Due to the logistics of the Annual Meetings, the Family Network will be working remotely the week of October 14-17, 2025. Our physical office will be closed, but you can reach us any time by phone: +1 202 473 8751 or email: Famillynetwork@worldbank.org
We at the World Bank Group Family Network (WBGFN) Kathmandu have put together this short guide to help you with all the basic needs.
The information provided on this guide is of personal experience and tips given from friends. If you need any more help, feel free to contact the author or any of the other members listed in this guide. Author: Bushra Abbas, Bushra.abbas74@gmail.com
Climate: The Kathmandu Valley is a warm, temperate zone that has a mild climate most of the year, and the city of Kathmandu is situated at an altitude of 1,310m, has a mild, subtropical climate.
Spring: March to April (17c- 24c)
Summer- May to August (19c-27c)
Monsoon- June to August (19c-25c)
Winter- November to February (2c-20c)
Language: Nepali is the official language as well as lingua franca in Kathmandu city, which is being used widely for official, business, and other purposes. Hindi and English are also understood within the city.
Time Zone
The time in Kathmandu is NPT (GMT +5:45)
Currency
National currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupee (NPR). The currency equivalency to NPR against various currencies is as follows as of 1st September 2022.
• 1 US Dollar = 126 NPR
• 1 British Pound = 147 NPR
• 1 European Euro = 126 NPR
• 1 Indian Rupee = 1.60 NPR
• Rates of Foreign currency and the NPR are issued by the Central Bank in daily basis.
There are several currency exchange available and it is easy to get the local currency from Currency Exchange Centre. Almost all the commercial banks are also authorized to convert the international currency and give to local currency.
Residential areas: Kathmandu valley comprises of 3 districts; Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Most expats live in the Sanepa area in Patan and various areas in Kathmandu (KTM). The World Bank office is in the heart of KTM, Durbar Marg which falls in the center from Sanepa or Lazimpat, Bishalnagar, Dhumbarahi areas in KTM. Budanilkantha is also a nice area to live in, but it will be far from the office.
• The British School: The International Primary Curriculum is followed alongside English National Curriculum Mathematics and English from Foundation 1 to Year 6. Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel syllabi are followed for IGCSE and A Level examination (CIE is a part of the UCLES Examinations Board).
• Lincoln School: Lincoln School offers an American curriculum with an international perspective. The program is college preparatory with a wide selection of electives and extracurricular activities leading to an American high school diploma.
• International French School of Kathmandu: This school provides classes to Secondary level’s students: in Middle School (from Grade 6 to 9) and in High School (from grade 10 to 12). In both Middle and High School, EFIK offers a rigorous education following the French National Curriculum established by the French Ministry of Education through the course materials of the CNED (Centre National d’Enseignement à Distance – National Centre for Distance Education).
• Kathmandu International Study Centre: Is a culturally diverse, not-for-profit educational organization that provides an excellent education for primary and secondary students.
• Kathmandu Waldorf Kindergarten: There are nearly over 2000 Waldorf Kindergarten in more than 60 countries on 6 continents that offer a holistic inspired approach to education that cultivates a lifelong love of learning, Kathmandu Waldorf Kindergarten being one of them.
There are few good hospitals which are recommended by the World Bank office:
• CIWEC Hospital: +977-1-4435232
• NORVIC: +977-1-4258554,
• Nepal MEDICITI: +977-1-4217766,
• Grand International Hospital: +977-9801202545,
• Emergency Numbers: Nepal Ambulance Service: 102, Fire 101 : Police: 100-103
Utilities:
Internet and TV Cable:
In Kathmandu Internet comes with a TV cable connection and vice versa. Internet is on a fibre optic broadband connection. There are several service providers amongst them the following have good reputation for better service:
Shopping:
Wholesale markets:
Entertainment
We have made a list of our favourite restaurants. Click the link or scan the QR code that is available in the attached PDF. We would love for you to add your favourite restaurants in the list so we could all try them. Bon Appétit!
• Nightlife: While majority of the city closes by 8pm, Thamel is wide awake with its vibrant night life consisting of a range of bars and clubs.
Places to visit In or nearby Kathmandu:
Inside Kathmandu:
o There are two historical capitals which are UNESCO heritage sites:
I. Basantapur (Kathmandu Durbar Square). Basantapur is home to the living goddess Kumari and local wood handicraft is dominant is this area.
II. Patan Durbar Square is prominent with it is brass work and it is where the blockbuster Marvel Cinematic Universe Dr. Strange movie was filmed.
o Babar Mahal Revisited is a restored Palace which houses sophisticated restaurants, bars, shops, and an art gallery.
o Bouddha, also known as Boudhanath, Khasti Chaitya and Khāsa Chaitya is a stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. Located about 11 km from the centre and north-eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world.
o Swayambhu (monkey temple) is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees', for the many varieties of trees found on the hill.
o Pashupatinath Temple is revered as one of the most important & sacred holy pilgrimages sites for Hindu devotees all around the world. The temple lies in Gaushala of Kathmandu. According to the Hindu religion, Pashupatinath is considered as the protector of the universe and the patron deity of Nepali people.
Outside Kathmandu City:
o Nagarkot: Hiking trails and a view of the Mt Everest range on a clear day
o Dhulikhel: Great views very close to the city
o Chandragiri Hills: A scenic ride on a cable car on top of a hill looking over the valley. Atop is a temple, ziplines and a resort.
o Bhaktapur: Ancient capital which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Give pottery making a try and have delicious king yogurt
o Godawari: A well curated botanical garden which is home to several species of plants and trees.
