Can You Drink Tap Water in Kathmandu?

Tap water in Kathmandu is not safe for visitors to drink. The Kathmandu Valley has long faced water shortages and intermittent supply. Municipal water, tanker deliveries and private wells may all feed building storage tanks, making the quality at a specific tap difficult to verify.

The Melamchi Water Supply Project has increased water entering the valley, but it has not removed all risks associated with local distribution pipes, inconsistent pressure and private storage. Underground and rooftop tanks are common in hotels, homes and guesthouses, and their maintenance varies.

This advice applies throughout Thamel, Patan, Bhaktapur, Boudha and other visitor areas. Reputable hotels and trekking agencies provide sealed bottled water, filtered water or refill stations. Do not drink from bathroom taps or public taps.

Use purified water for drinking, brushing teeth, taking medication and washing foods eaten raw. Tap water is suitable for bathing. Travellers heading to trekking routes should carry a reliable treatment method because clear mountain water can still contain bacteria, protozoa or viruses from upstream human and animal activity.

Bottled water is widely available in Kathmandu, but filtered refill stations reduce plastic waste. Check the seal on any bottle and use a reputable provider for large refill containers.