Where to Stay in Kathmandu, Nepal: Hotels, Guesthouses and Hostels for every budget
Visiting Nepal and not sure where to stay in Kathmandu?
Discover the best budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options with our comprehensive where to stay in Kathmandu list!
UPDATED - JAN 2024
The main gateway to the incredible Himalayan mountains, steamy lowland jungles, stunning UNESCO world heritage sites, and of course some of the greatest hospitality on earth; Kathmandu is impossible to avoid if you visit Nepal.
The rabbit-warren streets of Thamel are intoxicating, as are the surrounding alleyways which head seemingly in all directions, only to end in the same place - Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Kathmandu's cultural and artistic history is prevalent just about everywhere, as are its historic temples and royal palaces, all waiting to be explored.
And while it might be a little polluted, incredibly chaotic, and overwhelming at times, there's no denying Kathmandu is an enjoyable city to spend a few days in.
If you're planning to visit Nepal but spend minimal time in Kathmandu, we suggest you change your plans slightly. Trust us; as travellers who've cumulatively spent almost four weeks in the city, we definitely think it's worth visiting for at least four days, and likely more.
You certainly won't be short of things to do in Kathmandu, nor will you be short of places to stay in Kathmandu.
Ranging from high-end to the barest-of-bare backpacker accommodation, we've personally stayed in MANY different hotels, hostels and guesthouses (upwards of 20!), so we feel like we know all the possible options within the city.
This guide is designed to help you find the perfect accommodation option for your needs, based on budget, location or amenities. So, if you're wondering where to stay in Kathmandu, which area is best, or which hotel to book, we've got you covered.
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WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU SNAPSHOT
LUXURY | Dwarika’s Hotel
MID-RANGE | Kathmandu Guest House
BUDGET | Nepal Pavilion Inn
BEST AREA TO STAY | Thamel, or Lazimpat
WHEN TO VISIT | October/November & March/April
WHAT TO SEE | The three Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Thamel, Boudhanath stupa, Food tour
THE BEST AREAS TO STAY IN KATHMANDU
THAMEL
Thamel is Kathmandu’s tourist hub and the most visited part of the city.
There are hundreds of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in town; therefore, if you’re a budget traveller or backpacker, you’ll likely stay in this part of town.
You will love spending time in Thamel; It’s a great place to hang out and meet fellow travellers, walk the streets and soak in the atmosphere that only really exists in this area.
It’s also right in the heart of town, close to all of the major things to do in Kathmandu.
BHAKTAPUR
The historic city of Bhaktapur, home to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is located around 40 minutes from the centre of Kathmandu.
While it might be a little away from all the major sights within Kathmandu, it’s a great place to stay and explore the old city, which is well-preserved and incredibly beautiful.
PATAN
Home to one of the famous Durbar Squares of the Kathmandu Valley, Patan is one of the most beautiful parts of Kathmandu.
Although there’s not a huge amount of accommodation in Patan, hotels here tend to follow Newari design and have a traditional feel.
If you’re looking for a more authentic location in which to stay, don’t miss Patan.
LAZIMPAT
Located just outside of Thamel is Lazimpat, home to numerous high-quality and luxurious hotels. It’s also far more chilled out and quieter than Thamel, and therefore a little bit more comfortable.
Fortunately, its location in the centre of town is still close to all the main attractions and restaurants Kathmandu has to offer.
READ | The 21 best places to visit in Kathmandu
READ | The Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu’s garden oasis
READ | Our complete guide to accommodation in Nepal
WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU: ACCOMMODATION TO SUIT EVERY BUDGET
Kathmandu has a huge range of accommodation options to meet any budget (we’ve written a complete guide to accommodation in Nepal to help you out - read it here!).
Most properties are located centrally, primarily around the Thamel district, or Lazimpat.
LUXURY HOTELS IN KATHMANDU
DWARIKA'S HOTEL
The best place we’ve ever stayed in Kathmandu, Dwarika’s Hotel is a collection of former traditional heritage Nepali houses formed around a courtyard near the centre of town.
Staying here feels like you're stepping back in time and worth the (very) expensive cost. Rooms are large, and feature traditional architecture and details, while the surrounding gardens and pool are exquisite.
Oh, and the restaurant is one of Kathmandu's best - definitely order a Nepali feast of an evening, post-hike.
BOOK | Dwarika’s Hotel
KATHMANDU MARRIOTT
One of Kathmandu’s newest hotels, the contemporary delights of Kathmandu Marriott are somewhat jarring against the traditional Kathmandu vistas. However, this isn’t necessarily a negative thing - Kathmandu is in need of luxury hotel options, and the Marriott nails the brief.
Minimal, spacious rooms feature stunning city and mountain vistas and provide elevated comfort after a long hike in the famed Nepali peaks. There are several restaurants and bars on-site, which offer a range of global and Asian cuisines.
Additionally, there’s a rooftop infinity pool that has astounding views over the city - we suggest grabbing a cocktail and watching the sunset from the rooftop.
Located near many of the city’s famed attractions, the Kathmandu Marriott provides an extraordinary escape in Nepal's capital.
BOOK | Kathmandu Marriott
HOTEL SHANKAR
Hotel Shankar is a historic luxury heritage hotel located in the Lazimpat district of Kathmandu.
Once a royal palace, the hotel was opened in 1964 in a building dating to 1894 and is a truly unique place to stay in Kathmandu. The rooms are elegant and feature a touch of traditional Nepali decor.
In terms of amenities, the pool is on another level - definitely a great place to relax after hiking, while the restaurant offers local and international cuisine.
BOOK | Hotel Shankar
HOTEL YAK & YETI
A Kathmandu icon, the Yak and Yeti Hotel offers a delightful blend of luxury and history in the heart of the city.
Set amongst lush gardens in a beautifully restored palace, the rooms are tasteful, featuring traditional architecture with modern amenities for an elevated level of comfort.
The pool and surrounding gardens are a key feature of the property, while the on-site restaurants are among the finest in Kathmandu.
Located near major attractions like Durbar Marg and Thamel, the Yak and Yeti provide an ideal base for discovering the rich culture and heritage of Kathmandu.
BOOK | Hotel Yak & Yeti
CROWNE PLAZA KATHMANDU-SOALTEE
Located on 12 hectares just outside of Kathmandu, the Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee is a truly 5* experience in Kathmandu.
Although probably more for businessmen than hikers, it’s still a seriously deluxe hotel.
Or, search for luxury hotels in Kathmandu here
the top places to visit in Nepal | 21 amazing things to do
MID-RANGE HOTELS IN KATHMANDU
KATHMANDU GUEST HOUSE
The first place we ever stayed in Kathmandu was right here, at the famed Kathmandu Guest House. It was pre-earthquake, so things were a little different then, but it’s always remained a favourite of ours.
Located in the heart of Thamel, the iconic hotel offers a range of room types in many different wings. We’d suggest booking in the historic, original part of the complex for a more authentic stay.
The key feature of the hotel, though, is the expansive lawns which house hikers, tour groups and well-heeled locals throughout the day. This hive of activity makes it a special place to meet respective travellers, and it’s a great place to grab a coffee.
While not the finest place we've stayed, it's the perfect mid-range guesthouse right in the heart of Thamel, and often
BOOK | Kathmandu Guest House
NEPAL PAVILION INN
One of our favourite places to stay in Kathmandu, the quaint, Newari-style Nepal Pavilion Inn hotel is located in the heart of Thamel, just a short walk from Kathmandu Durbar Square and other major city-based attractions.
The rooms are simple yet, well-appointed, and the beds are super comfortable - some of our best post-exploring sleeps were in these very beds. Additionally, the hosts are some of the best we’ve encountered in Nepal - pure hospitality from our arrival.
Highly recommended.
BOOK | Nepal Pavilion Inn
HOTEL TRADITIONAL COMFORT
Large, clean rooms and a brilliant morning breakfast, Hotel Traditional Comfort is a really enjoyable place to stay.
Located just outside of Thamel, but it’s far quieter in the evening allowing for a good night’s rest.
BOOK | Hotel Traditional Comfort
Or, search for mid-range hotels in Kathmandu here
BEST BUDGET HOTELS IN KATHMANDU
HOTEL HOLY LODGE
It’s the location, right in the heart of Thamel, and massive rooms, that make Hotel Holy Lodge the best budget accommodation we’ve stayed at in Kathmandu (we’ve stayed in about 10 different places!).
However, our recommendation comes with a word of warning - request a room at the rear of the property for a quieter night’s sleep.
BOOK | Hotel Holy Lodge
YAKETY YAK HOSTEL
In a city devoid of backpacker hostels, Yakety Yak is a welcome addition to Kathmandu’s accommodation scene.
A new, modern hostel right in the heart of Thamel, it’s a little pricey for a hostel, but the vibe and modern rooms make it worth it.
BOOK | Yakety Yak Hostel
ZOSTEL KATHMANDU
Relaxed hostel located in Thamel, including an awesome rooftop terrace.
Rooms are nice, especially for the price, and the hostel has a really cool garden and bar which is a great place to meet fellow travellers.
BOOK | Zostel Kathmandu
ALOBAR 1000 HOSTEL
While not as comfortable and modern as Yakety Yak Hostel, the Alobar1000 hostel is the perfect place to meet fellow travellers on their awesome rooftop.
The staff are friendly, the vibe relaxed, and the prices are fairly cheap. The rooms are… not bad, but you’re not here for comfort, right?
Also located in Thamel.
BOOK | Alobar100 Hostel
Or, search for budget hotels/guesthouses in Kathmandu here
TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU
If you’re worried about going without a bed in Kathmandu, don’t be - here are accommodation options literally everywhere - you’ll find everything from 5-star to basic.
Prices will vary quite substantially across the peak seasons and regions, but for the most part, accommodation will set you back between $5 - $35 per night. If you’re travelling outside of high season, prices can drop, so always ask if any discount is applicable.
Below is an overview of accommodation in Kathmandu (read our Nepal accommodation guide for a more thorough overview!):
GUESTHOUSES
Almost all accommodation is referred to as a ‘guesthouse’, and there are varying levels of guesthouses in Nepal, from extreme budget to very well appointed.
Guesthouses that cater to tourists are well organised: most innkeepers speak excellent English and can arrange anything for you from laundry to trekking/porter hire (which comes in very handy).
Nepal, and especially in Kathmandu, may have daily power cuts (less than previously, but it still occurs quite regularly - read more in our in-depth Kathmandu guide).
This often means no hot water or electricity for up to eight hours, so we recommend checking whether your guesthouse of choice has a generator for constant hot water and continuous electricity.
BUDGET GUESTHOUSES
This is probably the best option for budget backpackers and the type of accommodation we spent most of our time in.
Budget guesthouses in Kathmandu are generally cheap and cheerful but with enough of the bare essentials to make life okay.
Most provide hot running water (if you’re lucky!), flush toilets, clean sheets and blankets.
If you go outside the main tourist areas, be prepared to do with a lot less, including hot water. But for the low prices, they’re generally worth it.
MID-RANGE GUESTHOUSES
Mid-range guesthouses are generally larger and better appointed (think fan/Aircon, TV).
Prices can be almost triple the price of budget guesthouses, however in many cases, such as after a long trek, it’s absolutely worth it.
To gain the cheapest prices, we definitely recommend doing some research on Booking.com before booking.
HOTELS AND RESORTS
If you're looking to splurge, there's a good range of very respectable hotels and resorts in Kathmandu.
While not of the standard of resorts in southeast Asia or Europe, hotels and resorts in Kathmandu are decent enough if you do your research.
Prices are far cheaper than many similar properties around the world, so if you have the budget, stay somewhere nice such as Dwarikas Resort in Kathmandu.
AIRBNB
A relative newcomer to the Kathmandu accommodation scene, Airbnb is available across the country, ranging from swish apartments in Kathmandu (honestly, we couldn't believe our eyes at how beautiful some were), to authentic homestays in the countryside.
READ | Our guide to Airbnb (includes free booking code!)
HOW MUCH DOES ACCOMMODATION COST IN KATHMANDU
Not sure where to stay in Kathmandu? Fortunately, the city has a huge range of accommodation options to meet any budget. Most properties are located centrally, primarily around the Thamel district.
Prices vary dramatically, depending on where you stay and when. The most common form of accommodation – guesthouses, will set a charge between $5 – $35 per night.
If you’re travelling outside of high season, prices can drop, so always ask if any discount is applicable.
On the whole, accommodation in Nepal is pretty standard. Most places have a range of rooms, from budget to doubles with en suite.
Beware, that cheaper accommodation is of a poor standard; if you’re backpacking, this might be okay, but otherwise, invest a few extra dollars for something nicer.
Average prices for accommodation in Kathmandu:
Bed in hostel dorm | NPR 800 - 1,500
Guest houses | NPR 400 - 2,500
3* double room | NPR 2,000 - 8,000
Luxury accommodation (4 - 5*) | NPR 15,000 - 25,000
NEPAL BACKPACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Nepal comes with a unique set of needs.
To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
Reusable water bottle | We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!).
Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
Hand sanitiser | not something we’d actually recommend normally, but in Sri Lanka it can be a bloody great investment.
A spork | to cut down on unnecessary plastic usage at meal times
Power bank | power does drop out… often! Don’t get caught out without power for your devices buy purchasing this power bank
READ | check out our eco-friendly packing guide to travel through Nepal consciously and comfortably
PLAN YOUR NEPAL ADVENTURES OUR GUIDES
NEPAL TRAVEL GUIDE | Nepal Travel guide, including what to see, know and do!
NEPAL TRAVEL TIPS | Everything you need to know before you visit Nepal
KATHMANDU CITY GUIDE | Our in depth guide to the chaotic Kathmandu
POKHARA | Our definitive guide to Pokhara, how to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara
THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT | Our comprehensive guide to hiking the Annapurna Circuit
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE MORE OF NEPAL WITH OUR IN-DEPTH GUIDES!
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