Flights from Tel Aviv to Kathmandu

A city with incredible natural beauty

Kathmandu is near eight of the world's highest mountains, fertile plains and valleys that are dissected by eight rivers. Kathmandu is Nepal's economic hub and the green slopes surrounding it have many nature reserves.

Kathmandu - when to go

The weather is dry from October until April making it a good time to visit. Monsoon Season is June until the beginning of October when flooding and landslides often happen.

Experience local culture by visiting for festivals and holidays. The colour and water fights festival, Holi, happens in March. In March and April there is the Ghode Jatra festival with horse parades. The Nepalese New Year is in April and the Festival of Cows, Gai Jatra, is in August. In September is Indra Jatra, an eight day festival in honour of the goddess Indra. It is celebrated with processions. During two weeks in October, Dashain, the Hindu Festival happens and in November is the Jazzmandu, an international Jazz festival.

Information about Kathmandu

A visa is needed and can be provided by the Nepalese Embassy in London. Passports must be valid for six months or longer when applying.

Eight weeks before travel Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Typhus, and Tetanus vaccinations are recommended. Exporting prohibited species from the country is illegal.

Official buses should be used for overland journeys. Hiking alone is discouraged. Use boiled or bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. A restaurant meal costs around 200-400NPR, non-alcoholic drinks are around 45NPR and beer costs approximately 320NPR. Typical food is Dal Bhat, rice and lentils. Popular street food is Tibetan dumplings.

Getting to and around Kathmandu

Airport transfers can be organised by hotels. A pre-paid, fixed charge taxi from the airport to the centre of Kathmandu costs around 800NPR. A regular taxi costs 500NPR and takes around 25 minutes. Buses can be full and service irregular, the cost is about 10MPR and takes 30 minutes.

Backpacker accommodation costs 365NPR or thereabouts. Guesthouses cost from about 850NPR per night. A 3 star hotel is approximately 1200NPR per person and a holiday apartment from 2100NPR per night.

Microbus, tempos and buses are a good way to get around. The fare is about 15NPR. A return bus trip costs around 15-20NPR. Negotiate fares before boarding a rickshaw where fares are about 60-100NPR. Taxi's cost from 200NPR for 3 km, and 60NPR for any additional kilometre. Walking can be quicker as roads are busy.