night buses available ₹900–1,200. By domestic flight: Kathmandu (KTM) to Janakpur (JKR) 35 minutes, Yeti Airlines and Buddha Air operate daily. Janakpur is an easy day trip from the Indian border at Jaleshwar (27 km) for pilgrims.

Explore Janakpur

Suggested Itineraries Featuring Kathmandu

9 Days Circuit

Golden Triangle Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan

The classic Nepal itinerary covering the country's three unmissable destinations — heritage temples in Kathmandu, lakeside adventures in Pokhara, and wildlife safaris in Chitwan. Designed for Indian travelers seeking the best of Nepal in 8–10 days without missing anything essential.

8 Days Circuit

Hindu & Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit

A spiritually enriching journey through Nepal's holiest sites for Indian devotees — Pashupatinath, Janaki Mandir, Lumbini, and Muktinath. Covering four of Nepal's most significant religious destinations in a single reverent itinerary.

Practical Travel Guides

Complete Entry Requirements Guide for Indian Citizens Visiting Nepal →

Everything Indian travelers need to know before crossing into Nepal — documents accepted, border procedures, what to expect at each crossing, and common mistakes to avoid.

Nepal Budget Guide for Indian Travelers: How Much Does a Nepal Trip Cost? →

A realistic cost breakdown for Indian travelers visiting Nepal — daily expenses, accommodation costs, transport, food, trekking permits, and how far your rupees go.