Kathmandu

October to December is the best time to visit as the clear skies make for spectacular views. The weather is dry until April, and in May, heat and humidity levels increase until the Monsoon season arrives in June. Religious festivals are celebrated all year long.

Obtaining a travel visa for Nepal is relatively simple. Tourist visas for 15, 30 and 90 days are available on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport or at any of the land borders that accept foreigners. The cost for the visa is 30 USD (15 days), 50 USD (30 days) or 125 USD (90 days) paid in cash on the spot. You can fill in the visa details online beforehand or at the border you enter through.

The Tribhuvan International Airport is situated about 6km east of Kathmandu, right in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley. It is the country's only international airport, serving approximately 30 airlines with service to Asia and the Middle East, as well as Istanbul. It also functions as the hub for Nepalese airlines. Getting from the airport to the city can be done by taxi, bus, hotel shuttle or rental car. Buses run regularly from dawn till dusk from just outside the airport gate, they are very affordable and take approximately 30 minutes to reach the city. Passengers wishing to take a taxi are recommended to order one from the pre-paid booth inside the terminal.

Public transport in Kathmandu can be confusing, as there are no proper signboards. However, buses have a cashier or attendant who can let travellers know where the bus goes and let them know when they have arrived at their destination. Buses are usually quite old and not very comfortable, but traveling with the locals can be very pleasant, and they are always very friendly and helpful. Blue and green buses go in circles along the Ring Road.

Taxis can be found just about anywhere along major streets in Kathmandu. They are metered, but drivers will try not to use it in order to ask for higher prices. Either demand to use it or agree on a price before getting in. Note that rates rise after 9pm. An alternative in Thamel is to take rickshaws, which can often be seen around this tourist-heavy area.

Country code: +977 City code: 1

Voltage: 230 V Frequency: 50 Hz Power sockets: type C (two round pins), D (three round pins in a triangular pattern) and M (same as D, but with thinker pins).