Flight Routes from Bahrain to Kathmandu

Kathmandu, cultural and lively hot spot

Legendary Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalayas for many and a spiritual pilgrimage for others. However, it is also a place of learning and a modern city where many cultures and styles meet, and a fascinating place to visit.

Best times for Kathmandu

An ideal time to go is from October throughought winter until April when it's dry, as during the Monsoon, from June until the beginning of October, there's a great likelihood of flooding and landslides. In March, the Holi (colour and water fights!) festival is fun and hectic, and in March/April, there is Ghode Jatra, a festivals with horse parades. April marks Nepalese New Year and August is Gai Jatra, the 'Festival of Cows'. September witnesses 'Indra Jatra', 8-day festival in honour of the goddess Indra with processions and dancing. October brings Dashain, a Hindu Festival lasting 2 weeks, and in November there's Jazzmandu, an international Jazz festival.

India visas and Kathmandu tips

You'll need a visa which is available from the Nepalese Embassy in London and your passport must be valid for 6 months at least. Check with your GP at least eight weeks before the planned date of travel and get any recommended vaccines if needed, like Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Typhus, Tetanus. Exporting protected species is prohibited and strictly enforced. Overland bus tours are best taken in official tourist buses. Avoid hiking alone and avoid drinking tap water, drinking boiled or bottled water and even using this for brushing teeth. Restaurant meals will cost around 200-400 NPR, 45 NPR for soft drinks, but alcohol is expensive, a beer being about 320 NPR. Typical food is a Dal Bhat (rice, lentils and vegetables; Momos (Tibetan dumplings) are popular street food.

Airport to Kathmandu

Airport transfer can be organised by the hotel. Alternatively, a taxi is about 800 NPR (a fixed charge paid in advance "prepaid taxi") or ca. 500 NPR for a normal taxi. It takes around 25 min to travel into central Kathmandu. The bus is often full and irregular and costs 10 MPR, taking 30 minutes.

Local information - accommodation

A hostel favoured by independent travellers is about 365 NPR, Guesthouses are about 850 NPR per person per night. A 3 star hotel will be around 1200 NPR per person, and a holiday apartment from about 2100 NPR per night. Microbus (Tempos) fares start at 15 NPR, the normal bus at around 15-20 NPR. Rickshaws are negotiable, but will probably cost from 60 to 100 NPR. Taxi drivers will charge approx. 200 NPR for 3 km + and then 60 NPR/km. Walking is often quicker as roads are very busy.