Nepal has seen a noticeable growth of 13% in the year 2024 in the tourism sector. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal which is rich in culture, spirituality and adventures. According the survey done in the year 2080 B.S. it was seen that Kathmandu has the highest number of hotels and restaurants in Nepal. There are approximately 52,123 hotels in Kathmandu.
With years of experience in the hospitality sector, we know what exactly the visitors are looking for, whether it is first-time visitors, business travelers, religious/spiritual trips, or short trips. From gaining the experience of welcoming national and international travelers, we know exactly how and what facilities make guests feel comfortable, and relaxed and enjoy their vacation. In this guide, we will be explaining the hotels, their location rates, and many more.
What makes Kathmandu the ideal place for your stay?
Kathmandu is the home of the International Airport, which makes it easier for International tourists to stay in Kathmandu because they can get quick access to the hotels from the airport. They can get access to all kinds of facilities such as nightlife, and cultural and religious heritages. You can get quick access to Unesco World Heritage sites such as Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambunath, and many more. Whether you are traveling solo, with your family, or traveling for business, Kathmandu can be the best place because it offers a range of facilities.
Types of Hotels in Kathmandu:
If you are searching for cheap hotels in Kathmandu, you can have dorm rooms starting at just $7 and basic double rooms at around $12-22 but the prices may increase during the peak seasons. These are the following facilities you will be receiving in hotels falling under this category:
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- Simple rooms
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- Private or sharing rooms
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- Optional airport pickup
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- Perfect for backpackers, students, and those with short layovers.
2. Mid Range Hotels
This includes 2-star and 3-star hotels. These hotels have prices starting from $18 but may differ according to the time of the year, especially during the peak seasons. Under this category you will get:
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- Attached bathrooms
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- Free wifi and breakfast
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- In-house restaurant or bar
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- Spa
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- Ideal for families and small groups.
3. Boutique/ Heritage stays:
These Hotels have been renovated from the Rana Palaces in Patan and Boudha. Boutique Heritage home located in Patan and brick and timber townhouses are some of the hotels that are perfect for boutique and heritage stays. Their price ranges from $55–120 depending upon the season and the room type you choose.
What you will get:
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- Authentic architecture and experience
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- Personalized service
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- On-site culture explore
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- Perfect for honeymooners and photographers.
4. Luxury Hotels
This category includes 4-star and 5-star hotels. In these hotels, you will find deluxe rooms starting from $100, and premium suites' prices range from $180-$200.
What you will get:
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- Full-service spa
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- Temperature controlled pools
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- Multiple dining outlets
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- Concierge desks that arrange helicopters to Everest View Hotel or last-minute mountain flights
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- Best choice for trekkers, business travelers, and special occasion travelers.
| Category | Typical Areas / Example Hotels | Ideal for |
| Budget | Thamel, Sinamangal | Solo backpackers, students, tight layovers seeking cheap hotels in Kathmandu |
| Mid-range | Battisputali, Lazimpat, Boudha, Pashupatinath | Mirage Regency (1.8 km from TIA) Families, digital nomads, small business groups |
| Boutique/Heritage | Patan (Newari mansions), Boudha, Bhaktapur and Boudha | Culture lovers, couples, photographers |
| Luxury | Lazimpat, Boudha, airport zoneHyatt, Dwarika’s Hotels | VIP trekkers, corporate delegations, special occasions |
Factors influencing hotel rates:
Hotel rates fluctuate due to various reasons. Here is a detailed explanation of the factors that result in influencing the rates of hotels.
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- Peak seasons
Hotels experience a huge change in the hotel prices during peak seasons which start from September-November and March-May because it attracts trekkers and cultural explorers during that time. So, it is beneficial to visit during the off seasons which are June-August and December-February.
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- Festivals
During the biggest festivals of Nepal such as Dashain, Tihar, and Indrajatra the prices experience a rise due to the crowds. Mainly the hotels that are near the event locations such as Pashupatinath, Patan tend to be full and increase their rates.
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- Amenities
Hotels that have amenities such as rooftop pools, spas, in-house dining, gyms, and fitness centers usually have higher prices than other hotels. It is best for tourists who are looking for luxury stays. So look for affordable stays.
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- Location
Location is also a factor in the increase in prices. The hotels that are near the cultural sites, hotels near Pashupatinath, and hotels near Tribhuvan airports may charge more than the other hotels.
Booking Tips for Kathmandu Hotels
When it comes to booking hotels in Kathmandu, it is important to know certain things before booking. Working in the hospitality industry for many years we have some reliable and expert-backed tips that could help you book hotels in Kathmandu, they are:
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- Book early
It is highly recommended to book early, mainly during the peak seasons. Book at least 3-4 weeks before you are planning to visit Kathmandu.
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- Verify Airport Shuttle Services
Many people assume that all the hotels near the Tribhuvan airport provide shuttle service which is not completely true. So, it is recommended to confirm the shuttle services from the hotel you are booking.
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- Read reviews
Nowadays, people just look at the ratings and directly book the hotel, but we recommend you to read the reviews as well, which gives detailed explanations about their experience of staying in that hotel.
FAQs
Where can I find reliable cheap hotels in Kathmandu close to heritage sites?
If you are looking for cheap hotels, you could stay in areas that are near the heritage sites to make your stay cheaper.
Are hotels in Kathmandu safe for solo travelers?
Yes, hotels in Kathmandu are safe for solo travelers, especially for women. Hotels have 24/7 desk service and CCTV cameras.
What payment methods are accepted in Kathmandu hotels?
Many hotels accept international credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and Nepali rupees.
Are vegetarian meals available at Kathmandu hotels?
Due to religious cultures in Nepal, vegetarian food is very common, especially in hotel restaurants catering to international guests.
What are hotel cancellation policies like in Kathmandu?
The cancellation process varies in different hotels. It is recommended to check the website and their cancellation process before booking the hotel.
Conclusion
Finding the right hotel is important, especially when you are planning an international trip. That’s why this guide is created with transparency and credibility at its core. This guide has been made with years of working in this field, complete research, and local insights. By presenting accurate and reliable information, we ensure your perfect stay in Kathmandu.