Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guide platform, has ranked Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, as the second-best destination globally for solo travelers. The announcement, made last week, highlighted top destinations across various categories, including food, trending spots, natural attractions, solo travel, and honeymoon destinations.
This year marks the first time Tripadvisor introduced the ‘solo travel destinations’ category. According to the platform, the list celebrates global cities that are highly rated by solo travelers, offering excellent opportunities for solo adventurers. Seoul, South Korea, claimed the top spot in this category. Other cities in the top 10 include Cusco (Peru), Bangkok (Thailand), Osaka (Japan), Dubai (UAE), Kyoto (Japan), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Reykjavik (Iceland), and Melbourne (Australia).
Tripadvisor curates its rankings by analyzing millions of reviews shared by travelers worldwide, providing trusted recommendations for future explorers.
Kathmandu, renowned for its seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares; Changunarayan Temple; Syambhunath Stupa; Bouddhanath Stupa; and Pashupatinath Temple—has long been a favorite destination for international tourists. The city’s rich culture and history continue to attract visitors from across the globe.
In 2024, Nepal welcomed over 1.14 million tourists, a 13.1% increase from 2023, with many exploring Kathmandu. The new Tripadvisor ranking is expected to further boost solo travel to the vibrant city. Globally, solo travelers account for approximately 9% of the population, translating to over 720 million people seeking destinations tailored to their needs.
In addition to its recognition as a top solo travel destination, Kathmandu secured the 21st position on Tripadvisor’s overall ‘Best of the Best’ destinations list for 2024. London claimed the title of the world’s top travel destination, dethroning Dubai, which held the position since 2022.
These accolades enhance Kathmandu’s reputation as a leading travel destination, catering to a diverse range of tourists.