How to get out Kathmandu
Domestic flights also leave from Tribhuvan International Airport. There is a 170rs (about 2.50 us) airport tax. The primary domestic airlines are Yeti , Nepal Airlines , and Buddha Air . The latter, Buddha, has a reputation among local expatriates as the safest domestic airline.
The Kathmandu Valley'. Home to a number of sacred sites and historical cities.
Pokhara. 5-8 hours by bus, or a 30 minute flight, is a pleasant little city on a lake. Many visitors use it as a hub for treks, rafting trips and other adventure activities. It's got a great live music scene, & is fast becoming the destination of choice in Nepal. You can't go past the "Pushkar Guesthouse" for value & service. (Just past the crossroads, Lakeside, on the right.)
Chitwan National Park. Jungle low-lands of western Nepal are a popular place for safaris, complete with Elephant rides, rhino and tiger spotting, and jungle walks.
Boudhanath. 7 km East/Northeast of Kathmandu a short taxi or bus ride. It's home to at least 29 Buddhist Monasteries & Nunneries & one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, the Boudha Stupa a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built during the 5th century AD.
Patan. 7 km South of Thamel, Kathmandu across the Bagmati river from Kathmandu. One of the largest cities in Nepal, it is also known as Lalitpur. Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO world heritage site, full of temples, statues, palaces & the must-see attraction of Patan Museum.
Everest region. Within a short flight from Kathmandu, you can be trekking under the protective gaze of snow capped peaks and watching yak caravans carrying goods over mountain passes from Tibet.
Mountain Flight. These flights from Kathmandu Airport offer an opportunity to see the magnificent Himalayan range the easy way - from the air. It's always a good idea to book early, especially in the 'Tourist Season' from August to October. Flight costs are variable as to where you book them, as of Feb 2008, they quoted rates from US$156 to US$180. The travel agents in Thamel can give better prices than the hotel agents. Also, there is an airport fee that you must pay before you board (about RS 200 for domestic, RS 2,500 international). Best to get the first flight of the morning as the later flights get delayed more and more as the day moves on. These are offered by both Buddha and Yeti.
Shivapuri Hill. North of the city and the nearby Bishnu Muhan, a small spring from where river Bishnumati originates. Stay for a night at the Shivapuri Heights Cottage.
Nagarkot (altitude: 2,000 m). Approximately 30 kms away from Kathmandu by car. It is just the place for a quick getaway from the bustling capital for some relaxation and outdoor activities. A great place to watch the sunrise, however plan on leaving early (5AM) as traffic jams can happen anywhere and at anytime. Also, The Club Himalaya, has a great viewing point however the last 5 kilometers is VERY narrow, with lots of curves. Car-sickness is a distinct possibility. The Fort Resort also has great views, well-kept rooms (ask for a room in the cottages) and the grounds are lovely.
Chobhar "Le Village" Resort A hidden paradise only 8 km from the center of Thamel, Kathmandu. Perched on top of Chobhar village, altitude 1420 m, enjoy sunrise and panoramic views of all of Kathmandu valley and Patan. 20 min by car on the road to Dakshinkali.
Dhulikhel Is a village about 40 km from Kathmandu, Dhulikhel Lodge Resort, is a nice place for lunch and a view of the mountains. The village offers a nice quiet setting to wander the streets and see the 'non-tourist' side of Nepali life.
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Kathmandu
