Kathmandu
Nepal · Asia
The water
31 mg/LSoft
Source: Kathmandu Valley municipal tap water study IWA · Published figure. Hardness counts dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water; it is the number your hair meets in the shower.
What soft water does to hair
Shampoo lathers fast and rinses away clean, with little mineral film left behind. The trade-off is at the roots: fine hair can sit flat and flyaway, and rich conditioners feel heavier than they do at home.
The washing routine for Kathmandu
Keep your normal rhythm; soft water asks for no detox routine. If anything, use less conditioner than usual, as it feels heavier here, and give fine hair lift at the roots instead of product through the lengths.
Climate, from recent records (Open-Meteo, ERA5 2015-2024): June is the warmest month, averaging 26°C by day, and humidity peaks in July at about 90% on average. Day to night swings reach 12°C, which dries hair out between washes; the plan adds moisture and a sealing leave-in when a stop spans those months. In the humid months, frizz is the main event; anti-humidity styling matters more than wash frequency.
Local note: Tap water average from municipal samples; valley groundwater much harder.
Plugs and power for your tools
Sockets: Type C, D and M. Supply: 230 V, 50 Hz.
A 120 V only dryer or styler (North American) will burn out on this supply, and a plug adapter does not change voltage. Check the label for dual voltage (100-240 V) before you plug in.
Plug, voltage and frequency: IEC World Plugs and national standards.
Plan Kathmandu properly
The trip planner turns this water profile into a wash plan for your hair type, a chosen kit and a packing list, month by month.