Kathmandu on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Kathmandu, Nepal costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's NPR rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8 dorm | $18 ($35 room) | $75 ($150 room) |
| Food & drink | $8 | $18 | $45 |
| Local transport | $3 | $8 | $25 |
| Activities & sights | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Kathmandu
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $72 | $351 | $1,110 |
| 5 days | $120 | $585 | $1,850 |
| 7 days | $168 | $819 | $2,590 |
| 14 days | $336 | $1,638 | $5,180 |
Book for less
Flights to Kathmandu
Best time to visit
October to November and March to April (clear mountain views). The monsoon runs from June to September.
Money-saving tips
- Thamel has the cheapest guesthouses and trekking gear shops; bargain politely.
- Dal bhat often comes with free refills, so it is great value.
- Book trekking permits and transport through registered agencies.
Free things to do
- Walk around Boudhanath Stupa at dusk (a small entrance fee may apply).
- Explore the backstreets and courtyards of Thamel and Asan.
- Watch the sunrise from the hills on the edge of the valley.
Compare Kathmandu with
Questions
How much does a day in Kathmandu cost?
As a rough guide: about $24 per day for a backpacker, $59 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $185 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Kathmandu?
For one backpacker about $120; for two people mid-range about $585 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
October to November and March to April (clear mountain views). The monsoon runs from June to September.
What currency is used in Kathmandu?
NPR. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate