Why Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the gateway to the Himalayas, set in a broad valley at about 1,400 metres. For travellers from Bangladesh it is one of the easiest international trips available: a short flight, a familiar South Asian rhythm, and cooler mountain air that feels like a different world. The Kathmandu Valley holds seven UNESCO-listed monument zones, including temple squares, stupas and palaces that reflect centuries of Newar, Hindu and Buddhist culture.
The city itself can be chaotic, dusty and noisy, but step into a temple courtyard or climb to a stupa at sunrise and its character quickly shows. Many visitors use Kathmandu as a base before heading to Pokhara, Chitwan or trekking routes.
Getting There
Flights from Dhaka
Tribhuvan International Airport is Nepal's main international gateway, about 6 km east of Thamel. Direct flights from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport take roughly 1 hour 25 to 1 hour 45 minutes. Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Himalaya Airlines currently fly the route nonstop, and US-Bangla Airlines has announced plans to restart its Dhaka–Kathmandu flights, which were suspended in 2018. Sit on the left side of the plane on the way in for a chance to see the Himalayan range on clear days.
Visa and entry
Bangladeshi citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport. As SAARC nationals, they get a free visa of up to 30 days on their first visit in a given visa year; repeat visits in the same year pay the regular fee. Filling in the online visa form before you fly can save time at the airport. Entry rules do change, so confirm current requirements with the Nepal Department of Immigration or the Nepalese embassy in Dhaka before booking.
What to Do
- Kathmandu Durbar Square. The old royal palace complex at Basantapur, with pagoda temples and the Kumari Ghar, home of the living goddess.
- Swayambhunath. The hilltop "Monkey Temple" with panoramic views of the valley, reached by a steep stairway.
- Boudhanath Stupa. One of the largest stupas in the world and a centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Walk the circuit clockwise with pilgrims, especially at dusk.
- Pashupatinath. Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple on the Bagmati River. Only Hindus may enter the main temple, but visitors can observe from the riverbanks.
- Patan Durbar Square. Arguably the valley's most beautiful square, with an excellent museum in the old palace.
- Bhaktapur. Brick-paved lanes, pottery squares and the five-storey Nyatapola temple.
- Garden of Dreams. A restored neoclassical garden next to Thamel, a quiet escape from the traffic.
- Mountain views. Nagarkot, about an hour's drive east, and the Chandragiri cable car on the valley's southwest rim offer Himalayan panoramas on clear mornings.
Where to Stay
Thamel suits most first-time visitors thanks to its walkable streets, huge restaurant choice and easy access to trekking agencies and tour desks. Kathmandu Guest House by KGH Group, open since 1968, is a long-established base in the middle of Thamel, with large gardens that feel removed from the busy lanes outside. For a calmer atmosphere, Boudha Stupa View Guest House sits right on the circle around Boudhanath Stupa and has a rooftop restaurant overlooking it, ideal for early morning walks. Culture-focused travellers may prefer Traditional Homes Swotha in Patan, a small guesthouse in a restored Newari townhouse a short walk from Patan Durbar Square.
Budget guesthouses in Thamel remain good value, while upscale hotels cluster around Lazimpat and Durbar Marg. Book well ahead for October and November, the peak trekking season.
Food
Momos, steamed or fried dumplings filled with chicken, buffalo or vegetables, are everywhere and inexpensive. Dal bhat, a set meal of lentils, rice, vegetables and pickles, is the national staple and often comes with free refills. Try Newari cuisine in Patan or Bhaktapur: bara (lentil pancakes), choila (spiced grilled meat), and yomari (sweet steamed dumplings). In Bhaktapur, sample juju dhau, a rich, creamy yoghurt served in clay pots. Tibetan thukpa noodle soup is warming on cold evenings.
Getting Around
Taxis are widely available but rarely use meters, so agree the fare before getting in. Ride-hailing apps such as Pathao and inDrive operate in Kathmandu and usually offer clearer pricing. Thamel, Asan and Durbar Square are close enough to explore on foot. For Bhaktapur, Nagarkot or Patan, a hired car for the day is convenient for groups.
Practical Tips
- Air pollution and dust can be heavy, especially in the dry months; a face mask helps.
- Nepali rupees are the local currency. Rules on Indian currency are strict: Nepal now allows Indian and Nepali nationals to carry post-2016 ₹200 and ₹500 notes up to ₹25,000, while older high-denomination notes remain banned. US dollars are the simpler option for Bangladeshi visitors.
- Buy a local SIM (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) at the airport or in Thamel with your passport.
- Dress modestly at temples and remove shoes where required.
- Tap water is not safe to drink; use filtered or bottled water.
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