Kathmandu trip cost estimate

A temple-packed valley capital and the classic starting point for Himalayan trekking.

Daily budget baseline: $35 USD. Trekking preparation and Himalayan culture

How much does a trip to Kathmandu cost?

A practical midrange budget for Kathmandu is about $35 USD per traveler per day. For a 7-day trip for two people, ground costs land around $384 USD before long-haul flights—usually cheapest in June, July, and August.

• Daily budget baseline: $35 USD / traveler
• 7 days for 2 people: ~$384 USD ground costs
• Usually cheapest: June, July, and August
• Busiest months: April, September, and December

Sample food prices

• Momo — avg $3.00 USD
• Dal bhat — avg $4.00 USD
• Sel roti — avg $1.00 USD

Ground-cost planning assumptions dated July 2026. Use the calculator to personalize origin, dates, and group size.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Aim for October, November, and March if you want the best overall window. June, July, and August usually bring lower trip costs, while April, September, and December draw the biggest crowds.

Top attractions in Kathmandu

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square — Historic royal square of temples and palaces.
2. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — Hilltop stupa overlooking the valley.
3. Boudhanath Stupa — One of the largest stupas in the world.
4. Pashupatinath Temple — Sacred Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River.
5. Thamel district — Trekking-gear shops, cafés, and guesthouses.

Must-try food in Kathmandu

Must-try food in Kathmandu usually includes Momo, Dal bhat, Sel roti. Typical plates below help you budget meals before you go.

• Momo — Nepali steamed or fried dumplings. (avg $3.00)
• Dal bhat — Lentil soup, rice, and vegetable staple set. (avg $4.00)
• Sel roti — Ring-shaped sweet rice-flour doughnut. (avg $1.00)
• Newari khaja set — Sampler platter of traditional Newari snacks. (avg $5.00)

Jump to the Kathmandu calculator or open the general calculator