Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has earned recognition as the second-best “solo travel destination” globally in Tripadvisor’s latest rankings. This announcement was made as part of Tripadvisor’s 2025 list of best destinations in categories such as food, trending locations, natural wonders, solo travel, and honeymoon spots.
The newly introduced “solo travel destinations” category sees South Korea’s Seoul taking the top spot, while Kathmandu comes in at an impressive second place. The rankings highlight cities that offer unique experiences for solo travelers. Other destinations in the top 10 include Cusco (Peru), Bangkok (Thailand), Osaka (Japan), Dubai (UAE), Kyoto (Japan), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Reykjavik (Iceland), and Melbourne (Australia).
Tripadvisor’s rankings are based on millions of reviews from travelers, which help identify the most trusted and recommended places to visit. With seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan, Bhaktapur, and significant religious landmarks like the Pashupatinath Temple and Syambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu has long been a favorite destination for international travelers.
In 2024, Nepal welcomed over 1.14 million tourists, a 13.1% increase from 2023, with Kathmandu being the primary attraction. The city’s new ranking is expected to further attract solo travelers, a group that now represents about 9% of the global population, or more than 720 million people.
Additionally, Tripadvisor’s “best of the best” list saw London rise to the top spot, dethroning Dubai, which had held the number one position since 2022. Kathmandu also ranked 21st on this prestigious list, solidifying its reputation as a top travel destination for various types of tourists.
