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Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It is also the largest city in Nepal. It is the gateway to Nepal for international tourists as Nepal's only one international Airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) is situated here.
Kathmandu stands at an elevation of approximately 1,300m (4,265 ft). The urban and suburban area is densely populated by 1.5 million inhabitants. The tri-city area of the Kathmandu Valley lies in central Nepal. The two other cities are Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu is located at 27°43'N, 85°22'E.
Getting in to Kathmandu
Nepal extends trouble-free issuance of visa to all the citizens worldwide at Royal Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad and at entry-point Immigration Offices. Presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and fees (30$ for 60 days tourist visa as of 2004) are required.
There are no trains to Kathmandu, renting a car without a driver is not a reasonable option.
By plane
Most flights arrive via Delhi or Bangkok to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with very few direct flights from outside of Asia.
To and from airport
Many hotel and guest houses offer complimentary pick up and delivery from the airport. Taxis are also available. As always, one should negotiate the price beforehand with the driver. A taxi ride to Thamel or Boudha should not exceed 150 NPR. Otherwise, order a taxi at the pre-paid booth inside the airport. It will be more than the usual rate, but probably substantially less than you will pay if you travel by one of free-lance taxis outside without first knowing the going rate. Or, simply insist that the driver use the meter, though be prepared for a discussion before finding someone who is willing to do this.
By bus
Kathmandu has frequent and cheap bus service to nearly all parts of Nepal, unfortunately due to poor roads and frequent delays the buses are some of the slowest and least comfortable in South Asia. Connections include India (usually Varanasi or Lucknow) and other parts of Nepal such as Chitwan National Park and the trekking hub of Pokhara. Buses arriving from the Indian border, Pokhara or Chitwan terminate normally at Gongabu Bus Park and sometimes either at the Kalanki bus station or City Bus Park (aka Ratna Park).