Trip Advisor ranks Kathmandu as the second best Solo Travel Destinations for 2025

17 Jan 2025 Umesh Paneru

One of the world’s best travel platforms Trip Advisor has listed its Best of the Best Travel Destinations for 2025. Trip Advisor ranks Kathmandu as the second best Solo Travel Destinations for 2025. On historical, cultural, and hospitality significance, Trip Advisor has listed Kathmandu as the second-best solo travel destination. The Korean capital, Seoul tops this list which fascinates travelers with its perfect blend of old and new.

Trip Advisor has ranked Kathmandu 21st worldwide as the best destination and 7th as a cultural city. Under different Trip Advisor categories, such as Trending, Food, Culture, etc. several Asian cities are listed. Some listed Asian cities are Siem Reap, Chiang Mai, Ho Chin Min, Hoi An, etc.

The director of the Nepal Tourism Board, Mani Lamichhane expressed pride in Kathmandu’s acknowledgment by trustworthy platforms like Trip Advisor. This is positive news as it boosts Nepal’s tourism sector. Post Covid, there is a notable rise in solo travel which is recorded the 9% of the world’s population.

What are the best reasons to visit Nepal ?

Nepal has been unfairly forgotten for decades by many travelers. It’s surrounded by giant countries like India and China, and some people still don’t give Nepal the attention it deserves. On the other hand, those who visit Nepal become real fans. Because it’s located right in the heart of the great Himalayas, it’s the perfect destination for hikers and adventure lovers. However, that’s not all. Nepal offers a wide variety of architectural styles, landscapes, cultures, tribes, and religions. It’s one of the most interesting countries you can visit in the world! Read more

Trip Advisor describes Kathmandu as follows:

Nepal’s capital is situated in a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas, and fascinating villages. Hotels, bars, and restaurants cater to all budgets. Shops offer handicrafts, carpets, and Nepali paper prints. Bus services, taxis, and bicycles open up the city. Trek to see the Monkey Temple, the valley’s oldest and most sacred shrine. Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar Square’s monuments and temples, or join mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel District.

About Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, fondly called the ‘City of Temples’. The city is a cultural hub holding great historical and spiritual significance. Diverse festivals are celebrated which are vibrant and unique in its way. The abundant temples and cultural heritages in Kathmandu’s vicinity are architecturally aesthetic. Visitors get captivated by the enchanting beauty of these heritages. Some of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well. The uniqueness of Kathmandu is its local people, lifestyle, culture, and cuisines. The vibrant streets, small alleys, and bustling authentic local markets offer unique and pleasant vibes among the visitors. Kathmandu is one of the safest and most affordable cities in the world. Below are some of the reasons why Kathmandu is one of the best solo travel destinations:

Ancient History

The history of Kathmandu is ancient dating back to 185 AD. It is also described in traditional myths and legends. Different dynasties ruled over Kathmandu during this period where several architectural structures were established.

Rich Cultural Heritage

The rich cultural heritages are the identity of Kathmandu which is why it is fondly called the ‘City of Temples’. Some of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which hold great historical as well as spiritual significance. The rich architecture, traditional arts, and structure of these iconic heritages mesmerize the visitors.

Affordable

Nepal is one of the most affordable destinations and so is Kathmandu. The accommodation, meals, transport, and tour packages all are budget-friendly. There are luxury facilities for travelers seeking comfort as well. For solo travelers, the city’s budget-friendliness attracts them.

Suggested Trip

Nepal Tour- Kathmandu Chitwan Pokhara 9 Days

Suggested Trip

Kathmandu Pokhara and Mustang Luxury Tour 11 Days

Adventure Activities

Kathmandu is one of the amazing cities that caters to needs of the travelers from history, and culture, to adventure. Solo travelers seeking different packages can experience it all here. Travelers have easy access to adventure activities such as paragliding, zip-lining, day hikes, trekking, rafting, etc. Yoga, meditation, and spas for retreats are also available for travelers.

Kind and Friendly Locals

The locals are kind and friendly which helps travelers for easy interaction. They are welcoming and treat guests as Gods as we firmly believe in ‘Atithi Deva Bhava’. It is best if you learn simple or basic Nepali language for interaction. The locals offer you advice or guide you if you ask them. They are also keen to share a conversation.

Vibrant Local Markets

Ason and Thamel are vibrant local markets in the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The alleys are narrow yet streets are filled with local handicrafts, textiles, and spices. The authentic local cuisine shops to small vendors all are fascinating to experience for travelers. Also, the prices of the goods are mostly affordable.

Pedestrian-friendly Streets

The streets in Kathmandu are mostly narrow yet pedestrian-friendly. Also, relish the vibrant festivals in the streets each month as Kathmandu hosts several ethnic local festivals.

Besides Kathmandu (Nepal), there are numerous other Asian destinations listed by Trip Advisor under Best of the Best Destinations which are as follows:

Categories	Asian Destinations with Rank (TripAdvisor)
Top Destinations	Hanoi (7^th), Bangkok (10^th), Hoi An (11^th), Siem Reap (14^th), Phuket (16^th), Kathmandu (21^st), New Delhi (22^nd), Maldives (23^rd)
Trending Destinations	Osaka (1^st), Kuala Lumpur (2^nd), Kyoto (8^th), Seoul (9^th), Jeju Island (11^th), Luzon (14^th), Hong Kong (16^th), Phnom Penh (17^th), Ho Chin Minh (18^th), Singapore (19^th), Doha (20^th)
Food Destinations	Bangkok (14^th), Kyoto (16^th), Chiang Mai (20^th), Mumbai (21^st), Hong Kong (24^th), Penang Island (25^th)
Culture Destinations	Hanoi (2^nd), Kathmandu (7^th), New Delhi (8^th), Siem Reap (10^th), Bangkok (13^th)
Solo Travel Destinations	Seoul (1^st), Kathmandu (2^nd), Bangkok (4^th), Osaka (5^th), Dubai (6^th), Kyoto (7^th), Chiang Mai (8^th), Singapore (14^th)
Honeymoon Destinations	Maldives (3^rd), Hoi An (4^th), Phuket (5^th), Kyoto (17^th)
Trip Advisor’s 25^th Anniversary Destinations	Dubai (7^th), Bangkok (10^th), Hanoi (14^th), Siem Reap (15^th), Singapore (19^th), Maldives (23^rd)

Suggested Trip

Nepal Tibet Bhutan Luxury Tour 13 Days

Suggested Trip

Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Nepal Tour 16 Days

We, Asia Experiences are delighted to cater to our clients with different South Asia and Southeast Asian destination packages that align with the Trip Advisor’s listed destinations. We also offer flexible itineraries with customization to your preferences. Feel free to contact us for further details.