Why go to Kathmandu
The Kathmandu valley is full of temples and old squares. See Pashupatinath on the Bagmati river, the giant white stupa at Boudhanath, and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Thamel is the busy area for hotels, cafés and shops.
Many people add Pokhara, a lakeside town with views of the Annapurna range. It’s about 25 minutes by air or six to eight hours by road.
Best time to visit Kathmandu
October and November are the best months: clear skies and mountain views after the monsoon, and the festival season of Dashain and Tihar. March and April are good too, with spring flowers. December to February is cold but clear. June to September is the monsoon, with clouds hiding the mountains.
- January: off season
- February: good time
- March: good time
- April: good time
- May: off season
- June: off season
- July: off season
- August: off season
- September: off season
- October: best time
- November: best time
- December: good time
Kathmandu visa for Indians
No visa neededLast checked October 2026
Indian citizens don’t need a visa for Nepal. When you fly, carry a valid passport or your Voter ID card (the Election Commission photo ID). Other ID cards may not be accepted at the airport, so don’t rely on them.
Rules for children are different. Check them with your airline before you travel.
Apply only through official government channels or a trusted agent. Look-alike sites charge extra. Rules change, so check again before you book.
Flight time and fares from Delhi
Nonstop flights from Delhi take about 1½ hours. Sit on the left side of the plane when flying to Kathmandu: on a clear day, you can see the Himalayas.
Kathmandu fares often jump during Dashain and Tihar, and around Christmas and New Year. Book early for those weeks, or go just before or after.
Getting from the airport
Tribhuvan airport is 20 to 30 minutes by taxi from Thamel, the main tourist area. Agree on the price before you get in, or use a ride app.
How many days you need
Four days is enough for the Kathmandu valley. With Pokhara, plan a week. Trekkers going to Annapurna or Everest base camp need two weeks or more.
Food for Indian travellers
Very easy for vegetarians. Dal bhat (rice, lentils and vegetables) is the everyday meal, momos come in vegetable versions, and Indian food is everywhere.
