Nepal Travel Guide: Kathmandu Edition

Flying directly from Chongqing to Kathmandu, I booked a ride on inDrive to Thamel upon arrival—about 20 minutes for 500 NPR. Stayed at Flock Hostel, and since it's the off-season, my 10-bed dorm only had three people. 📌 Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ Durbar Square Ticket: 1000 NPR for Chinese, free for locals. 2️⃣ Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) Packed with monkeys 🐒, offers a panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley. Ticket: 200 NPR. 3️⃣ Pashupatinath Temple Nepal’s most important Hindu temple, filled with deep religious vibes and unique cremation rituals. 🔥 4️⃣ Boudhanath Stupa A massive stupa surrounded by prayer wheels and colorful flags—perfect for quiet contemplation. 🙏 🛍️ Shopping Guide Thamel District: A backpacker’s paradise 🎒—bought two waist bags for just 400 NPR (super cheap!). Haggle hard! Asan Bazaar: The most authentic local market, great for spices and traditional clothing. 💡 Travel Tips Visa: Apply for an e-visa online—super convenient. Transport: Use inDrive for rides. Note: Nepali license plates use symbols instead of numbers—check them beforehand. Always negotiate fares! Safety: Avoid walking alone at night, especially in secluded alleys. 📝 Pro Tips 1️⃣ Kathmandu’s roads aren’t suitcase-friendly, so I traveled backpack-only: Osprey 48L (left at the hostel) + Naturehike 18L daypack (carries valuables, camera, power bank, water bottle). The ergonomic design makes it comfortable for all-day exploring. 🎒 2️⃣ If visiting Pashupatinath at night, bring a mask—the smell can be intense. 😷 3️⃣ Currency exchange at the airport has poor rates—only change a small amount first, then get better rates in the city. 4️⃣ Try Thamel’s climbing gym—800 NPR, includes gear! 🧗 #Kathmandu #NepalTravel #OffTheBeatenPath #TravelLikeALocal #Nepal #KathmanduGuide #NaturehikeBackpack #NaturehikeDaypack #NaturehikeClimbingPack #NepalTourism