Neighborhood guide
Where to Stay in Kathmandu
The 3 areas worth basing yourself in Kathmandu, Nepal — ranked by our editors, with walking distances from the center. First-timers: start with Thamel.
City centerNeighborhoodsClick the map to enable scroll zoom
Decide by trip type
Not sure which area? Tell us about your trip.
We’ll match Kathmandu’s neighborhoods to how you travel — and show you why.
Top pick
Thamel
Backpacker and trekker hub — gear shops, restaurants, hostels, evening bars.
17 min walk from center
#2
Patan
UNESCO-listed Durbar Square south of the river — quieter, craft shops, heritage hotels.
6.5 km from center
#3
Bhaktapur
Medieval pottery city 13 km east — day-trip-perfect for temple courtyards.
8.4 km from center
Getting around
Walk Thamel; tuktuks and motorbike taxis (use Pathao app) for longer distances.
Negotiate taxi fares before boarding; check trek permits at the Tourist Information Centre.