Practical guide: transport, seasons, money and manners

Getting to Sanothimi

Sanothimi lies on the Araniko Highway about 10 km east of central Kathmandu and about 8 km from Tribhuvan International Airport. From the airport, a taxi or ride-share takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. From Kathmandu, local buses and microbuses heading for Bhaktapur, Banepa or Dhulikhel pass through Sanothimi; ask the conductor to stop at Sanothimi or Thimi.

Getting around

Within Sanothimi and Thimi, walking is the best way to explore. For Bhaktapur, frequent buses and microbuses run along the highway; the ride takes about 15–20 minutes. Ride-sharing apps with motorbikes and cars are widely used and fairly priced. Taxis are available, but agree on the fare or ask for the meter before you start. For Changu Narayan and Nagarkot, use buses from Bhaktapur or hire a taxi for the day.

Seasons

Autumn (October–November) is the best season: clear skies, mountain views, pleasant temperatures and the Dashain and Tihar festivals. Winter (December–February) is cool, with cold mornings and occasional fog, but usually dry and sunny by day. Spring (March–May) is warm, with rhododendrons on the hills, some haze, and Bisket and Sindoor Jatra in April. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain, green fields and Gai Jatra, but mountains are usually hidden.

Money

The currency is the Nepali rupee (NPR). ATMs are common along the Araniko Highway and in Bhaktapur. Small shops, buses and eateries usually need cash; digital wallets and QR payments are increasingly common for Nepalis. Larger hotels and some restaurants accept cards. Foreign visitors should budget for entry fees in Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan.

Connectivity

Mobile data is inexpensive and coverage is good. Local SIM cards are available with a passport at telecom shops. Many cafés offer Wi-Fi.

Health and safety

Drink bottled, filtered or boiled water. Street food is delicious but choose busy stalls with freshly cooked food. Traffic on the Araniko Highway is fast — use footbridges and crossings where available. During festivals, watch your belongings in crowds and keep children close. Carry a mask in the dry season, when dust and air pollution rise.

Dress and behaviour

Dress modestly, especially at temples: cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temples and homes when others do. Walk clockwise around temples and stupas. Do not touch people on the head or point your feet at people or shrines. Use your right hand for giving and receiving. Ask before photographing people, especially during rituals, and never photograph inside shrines where it is forbidden.

Useful phrases

Namaste (hello), dhanyabad (thank you), kati ho? (how much is it?), mitho chha (it is delicious), pani (water), bato kata ho? (which way?). In Nepal Bhasa: jwojalapa (hello) and subhaya (thank you). People will be delighted if you try.

Emergency numbers

Police: 100. Ambulance: 102. Tourist Police: 1144. Fire: 101. Bhaktapur Hospital is the main public hospital nearby; there are also private hospitals and clinics in Sanothimi and Bhaktapur.