Kathmandu, Nepal

• Kathmandu sits in a valley at 4,600 feet elevation, ringed by the Himalayas. The air quality is often poor - dust and pollution make a face mask useful if you're walking around much. You'll see ancient temples next to cafes where locals work on laptops alongside elderly women selling vegetables in the street.
• Crime rates are relatively low, especially violent crime. Most locals are friendly and curious about where you're from. English works fine in Thamel and tourist accommodations, but you'll struggle in local markets and cheaper restaurants - learning a few Nepali phrases helps.
• The Tourist Police (1144) exist specifically for travelers and some speak English. Pickpocketing happens on crowded buses and in busy Thamel areas - keep your bag in front of you. Festival season (September to November) brings bigger crowds and more petty theft.
• The cafe culture has grown significantly - there are plenty of work-friendly spots where sitting alone for hours is normal. Digital nomads and freelancers have started using Kathmandu as a base, mixing with the traditional culture that still dominates most of the city.

Nepali is the main language. English works well in Thamel, tourist areas, and most accommodations. Tourist Police (1144) have English-speaking operators. Outside tourist zones English is very limited - Google Translate helps a lot.

• Shoulders and knees should be covered outside tourist areas. Tank tops and shorts are common in Thamel but you'll get stared at in local neighborhoods. Some temples won't let you in wearing leather, and you'll need long pants or a skirt for most religious sites.
• Take your shoes off before entering temples and homes. Use your right hand for eating, passing things, or giving money - left hand is considered unclean. Don't touch anyone's head, including kids - it's considered the most sacred part of the body.
• English drops off fast outside Thamel and tourist spots. Basic phrases like 'namaste' (hello), 'dhanyabad' (thank you), and 'ma-aph garnuhos' (excuse me) go a long way. Google Translate helps fill the gaps. Most people are patient if you're trying.
• Revealing clothing can attract unwanted attention or be read as an invitation. Street harassment exists, especially outside cities. Kathmandu and Pokhara are generally fine during busy hours, but you'll still get looks and occasional comments if you're showing a lot of skin.

• Uber and Grab don't work here. Use Pathao or InDrive instead - same concept with upfront pricing and GPS. New 2025 regulations require taxis to have CCTV and GPS, which helps with safety.
• Regular taxis exist but almost never use meters. Their first quote will be high - counter with 60-70% and negotiate from there. Night fares (after 9 PM) run about 50% higher. Check the driver's name and plate number before getting in.
• Microbuses and minibuses cost about $0.30 and locals use them constantly, but rush hour means you'll be packed in tight. Keep your bag in front of you - pickpockets work these buses. Pathao also does motorcycle taxis if you need to move fast in traffic.
• Tourist areas are walkable during the day, though you'll be dodging motorbikes and dealing with broken pavement. The traffic is chaotic and drivers don't always yield to pedestrians - you'll learn to just go for it.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Kathmandu with local guides and curated experiences.