Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

Weather and Best Season

The climate in Kathmandu is favorable throughout the year. Autumn (September 11 November) and spring (March-May) are the best seasons. During these months, the sky is usually clear and dry, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Autumn is slightly cooler with less haze, while spring brings warm sunny days and blooming flowers. Winters (December–February) are cool with daytime highs around 15°C (59°F) and clear skies, but nights can be very cold.

The monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rain and cloud cover, which can make sightseeing difficult. Nomad Adventure Treks schedules this Kathmandu Sightseeing tour every season, but we recommend booking in autumn or spring for the best weather.

Even if it rains, much of the tour is by car, so a brief shower won’t stop the adventure. Always check the forecast the day before, and pack a light jacket or umbrella if in doubt.

Altitude and Sickness

Kathmandu sits at about 1,350–1,400 meters above sea level, which is a relatively low altitude. For most visitors, altitude sickness is not a problem at this height. The oxygen content here is only slightly lower than at sea level, so the air feels fresh and easy to breathe. You can comfortably explore the city without special acclimatization.

If you’ve just arrived from much higher elevations or plan to continue to mountain treks after the tour, allow yourself a day to acclimatize. But for this one-day city tour, no medications or acclimatization are needed for healthy travelers.

Just stay hydrated (drink bottled water) and avoid getting too tired on the climbs (like the steps at Swayambhunath). By the end of the tour, you’ll be just fine and ready for more Nepali adventures.

Visa and Permits

Nepal requires most foreigners to have a tourist visa. The good news is that visas on arrival are available for most nationalities at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. You’ll need a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and one blank page.

Tourist visa fees (payable in USD, EUR, or other major currency) are roughly $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, or $125 for 90 days. These fees are up to date as of 2025.

Fill out the form and pay the fee at the airport immigration counter, then get your passport. No special permits are required for Kathmandu city tours beyond the tourist visa. Simply keep your visa valid during the tour (typically just 1 day) and carry the visa stamp in your passport.

If you plan to continue on to other parts of Nepal or trek higher (outside this one-day tour), be sure your visa covers that longer stay or get it extended. However, in this Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour, there is a simple visa process which is made by applying when one gets there.

Health & Safety

Generally, Nepal is a safe destination, though it is always best to be cautious. Consume safe water – the Kathmandu tap water is not consistently drinkable, so at all times use bottled or purified water. Be cautious with street food to avoid an upset stomach. In the city, petty theft can happen, so please keep your passport, cash, and valuables safe (use the hotel locker if available).

The Nepalese Tourist Police advise carrying a photocopy of your passport rather than the original when sightseeing. Protests or large crowds should be avoided because political demonstrations may occur.

Medical facilities in Kathmandu are better than in rural areas, but the equipment may not be Western. Nomad Adventure Treks highly suggests travel insurance for medical emergencies and evacuation to all visitors.

Your guide carries a first-aid kit, but for health issues like severe allergic reactions or injury, an emergency hospital trip may be needed. For peace of mind, verify that your insurance covers helicopter evacuation if you plan to trek after this tour.

Recommended Vaccinations

For Kathmandu city travel, stay up-to-date on routine vaccines. The CDC suggests Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus shots for Nepal. Rabies vaccination is wise if you’ll interact with animals (stray dogs are common). Malaria is not a concern in the Kathmandu valley. Always check with your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before your trip for personalized advice.

Transportation

Touring Kathmandu city is a private tour that is done in a car with a skilled driver. In Nepal, cars move to the left side of the road, and the traffic may be very busy with scooters, rickshaws, and cars competing on the same narrow streets.

Road conditions and safety standards can differ, and it is safer not to drive yourself. Your driver is conversant with the local routes, and you can sit back, relax, and have a pleasant view of the city.

The vehicle has seat belts, which should be maintained during the ride. If you extend your travel beyond this tour, note that road travel can be bumpy. For example, buses and taxis often have limited safety checks. Always use reputable drivers or tour companies. For this tour, though, the private car runs smoothly from site to site.

Within the city, taxis are easy to find, but deal with the price before departing. Nomad Adventure Treks includes all transfers: the driver will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off after the tour. If you need extra transportation (like a return to the airport later), let us know, and we can help arrange a car.

Travel Insurance

Before you travel, ensure your policy covers activities you may do (walking tours, hiking). Keep a copy of your insurance details with you. If you become ill or injured during the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour, your guide can assist and coordinate with your insurer. Having insurance gives you and your family peace of mind and avoids financial stress abroad.

Your Extra Expenses

While your Kathmandu tour includes the essentials, you should budget for additional costs. Monument entrance fees are not included. Expect to pay about NPR 200–1,000 per site (typical); for example, Kathmandu Durbar Square is ~NPR 1,000, Swayambhunath NPR 200, Boudhanath NPR 400, and Pashupatinath ~NPR 1,000. Carry Nepali rupees for these tickets, or USD equivalents.

Meals are also on your own. Plan at least NPR 300–600 ($3–6 USD) for a simple lunch and more for a restaurant dinner. Snacks, bottled water, tea/coffee – these all cost a few dollars. Souvenirs and donations (to temples or guides) are likewise on you.

Tipping is customary in Nepal: about 5–10% of any billed service, or as you feel fit the tour. Bring cash in small denominations to make tipping and small purchases easy.

Finally, if you extend your stay beyond this day tour, remember additional costs: hotels, travel to other cities, and visas beyond 30 days.

Language & Communication

Nepal’s official language is Nepali, spoken widely in Kathmandu and across the country. However, English is commonly used in tourist areas. Your guide and most service providers will speak English fluently. You may also hear Hindi and local Newari dialects in the city.

To connect, basic English is usually enough for restaurants, hotels, and shops in Kathmandu. Locals appreciate simple Nepali greetings – for example, saying “Namaste” when meeting people shows respect. No one expects you to be fluent, but phrases like “dhanyabad” (thank you) are always well received.

If you need to call home, your guide’s car may have cell service. Many Nepali people use Nepal Telecommunications (NTC) or Ncell (private carrier) networks; both have strong 4G coverage in Kathmandu. Wi-Fi is available at hotels and many restaurants. Keep your devices charged so you can use maps or stay in touch.

Mobile Network, Internet & Charging Facilities

Kathmandu is well-connected. Mobile coverage is strong for NTC and Ncell in the city. You can buy a Nepali SIM card at the airport or city shops to get data and call credit inexpensively. Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available in nearly all hotels and many cafes. Expect reasonably fast speeds in the city.

Most hotels and restaurants have 220V outlets for charging. Nepal uses a 230V AC electrical supply. Plugs are usually Indian-style (Type D, three round pins) or European-style (Type C, two round pins). Bring an adapter if your devices have different plugs.

Your hotel will have rooms with charging points, and you can charge phones in dining areas or the guide’s car if needed. Bringing a small power bank is useful for long days on foot or in case of any short power outages.

Don’ts on this Trip

When in Nepal, a few cultural rules help you fit in and show respect. Never leave your shoes on inside temples or holy shrines. Always take them off at the door. Do not drink tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water. Do not enter restricted areas of temples or nearby cremation zones.

Do not take photos if you see no photo sign. Photography is not allowed inside certain temples or during religious rituals. Always ask permission before photographing monks, worshippers, or ceremonies. Do not point your feet at shrines or sit with your soles facing people – it’s considered rude.

In short, be polite and aware. Small gestures like bowing slightly when greeting (Namaste) and using your right hand to give or receive items can go a long way. Avoid loud behavior or littering. Nepali people are proud of their culture; showing respect will earn you smiles in return.

Trip Extension

Many travelers combine Kathmandu sightseeing with other Nepal adventures. For example, Nomad Adventure Treks often pairs this tour with an Everest Base Camp trek or flight. After exploring Kathmandu’s heritage, you could board a plane to Lukla to start your Himalayan trek, or take a scenic mountain flight to view Everest from above.

Other popular extensions: an overnight trip to Nagarkot or Chandragiri Hills for sunrise over the mountains, a two-day cultural tour of Bhaktapur and Nagarkot, or tours to Pokhara (for lakes and Annapurna views) or Chitwan (for jungle safari).

Let us know if you want to add extra days or tours; we can tailor a longer Nepal itinerary. Kathmandu itself has beautiful places to explore with extra time, like the Garden of Dreams or cable car rides, so ask our guides for suggestions.

Photography & Drone Rules

Photography is allowed at most sites on this sightseeing tour, but follow these rules. Never use flash where it may disturb worshippers. If you see a no photography sign, obey it. Do not take pictures of the actual cremation funeral if visiting Pashupatinath. Always ask permission before clicking portraits of people.

Flying a personal drone in Nepal requires official permits. Nepalese law mandates permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) and the Department of Tourism for drone use. These rules apply even in Kathmandu. For casual tourists, bringing a drone is not practical.

We advise not to drone inside the city or historical areas. Use a camera instead. If you are a professional photographer, contact the CAAN for guidelines. Drones are not permitted on this tour without a proper license, so it’s best to capture the scenery with your camera instead.

Cultural Festivals on the Trail

Nepal’s culture is alive with festivals. If your Kathmandu city tour coincides with local celebrations, you can see beautiful events. The largest festival is Dashain (September–October), lasting 10–15 days, when Kathmandu swings on large bamboo swings, and families gather for blessings. Soon after comes Tihar (October–November), the festival of lights, when homes are decorated with candles and colourful lamps.

If you visit in late winter (Feb–March), join the crowds celebrating Holi –the festival of colors – with water and paint drenching joyous crowds. In spring, Buddha Jayanti(May) sees Buddhists adding new prayer flags to Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.

During late summer, the eight-day Indra Jatra (around September) parades the living goddess Kumari and massive chariots through Kathmandu streets. These lively festivals give your tour extra color (literally), but they don’t disrupt the sights – plan ahead because sites may close on major holidays.

Tips for First-Time Nepal Visitors

Going to Nepal for the first time is an amazing experience, and some simple tips can make your stay even easier. When sightseeing, please keep your passport securely stored in your hotel and carry a photocopy. Wear decently, keep your shoulders and knees covered, and do not forget to take off your shoes before entering the temples.

It is polite to use your right hand to give or receive something. Keep up the hydration, use sunscreen, and slow down in the vibrant Kathmandu traffic. Negotiate in a friendly manner when shopping. It would always be nice to know some Nepali words, such as Namaste (hello) or Dhanyabad (thank you).

Eat local foods like dal bhat and mo: mo, and avoid raw fruits or vegetables. Always have a small amount of money to pay the entrance fees and small stores, because sometimes they do not accept cards. And lastly, be nice, patient, and inquisitive; your Nomad Adventure Treks guide is always willing to help you on your trip.