Travel to Kathmandu with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Kathmandu with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Kathmandu

The capital city of Nepal, known as the gateway to the Himalayas, is an extraordinary mix of narrow bustling alleys, majestic temples, spectacular natural beauty and mysticism, and a surprisingly high level of Western commercialism. Founded over a thousand years ago, the city became a popular destination for Westerners during the ‘60s and remnants of this era can still be seen today.

Getting there

There are not many direct flights to Kathmandus international airport, except from Frankfurt, Bangkok or Dhaka, with most international flights originating in India. Domestic airlines fly throughout the country, with the most popular route being Pokhara to Kathmandu. There are bus services that run from various cities in northern India to Kathmandu, and more expensive tourist minibuses that travel from Pokhara and Chitwan.

Key Attractions

Most travellers head to Durbar Square, the centre of the old city of Kathmandu, to see its intricately carved temples and shrines, the Great Bell, and the stone statue of the six-armed Kala Bhairab. Thamel, the tourist epicentre, is about 20 minutes’ walk north of Durbar Square.

‘Freak Street’ – which is not the Nepalese name – is Kathmandus most famous street from the ‘hippy’ overland days of the 1960s and ‘70s. Although its heyday has passed, Freak streets history and prime position make it worth a stroll.

Out and about

Bhaktapur is about 35kms southeast of Kathmandus city centre and is easily reached by bus, minibus or trolley bus. With much of its architecture dating from the end of the 17th century, the city takes you on a trip back in time. Just across the Bagmati River from Thamel is Patan, the second largest city in the valley. Patan is a much quieter place to visit, with more than its fair share of stunning temples, as well as the Royal Palace.

Leisure options

If you feel like swimming, a dip in the pool of a major hotel can usually be arranged for a small fee, or you can try the public pools at Balaju and the National Stadium. If you’re in need of a workout or sauna, drop by the Kathmandu Physical Fitness Centre, or try a balloon flight over the city. Both are a wonderful way to escape the dense pollution caused by Kathmandu’s constant stream of traffic.

Safety

Although tourists have never been directly targeted by anti-government Maoists, the threat is becoming more likely. At the time of this writing, many embassies are advising their citizens to defer non-essential travel to Nepal. Check with official sources before making any travel plans. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance for you and your family before leaving home.

Weather

: Kathmandu are controlled by the seasonal alteration of the monsoon winds. Rainfall is especially heavy from June to September, with more wet days than dry! Unfortunately, these months have only 2-3 hours of sunlight per day.

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