Kathmandu - Post Report Question and Answers
Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The country would be very difficult for someone with physical disabilities. Roads, sidewalks and buildings are not designed with the disabled in mind, Streets and sidewalks (when they exist) are often narrow and uneven. Many buildings do not have elevators. - Jun 2024
YES! The sidewalks are terrible, if they exist. Crossing a street is an experience. There are very few traffic lights and everyone kind of goes anywhere, it is organized chaos on most streets. Many streets are unpaved with holes. Quality of life would be terrible for anyone who needs smooth walkways. - Aug 2022
Yes! I can't imagine living here with any kind of disability. - Aug 2019
Yes. There are no accomodations for individuals with physical disabilities. There are few sidewalks and they are generally in bad condition. I have seen individuals in wheelchairs rolling down the side of the street. That said, there is an active disability rights advocacy scene, so it's not impossible. - Aug 2015
Definitely. I frequently saw people in wheelchairs going down the middle of the road in traffic because the sidewalks were inadequate or didn't exist. You could get around in a car but you would be severely limited. - Jul 2014
Yes. I wouldn't advise coming. - May 2014
Oh yes. Roads are crowded, sidewalks are minimal, and if they exist, they are broken and with lots of holes. There are ZERO street lights, so if you are walking at night, you run the risk of stepping in a hole. I have twisted my ankle twice here. - Apr 2014
Yes, there is no accommodation for those with physical disabilities here. Even the new sidewalks can be challenging to someone without a disability. - Dec 2013
There are almost no sidewalks; there are potholes that can go from a few inches deep to a few feet deep overnight; most roads are bumpier than any jeep track in the US; elevators are scarce (and so is the power to operate them) . . . . in short, it's a very dynamic environment. With that being said, you tend to go to a set location in Kathmandu, such as the embassy, or maybe the American Club, or someone's house - so if you can get in/out of a car, then you could be fine. Most expats don't just walk around in the city anyways, as you share the roads with tuk-tuks, buses, cars, and motorcycles. - Jun 2013
It is not recommended for disabled people to come here. At the moment there are no sidewalks. The city is being rebuilt as part of a road-widening project. Also, there are rarely ramps or elevators. - May 2013
Very difficult - do not come here if you have physical disabilities. There are no sidewalks. I have literally seen disabled Nepalis pushing themselves down the street in their own wheelchair in the midst of crazy traffic with no one looking out for them -- very sad. - Jun 2011
Sidewalks, if even there, are nearly untenable by small children let alone someone with a walking disability or wheelchair bound. Narrow back-streets make similar traffic hazardous (also no sidewalks there).Building entrances NEVER have ramps. - Sep 2010
A lot. The roads are not even, nor are the sidewalks (if you are lucky enough to find one).Maneuvering throughout the city is no easy task. - Jan 2010
There is absolutely no wheelchair access anywhere. Period. - May 2008
