Other Tourist Scams in Kathmandu, Nepal
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Kathmandu — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like New Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Other Scams Scams
10
Total in Kathmandu
How it works
Thamel's outdoor gear shops sell equipment branded as North Face, Mammut, and Arc'teryx that is counterfeit. Down jackets may have minimal insulation and gear may fail in high-altitude conditions, creating genuine safety risks.
How it works
Friendly strangers in tourist areas invite solo travelers for tea or food. The beverages or food are laced with sedatives and tourists wake up having been robbed of cash, passports, and valuables. This is especially reported near bus stations.
How it works
Pharmacies in Thamel and near trekking trailheads sell Diamox (acetazolamide) and other altitude medications at prices many times the standard cost, targeting trekkers who have not brought medication from home. Some sell incorrectly dosed or counterfeit tablets.
See all scams in Kathmandu
10 total warnings across all categories