One of my all-time favorite destinations? Hands down: Kathmandu, Nepal.
Nepal is a small but vibrant country, bursting with history, culture, and jaw-dropping natural beauty — from the peaceful valleys of Pokhara to the towering Himalayan mountains. And while traveling with celiac disease or a wheat allergy always requires a little extra planning, Nepal turned out to be one of the most surprisingly gluten-free-friendly places I’ve ever explored.
Where to Stay in Kathmandu
When I started planning my trip, safety and gluten-free access were my top priorities — especially as a solo female traveler. After a bit of research, I found the perfect spot: Thamel, a lively, colorful neighborhood in the heart of Kathmandu.
Thamel had everything I needed — walkable streets, cute shops, cozy cafés, and several budget-friendly hotels that prioritize female safety. While my hotel didn’t offer dedicated gluten-free meals, they were more than happy to provide milk for the gluten-free cereal I brought with me. Even better, I found a few celiac-safe restaurants were just around the corner, thanks to Find Me Gluten-Free.
What surprised me most? Kathmandu’s awareness of gluten-free dining. In Thamel especially, restaurant staff understood the risks of cross-contamination and even double-checked with the kitchen to keep me safe. I had options — real, delicious options — from pad Thai, to fries (dedicated GF fryer), and even gluten-free Nepali momos (dumplings!). I even stumbled upon a tiny spot selling gluten-free groceries.
If you’re visiting Kathmandu and need safe, gluten-free options, Thamel is the place to be.
What to Do in Kathmandu
Here’s how I recommend spending your first couple of days:
Day One: Dive Into History at Durbar Square
Start your trip with a visit to Durbar Square (also called Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex), the former royal residence and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry is about 1,000 Nepali Rupees (~$7.50 USD).
Wandering through the palaces, courtyards, and museums gave me a real sense of Nepal’s royal history. The architecture is incredible — full of intricate wood carvings and beautiful details. You can truly feel the heart of Nepalese culture in every corner.
There are restaurants and shops throughout the square, but I didn’t find any with confirmed gluten-free reviews. If you’re exploring here, I’d stick with simple Nepali curries and rice, or better yet — pack your own gluten-free meal to be on the safe side.
Day Two: See the Himalayas from Chandragiri Hills
On day two, get out of the city and head to Chandragiri Hills — one of the highlights of my trip! With an elevation of over 8,000 ft, you can see a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas, including a peek at Mount Everest (from afar, no climbing required).
To get there, I used InDrive, a local ride app, to reach the base station. From there, a scenic cable car ride to the top costs about 1,280 Nepali Rupees (~$10 USD). Once at the summit, I grabbed a cappuccino and soaked in the views — honestly, it felt like standing at the top of the world.
As with Durbar Square, gluten-free food options here are limited, so I packed my own snacks and stuck to what I knew was safe.
Why Nepal Belongs on Your Travel List
Nepal is truly one of the most underrated destinations. It has a rich, distinct culture, some of the most hospitable people, and a growing awareness of gluten-free needs that made me feel welcome and safe. I can’t wait to go back.
So if you’re craving an adventure that’s meaningful, scenic, and totally doable gluten-free — give Nepal a chance.
And when you do?
Message me. I want to hear every detail. 💬💛
Adventures Are Better Gluten-Free
Have you been to Nepal? Any suggestions? Feel free to share in the comments below!
