Flights from Dubai to Kathmandu

Nepal: magic tourist destination

Nepal's largest metropolitan city and the country's capital, Kathmandu, is an awe-inspiring destination. Surrounded by 4 majestic mountains, this cultural and economic hub sits at 1400 meters above sea level.

When is it good to travel?

Kathmandu's weather is pleasant and dry from October until to April. The monsoon season begins in October, lasting until June when floods and landslides may occur. The Holi Festival occurs in March and the Ghode Jatra festival commences during March/April. The Nepalese New Year also begins in April and Gai Jatra is held in August. In September, the 8-day festival, Indra Jatra, begins. This event is made up of exhibitions, processions and dances. The Hindu festival, Dashain, starts in October, and lasts for 2 weeks, while in November, Jazzmandu takes place.

Before your travels

Visas are required for entry and can be applied for at the Nepalese Embassy in London. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. Contact your doctor 8 weeks prior to your planned date of travel for vaccinations such as Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria and Typhus, which are all recommended. Once there, drink and brush your teeth with bottled or boiled water only. Overland travel should be organised with official tours. Hiking alone should be avoided and exporting protected species is prohibited here. Restaurant meals cost between 200 - 400 NPR and non-alcoholic drinks are around 45 NPR. Beer costs about 320 NPR. Dal Bhat - rice and lentils with vegetables - is a typical Nepalese dish, and Momos, or Tibetan dumplings, is a popular street food.

Transport, accommodation and other local information

Prepaid taxis cost around 800 NPR and regular cabs cost approximately 500. Some hotels will arrange airport transfers for their guests. It takes roughly 25 minutes to travel to central Kathmandu from the airport. Buses take about 30 minutes, and cost around 10 NPR, although they are usually full and services are irregular.

Backpacker hostels cost roughly 365 NPR, while Guesthouses charge around 850 NPR per night per person. 3 star hotels should cost approximately 1200 NPR per person and holiday apartments will be around 2100 NPR a night.

Microbus (Tempos) fares run at around 15 NPR, while bus fares are about 15-20 NPR for a return trip. If using a rickshaw, negotiate before boarding. Fares should normally be between 60-100 NPR. Taxis charge about 200 NPR each 3 km, then 60 NPR, for each additional km. Walking around the city is generally faster, as the roads are very congested.