Kathmandu Valley Entry Fees 2026: A Quick Cheat Sheet

Here are the 2026 entry fees for the Kathmandu Valley's main heritage sites in one quick list, plus Chitwan and Annapurna permits and a few tips to keep ticket checks painless.

Nepal uses tiered pricing. Nepali citizens usually enter free or pay a token fee, SAARC nationals pay a reduced rate, and other foreign visitors pay the most. The money helps fund conservation and post-earthquake repairs. Prices below are as of November 2026, with US$ at roughly NPR 152.

Kathmandu Valley entry fees 2026

• Bhaktapur heritage area: NPR 1,800 (about US$12) for foreign visitors; NPR 500 (about US$3) for SAARC nationals.

• Patan Durbar Square, including Patan Museum: NPR 1,000 (about US$7) for foreign visitors; NPR 250 (about US$2) for SAARC and BIMSTEC nationals.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur), including the Tribhuvan Museum: NPR 1,000 (about US$7) for foreign visitors; SAARC nationals pay a reduced rate.

• Pashupatinath Temple: NPR 1,000 (about US$7) for foreign visitors. Only Hindus may enter the main temple; others can view it from the east bank of the Bagmati.

• Boudhanath Stupa: NPR 400 (about US$2.60) for foreign visitors; NPR 100 for SAARC nationals.

• Swayambhunath: NPR 200 (about US$1.30) for foreign visitors; NPR 50 for SAARC nationals.

Children under 10 enter free at most of these sites.

Beyond the valley

• Chitwan National Park: NPR 2,000 (about US$13) per person per day for foreign visitors, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 150 for Nepalis. Each ticket covers one day.

• Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (about US$20) for foreign trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. It covers routes like Poon Hill, Australian Camp, Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp. Foreign trekkers must also go with a licensed guide through a registered agency.

How to avoid ticket trouble

• Carry cash in rupees. It's the simplest way to pay at heritage counters.

• Keep your ticket all day. Staff may check it again inside the site.

• Bring your passport if you're claiming a SAARC or BIMSTEC rate.

• Pay at the official counter. Ticket booths sit at the main entrances. Don't hand money to anyone else.

• Ask what your ticket covers. Some include a museum; others are for a single entry. Check at the counter before you buy.

Budgeting tip

If you plan to see Bhaktapur, Patan, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, set aside around NPR 5,400 (about US$36) per foreign adult for entry fees alone. Spread them over a few days rather than cramming them in.

Why the fees are worth it

It's easy to wince at the price differences, but these fees pay for restoration, cleaning and staff at sites still recovering from the 2015 earthquake. Patan, for example, has seen extensive restoration, and in 2026 almost all of its Durbar Square is open again.

Fees change from time to time, especially with exchange rates. The Nepal Tourism Board's heritage-fee page is the best official place to double-check before you go.

Loku's tip: plan your heaviest sightseeing days around one or two paid sites, not four. You'll save money and actually enjoy each one.

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