Experience in Kathmandu, Nepal by Bishal

What is it like to live in Kathmandu? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Like every city, Kathmandu has its up's and down's. On one hand the valley has amazing historic places like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Soyambhunath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa. They all fall under UNESCO world heritage sites. Their unique architecture attracts thousands of tourist every year.

On the other hand, Kathmandu can be quite dusty, dirty in some places and food hygiene is not up to western standards. Foreigners find transportation to be chaotic. And you can get lost in the narrow streets quite easily.

My overall recommendation would be, if you don't mind the dust and the chaos. Kathmandu is a must place to visit.

What is the student lifestyle like in Kathmandu?

There is one university in Kathmandu i.e. Tribhuvan University. Under the university there are hundred's of colleges. Student lifestyle in terms of participation in clubs is rare in colleges. But, students can take part in plenty of clubs outside of college.

How much does it cost to live in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is the most expensive city in Nepal. Rent for an single room-flat (apartment) can range from Nrs. 10,000 ($100) upto Nrs.25000 ($250) per month. Cell room ranges from Nrs.5000 ($50) to Nrs 7000 ($70) depending on the place.
Transportation is quite reasonable Nrs 20-25 (20 cents) will get you from anywhere to the downtown of the city (New-Road).

Food are also relatively expensive. Nepalese favourite food Momo costs from Nrs 120 ($1.20) to Nrs.300 ($3.00). If you are eating out Nepalsese Staple food Rice, lentils and curry costs from Nrs.200 ($2.00) upto Nrs.350 ($3.50). If you are prepared to cook at home, staple food mention above are quite reasonable. A kilo of rice range from Nrs.80(80 cents) upto Nrs.200 ($2.00). You can buy from the local vendors or from the Supermarket. Most common supermarkets are Bhatbheteni Supermarket (largest), Big Mart and Sales berry.

So, overall average cost of living in Kathmandu would be Nrs.10,000 ($100) to Nrs.40,000 ($400) per month depending on lifestyle.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Kathmandu? Is there any advice you can give?

Unlike other places, It is relatively easy to find accommodation in Kathmandu. You will find websites, real estate agents and Facebook groups dedicated to such activity. Most common website is: www.hamrobazzar.com . Here you can find second hand stuffs and also an accommodation. You can also find Air B&B and Hotels easily with google maps.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Nepal has many cultures and no where in Nepal does the diversity shows like in Kathmandu. People all over Nepal come to Kathmandu for work bringing their cultures, food and tradition with them. You can find great Indian cuisines, Tibetan cuisines, Newari cuisines etc.

What places would you recommend visiting in Kathmandu?

I would recommend travellers to visit: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Soyambhunath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa. If you are interested in hiking, Shivapuri National Park or Hattiban Resort be a good option. I would also recommend you to visit former King's Palace.

Is it good to eat out in Kathmandu? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are lots of good places to eat in Kathmandu. One of the great food chains is NPP and Sinka foods. They provide good, hygienic foods and not to mention they serve excellent Momos. If you are up for Indian cuisine, Mughal Empire is a place to visit.

Is the nightlife good in Kathmandu? Where is good to go?

Nightlife in Kathmandu is quite except in tourist areas like Thamel where it is very vibrant. Thamel is a place to visit if you want to experience nightlife in Kathmandu. Careful not to get lost in its narrow and windy path.

What advice would you give future students heading to Kathmandu?

Firstly, do no drink water straight from the tap. Water purification is not up to western standards. Secondly, wear headcover or face covering or your hair or face will be ruined by dust. Thirdly, most of the people use cash, credit cards and mobile payment are accepted only in some usually, expensive places. For mobile payment download e-sewa (most common), Fonepay or IME pay. And lastly, be open to new experiences. You will definitely have some culture shocks and need to adjust.