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Your First Day in Kathmandu: Visa, SIM, Money and Getting to Thamel
· 8 min read · By Lokoon
This Kathmandu arrival guide walks you through your first day in Nepal: the visa on arrival, getting a SIM, sorting cash, getting from the airport to Thamel, and how to spend a gentle first evening.
Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is small, busy and only about 6 km from the city centre. A little preparation turns a tiring arrival into an easy one. Here's what to expect, in the order it happens.
Quick facts
Best season: October to November and March to May are the busiest; December to February is quieter and cooler.
Budget: tourist visa US$30 (15 days), US$50 (30 days) or US$125 (90 days); prepaid taxi to Thamel about NPR 900 (about US$6). As of November 2026.
Time needed: allow 1–2 hours from landing to leaving the airport, longer at busy times.
Nearest hub: Thamel, about 6–7 km from the airport.
Before you fly
Passport: make sure it has plenty of validity left; six months is the usual guideline.
Visa: most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival. Indian nationals don't need a visa. Check the current rules for your passport before you travel.
Online form: you can fill in the arrival form online before your trip, which can save time at the airport.
Cash in US dollars: bring clean, undamaged notes to pay the visa fee.
Passport photo: carry one or two, just in case.
Accommodation address: have your first night's address saved offline.
Step 1: The visa on arrival
After you land, follow signs to the visa on arrival area. Fill in the arrival form at the kiosks if you haven't done it online, then pay the fee and queue for immigration.
Tourist visa fees in 2026:
15 days: US$30
30 days: US$50
90 days: US$125
Children under 10 don't pay a fee. Pay in cash, ideally in US dollars. Cards are not reliably accepted at the visa counter. Most travellers choose the 30-day visa, which suits a trip with a short trek.
Queues can be long when several international flights land together. Stay patient and keep your documents handy.
Step 2: Get a SIM card
Once you're through immigration and customs, you'll usually find counters for Nepal's two main mobile networks: Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC, also branded Namaste). Both sell tourist SIMs and data packs.
Bring: your passport. Some counters also ask for a passport photo and a copy of your visa.
Cost: a tourist pack with data costs a few hundred to a couple of thousand rupees (a few dollars to around US$14), depending on how much data you choose, as of November 2026.
eSIM: if your phone supports eSIM, ask at the counter.
A local SIM makes life much easier: maps, ride-hailing apps, messaging your guesthouse, and staying in touch on treks.
Step 3: Get some cash
Nepal still runs largely on cash, especially for taxis, small shops and entry fees. There are money exchange counters at the airport. Change a small amount for your first day, as airport rates aren't the best. You'll find more ATMs and exchange counters in Thamel.
Tip: keep small notes for taxis and tea. Large notes can be hard to break.
Step 4: Airport to Thamel
Thamel, the main traveller district, is about 6–7 km from the airport. In traffic, the ride takes 20 minutes to an hour.
Prepaid taxi: the easiest first-time option. Use the official counter inside the arrivals hall, where fares are fixed. To Thamel it's about NPR 900 (about US$6), as of November 2026.
Hotel pickup: many hotels and guesthouses offer airport pickup. Look for a driver holding a sign with your name or hotel.
Ride-hailing apps: apps like Pathao and inDrive operate in Kathmandu and can be cheaper. You'll need data, so get your SIM first.
Negotiated taxi: possible outside, but agree the fare before you get in.
Ignore anyone who insists on carrying your bag or guiding you to a taxi. Head straight to the official counter or your arranged driver.
Step 5: Your first evening
Don't over-plan day one. Check in, shower, and take a slow walk.
Wander Thamel to get your bearings, find a café and pick up anything you forgot.
Garden of Dreams: a quiet walled garden on Thamel's edge, a calm spot to sit after a long flight. A small entry fee applies.
Early dinner: try dal bhat, Nepal's everyday rice-and-lentil meal, or a plate of momos.
Sleep early: mornings are the best time to explore the old city and catch clear mountain views.
Where to stay
Budget: guesthouses and hostels in Thamel and Paknajol, walking distance to cafés and shops.
Mid-range: boutique hotels in Thamel, Jhamsikhel or Boudha.
Higher end: larger hotels around Durbar Marg, Lazimpat and Boudha.
Thamel is lively and convenient for a first night. If you prefer quiet, consider Boudha or Patan (Lalitpur) instead.
Getting around Kathmandu
Once you've settled in, getting around is easier than it first looks.
Walking: the best way to explore the old city. Thamel, Asan, Indra Chowk and Kathmandu Durbar Square are all connected by walkable lanes.
Ride-hailing apps: Pathao and inDrive are handy for longer trips, with prices shown in the app.
Taxis: widely available. Agree on the fare before you set off.
Local buses and microbuses: very cheap but crowded and confusing at first. Ask your hotel which route you need.
Traffic can be slow, especially at rush hours. Build in extra time and plan your day by area, rather than criss-crossing the city.
Staying healthy on day one
Long flights and a new climate can catch up with you, so be gentle on yourself at first.
Water: drink filtered or bottled water, and refill a bottle where you can to cut plastic.
Food: start with freshly cooked, hot meals. Busy local places with a quick turnover are usually a good bet.
Rest: don't plan a big sightseeing day straight after landing. Kathmandu is best enjoyed with fresh legs.
Hands: carry hand sanitiser for street snacks and busy markets.
If you're heading on to a trek, use your first days in Kathmandu to rest, sort gear and meet your guide, rather than rushing off the morning after you land.
Beating jet lag
Nepal runs on its own time zone, UTC+5:45, so your body clock may be confused for a day or two. Get outside in daylight on your first morning, eat at local mealtimes and keep the first evening easy. A slow walk and an early night do wonders.
A few words to learn
Namaste: hello, and a respectful greeting at any time of day.
Dhanyabad: thank you.
Kati ho?: how much is it?
Mitho chha: it's delicious.
Even a couple of words in Nepali bring smiles and make everyday interactions warmer. Don't worry about getting the pronunciation perfect; the effort is what people notice and appreciate.
Etiquette basics
Greet with "Namaste", palms together. It works everywhere.
Use your right hand to give and receive things, especially money and food.
Remove shoes before entering homes and many temples.
Dress modestly at religious sites.
Ask before photographing people, and respect a no.
Walk clockwise around stupas and shrines.
Sample first days
Day 1
Arrive, get your visa, SIM and cash, and head to your hotel.
Evening: a gentle walk around Thamel and the Garden of Dreams, then an early night.
Day 2
Morning: walk through Asan and Indra Chowk to Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Afternoon: Swayambhunath for views over the city.
Day 3
Morning: Boudhanath for a slow kora around the stupa.
Late afternoon: Pashupatinath for the evening aarti.
Practical tips
Money: cash is king. Card payments work in many hotels and some restaurants, but not everywhere.
SIM: buy it at the airport so ride-hailing and maps work from minute one.
Permits: none needed in Kathmandu. Heritage sites charge entry fees on the spot.
Safety: Kathmandu is generally safe. Watch your bag in crowds, use official taxis late at night, and keep copies of your passport and visa.
Health: drink filtered or bottled water, and give yourself a slow first day after a long journey.
FAQ
How much is the Nepal tourist visa in 2026?
US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days. Children under 10 are free.
Can I pay the visa fee by card?
Plan to pay in cash. US dollars are the safest choice.
How much is a taxi from Kathmandu airport to Thamel?
Using the official prepaid taxi counter, about NPR 900 (about US$6), as of November 2026.
Which SIM card is best in Nepal?
Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) are the two main networks. Both sell tourist SIMs at the airport. Coverage varies by region, so ask about the areas you plan to visit.
Do I need cash in Nepal?
Yes. Many taxis, small shops and entry fees are cash only. Withdraw or exchange enough for a few days at a time.
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Written by Lokoon · More guides