Kathmandu

Where to stay?

Kathmandu Eco Hotel

@alexmcangel

I couldn't have been happier with this hotel as my first night in Nepal. The stuff welcomed my with lovely tea and they were happy to make dinner for me as the kitchen had closed not long ago. The rooms were very comfortable with AC. Excellent location. And they offer airport pick-up service already included with your booking.

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Rest Up Kathmandu Hostel

@alexmcangel

If you are travelling on a budget a looking for a very affordable friendly hostel then look no further. I stayed here for 5 nights and paid 16 USD, met really lovely people and the stuff were great. The rooftop area is great to work or just to chill.

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What to do?

Swoyambhu Mahachaitya

@alexmcangel

Also known as the monkey temple, you will find cute little monkeys everywhere; they seem pretty relaxed but still be careful. This is Buddhist temple where you will find a stupa and shrines.

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Buddha Stupa

@alexmcangel

I remember seeing this place in documentaries and I never thought I would actually get to see it. The stupa dates from 600AD and it is actually made out of gold. Although it is a Buddhist place, you will see many people from different cultures going around the stupa so you’re more than welcome to join. There are a number of coffee shops, narrow alleys, guesthouses and shopping areas.

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Pashupatinath Temple

@alexmcangel

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest temple in Kathmandu and it is one of the most important & secret holy pilgrimages sites for Hindu devotees all around the world. For the first time in my life, I witnessed a Hindu cremation ceremony. It was beautiful to witness how other cultures see death. The cremations happen in the afternoon after 5:00pm

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Patan Darbar Square

@alexmcangel

Lalitpur is about 8km away from Kathmandu city centre. You can easily reach by taxi, or using the Pathao app. The entrance is 1000 rupees and you will get entry to the square as well as the museum which has fantastic historical pieces. I spent about 3 hours walking around and exploring.

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Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

@alexmcangel

After visiting the square this Buddhist temple is only a 10-minute walk and definitely worth the visit. By the time I went the family that lives there were doing their rituals and cleaning the temple, there were 2 kids playing around and it was great to see how they live their daily lives. The temple is stunning with everything covered in gold. Very peaceful place.

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Asan Bazar

@alexmcangel

Here I got myself a lovely couple of shirts. It is a great place for shopping and to buy souvenirs. Make sure to negotiate prices with the seller.

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Shree Ghah Chaitya

@alexmcangel

Located just less than 10 minutes away from Asan Bazar. It is a wonderful place to admire, it will make you feel like you are living your best Nepalese experience. It is a combination of the monkey temple but this one has pigeons instead and the Buddha Stupa. Another place to relax and even meditate.

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Thamel

@alexmcangel

Thamel is just the centre of Kathmandu where everything is happening. Cafes, restaurants, money exchange, hostels, hotels, guesthouses. My best recommendation is to get lost around the area. Oh, and don’t be surprised by locals stopping you asking you for your name, they are genuinely curious about travelers. Some others might just want to sell you their good, you simply tell them you are not interested. People won’t insist. But I tell you, talking to locals was one of my highlights.

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Cafes and Breakfast:

Coffee Cafe

@alexmcangel

Let’s start with my favourite coffee shop. Be aware the coffee here is addictive and I am here for it. The owner is such a lovely lady too. This is a must!

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Coffee Ghar

@alexmcangel

Here I felt like I was in a museum/art gallery. It has a stunning courtyard and it is the perfect place to escape from the chaos.

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Healthy Smoothie Bowl & Pizzeria

@alexmcangel

The smoothie bowls are delicious which I had whilst waiting for my friend. Then had a set breakfast which included toast, veggies, eggs … Also had a lovely chat with the owners who are amazing.

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Roadhouse Cafe

@alexmcangel

This one was on my list; however, I didn’t have time to go to but has great reviews on Google maps and the food looks really good. I will definitely check it out next time.

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Rosemary Kitchen and Coffee Shop

@alexmcangel

Another place with great reviews worth checking out, due to time I didn’t. But it’s on my list for next time.

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French Bakery

@alexmcangel

Do not start your day without having their breakfast! You'll be full all day and their coffee is authentic organic Nepalese coffee. I highly recommend this place.

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Restaurants:

Harati Newari Restaurant

@alexmcangel

A very authentic Newari restaurant, none of the stuff spoke English and they don't even have an English menu and I loved it, cannot get more authentic than this :) With the help of google translate I managed to order a Newari dish with rice, lentils and spicy chicken. Newari food is spicy! I highly recommend this place.

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Thakali Bhanchha Ghar

@alexmcangel

I had a lovely Chicken set Thakali Thali, the server kept on refilling my plate (for free). They also serve affordable breakfast.

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Yangling Tibetan Restaurant

@alexmcangel

I was recommended this restaurant after I had left Kathmandu, so I will definitely check it out next time. I heard their Tibetan food is great.

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fire pizza

@alexmcangel

I am a pizza lover and this has to be one of the best pizzas I have ever had the one with mushrooms, olives and cheese.

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Paleti Bhanchha Ghar

@alexmcangel

Here I had my last dinner in Kathmandu, last dinners have to be meaningful and it absolutely was. They also kept on refilling the plate. Authentic with great Nepalese food.

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Aambo Momo

@alexmcangel

The momos here are just delicious, you might have to wait about 25 min for your order as it gets pretty busy.

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Little Tibet Restro & Bar

@alexmcangel

Sadly I didn't get the time to visit this restaurant but it was recommended for their great authentic Nepalese Thali.

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Healing: 

Nirvana Singing Bowl

@alexmcangel

I cannot recommend this place enough. Their healing sessions are phenomenal. The sessions are daily at 10:00am and 5:00pm, meditation and sound bath. It is based on donations they also offer courses. Their WhatsApp number is +977 985 103 6668.

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Pathao (bike) and inDrive are the Uber apps in Nepal, they are both great and offer very affordable prices. 

I did my Kathmandu tour with a taxi driver I met throught inDrive, we negotiated a prize and we went to 4 places in 1 day. I paid less than 30USD. He kindly waited for me while I explored all different sites. He is also very knowledgeable and shared many things about Nepalese culture.

This is his WhatsApp number +977 984 076 5991, his English name is Vicky.

Prices might be cheaper on Pathao (bike) and inDrive. I always recommend to do research and negotiate. 

Hope you find this guide helpful and have a great trip!