**Q: What is the best time of year to visit the monuments in Kathmandu?** **A:** The best times are during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) when the weather is clear, dry, and mild.
**Q: Do I need to buy tickets for the monuments?** **A:** Yes, non-Nepalese citizens are required to pay entry fees to access Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath. SAARC nationals often receive discounted rates.
**Q: What is the dress code for visiting temples?** **A:** Visitors should dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Shoes and leather items must often be removed before entering certain temple interiors.
**Q: Can I take photographs inside the temples?** **A:** Photography is generally permitted in the squares and exterior areas, but taking photos inside temple shrines is strictly prohibited. Always look for signage.
**Q: Will I see the living goddess, the Kumari?** **A:** The Kumari occasionally appears at the window of the Kumari Ghar in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Photography of her is strictly forbidden.
**Q: Are the monuments fully rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake?** **A:** Most major monuments have been meticulously rebuilt or are nearing completion, though you may still see some scaffolding as specialized restoration work continues.
**Q: Is it safe to walk around Kathmandu at night?** **A:** The core tourist areas (like Thamel) and major streets are generally safe, but heritage squares are dimly lit at night. It is best to travel with a companion after dark.
**Q: How do I get between the different monument zones?** **A:** Taxis and ride-sharing apps (like Pathao or InDrive) are the most convenient ways to travel between sites like Durbar Square, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath.
**Q: What is the altitude of Kathmandu, and will I get altitude sickness?** **A:** Kathmandu sits at an elevation of about 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). This is well below the threshold where altitude sickness typically occurs.
**Q: Can non-Hindus enter Pashupatinath Temple?** **A:** Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple complex but can view the temple, the cremation ghats, and the surrounding ashrams from the opposite bank of the Bagmati River.
**Q: Why do people walk clockwise around stupas?** **A:** Walking clockwise (circumambulation) is a Buddhist and Hindu tradition symbolizing following the path of the sun and showing respect to the sacred object.
**Q: Can I hire a guide at the monument sites?** **A:** Yes, registered guides with official ID cards can be hired at the entrances of major sites. Agree on the price and tour duration beforehand.
**Q: Are there public restrooms at the monument sites?** **A:** Yes, there are public facilities, though quality varies. Carrying your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer is highly recommended.
**Q: What currency should I use for tickets and souvenirs?** **A:** Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are required. While some larger shops take cards, cash is necessary for entry tickets and small vendors.
**Q: Are the monuments wheelchair accessible?** **A:** Accessibility is challenging due to ancient, uneven stone paving, steep stairs (like the 365 steps of Swayambhunath), and high temple thresholds. However, Boudhanath Stupa's ground level is relatively accessible.
**Q: Is Kathmandu’s tap water safe to drink?** **A:** No. Always drink bottled, boiled, or properly filtered water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain it was made from purified water.
**Q: What should I do if a monkey approaches me?** **A:** Remain calm, do not make direct eye contact, and back away slowly. Never tease them or display food openly.
**Q: Can I fly a drone over the monument zones?** **A:** Drone flights are strictly regulated in Nepal and generally banned over heritage sites and densely populated areas without explicit prior authorization from multiple government ministries.
**Q: What is the significance of the red powder on the statues?** **A:** The red powder (sindoor or tika) is an offering made by devotees during worship, symbolizing auspiciousness, energy, and devotion.
**Q: How much time should I allocate for a monument tour?** **A:** A comprehensive tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath typically takes a full day (8-10 hours).