Kathmandu

From the moment you arrive in Kathmandu, an overwhelming sense of kindness, friendship, spirituality, happiness and a sense of belonging emerge in you. It is a sensory overload with the liveliness of the bustling streets. however you will find yourself captivated by the excitement of actually being in Kathmandu and having the mighty Himals towering all around you in the surrounding valley.

Most of our clients choose to stay in very touristy Thamel or in walking distance from Thamel. It is a convenient and enjoyable  area to stay to meet fellow travellers or indulge in some amazing restaurants featuring every national dish from around the globe. The best book store stocked with books about Nepal is the Pilgrim Book House, which is a treasure trove for books, make sure you allow yourself some time in Pilgrims. The shops are open 7 days a week from around 10am to 10pm. We recommend you go back to your hotel or guest house around the 10pm mark  when the shops close. Places of interest close to Thamel are Patan, Freak Street, Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath.  The Royal Palace opens twice a week.
 

Food
Kathmandu has many excellent and exciting restaurants offering Indian, Nepalese, Tibetan, Chinese and Western menus. Your leader will have the latest information on the best restaurants. All of these restaurants serve hygienically prepared food and are reasonably priced - US$5-US$15 will get you an excellent meal. Some of those on our list in this price range are:
ORK -   Vegetarian cafe  lovely fresh salads and more
Organic Cafe  - Health in a bowl
Roadhouse Cafe - Woodfire pizzas ( yummo)
Yin Yang - Thai restaurant  
Helena's - Roof top cafe (great pre trek fitness to make it to the top floor awesome view)