Nepal · tool
How much does Kathmandu cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Kathmandu trip before you book anything.
Photo by Meghraj Neupane on Unsplash
Kathmandu, Nepal travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
$20–$50
per day
Hostels, street food, public transit
Accommodation
$5–$15
Dorm bed in a guesthouse or hostel, or a very basic private room.
Food
$5–$10
Street food, local 'dal bhat' eateries, and basic tea houses.
Transport
$3–$7
Local buses, shared taxis, and walking.
Activities
$5–$10
Entrance fees to temples (e.g., Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath), exploring local markets.
Misc
$2–$8
Water, snacks, small souvenirs, SIM card top-ups.
Mid-range
$65–$140
per day
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Accommodation
$25–$50
Comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-appointed Airbnb/guesthouse.
Food
$15–$30
Mix of tourist-oriented restaurants, cafes, and local fine dining.
Transport
$10–$20
Taxis (negotiate fare or use ride-hailing apps), occasional private car hire for day trips.
Activities
$10–$25
Museums, guided tours, cooking classes, possibly a short Everest scenic flight.
Misc
$5–$15
More substantial souvenirs, better quality toiletries, occasional drinks.
Luxury
$155–$330
per day
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Accommodation
$70–$150
4-5 star hotel with amenities like a pool and spa.
Food
$30–$60
Fine dining restaurants, international cuisine, tasting menus.
Transport
$20–$40
Private car and driver for excursions, airport transfers.
Activities
$25–$50
Private guided tours, hot air balloon rides, high-end cultural experiences.
Misc
$10–$30
Spa treatments, premium shopping, higher-end beverages.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Carry sufficient cash (NPR) as card acceptance is limited outside of major tourist establishments. ATMs are common in Thamel but can sometimes be unreliable or charge high fees.
- •Negotiate taxi fares firmly before starting your journey, or use ride-hailing apps like Pathao for fixed, transparent pricing.
- •While entrance fees to major heritage sites are reasonable, costs can add up quickly. Consider purchasing a combined ticket if available and planning multiple site visits.
- •Imported goods and Western-style cafes/restaurants in tourist hubs like Thamel can be surprisingly expensive compared to local Nepali prices.
- •Bargaining is expected in markets for souvenirs and clothing, but do so respectfully and with a smile; fixed-price shops are also available.
Plan the rest of your Kathmandu trip
Trip budgets elsewhere