Pros and Cons of Living in Kathmandu
Last updated on Apr 08, 2025
Summary: The pros of living in Kathmandu, Nepal include the city's rich cultural heritage, its vibrant nightlife, and its close proximity to the Himalayas. Additionally, Kathmandu is a relatively affordable city to live in, with a wide variety of housing options. On the other hand, the cons of living in Kathmandu include the city's poor air quality, its frequent power outages, and its inadequate public transportation system. Additionally, Kathmandu is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides, making it a potentially dangerous place to live.
What are the pros and cons of living in Kathmandu?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Kathmandu responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Kathmandu, often appreciate the rich cultural heritage, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. They enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, diverse food options, and the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes and historical sites in and around the city. However, they may also face challenges such as poor infrastructure, unreliable internet connectivity, and frequent power outages. The city's heavy traffic, pollution, and noise can be overwhelming, and the lack of proper waste management can lead to unsanitary conditions. Additionally, expats and digital nomads may find it difficult to navigate the bureaucracy and language barriers when dealing with local authorities or setting up a business," remarked one expat in Kathmandu.
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William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in Kathmandu appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Kathmandu appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its vibrant festivals, colorful traditional dress, and diverse cuisine. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people, who are always willing to share their culture and customs with visitors. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's stunning natural beauty, with its majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and tranquil rivers. Finally, Kathmandu's vibrant nightlife, with its lively bars, clubs, and restaurants, is a great way to experience the city's unique culture," remarked one in Kathmandu.
"The friendliness of the Nepalese, their spiritual practices and belief, the social nature of the culture, and the way that they care for you - I have far more friends and family in Nepal in the US (my wife is a Hindu Nepalese, bahun caste)," explained one expat.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Bandhs, Maoists, load shedding, bad water supply, and everyone asking me if I can get them a visa," explained one expat living in Kathmandu.
"Expats in Kathmandu often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the city's traffic and air pollution can be overwhelming for those who are not used to it. Furthermore, the city's conservative culture can be difficult to adjust to, as it is quite different from many other places in the world. Finally, the cost of living in Kathmandu can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one expat in Kathmandu.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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