🐾 Traveling to Nepal with Pets
Pet-Friendly Nepal
Nepal is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs in urban areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara. While rural and high-altitude regions may have limitations, many hotels, restaurants, and trekking paths accommodate well-behaved animals, making Nepal an adventurous pet-friendly destination in South Asia.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and other pets need a health certificate from an official veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel.
Certificate must include details on the pet's health status and vaccination records.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before entry.
Vaccination must be valid for the entire stay; ensure certificates are up-to-date.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must match all documentation; bring verification if required by customs.
Import Permit
Pets require an import permit from Nepal's Department of Livestock Services obtained in advance.
Apply through the Nepalese embassy; processing may take 2-4 weeks.
Restricted Breeds
No nationwide breed bans, but aggressive breeds may face scrutiny at entry points.
Some hotels and transport may restrict certain breeds; check policies in advance.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and exotic animals have specific quarantine and permit requirements.
CITES permits needed for endangered species; consult Nepalese authorities for details.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Nepal on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Kathmandu & Pokhara): Many mid-range hotels welcome pets for NPR 500-1500/night, offering basic amenities and nearby green spaces. Chains like Hotel Yak & Yeti are often accommodating.
- Mountain Lodges & Teahouses (Himalayan Regions): Trekking lodges in areas like Annapurna and Everest Base Camp often allow pets at no extra charge, with access to trails. Ideal for adventurous hikes with dogs.
- Vacation Rentals & Homestays: Airbnb and local homestay listings frequently permit pets, especially in rural villages. Provides space for pets to explore safely.
- Resorts & Eco-Lodges (Chitwan & Pokhara): Jungle resorts and lakeside lodges welcome pets and offer interactions with local wildlife. Great for families with children and pets seeking nature experiences.
- Campsites & Glamping Sites: National parks like Chitwan have pet-friendly campsites with designated areas. Riverside sites in Pokhara are popular among pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end resorts like Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu provide pet services including grooming and walking, for premium travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Himalayan Hiking Trails
Nepal's mountains offer pet-friendly trails in Annapurna and Langtang regions for leashed dogs.
Keep pets leashed near wildlife and check permits at national park entrances.
Lakes & Rivers
Phewa Lake in Pokhara has areas for dog swimming and boating excursions.
Trishuli River rafting sites allow pets on calmer sections; follow local guidelines.
Cities & Parks
Kathmandu's Garden of Dreams and Ratna Park welcome leashed dogs; outdoor eateries often allow pets.
Pokhara's Lakeside promenade is pet-friendly with shaded walks and views.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Nepali café culture in Thamel provides water bowls; many spots allow dogs outdoors.
Ask before entering indoor areas; rooftop cafés in Kathmandu are ideal.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara welcome leashed dogs at no extra cost.
Focus on temples and markets; avoid indoor sites like museums with pets.
Cable Cars & Lifts
Manakamana Cable Car allows small pets in carriers for NPR 100-200 fee.
Check operators in Pokhara; advance booking recommended during trekking seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Buses (Public & Tourist): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs need tickets (NPR 100-300) and must be leashed. Allowed in most tourist buses but not luxury AC coaches.
- Urban Transport (Kathmandu & Pokhara): Taxis and microbuses allow small pets free; larger dogs NPR 50-100 with leash. Avoid crowded rush hours.
- Taxis: Most accept pets with notice; use apps like Pathao for pet-friendly options. Standard fares apply with possible cleaning fee.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Imperial allow pets with advance notice and deposit (NPR 2000-5000). Jeeps suitable for mountain roads and pets.
- Flights to Nepal: Check airline pet policies; Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Air India accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for NPR 5000-10000 each way. Larger pets in hold with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Kathmandu (Nepal Veterinary Association) and Pokhara offer urgent care.
Travel insurance covering pets recommended; consultations cost NPR 500-2000.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Pet shops in Thamel and Lakeside stock food, medicine, and accessories.
Local pharmacies carry basic pet meds; bring prescriptions for specialized needs.
Grooming & Day Care
Urban areas offer grooming and daycare for NPR 500-1500 per session.
Book in advance during peak tourist seasons; hotels can recommend services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Local services in Kathmandu for sitting during treks or outings; rates NPR 1000-3000/day.
Homestays often provide informal pet care; inquire with hosts.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, temples, and national parks. Rural trails may allow off-leash if away from livestock and under control.
- Muzzle Requirements: Not mandatory but recommended for large dogs on public transport. Carry one for compliance in crowded areas.
- Waste Disposal: Carry waste bags; bins available in urban areas. Fines for littering (NPR 500-2000); respect clean environments.
- Water & Temple Rules: Keep pets away from sacred sites like Pashupatinath; no entry to temples. Provide water during hikes.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets allowed at outdoor seating; keep quiet and off furniture. Ask permission before entering eateries.
- National Parks: Pets restricted in core zones of Chitwan and Sagarmatha; leashed on buffer trails. Follow seasonal wildlife protection rules.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Nepal
Nepal for Families
Nepal offers families adventure and culture with safe urban hubs, interactive sites, Himalayan views, and warm hospitality. From ancient temples to lake boating, kids enjoy discovery while parents appreciate family-oriented facilities like play areas and kid menus in tourist spots.
Top Family Attractions
Chandragiri Hills Cable Car (Kathmandu)
Scenic cable car ride with views of Himalayas, amusement park, and temple at the top.
Tickets NPR 700-800 adults, NPR 400-500 kids; family packages available for full-day fun.
Chitwan National Park (Terai)
Wildlife safaris with elephants, rhinos, and birds in jungle setting.
Entry NPR 2000 adults, NPR 1000 kids; ethical jeep or canoe tours for families.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Kathmandu Valley)
Medieval town with pottery workshops, museums, and ancient architecture kids explore.
Tickets NPR 1500 adults, free for kids under 10; guided walks add storytelling.
International Mountain Museum (Pokhara)
Interactive exhibits on Himalayas, mountaineering, and cultures with hands-on displays.
Tickets NPR 400 adults, NPR 200 kids; engaging for rainy days with English signage.
Sarangkot Paragliding Viewpoint (Pokhara)
Panoramic mountain views and short tandem paragliding for brave kids.
Viewing free; tandem flights NPR 8000-10000 per person; sunrise hikes for families.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Short Version)
Easy family treks with porters, villages, and mountain scenery suitable for kids 8+.
Guided tours NPR 20000-30000/person; teahouse stays with cultural experiences.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Nepal on Viator. From Chitwan safaris to Pokhara boating, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Kathmandu & Pokhara): Properties like Hotel Vaishali offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for NPR 3000-6000/night. Include cribs, play areas, and kids' meals.
- Resort Stays (Chitwan & Pokhara): Jungle resorts with kids' clubs, pools, and wildlife activities. Mechi Crown Chitwan caters to families with guided programs.
- Homestays & Farmstays: Rural homestays in Kathmandu Valley provide animal interactions and home-cooked meals for NPR 1500-3000/night.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering options in Thamel with kitchens for family meals and space for kids to play.
- Budget Guesthouses: Clean family rooms in Pokhara Lakeside for NPR 2000-4000/night with communal areas and kitchen access.
- Luxury Family Resorts: Club Himalaya in Nagarkot for mountain views and family suites with spa and kids' activities.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Kathmandu Valley with Kids
Swayambhunath monkey temple, Patan Museum crafts, and Thamel street explorations.
Cable car rides and ice cream at local shops make the valley exciting for children.
Pokhara with Kids
Phewa Lake boating, World Peace Pagoda hikes, and Devi's Fall adventures.
Paragliding views and splash pools keep families active and entertained.
Chitwan with Kids
Elephant baths (ethical options), jeep safaris, and Tharu cultural shows.
Nature walks and canoe rides introduce wildlife in a fun, educational way.
Terai Region (Lumbini)
Birthplace of Buddha with gardens, monasteries, and Ashoka Pillar exploration.
Boat rides on ponds and easy paths suitable for young children with picnic areas.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Buses: Children under 5 travel free; ages 5-12 get 50% discount. Tourist buses have space for strollers on lower decks.
- City Transport: Kathmandu and Pokhara taxis offer family rates (NPR 500-1000/day). Rickshaws and tempos are stroller-challenging but fun.
- Car Rentals: Book child seats (NPR 300-500/day) ahead; required for kids under 12. 4x4 vehicles for mountain trips.
- Stroller-Friendly: Urban areas improving with ramps; temples have stairs. Most hotels provide stroller storage.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Tourist restaurants offer dal bhat, momos, or noodles for NPR 200-500. High chairs available in urban spots.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Thamel eateries with play corners and casual vibes. Lakeside Pokhara has diverse international options.
- Self-Catering: Markets like Asan Bazaar stock baby food, diapers, and fresh fruits. Supermarkets in cities for Western items.
- Snacks & Treats: Sel roti and lassi from street vendors; perfect for kids' energy boosts.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Found in major hotels, malls, and airports with basic facilities.
- Pharmacies: Stock formula, diapers, and meds; English-speaking staff in tourist areas.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters for NPR 500-1000/hour; local agencies in Kathmandu.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in Kathmandu; emergencies at hospitals. Travel insurance essential.
♿ Accessibility in Nepal
Accessible Travel
Nepal is improving accessibility in urban and tourist areas, though mountainous terrain poses challenges. Kathmandu and Pokhara offer wheelchair-friendly transport and sites, with tourism operators providing inclusive options for barrier-free adventures.
Transportation Accessibility
- Buses: Tourist buses have ramps and space; book assistance. Local buses less accessible.
- City Transport: Taxis accommodate wheelchairs; apps like Tootle offer accessible vehicles in cities.
- Taxis: Wheelchair-adapted taxis available in Kathmandu; book via hotels. Standard taxis fit folding chairs.
- Airports: Tribhuvan International provides assistance, ramps, and priority for disabled passengers.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Temples: Patan Museum and Garden of Dreams offer ramps and audio guides. Some temples have steps.
- Historic Sites: Durbar Squares partially accessible; guided tours assist with navigation.
- Nature & Parks: Phewa Lake paths wheelchair-friendly; Chitwan resorts provide accessible safaris.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; seek ground-floor options and wide doors.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
October-November and March-May for clear skies and festivals; avoid monsoon (June-September).
Shoulder seasons offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and blooming rhododendrons.
Budget Tips
Family entry combos at sites; Nepal Tourism Board cards for discounts on transport and attractions.
Homestays and street food save costs while experiencing local flavors.
Language
Nepali official; English common in tourist areas and hotels.
Basic phrases appreciated; locals patient with families and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Layers for altitude changes, rain gear for monsoon, sturdy shoes for uneven paths.
Pet owners: bring food, leash, waste bags, tick prevention, and altitude sickness remedies.
Useful Apps
Pathao for taxis, Google Maps offline, and local trekking apps.
CTRC app for Chitwan wildlife updates and transport schedules.
Health & Safety
Nepal safe for tourists; boil water or use purifiers. Clinics in cities for minor issues.
Emergency: dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance. Vaccinations advised for hep A/B.