Travel
A Few Days In Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a dusty, chaotic, and incredibly fascinating capital city. From the ancient architecture of Bhaktapur to the cafes & shops of Thamel to the religious sites that the Buddha himself visited, there is so much to do and see in Kathmandu. Emmett and I spent a month in Nepal, with Kathmandu being both the first and last place we visited. There is so much to see in the city and I know that we only scratched the surface. Check out our five favorite places in Kathmandu below.
+ Shopping & Dining in Thamel – 1 Day
+ Swayambunath, Boudhanath, & Pashupatinath – 1 Day
+ Bhaktapur – 1 Day
If you have more than 3 days, you could always add an extra day to exploring Thamel or Bhaktapur and throw in a side trip to the town of Nagarkot to see a view of the Everest range. (Just check the weather forecast before going to Nagarkot because it was very cloudy when we made our attempt).
See Also :Two Days In Malaysia’s Tea Country
1. Thamel

Thamel is the primary tourist district in Kathmandu. It has the widest variety and most affordable choices for accommodation in the city. I love Thamel. It’s very much a touristic place but there’s something so endearing about all the alleyways and shops. The best thing to do in Thamel is Shop for Souvenirs. A lot of the shops will sell the same sorts of items, so make sure you ask the price of the product you want at each shop first to compare deals. And don’t forget to barter a little because that’s the expectation most vendors will have of you as a tourist.
On each of our visits to Kathmandu, we stayed at the dorm in the top of the cozy and very friendly Hotel Silver Home for 1,000 NPR ($10 USD) per person per night.
Swayambhunath

Also known as the Monkey Temple due to it’s population of rhesus macaques, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest religious sites in all of Nepal. The whole site is comprised of a set of very steep steps leading up to a hilltop complex of Buddhist temples and shrines surrounding a large stupa. In addition to it’s historical and spiritual significance, Swayambhunath is a great place to do people-watching. There are souvenir touts, locals in prayer, women feeding the monkeys and stray dogs, and plenty of other tourists.
Entry for tourists is 200 NPR per person (about $1.80 USD) and Swayambhunath is about a 30 minute walk from Thamel.
Boudhanath

Along with Swayambhunath, Boudhanath is one of the most significant sites for Buddhists in Nepal. The huge stupa is said to be built around the remains of Kassapa Buddha and is surrounded by a circular courtyard which must be walked in a counter-clockwise fashion as one circles the stupa. It may be difficult to see in photos, but Boudhanath is a maginificent sight to behold. The top of the stupa is estimated to be 118 feet (36 meters) high – if that gives you any indication of the scale. We walked both of the lower rungs of the stupa, taking our time and listening to the tinny sounds of a stereo playing the Buddhist chant “Om Mani Padme Hum.” The stupa is, like most historic sights in Kathmandu, surrounded by a series of shops selling souvenirs and religious artwork.
Entrance to walk the lower level of the stupa is 400 NPR per person (about $3.60 USD).
Pashupatinath

If you’re anything like me, you may be under the assumption that Nepal is a Buddhist nation. Maybe it’s the plethora of Buddhist prayer flags to be found in every souvenir shop in Nepal? Or maybe it’s the fact that the Buddha himself was born in the country? Either way, you maybe be surprised to learn that the majority of Nepali people (a whopping 81.3%!!) follow Hinduism!
Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal and is located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. I have a confession to make: Emmett and I were running low on Nepalese rupees and did not purchase passes to enter the complex. Instead, we wandered around the outskirts and watched a Hindu funereal procession from a respectful distance. We spent a while just watching some stray cows eat from a garbage pile as monkeys played in the dirty river that ran through Pashupatinath’s center. The shops surrounding the temple were full of Hindu souvenirs and piles of very photogenic powdered dyes.
Entrance to the Pashupatinath temple complex is 1,000 NPR (about $9 USD) per person.
Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is an incredible ancient city about 8 miles (13 kilometers) outside of Khatmandu proper. In fact, Bhaktapur is the most well-preserved ancient town in all of Nepal and is full of beautiful and ornate architecture. However, even after three years, the whole of the city is definitely still reeling from the effects of the 2015 earthquake. . In fact, I have so many good things to say about it that I plan to make a post solely about Bhaktapur very soon.
Entrance to Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is 1,500 NPR (approx. $15 USD) per person.
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Travel
How to Choose the Best Fat Tire Electric Bike for Different Terrains

How to Choose the Best Fat Tire Electric Bike for Different Terrains
Choosing the best fat tire electric bike for your terrain isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance and comfort. The right e-bike depends on where you ride: smooth pavement, rocky trails, sandy beaches, or snowy roads. Each surface demands specific tires, suspension, and motor power.
This guide will walk you through how to pick the perfect fat tire e-bike for every type of terrain.
What Makes Fat Tire Electric Bikes Unique?
Fat tire electric bikes stand out because of their oversized tires—usually 4” to 5” wide—that offer better traction and stability. Whether it’s a moped-style electric bike for city cruising or a rugged off-road model, these bikes handle diverse terrains with ease.
Key Advantages:
- Excellent grip on loose or slippery surfaces
- Smoother ride on uneven terrain
- Better balance for new riders
- Support for heavier loads or cargo setups
Most fat tire e-bikes feature 500W to 1000W motors and ≥80 Nm torque, making them ideal for both hills and flat roads.
1. Best Fat Tire Electric Bike for City Streets
If you’re riding mostly on asphalt, paved trails, or urban bike lanes, comfort and efficiency matter most.
What to Look For:
- Tire Type: Semi-slick or hybrid tread (4.0”) for low rolling resistance.
- Motor Power: 500–750W hub motor for smooth acceleration.
- Battery Range: At least 48V 15Ah (40–50 miles per charge).
- Suspension: Front fork only—light and efficient for city use.
- Frame Style: Step-thru or moped-style electric bike for easy mounting.
Example setup:
A 750W fat tire commuter e-bike with 20″x4″ semi-slick tires offers great traction without draining power on smooth roads.
Pro Tip: Inflate your tires to 20–25 PSI for better efficiency and speed on pavement.
2. Best Fat Tire Electric Bike for Mountain Trails
Mountain terrain demands more power, stronger frames, and better suspension.
What to Look For:
- Motor: 750W–1000W mid-drive motor with ≥80 Nm torque for hill climbing.
- Suspension: Full suspension (front + rear) to absorb shocks.
- Tires: Deep tread 4.8” tires for traction on gravel and mud.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes (180mm rotors) for steep descents.
- Battery: 48V 20Ah or dual-battery setup for long trail rides.
- Ideal PSI: 12–18 PSI for rocky trails.
Pro Tip: A mid-drive motor keeps your center of gravity low and improves handling on tight, winding paths.
3. Best Fat Tire Electric Bike for Snowy Conditions
Snow requires traction and stability—this is where fat tire e-bikes truly shine.
What to Look For:
- Motor: 750–1000W rear hub motor (torque ≥85 Nm).
- Tires: 4.8” studded or knobby tires for maximum grip.
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy to prevent rust.
- Battery: High-capacity 48V 17–20Ah (cold weather drains battery faster).
- Fenders: Full coverage to block slush and debris.
Pro Tip: Keep your battery warm indoors before riding—it maintains up to 15% more charge efficiency in winter.
4. Best Fat Tire Electric Bike for Beach or Sand Riding
Soft sand is tricky. You’ll need wide tires, a strong motor, and corrosion resistance.
What to Look For:
- Tires: Ultra-wide 4.5–5.0” tires with low PSI (8–12 PSI).
- Motor: 750W or 1000W rear hub motor for consistent power.
- Battery: 48V 15Ah minimum—sand adds resistance.
- Frame Coating: Anti-rust treatment or aluminum alloy frame.
- Drivetrain: Sealed components to protect from sand and salt.
Pro Tip: After beach rides, rinse your e-bike with fresh water and dry it thoroughly to avoid corrosion.
Comparison Table: Fat Tire E-Bike Terrain Guide
| Terrain Type | Ideal Tire Width | Motor Power | Suspension | Battery | Recommended PSI |
| City Streets | 4.0″ semi-slick | 500–750W | Front | 48V 15Ah | 20–25 PSI |
| Mountain Trails | 4.8″ knobby | 750–1000W | Full | 48V 20Ah+ | 12–18 PSI |
| Snow | 4.8″ studded | 750–1000W | Front | 48V 17Ah+ | 10–15 PSI |
| Beach/Sand | 4.5–5.0″ | 750–1000W | Front | 48V 15Ah+ | 8–12 PSI |
Extra Features Worth Considering
- Pedal Assist Levels: Choose models with at least 5 PAS modes for flexibility.
- Display: An LCD with real-time speed, range, and PAS data helps monitor performance.
- Lighting: Integrated LED lights improve safety for night rides.
- Accessories: Racks, baskets, or child seats can make your ride more functional.
Tips for Beginners vs. Advanced Riders
For Beginners:
- Start with a step-thru frame for easy handling.
- Use pedal assist mode to extend battery life.
- Keep tires at higher PSI for smoother roads.
For Advanced Riders:
- Go for dual batteries if you ride long distances.
- Experiment with lower PSI on dirt or snow for more grip.
- Upgrade to hydraulic brakes for precision control.
Conclusion
The best fat tire electric bike depends on where you ride most. City commuters should look for semi-slick tires and moderate power, while mountain and beach riders need wider tires, stronger motors, and solid suspension. By matching your bike’s setup to your terrain, you’ll enjoy smoother rides, longer range, and better control.
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