Hostels in KATHMANDU, NEPAL

City Kathmandu in Nepal – Capital and Heart of Nepal

Surrounded by agricultural hills and with the background of snow covered mountains, Kathmandu is the largest and capital city of Nepal. Multiple ancient temples and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu origin represent a very rich culture and heritage. Newars, its original inhabitants are largely responsible for development of art and culture here. Kathmandu is the cultural, political and commercial centre of Nepal. Blend of varied population and religion makes the city unique.

Accommodation Options
As the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu offers all types of accommodations through hotels, resorts, and guest houses. For cheap options there are budget hotels, youth hostels, and bed and breakfast resorts. In fact the city offers something for every type of customers. Many visitors however prefer to stay outside the city and in peripheries and visit the city only during day times.

History
Dating back to ancient times, the history of Kathmandu indicates that it was the oldest in Nepal and was established around 2000 years ago. Despite its age old heritage and tradition the city has been experiencing a turbulent time in the current millennium. Gruesome royal massacre in 2001 by Crown Prince Dipendra who gunned down his entire family and killed himself too is a black episode in the otherwise marvellous city. Maoist led government came to power in 2009 but was overturned in May that year.

Places of Interest
Durbar Square – the UNESCO World heritage site is the most popular place visited by tourists. This land has a host of palaces, temples, shrines, statutes, and courtyards that were built during 12th-18th century. The visit to this place is incomplete without the visit to Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar and Hanuman Dhoka.

The famous shrines include the Swambhunath and Pasupatinath. Boudhanath Stupa, the largest in Kathmandu and Swaymbhu stupa are also worth a visit.

Getting Around
Public bus service is available for moving around the city as well as to other locations of interest in and around Kathmandu. However the simpler version of travel is by car inside the city and by domestic air services for locations outside. Mini buses are also available. Ratnapark is the central bus terminus in the city having bus routes to all parts of Kathmandu. Both bus route guide and flight guide is available in the tourism center. Kathmandu International airport is well connected by air with most major cities around the world.

Entertainment
Nightlife in Kathmandu hovers around Thamel and Freak Street. Bars and restaurants offer excellent food and beverages. Cinema halls, theatres, art galleries, and museums offer multiple avenues of entertainment. Trendy clubs and Spa are also there.  Popular shopping in Kathmandu includes Tibetan carpets, thangkas and paubhas or scroll painting, Kashmiri shawls, and Terai baskets. Discos, casinos, Tom and Jerry pubs, cultural shows, and music and dance clubs provide excellent entertainment.

Language(s) Spoken
Official language of Nepal is Nepali and that is widely used in Kathmandu. However English is the major tourist language.

Currency
Official currency of Nepal is the NPR or Nepali Rupee divided into 100 paisa. Visitors should keep changes handy. Since tourist activities are mostly quoted in US dollars, it is advisable to have the knowledge about the current exchange rates from news or Internet.

Group accommodation in Kathmandu | Cheap hostels & budget hotels