The Best Areas to Stay in Kathmandu for Any Budget

Since the 1960's Thamel has had an incredible reputation for providing some of the cheapest hotel rooms in the world. Not much has changed as this bustling area truly is the heart of Kathmandu's tourist district. Thamel is a maze of small winding streets between three main roads dividing them all up and linking you to popular tourist spots throughout the city. From Thamel it's a mere 10 minute walk to the city's stunning Durbar Square or former Royal Palace which is now a museum. Lined with trekking stores, handicraft shops, hotels, restaurants and cafés, Thamel is a favourite budget accommodation location for hundreds of travellers every year.

To the north of Thamel, you will find Lazimpat Road. This is a more upmarket area, home to many diplomats, expats and embassies.

The Radisson Hotel and Hotel Shanker can be found in this area. If you are looking for a slightly less touristy and more upmarket area then this is a good choice.

If you are looking to avoid the hustle, bustle and noise of Thamel yet still be close to the all the action of Kathmandu then the Paknajol area is a great place to find budget hotels. Literally located right next to Thamel, Paknajol is a long street that links to walkable roads leading to the must see attractions of Swyanbunath (monkey temple), Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar square. A quieter alternative to Thamel, guest-houses here often fill up so book early!

As one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, Boudhanath does have some luxury hotels situated nearby but still has several great budget accommodation options available. Located via a short 15 minute taxi ride outside of Thamel, Boudhanath offers a true old world experience without the throngs of tourists. Most of the budget accommodation is located off the side streets that lead to Boudhanath stupa, one of the world's largest and most impressive.

Technically Bhaktapur is a city in its own right located 30 minutes outside of Kathmandu city. However for budget accommodation that's got easy access to the capital few could go wrong with choosing Bhaktapur as a location to stay. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site Bhaktapur's centre offers the unique status of being traffic free. With temples, museums, cafés and relaxing streets it makes for a great place to find a perfect budget hotel and stay a while in Nepal.