Best in Mar
Nepal
Kathmandu
Moderate
From $46 /day
Nepal
Nepal is a land where the majestic Himalayas meet a deep-rooted cultural heritage, creating a destination that feels both ancient and awe-inspiring. Home to eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks, including the legendary Mount Everest, this country offers an unparalleled landscape for adventure and self-discovery. Beyond the jagged horizons, you will find a kingdom of medieval cities, golden-roofed temples, and a warmth of hospitality that treats every traveler like a guest of honor. Whether you are navigating the chaotic charm of Kathmandu or the silent trails of the high mountains, Nepal invites you to experience a profound connection between the earth and the heavens.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$46 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Kathmandu
Languages
Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri
Currency
Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
1 $ ≈ 145 Rs
Plug Type
Type C/D/M
Driving Side
Left
Dial Code
+977
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
NPT (UTC+5:45)
Emergency
100 (Police), 101 (Fire), 102 (Ambulance), 103 (Traffic)
Why Visit Nepal
The Himalayan Roof
Nepal is the ultimate destination for mountain lovers, offering world-famous treks like the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. You can stand among the giants of the earth and witness some of the most dramatic sunrise vistas on the planet.
Living Cultural Heritage
The Kathmandu Valley is a treasure trove of UNESCO World Heritage sites, where ancient palaces and temples remain centers of daily spiritual life. You can wander through medieval squares in Bhaktapur and Patan that look nearly unchanged since the 17th century.
Spiritual Sanctuary
As the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini and home to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal is a global center for pilgrimage. Visitors can find peace in remote monasteries or participate in meditation retreats led by experienced practitioners.
Diverse Wildlife Safaris
Contrary to the icy peaks, the southern lowlands offer lush jungles teeming with life. In parks like Chitwan, you can go on a safari to spot rare one-horned rhinoceroses, gharial crocodiles, and even the elusive Bengal tiger.
Exceptional Value
With an average daily budget of ~$46 / NPR 6,684, Nepal remains one of the most affordable destinations for long-term travelers and backpackers. You can enjoy high-quality local meals and comfortable guesthouse stays without breaking the bank.
Mountain Hospitality
The concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The Guest is God) is deeply ingrained in Nepali culture. You will be greeted with genuine smiles and the traditional 'Namaste,' often forming lasting bonds with local families in mountain teahouses.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Nepal
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Kathmandu Valley
This cultural heartland comprises the three historic cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. It is the best place to explore intricate Newari architecture, vibrant street markets, and famous landmarks like the Boudhanath Stupa.
Annapurna & Pokhara
Pokhara is a tranquil lakeside city that serves as the gateway to the Annapurna region, one of the world’s premier trekking destinations. Here, you can enjoy paragliding over Phewa Lake or embark on multi-day hikes through rhododendron forests.
Everest Region (Khumbu)
Known locally as Khumbu, this high-altitude region is the home of the Sherpa people and the trail to Mount Everest. It offers rugged terrain, high-altitude monasteries like Tengboche, and some of the most challenging but rewarding trails in the world.
Terai & Chitwan
The southern plains of the Terai provide a tropical contrast to the mountains, featuring dense jungles and flat farmlands. This region is famous for Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, the sacred site where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama.
Mustang
A remote and windswept plateau often called the 'Forbidden Kingdom,' Mustang offers a desert-like landscape and ancient Tibetan culture. The region is known for its mysterious sky caves and the walled capital of Lo Manthang.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the post-monsoon autumn and pre-monsoon spring when skies are clearest for mountain viewing. Autumn offers peak visibility and major festivals, while spring features blooming rhododendrons and warmer trekking conditions.
Peak Season
Oct, Nov
Autumn is the busiest season, characterized by stable weather and crisp, blue skies perfect for high-altitude trekking. Temperatures in Kathmandu typically range from 12–25°C (54–77°F), but trekking routes become crowded and advance booking for flights and lodges is essential.
Shoulder Season
Mar, Apr, May
Spring brings warmer temperatures and lush greenery, with rhododendrons blooming at elevations above 2,500m. While haze can sometimes obscure distant peaks in the afternoon, morning views remain reliable and temperatures are comfortable for lower-altitude activities.
Off-Peak
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec, Jan, Feb
The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain, leeches, and flight cancellations, though it is the best time for lush flora. Winter (December–February) is dry and clear but very cold, with high-altitude passes often closed and temperatures dropping below 0°C at night.
Getting Around
Transportation in Nepal relies heavily on an extensive bus network and domestic flights for reaching remote regions. Nepal also has limited passenger rail service in the Terai (not a nationwide rail network), including the cross-border Jayanagar–Janakpur/Kurtha–Bhangaha (Bijalpura) line. Kathmandu offers a variety of city-based transport including taxis and local ride-sharing apps.
Flight
Domestic flights are the primary way to reach trekking hubs like Lukla and Jomsom. Small aircraft (20–30 seats) are common, and flights are highly weather-dependent, with frequent delays or cancellations during the monsoon and winter fog.
Bus
Tourist buses are the standard for travel between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, offering air conditioning and fixed schedules for ~$12–$29 / NPR 1,714–NPR 4,285. Local buses and microbuses are significantly cheaper (~$1.18–$5.89 / NPR 171–NPR 857) and serve almost every village, but are frequently overcrowded and slower.
Taxi
Metered taxis are plentiful in cities; pre-paid taxis are available at the airport arrivals gate. Local ride-sharing apps like Pathao and Tootle are widely used in Kathmandu for both motorcycle and car trips at fixed, transparent prices.
Car
Self-driving is rare and generally discouraged due to poor road conditions and complex traffic norms. Most tourists prefer hiring a private car with a local driver through travel agencies, which typically costs ~$71–$118 / NPR 10,283–NPR 17,139 per day including fuel.
Food & Drink
Nepali food is a flavorful blend of Himalayan and South Asian influences, focusing on nutritious, locally sourced ingredients. The cuisine is dominated by lentil-based dishes, fermented vegetables, and aromatic spices that provide sustained energy for mountain life.
Must Try
Dal Bhat
The national staple consisting of lentil soup (Dal) and steamed rice (Bhat), typically served with vegetable curry, pickles, and crispy papad.
Momo
Delicious steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, usually served with a spicy tomato-based dipping sauce called achaar.
Sel Roti
A ring-shaped, sweet fried bread made from rice flour, commonly prepared during festivals like Tihar and served with yogurt or tea.
Thukpa
A hearty Himalayan noodle soup filled with vegetables and meat, perfect for warming up after a long day of trekking.
Chatamari
Often referred to as 'Nepali pizza,' this Newari specialty is a thin rice-flour crepe topped with minced meat, eggs, and onions.
Gundruk
Fermented leafy green vegetables that are sun-dried and used to make a tangy, probiotic-rich soup or side dish.
Dhido
A traditional, thick porridge made by boiling millet or buckwheat flour in water, often eaten as a healthy alternative to rice.
Chiya
Nepali masala tea brewed with milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom and ginger, which is the cornerstone of social life in Nepal.
Money & Costs
Nepal is a highly affordable destination with a cash-centric economy, especially outside major cities. While a daily budget of ~$46 / NPR 6,684 is average, costs vary significantly between budget city travel and high-altitude trekking where supply transport increases prices.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills; if not, a ~5–10% tip is appreciated. Trekking guides and porters expect tips, usually ranging from ~$5.89–$12 / NPR 857–NPR 1,714 per day depending on the difficulty of the route.
Cards
Major hotels, upscale restaurants, and trekking agencies in Kathmandu and Pokhara accept Visa and Mastercard, though a 3–4% surcharge is standard. Cash is essential for all transactions in tea houses and rural markets.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but rare on trekking trails. Most machines charge a withdrawal fee of ~$4.06 / NPR 591 (500 NPR) and have a single-transaction limit between 10,000–35,000 NPR.
Culture & Etiquette
Nepal is a deeply traditional society where religious devotion and respect for elders are paramount. Navigating local customs with sensitivity will earn you great respect and open doors to deeper cultural interactions.
✓
Greet locals by placing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and saying 'Namaste' while slightly bowing your head.
✓
Always remove your shoes before entering a home, temple, or monastery as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
✓
When visiting a stupa or religious shrine, always walk around it in a clockwise direction.
✕
Do not point the soles of your feet toward people or sacred objects, as feet are considered the lowliest and most unclean part of the body.
✕
Avoid touching anyone on the head, which is considered the most sacred part of the body in Nepali culture.
✓
Use only your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving items, as the left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene.
✕
Don't engage in public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, which are generally frowned upon in conservative areas.
✓
Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites or rural villages.
✕
Do not step over someone’s legs or over food that is placed on the floor, as this is seen as highly disrespectful.
Safety & Health
Nepal is generally safe for tourists, though travelers should remain alert during periods of political transition or protests. Altitude sickness is the primary health risk for trekkers. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is strongly advised and may be required depending on permits/areas/agencies.
Tap Water
Not safe to drink
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are highly recommended for all travelers. Those visiting the Terai plains (Chitwan) should also consider Japanese Encephalitis and Malaria prophylaxis.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Fake trekking permits sold by unlicensed agencies or individuals in Kathmandu.
- ⚠ The 'milk for babies' scam where a mother asks for overpriced milk powder which is later returned for cash.
- ⚠ Holy men (Sadhus) at sites like Pashupatinath who demand high fees after posing for or insisting on a photo.
- ⚠ Gemstone and jewelry scams involving 'duty-free' export schemes that are actually illegal and fraudulent.
- ⚠ Fake police officers targeting tourists for purchasing illegal substances (like hashish) offered by their accomplices.
Healthcare facilities are of high quality in Kathmandu (e.g., CIWEC Clinic) but vary significantly in rural areas. Carry medicines in original packaging and keep a copy of your prescription/doctor letter. Airport guidance indicates passengers should carry a doctor's prescription for medicines carried onboard.
Language
Nepali is the lingua franca and official language, but English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, hotels, and popular trekking regions. In remote villages, local ethnic languages like Newari, Sherpa, or Tamang are common.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Goodbye | Namaste | nuh-muh-stay |
| Thank you | Dhanyabad | dhun-yuh-bahd |
| How are you? | Sanchai chha? | sun-chai chah |
| How much? | Kati ho? | kuh-tee ho |
| I don't understand | Maile bujhina | mai-lay boo-jee-nah |
| Water | Pani | pah-nee |
| Delicious | Mitho chha | mee-toe chah |
| Excuse me / Pardon | Hajur | huh-joor |
Visa & Entry
Nepal offers Visa on Arrival for most nationalities at Tribhuvan International Airport and land borders. Tourist visas are issued in 15/30/90-day increments (USD 30/50/125) and can be extended up to a maximum of 150 days per calendar year. From 1 Jan 2026, Nepal began rolling out the Foreign Nationals Management Information System (FNMIS) in phases; visitors may be asked to register via the immigration portal/app to generate a QR code, and service providers (e.g., hotels/airlines) integrate with the system as rollout expands.
Max Stay
150 days in a calendar year
Passport Validity
6 months beyond arrival
Visa-free for
India
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nepal safe for tourists?
How expensive is a trip to Nepal?
When is the best time to visit Nepal?
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Is English widely spoken in Nepal?
What should I eat in Nepal?
How do I get around in Nepal?
What is the risk of altitude sickness in Nepal?
Can I trek solo in Nepal?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore Nepal?
Browse our 1 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.