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Bookmark & shareThe mythical melds with the modern.
Kathmandu is really two cities: a fabled capital of convivial pilgrims and carved rose-brick temples, and a frenetic sprawl of modern towers, mobbed by beggars and monkeys and smothered in diesel fumes. It simultaneously reeks of history and the encroaching wear and tear of the modern world.
Travel Warning: Political Instability - Anti-China Protests - General Security
Travellers to Kathmandu are advised to exercise caution and steer clear of any large public gatherings. Just three weeks after the abolition of Nepal's monarchy, there is still no official head of State, the government is consumed by infighting, and there is increasing consumer anger over rising fuel costs.
Following recent riots and demonstrations in Tibet, Tibetan exiles in Kathmandu staged three protests in one week. Nepalese authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance attitude towards the protesters.
Although the Maoist insurgency has ended, travellers should monitor the situation and keep abreast of warnings.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Population
700,000
Currency
Name: Nepalese Rupee
Code: NPR
Symbol: Rs
Electrical Plugs
230V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Nepali
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +5.75
Country Dialing Code
+977
Weights & Measures
Metric
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
