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About Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, is nestled in the Kathmandu Valley in the Himalayas, bordered by the districts of Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and Kavrepalanchok. As of 2023, it is home to approximately 1.5 million residents. Known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and stunning mountain views, Kathmandu offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern urban life.
Kathmandu experiences a temperate climate, with mild to warm temperatures year-round. Winters are cool and dry, while summers are warm and wet, with the majority of the rainfall occurring during the monsoon season from June to September. The best time to visit Kathmandu is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
The city is served by Tribhuvan International Airport, located about 5 kilometers from the city center. Many airlines, including Flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and Nepal Airlines, operate direct and connected flights from major UAE cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Kathmandu’s culinary scene is diverse, offering a rich mix of traditional Nepali dishes and international cuisines. Local favorites include momo (dumplings), dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), and sel roti (a traditional rice flour bread). Street food is also popular, with vendors offering an array of delicious snacks and meals.
Tourists in Kathmandu can explore numerous attractions that highlight the city's historical and cultural significance. The famous Pashupatinath Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage spot for Hindus. The Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO site, is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a center for Tibetan Buddhism. Other must-visit places include Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square, and the Garden of Dreams.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which offers a natural habitat for diverse species of flora and fauna and opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. The city's various parks and public spaces, such as Ratna Park and the Narayanhiti Palace Museum grounds, are popular for picnics and social gatherings, providing a glimpse into the everyday life of Kathmandu’s residents.
UAE citizens have the option for a visa on arrival in Nepal. To obtain a Nepal visa, UAE citizens can choose from three tourist options: 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days, all allowing multiple entries with a 32 USD service fee and no visa fee, payable on arrival. The application process involves filling out a simple online form in under 5 minutes, receiving a pre-visa by email, and presenting it with your passport upon arrival in Nepal. Ensure you have a valid passport copy, recent photograph, email address, and bank card for payment. The online pre-visa application eliminates the need for embassy visits and helps avoid mistakes and long waits. Print the pre-visa document and show it at the border to obtain your tourist visa.
Transportation to Kathmandu City Center from Airport
Tribhuvan Intl. Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport is 6 kilometers from the center of Kathmandu city. Shuttle services are available at the airport. It is also possible to go to the city center by taxi. Some passengers also benefit from their hotel's airport shuttle service. If you want to have a comfortable vehicle during your trip, you can also agree with the car rental companies at the airport.
Taxi
You can get a taxi from the taxi stops right in front of the airport's passenger terminal. In a day when the traffic flow is normal, transportation from the airport to the city center takes about 15 minutes on average.
Shuttle
It is also possible to reach Kathmandu city center with shuttle services located at the airport. You can find information about the shuttle services’ route and departure times from the help desk at the passenger terminal.
Hotel Service
Some of the accommodation centers in Kathmandu have airport shuttle services for guests. You can learn whether or not your hotel offers this service in advance and book if they do. You should remember that hotel services are more expensive than taxis.
Car Rental
If you want to have a comfortable transportation vehicle during your Kathmandu trip, you can rent a car. The airport has offices of different companies that rent vehicles in different types from motorcycle to limousine. You must remember that you must have an international driver's license to drive abroad. If you do not want to compromise your comfort during your travel, but if your driver's license is not valid abroad, you can rent the car with a driver. You must follow the Ring Road to get to the city center by car. The journey lasts an average of 15 minutes.