Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and the country’s largest metropolitan area. Located in the Kathmandu Valley in central Nepal, the city is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic temples, and proximity to the Himalayas.
Kathmandu has long been an important center for religion, trade, and tourism. The city follows Nepal Time, which is the official time used throughout the country.
Current Time
The current time in Kathmandu follows Nepal Time (NPT).
- Time Zone: Asia/Kathmandu
- UTC Offset: UTC +5:45
Nepal uses a single official time zone nationwide.
Quick Facts
- Country: Nepal
- Region: Central Nepal
- Population: Over 1.5 million
- Time Zone: Nepal Time (NPT)
- UTC Offset: UTC +5:45
- Daylight Saving Time: Not observed
Time Difference From Major Cities
- Sydney → Kathmandu: 5 hours 15 minutes behind (may vary depending on daylight saving time in Australia)
- London → Kathmandu: 5 hours 45 minutes ahead
- New York → Kathmandu: 10 hours 45 minutes ahead
- Dubai → Kathmandu: 1 hour 45 minutes ahead
- Tokyo → Kathmandu: 3 hours 15 minutes behind
Daylight Saving Time
Kathmandu does not observe daylight saving time. Nepal follows Nepal Time throughout the year.
Best Time to Call Kathmandu
If you are calling Kathmandu from other countries:
- Australia→ Morning or early afternoon in Sydney works well
- United Kingdom→ Morning or afternoon in London / afternoon or evening in Kathmandu
- United States → Early morning in New York / evening in Kathmandu
Typical business hours in Kathmandu are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time zone is Kathmandu in?
Kathmandu uses Nepal Time (NPT) which is UTC +5:45.
Does Kathmandu observe daylight saving time?
No. Kathmandu and the rest of Nepal do not observe daylight saving time.
Is Kathmandu the same time as India?
No. Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India. India uses UTC +5:30 while Nepal uses UTC +5:45.
What is the IANA time zone for Kathmandu?
The official IANA time zone database name is Asia/Kathmandu.
Where Is Kathmandu Located?
Kathmandu is located in central Nepal within the Kathmandu Valley. The city lies north of India and south of the Himalayan mountain range.
What Is Kathmandu Famous For?
Kathmandu is famous for:
• Historic temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• The famous Pashupatinath Temple
• Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world
• Being a gateway to the Himalayas and Mount Everest
• Rich Nepali culture, art, and festivals
Additional Note
Nepal uses a single time zone called Nepal Time (UTC +5:45) across the entire country. This unusual 45-minute offset makes Nepal one of the few countries in the world with a time zone that is not aligned to the typical hourly offset.
