Kathmandu

Queen Games · Board game · 2024
2–4 · best 4 60–75 min Weight 2.3/5
7.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy
7.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Adventure seekers and strategy lovers will dig this game, blending race mechanics, animal collection, and ever‑changing setups.

Highlights
  • Vibrant exploration
  • Race mechanics
  • Animal collection
  • High replayability
Keep in mind
  • Storm pressure
  • Strategic planning
  • Moderate playtime
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Kathmandu is a strategy‑adventure game that casts you as an expedition team trekking across Nepal in pursuit of the capital, Kathmandu. With 2 to 4 players, each session lasts roughly an hour and a half, and the goal is to be the first to reach the city while amassing points along the way. The board is made up of four landscape sections – mountains, valleys, rivers, and cities – that are assembled randomly each play thanks to the Variable Set‑up mechanic, ensuring that no route is ever the same and keeping replayability high. Throughout the journey, players roll three of their five dice each turn. The results dictate both movement and resource collection, such as coins, fabrics, and food. The Dice‑Rolling mechanic keeps the excitement alive, as the outcome can completely alter a turn’s strategy. The dice also allow players to discover exotic animals that appear on illustrated cards; each animal yields bonus points and can be traded for goods in the cities. Additionally, the game incorporates a Race mechanic, as players’ positions on the track influence their speed to reach Kathmandu. The Set‑Collection mechanic comes into play when players gather cards of visited temples, traded merchandise, and found animals, forming sets that earn extra points. The approaching storm adds a pressure element: those left behind may lose points if they don’t arrive in time. For fans of exploration, planning, and a dash of randomness, Kathmandu offers a balance between strategy and fun. The vibrant artwork and high‑quality components – including plastic dice and illustrated cards – make the experience visually appealing. If you enjoy travel games with cultural themes and varied mechanics, this title could be a great addition to your collection.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Categories

Families

Country: Nepal Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Series: Stefan Feld City Collection
Publisher Queen Games
Designer Stefan Feld
Artist Lukas Siegmon, Patricia Limberger
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
2 to 4.
What is the playtime?
60 to 75 minutes.
What is the difficulty level?
Medium, suitable for players familiar with strategy board games.
What components are included?
5 plastic dice, 4 landscape boards, animal, temple, and goods cards, resource and position tokens.
Does the game have a cultural theme?
Yes, it is set in Nepal, featuring its cities, temples, and wildlife.
Who is this game for?
Fans of exploration, racing, and card collection games with a dash of randomness.