Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Known for its rich history, ancient temples, and welcoming community, Kathmandu is a great place for WordPress enthusiasts to come together for this event.
Whether you are an international traveller, visiting from India, or travelling from within Nepal, travelling to a new place can feel a bit stressful. This guide is here to make it simple.
Venue: Alice Receptions, Gairidhara, Kathmandu, Nepal
WordCamp Kathmandu 2026 is hosted at Alice Receptions, Gairidhara, a central and easy to reach location in the heart of the city. Here is a clear guide to help you reach the venue from international locations, India, and within Nepal.
Getting to Kathmandu
1. International Travellers
By Air
Most international travellers will fly directly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, the country’s main international gateway. Several major airlines connect Kathmandu with cities across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Transit Routes
Major transit connections operate regularly through Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (FlyDubai/Emirates), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines/Batik Air), Bangkok (Thai Airways), and New Delhi (Air India/IndiGo).
From the airport, you can take a taxi, private car, or an app based ride (Pathao, InDrive, or eDrive) straight to the venue.
- Travel time: around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic
- Price Range: NPR 800 to NPR 1,800 (approx. $6 to $14) per vehicle
2. Travellers from India
By Air
Fly directly from major Indian cities to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Several airlines operate daily flights connecting the two countries.
By Road
Enter Nepal through one of the open border points such as Sunauli, Kakarvitta, or Birgunj, then continue on to Kathmandu by bus, shared jeep, or private taxi.
- Approximate travel time: varies by entry point, generally 8 to 12 hours by road to Kathmandu
- Private Taxi and tourist bus options are available at most border crossings
Important ID Requirement: Indian nationals do not need a visa, but must carry an Original Passport or Original Election Commission Voter ID.
3. Nepali Nationals (Within Nepal)
By Air
Kathmandu is well connected to major cities across Nepal including Pokhara, Chitwan, Biratnagar, and Bhairahawa, with multiple daily domestic flights.
By Road
- Pokhara to Kathmandu: around 6 to 7 hours by bus or car (200 km)
- Chitwan to Kathmandu: around 4 to 5 hours by bus (150 km)
- Longer distance travelers from far eastern or western Nepal may prefer a night bus or a domestic flight into Kathmandu
Last Mile Transport Within Kathmandu
Local Taxi and Ride Share: Widely available across the city and the easiest way to reach Gairidhara from most points in Kathmandu.
- Price Range: NPR 300 to NPR 800 depending on distance and traffic
- Some popular Ride hailing apps available in Kathmandu are Pathao, InDrive, and eDrive.
Local Bus and Microbus: Budget friendly and connects most parts of the valley, though it takes a bit more time and local knowledge to navigate.
- Price Range: NPR 25 to NPR 50 per person
If you face any problem during your travel, feel free to contact our organizing team for additional help.
Accommodation
A wide range of accommodations is available around Gairidhara and the wider Kathmandu valley, from budget friendly guesthouses to high end hotels. Naxal, Lazimpat, and Thamel are popular areas nearby with numerous options, offering easy access to the venue.
For those looking to stay close to the venue, our separate blog post on Where to stay: Hotel choices covers a curated list across different budgets.
Climate & What to Pack
Kathmandu in September usually sees the tail end of the monsoon season, with temperatures ranging between 19°C to 28°C. Expect occasional rain along with warm, humid days.
Light clothing is recommended, along with a light rain jacket or umbrella just in case.
Visa and Entry Requirements
For international attendees, a tourist visa is required to enter Nepal. For most nationalities, an On-Arrival Visa is readily available at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and official land border entry points.
Payment Method: It is strongly recommended to carry cash in USD or major currency for the visa counter, as POS card machines at the airport frequently experience network downtime.
Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of arrival.
Online Pre-Arrival Application: To save time at the airport kiosk, you can fill out the online form up to 15 days before your flight via the Official Nepal Immigration Portal.
Please make sure to check the latest visa requirements before your travel, since rules and fees can change.
Gratis (Free Visa) is available for:
- Children below 10 years of age.
- SAARC Citizens (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) for up to 30 days in a calendar year (except Afghanistan). (Note: Indian citizens do not require a visa).
- Chinese nationals travelling as tourists.
For more information, visit the official Nepal Immigration website.
Banking & Money Exchange
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
ATMs & Forex: ATMs are widely available across Kathmandu (especially around Gairidhara, Naxal, Lazimpat, and Thamel). Licensed money exchange counters are located at the airport and throughout tourist areas.
Card Payments: International debit and credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, and major restaurants.
Tip: Notify your bank about your travel dates to Nepal to prevent international card blocks.
Cash for Local Use: Carry some cash in NPR for street food, local taxis/ride payments, and small neighbourhood shops.
UPI Payments (For Indian Travelers): UPI is accepted across Nepal at merchants displaying Fonepay QR codes. Make sure international UPI transactions are enabled on your banking app.
Food & Beverage
Kathmandu offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional Nepali Dal Bhat and Momo to a wide range of regional and international cuisines. Popular hubs like Thamel, Jhamsikhel, and Durbar Marg feature a mix of garden restaurants, modern cafes, and local eateries.
Food delivery services like Foodmandu, Pathao Foods, Bhojmandu, etc are active across the city for convenient dining at your accommodation.
Communication & Internet
Staying connected is easy with widespread high speed fiber internet and strong 4G network coverage across the city.
Local SIM cards like Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell are easily available at the the international airport, mobile centers, and shops throughout Kathmandu. (eSIMs are also supported).
Most hotels and cafes provide complimentary WiFi for guests.
Adventure & Sightseeing
Explore these key landmarks, many within easy reach of the venue:
- Pashupatinath Temple: One of the holiest Hindu temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas in the world and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with palaces and temples dating back centuries
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): A hilltop stupa offering panoramic views of the valley
- Garden of Dreams: A peaceful neoclassical garden close to Thamel
- Nagarkot: A popular hillside spot known for sunrise views of the Himalayas
Tips for All Travelers
- Save the venue pin offline on Google Maps
- Always tell your driver “Alice Receptions, Gairidhara” to avoid confusion
- Ride sharing apps (Pathao, InDrive, eDrive) work well for getting around the city, including airport to venue and hotel to venue
- Plan extra time for road conditions, especially during evening traffic
- If arriving late at night, pre book a taxi or ride through your hotel or app for a smoother trip
- Power Sockets: Type C, D, and M plugs (230V, 50Hz). Bring a universal adapter.
- Emergency Contacts:
- Police: 100
- Tourist Police: 1144
- Ambulance: 102
- Fire: 101
See you at WordCamp Kathmandu 2026.
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