Nepal
Profiled in Kathmandu · South Asia
Kathmandu is a chaotic, temple-studded valley where morning prayer bells, momo steam and the white wall of the Himalaya all crowd into the same skyline.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Kathmandu is genuinely cheap by global standards, so a modest life costs very little. Imported goods, a car and international-school fees are what push a Western family budget up fast.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu Durbar SquareThe old royal square of Hanuman Dhoka, packed with pagoda temples and Newari woodcarving.
- SwayambhunathThe hilltop Monkey Temple with its painted eyes and sweeping views over the whole valley.
- Boudhanath StupaOne of the largest stupas in the world and the heart of Kathmandu's Tibetan Buddhist community.
- Pashupatinath TempleSacred Hindu complex on the Bagmati River where cremations take place on the ghats.
- Garden of DreamsA restored neoclassical garden near Thamel, a calm walled retreat from the traffic.
- ThamelThe buzzing tourist quarter of narrow lanes, trekking shops, bars and live music.
- Narayanhiti Palace MuseumThe former royal palace, opened to the public after the monarchy fell in 2008.
- Asan ToleA frantic old market square where locals buy spices, produce and textiles.
- Kumari GharThe ornate house on Durbar Square where the living goddess, the Kumari, resides.
- Kopan MonasteryA Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a hill north of the city, known for its meditation courses.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- NagarkotHill station about an hour east, famous for sunrise views across the Himalaya including Everest on clear days.
- BhaktapurMedieval city just outside Kathmandu with a superbly preserved Durbar Square and old Newari streets.
- DhulikhelQuiet ridgetop town with mountain panoramas and easy day hikes, a short drive from the capital.
- PokharaLakeside town by Phewa Lake and the gateway to the Annapurna trails, a long weekend by road or a short flight.
- Chitwan National ParkLowland jungle reserve with rhinos, elephants and the chance of a tiger, roughly five hours south.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Himalayan Java CoffeeNepal's homegrown coffee chain, with a reliable Thamel branch for espresso and pastries.
- Kaiser CafeSet inside the Garden of Dreams and run by Dwarika's, ideal for a quiet coffee.
- Pumpernickel BakeryA long-running Thamel bakery with a leafy garden, good for coffee and fresh bread.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- KrishnarpanFine multi-course Nepali dining at Dwarika's Hotel, the city's benchmark for traditional cuisine.
- Bhojan GrihaNepali and Newari food served in a restored Rana-era mansion with music and dance.
- Fire and Ice PizzeriaA Kathmandu institution near Thamel for proper wood-fired Italian pizza.
- Or2kPopular vegetarian and Middle Eastern spot in Thamel with floor cushions and mezze.
- Thamel House RestaurantNewari and Nepali dishes in a beautifully restored traditional building.
- Rum DoodleA famous mountaineers' haunt where summit teams sign the walls.
- Roadhouse CafeDependable wood-fired pizzas and grills, a reliable family choice.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Pumpernickel BakeryCroissants, eggs and coffee in a Thamel garden, a long-standing breakfast favourite.
- Northfield CafeNear the Kathmandu Guest House, known for hearty breakfasts and Mexican-inspired plates.
- Himalayan Java CoffeeDependable coffee and breakfast pastries at the Thamel branch.
- Or2kVegetarian breakfasts and shakshuka-style plates in the heart of Thamel.
Residency
Nepal has no straightforward residency-by-investment route for most foreigners. Non-resident Nepalis and holders of long-term work or business visas are the main paths, and permanent residency is very hard to secure.
Tax
Nepal taxes resident individuals on worldwide income at progressive rates, with a top band in the mid-30s percent. Rates are moderate, but weak administration and paperwork make compliance a chore for newcomers.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Nepal tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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