Nepal Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Nepal: From the stunning Everest Base Camp to the vibrant Dashain festival

National Flag of Nepal

The 15 Most Searched Questions About Nepal

The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu, a city rich in history and culture.

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival, except for a few countries. More details in our Documents tab.

Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). More details in our Currency tab.

Nepal is generally safe for tourists, though caution is advised in remote areas. More details in our Safety tab.

Nepali is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Nepal is known for Mount Everest, Himalayan treks, and cultural sites like Lumbini. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

October to December and March to May are ideal for trekking and clear views of the Himalayas.

Nepal is budget-friendly—a daily budget of $30-$50 covers food, lodging, and transport for most travelers.

Tap water is not safe—use bottled water, costing $0.30-$0.70 per liter.

Must-visits include Everest Base Camp, Pokhara, and Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Nepal’s climate varies: warm summers (20-35°C), cold winters (0-15°C), and a monsoon season (June-September).

Yes, Dashain (October) and Tihar (November) are major festivals with vibrant celebrations.

Popular souvenirs include pashmina shawls, thangka paintings, and singing bowls.

Buses, taxis, and domestic flights are common. A taxi in Kathmandu costs $2-$5 for short trips.

Try dal bhat, momos, and sel roti. More details in our Local Cuisine tab.

About Nepal

Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas, spans 147,516 square kilometers and is renowned for its towering peaks, including Mount Everest, the world’s highest at 8,848 meters. Kathmandu, the capital, is home to about 1.5 million people, part of Nepal’s total population of 30 million (2023 estimate), with ethnic groups like Chhetri, Brahmin, and Magar, alongside Sherpa and Tamang communities. Nepali is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival for $30-$125, depending on the duration. In 2023, Nepal welcomed over 1 million tourists, drawn by its trekking routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, as well as cultural landmarks such as Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. The economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and remittances, with rice, tea, and handicrafts as key sectors. Nepal’s climate varies by altitude: warm summers (20-35°C), cold winters (0-15°C), and a monsoon season (June-September). Budget travelers can manage on $30-$50 per day, with a local meal costing $2-$5 and a coffee $1-$3. Public transport includes buses ($0.50-$2 for short trips) and taxis ($2-$5 in Kathmandu), while domestic flights to Pokhara cost $80-$120. Cultural events include Dashain (October) and Tihar (November), featuring rituals and lights. Nepal’s history includes the unification under the Shah dynasty in the 18th century and a transition to a federal republic in 2008, reflected in sites like Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and Patan’s ancient temples. Natural wonders include Chitwan National Park, home to rhinos and tigers. With its blend of adventure, spirituality, and warm hospitality, Nepal offers an unforgettable travel experience.

Visa & Passport for Nepal: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Nepal and have at least one blank page for stamps. Children need their own passports—they cannot travel on a parent’s passport.
  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land borders. The visa fee is $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, or $125 for 90 days, payable in USD (carry exact change). Citizens of India don’t need a visa due to the open-border agreement. Citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria must apply for a visa in advance through a Nepali embassy. Overstaying incurs a fine of $3 per day plus the visa fee for the overstayed period. Extensions can be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu for the same visa fee, up to a maximum of 150 days per year. You’ll need a digital photo and passport copy for the visa application on arrival.
  • Other Requirements: No mandatory vaccinations are required, but a yellow fever certificate is needed if arriving from an affected country. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, including high-altitude trekking, is strongly recommended.

Driving in Nepal: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your national license to drive in Nepal. You can rent a car or motorbike in Kathmandu or Pokhara—daily rates start at $20 for a car and $10 for a motorbike.
  • Road Rules: Drive on the left side of the road. Speed limits are 40 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%—fines for violations start at 1,000 NPR ($7.50).
  • Road Conditions: Roads can be narrow and poorly maintained, especially in rural areas. Monsoon season (June-September) brings landslides and flooding—avoid mountain roads during this time.
  • Transport: Taxis in Kathmandu cost $2-$5 for short trips. Buses to Pokhara cost $5-$10 and take 6-8 hours. Domestic flights to Lukla for Everest treks cost $150-$200 one way.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 100 for police or 101 for medical emergencies.

Currency in Nepal: Using the Rupee for Your Trip

  • Nepalese Rupee (NPR): The official currency. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 NPR; coins are 1, 2, 5, and 10 NPR.
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or authorized counters in Kathmandu or Pokhara—rates are better than at hotels. ATMs are widely available in cities, with withdrawal fees of 500 NPR ($3.75) for international cards.
  • Payment Methods: Carry cash for rural areas and small vendors—small denominations (10-100 NPR) are useful. Cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu; mobile payments like eSewa are growing but not universal.
  • Costs: A local meal costs $2-$5, a coffee $1-$3, and a souvenir like a pashmina shawl costs $5-$20.

Legal Guide for Nepal: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal—penalties include up to 10 years in prison. Public intoxication can lead to fines of 1,000 NPR ($7.50).
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Dress modestly at religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography inside temples may require permission—fines for violations start at 500 NPR ($3.75). Drones need a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
  • Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Littering incurs fines of 100 NPR ($0.75).
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over $5,000 or its equivalent in NPR.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 100 for police or 101 for medical emergencies.

Travel Safety in Nepal: Staying Safe During Your Trip

  • Crime: Petty theft can occur in Kathmandu—keep valuables secure. Violent crime is rare.
  • Road Safety: Roads are often poorly maintained—hire experienced drivers for mountain routes. Avoid night travel outside cities.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is not safe—use bottled water. Altitude sickness is a risk above 2,500 meters (e.g., during Everest treks); acclimate gradually.
  • Natural Hazards: Landslides and flooding are common during the monsoon (June-September). Earthquakes are a risk—follow local guidance.
  • Border Areas: The border with India is open and generally safe, but avoid unmarked crossings. The China border requires special permits.
  • Medical Facilities: CIWEC Hospital in Kathmandu is recommended for emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available—look for the “Pharmacy” sign.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 100 for police or 101 for medical emergencies. The US Embassy in Kathmandu can be reached at +977 1 423 4000.

Culture & Etiquette in Nepal: What to Know

  • Greetings: A “Namaste” with palms pressed together is a respectful greeting. Nepalis are warm—accepting tea or food shows gratitude.
  • Dining Customs: Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Eat with your right hand—avoid using your left.
  • Community Respect: Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees at religious sites. Walk clockwise around stupas and temples.
  • Festivals: Dashain (October) and Tihar (November) are major celebrations—expect colorful rituals and family gatherings.
  • Language Tips: In tourist areas, you might hear “Dhanyabad” (Thank you). Learning “Namaste” (Hello) is appreciated.
  • Social Practices: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated—5-10% in restaurants or $1-$2 per day for guides and porters.

Local Cuisine in Nepal: Dishes & Drinks to Try

  • Dal Bhat: A lentil soup with rice, often served with vegetables and pickles—$2-$4 per portion.
  • Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables—$1-$3 per portion.
  • Sel Roti: A sweet, ring-shaped rice doughnut, popular during festivals—$0.50-$1 each.
  • Chiya: Spiced Nepali tea with milk—$0.50-$1 per cup.
  • Gundruk: Fermented leafy greens, often served as a side—$1-$2 per serving.
  • Where to Eat: In Kathmandu, try dal bhat at Thamel House in Thamel. In Pokhara, lakeside cafes serve fresh momos. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Nepal: Must-Visit Places

Flights to Nepal: Travel Options

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is the main gateway, with flights from Delhi, Dubai, and Bangkok. A taxi from KTM to Thamel costs $5-$10 and takes 20 minutes. Domestic flights to Pokhara cost $80-$120 and take 30 minutes.

Create Your Packing List for Nepal

Travel Tips for Nepal

  • Connectivity: SIM cards from Ncell or Nepal Telecom offer 5-10 GB for $5-$10, available at the airport. Wi-Fi is common in hotels but can be unreliable in rural areas.
  • Health Prep: Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccines are recommended. For treks, bring altitude sickness medication like Diamox.
  • Weather Prep: Pack layers for varying climates—light clothing for Kathmandu, warm layers for treks. Waterproof gear is essential during the monsoon (June-September).
  • Navigation: Use apps like Maps.me for offline trekking maps. In cities, taxis ($2-$5) and rickshaws ($1-$2) are convenient.
  • Peak Season: October to December and March to May are busy for trekking—book accommodations and guides in advance, especially for Everest Base Camp.