Nepal · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Kathmandu scores 58/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes — Kathmandu is generally safe for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional protests. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Nepal · Assessed 28 July 2026
58
/ 100
Safer than ~53% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
Updated 2026-04-22T10:39:48Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Nepal: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can occur in isolated nighttime areas; stay in well‑lit, busy districts
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag‑snatching are frequent in tourist hubs such as Thamel and around New Road
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Recent traveller reports describe feeling generally safe during daylight but uneasy after dark and during protests
Yes — Kathmandu is generally safe for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional protests.
Kathmandu scores 71/100 on the composite safety index, reflecting relatively low violent crime but notable weaknesses in governance and institutional reliability. Recent protests and scams targeting tourists indicate situational risks that require vigilance.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Kathmandu remains one of South Asia’s most visited capitals, and the underlying safety data confirms it is generally safe for travelers. The composite index of 71 reflects low homicide rates and minimal terrorism risk, while everyday hazards such as air quality and health notices are well‑controlled. However, the city’s governance scores are weaker, indicating occasional bureaucratic instability that can surface as protests.
Recent dossier items highlight several concrete risks. In July 2026, multiple protests erupted—including a high‑profile demonstration by cooperative victims demanding restitution and a squatters’ eviction clash—drawing police attention and occasional confrontations. A “drugging and robbery” case reported by Ratopati in July 2026 underscores targeted scams against visitors. Canadian authorities also warned of a sophisticated $20 million tourist scam circulating online. While violent crime remains modest, pickpocketing is frequent in crowded tourist zones such as Thamel, New Road, and around the bus park, so keep bags secured and avoid displaying valuables.
For practical safety, use reputable taxis or rideshare apps, verify driver details, and stay in well‑lit, busy neighborhoods after dark. Avoid large gatherings and monitor local news for protest updates. Carry only necessary cash, use hotel safes for passports, and stay current on health advisories such as dengue and polio vaccinations. By staying alert and following these steps, you can enjoy Kathmandu’s culture and scenery while minimizing risk.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Kathmandu districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Kathmandu safety map.
Jhamelavoidindustrial zone with frequent power outages and recent violent protests
Thamelcautiontourist hub with petty theft and occasional protests; stay alert after dark
Baluwatarcautionresidential area with rising property scams targeting foreigners
Baluwatar‑Kakanicautionmixed reports of residential scams and occasional road closures
Durbar Squaresaferwell‑patrolled heritage site; low crime but crowded during festivals
Naya Baneshworsaferquiet neighborhood; occasional petty theft near markets
Kirtipursaferhistoric town on city fringe; generally safe but limited night transport
Sukulesaferup‑and‑coming area with low crime; advisable to use reputable taxis
07 · After Dark
Mugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can occur in isolated nighttime areas; stay in well‑lit, busy districts
After dark, be most careful around Jhamel, Thamel, Baluwatar, Baluwatar‑Kakani. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — Kathmandu is generally safe for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional protests. Kathmandu scores 71/100 on the composite safety index, reflecting relatively low violent crime but notable weaknesses in governance and institutional reliability. Recent protests and scams targeting tourists indicate situational risks that require vigilance. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Kathmandu report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags Jhamel as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Kathmandu ranks #2 of 3 Nepal destinations we've assessed, scoring 58/100. See the Nepal safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Browse the Nepal safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: kathmandu.json (CC BY 4.0).
