Where to Stay in Kathmandu

Thamel is Kathmandu's tourist epicenter, a maze of narrow streets packed with hotels, restaurants, trekking shops, and souvenir stores. Dating back to the hippie trail era of the 1970s, it remains the go-to neighborhood for backpackers and short-term visitors. The now-pedestrianized main streets make it easy to explore without worrying about traffic. While touristy, Thamel offers the best concentration of cafes with WiFi, international cuisine, and nightlife options. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to boutique hotels. Be prepared for persistent street vendors.

Patan, officially known as Lalitpur or the City of Beauty, was once a separate kingdom and retains a distinct cultural identity. The neighborhood centers around the stunning Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring exquisite Newari architecture. Quieter and more authentic than Thamel, Patan attracts expats and long-term visitors who appreciate art galleries, craft workshops, and traditional restaurants. The Patan Museum is considered one of the best in South Asia. Several quality coworking spaces have opened here.

Boudhanath centers around the massive Boudhanath Stupa, the largest in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist site outside Tibet. This neighborhood is the heart of Kathmandu's Tibetan community, filled with monasteries, meditation centers, and shops selling prayer wheels and flags. The atmosphere is remarkably peaceful compared to the rest of the city. Many expats come here for spiritual retreats, Buddhist studies, or simply to escape the chaos. Excellent rooftop cafes overlook the stupa, offering perfect spots for contemplation or work.

Lazimpat is Kathmandu's most upmarket residential area, home to embassies, diplomatic residences, and international organizations. The neighborhood offers a more polished experience with quality restaurants, boutique hotels, and the important CIWEC travel medicine clinic. While less characterful than heritage areas, Lazimpat provides reliable infrastructure and a respite from tourist crowds. Walking distance to Thamel but with a distinctly quieter, more professional atmosphere. Popular with business travelers and expats working for NGOs.