Title "Budget Travel Guide: Visiting Kathmandu from India"
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is a lively city with hundreds of years old history and commerce where amazing comes together as assets. Kathmandu is also easily accessed and cheaper from Indias point of view. If you are one of them, this guide will provide great tips on how to have a budget-friendly journey in Kathmandu and get the most out of it.
How to Get There: Transportation Options
By Air:
By Air: The simplest way to reach Kathmandu from India is by flying. Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu is connected directl through major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai,Kolkata and Bangalore via several airlines. While airfares differ, you can get return tickets for as low as INR 5k to 8k by booking in advance or during the off season.
By Land:
If you are little more adventurous and looking for pocket friendly travel Land Journey is open. However, here are two of the most popular land routes:
1. From Sunauli:
- Get to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh from your city by train or bus.
- Local Bus and Taxi to Sunauli (3 -4hr, from Gorakhpur)
Cross the border on foot and take a bus or shared jeep to Kathmandu (6-8 hours).
2. From Raxaul:
- Train/Bus to Raxaul, Bihar.
Drive from Birgunj through the border (approx 45 min to an hour tempom!) Then beat the traffic hell heading towards Kathmandu by bus or shared taxi]}; 6-8 hours.
By the land you can reach approx INR 2,000 -4,000 depending upon your vehicle and location from where are starting.
Accommodation: where to stay
There are all sorts of accommodation options to fit in every budget at Kathmandu. Here are some options:
Low Cost Hotels & Guest Houses:
Thamel: The tourist heart of Kathmandu, Thamel offers quite a number of budget accommodations and guesthouses. Rate: INR 800 to 1500 per night
Kathmandu, Nepal - Freak Street: Another budget traveler hangout with guesthouses starting from INR 600 a night.
Hostels:
some hostels even provide dormitory accommodation at a range of INR 400-700 per night in Kathmandu Good for... Meeting others - solo travellers really enjoy them.
Mid-Range Hotels:
Mid-range hotels in areas as Lazimpat and Patan allow for a vaiety of boadings from INR 2,000-3,500JJ per night consume with more comfort.
Food: Eating on a Budget
The capital can be a Heaven for food lovers with so many types of tastes they have to pick from. The cheapest food and more culture can be found by eating like the locals.
Street Food, Local Restaurants
Local Nepali food - momo (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and dal bhatometimes expressed as dhaal baht(soup, with other stuff in it) Local Indian food at small eat-outs for about 100-300 INR per meal.
- INR 50-100 for street-food snacks samosas, chatamari (Nepali pizza) and lassi.
Cafes and Global Cuisine:
* There are lot of cafes and Multi cuisine restaurants in Thamel. The meals here are a little on the costly side between INR 300-700.
Pocket Friendly Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Rich in cultural and historical places; 5. Following are some of the few pocket-friendly locations that you must visit :
Durbar Square:
Inside HighlightsKathmandu Durbar Square - The popular World Heritage Site. Foreign Nationals: About INR 500 per Entry The ancient palaces, temples and courtyards of Gold city are worth exploring.
Swayambhunath- The Monkey Temple;
Views of Kathmandu from Swayambhunath It costs approximately INR 200 as an entry charge.
Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath - one of the holiest Hindu temples costing nearly INR 1,000 for every non-Hindu. Hindus can enter for free.
Boudhanath Stupa:
Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO site charges a nominal fee of INR 100-200. This is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal and an important Tibetan Buddhism center.
Garden of Dreams:
It seems like a serene heaven bang in the center of Kathmandu, It is nearly at multiplex level expense with an entry charge of around INR 200-300.
Free Activities:
Thamel and Ason Bazaar: - This is the most happening place if you are new in town, Roam around narrow streets of Thamel(preferred) or Asan area keeping an eye open at local shops, cafes.
- Take advantage of local markets and introduce yourself to the locals.
Even better, go to free (!) cultural events and festivals.
Kathmandu Intra City Transfer
Transport in Kathmandu is budget-friendly, and here few ways to get around:
Public Buses and Microbuses:
Local buses and microbuses are the least expensive means of travelling around town with tickets starting at INR 10 going up to INR 50.
Rickshaws and Tempos:
Rickshaws and tempos (three-wheeled shared taxis) are useful for short distances. Typical fares are INR 20-50 per person.
Taxis:
- Convenient but expensiveTaxilines Negotiate the rate in advance or use a meter The prices for city rides can be from INR 200-500.
Shopping: Affordable Souvenirs
Kathmandu is a city of shoppers and has numerous markets along with various shops offering souvenirs, handicrafts as well as other native products.
Thamel:
Thamel ( For buying Souvenir) One of the things that will be quite evident is bargaining which you will soon learn to love, looking for pashmina shawls,singing bowls and prayer flags at pocket friendly rates are few items in your shopping list.
Ason Bazaar:
Ason Bazaar ( Local prices ) for spices, tea, clothes and local products.
Patan and Bhaktapur:
These areas are famous for its traditional crafts. Pottery, The Metalwork And Woodcarvings.
Tips for Saving Money
1. Travel Off-Peak:
- If possible, plan the trip during an off-season time (June to September ) - you'll find cheaper flights and better hotel rates.
2. Book in Advance:
Booking flights and accommodations early on often gets you cheaper pricing
3. Use Public Transport:
- Avoidable taxi rides, using public transport saves a lot of money
4. Eat Local:
- Local restaurants and street food stalls serve food at much cheaper prices than touristy places.
5. Bargain:
Bargaining is the norm in markets and taxi fare. Feel free to haggle for the best deal.
6. Travel Light:
Minimize extras bag fees with lighter luggage Most budget airlines charge for checked luggage.
Here is a test spending plan of 1-week excursion with their costs For eg.
BREAKDOWN OF WEEK LONG BUDGET TRIP TO KATHMANDU
1. Airfares: Rs 6,000-10,000 (two way)
2. Stay: Rs 3000-7000
3. Food: INR 2,000-4,000
4. Local Transportation -Brand your expensive, INR 1,000-2,000
5. Sightseeing and Activities: Approx INR 1500 - 3000
6. Shopping and various other INR 2,000-5,000
Total Assumed Budget- INR 15,500/= to Rs.
Conclusion
Of the three cities, Kathmandu is perhaps a little less reliant on its surroundings to provide budget-friendly entertainment for those looking to get something out of their gap year. And with some planning and good choices, you can see it relatively inexpensively. Whether you are walking in the footsteps of centuries-old temples, tasting local cuisines or simply appreciating its colorful ambiance; this place offers an experience that every traveler takes with himself to back home.
Thank for Reading
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