Where to Stay in Kathmandu 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Kathmandu is Nepal's chaotic capital and gateway to the Himalayas. A UNESCO-listed valley with seven World Heritage Sites, ancient temples, and the world's best trekking at your doorstep. Most travelers stay in touristy Thamel for convenience, but Patan offers more authentic atmosphere and Boudha provides spiritual depth. Budget travelers find incredible value here.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Thamel
Despite being touristy, Thamel has everything trekkers need: gear shops, permit offices, travel agencies, restaurants, and international ATMs. For first-time visitors organizing Himalayan treks or needing practical services, Thamel's convenience is unmatched. Venture out for authentic experiences.
Thamel
Durbar Square
Patan
Boudha
Lazimpat
Nagarkot
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Very cheap Thamel guesthouses can have hygiene issues - check reviews
- • Some 'hotel touts' at airport take commission from bad hotels - book in advance
- • Areas around Pashupatinath temple have aggressive touts
- • Power cuts (load shedding) affect some budget hotels - check backup power
Understanding Kathmandu Geography
The Kathmandu Valley contains three ancient cities: Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Thamel is the tourist hub in Kathmandu. Durbar Squares exist in all three cities. Boudha and Pashupatinath are northeast. Nagarkot is a hill station 32km east. The Ring Road encircles greater Kathmandu.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Kathmandu
Thamel
Best for: Trekking gear, restaurants, nightlife, tourist services, backpacker hub
"Bustling tourist hub with everything trekkers and travelers need"
Pros
- Everything accessible
- Trekking gear
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
Cons
- Very touristy
- Persistent touts
- Noisy
- Not authentic
Durbar Square Area
Best for: UNESCO heritage, Hanuman Dhoka, Kumari house, historic temples
"Ancient royal square with Newari temples and living heritage"
Pros
- Historic heart
- Authentic atmosphere
- Cultural immersion
Cons
- Earthquake damage visible
- Crowded by day
- Basic accommodation
Patan (Lalitpur)
Best for: Best-preserved Durbar Square, Newari crafts, quieter atmosphere, fine dining
"Ancient Newari city with finest architecture and artisan traditions"
Pros
- Best Durbar Square
- Fewer tourists
- Artisan workshops
Cons
- Separate from Kathmandu
- Limited nightlife
- Need transport
Boudha (Boudhanath)
Best for: Great Stupa, Tibetan culture, monasteries, spiritual atmosphere
"Tibetan Buddhist enclave centered on one of world's largest stupas"
Pros
- Spiritual atmosphere
- Tibetan culture
- Peaceful
- Beautiful
Cons
- Far from Thamel
- Limited food options
- Quiet at night
Lazimpat
Best for: Embassy area, upscale hotels, quiet streets, good restaurants
"Upscale diplomatic neighborhood north of Thamel"
Pros
- Quieter than Thamel
- Good hotels
- Walkable to Thamel
Cons
- Less atmosphere
- Embassy traffic
- Expensive for Nepal
Nagarkot
Best for: Himalayan sunrise, mountain views, escape the city, trekking base
"Mountain village with legendary Himalayan sunrises"
Pros
- Himalayan views
- Clean air
- Peaceful
- Sunrise
Cons
- Far from city
- Limited services
- Cold in winter
Accommodation Budget in Kathmandu
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Alobar1000 Hostel
Thamel
Best hostel in Kathmandu with rooftop bar, excellent vibe, and budget private rooms. Legendary for trekker meetups.
Hotel Encounter Nepal
Thamel
Clean, well-run budget hotel with rooftop, helpful staff, and excellent value for Thamel.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Kantipur Temple House
Jyatha (near Thamel)
Beautiful traditional Newari architecture with peaceful courtyard, modern comforts, and authentic atmosphere.
Hotel Tibet
Lazimpat
Long-established hotel with Tibetan character, good restaurant, and quiet Lazimpat location.
Inn Patan
Patan
Boutique hotel in traditional Newari building with rooftop views of Patan Durbar Square.
Hotel at the End of the Universe
Nagarkot
Quirky mountain hotel with panoramic Himalayan views, organic food, and legendary sunrises.
Temple Tree Resort & Spa
Lakeside (Pokhara)
Beautiful lakeside resort (in Pokhara, not Kathmandu) for those combining valley and lakes.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Dwarika's Hotel
Battisputali
UNESCO-awarded heritage hotel with rescued Newari woodwork, stunning courtyards, and museum-quality preservation.
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Boudha
Modern luxury near Boudhanath with stunning views, excellent spa, and international standards.
Smart Booking Tips for Kathmandu
- 1 Peak trekking seasons (Oct-Nov, March-April) require advance booking
- 2 Dashain/Tihar festivals (October) see domestic travel surge
- 3 Monsoon (June-September) is low season with rain but fewer crowds
- 4 Many travelers book accommodation via trekking agencies for package deals
- 5 Airport pickup is strongly recommended for first-time visitors
- 6 Altitude acclimatization: Kathmandu (1,400m) is good starting point before trekking
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More Kathmandu Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Kathmandu: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.