When you arrive in Kathmandu, it can be a feast for all your senses. Once you have settled into your hotel, a great idea is to go for a walk around the area. In the main parts of Kathmandu (eg Thamel), there are many shops for clothes, jewellery and food.
More importantly, there are lots of outdoor trekking shops in case you need anything before your depart the city. Some items will have been made locally but with the big brand logos for a fraction of the price. Most are fairly good but don’t expect them to last for 20 years!
Places to eat
- Best meeting place: Himalayan Java
- Best coffee: Himalayan Java (Thamel and opposite Fire & Ice)
- Best steak: Kotoo (K2) (Thamel)
- Best Nepalese food: Lazimpat Nepali Chulo, Culture Program (map)
- Bakeries: Pumpernickel (Thamel and Pokhara) – try the pancakes and pot of Nepali tea
- Italian: La Dolce Vita, Fire & Ice
- Thai food: Third Eye
- Momos: Almost everywhere will do great momos
- Sandwiches/rolls: Sandwich Point (Thamel).
Places to shop and read
- Book store: Pilgrims (Thamel) – the best range of books about Nepal, religion and other topics (a must see for book worms!)
- Pashminas: everywhere in Thamel… – they should cost between US$8 and $25 each
- Artwork: lots of places in Thamel, Bhaktapur and on your travels.
Buda Budi Treks 