Nepal is a country that stays with you. People come to trek to Everest Base Camp, watch the sun rise over the Annapurnas, wander the temples of Kathmandu or look for rhinos in Chitwan. Most leave talking about the people as much as the mountains. It is also a country that can feel chaotic and confusing on your first day, when you step out of Kathmandu airport into the noise, dust and colour of the city.
This guide brings together the practical advice we give every first-time visitor, from visas and money to SIM cards, food, etiquette and safety. It is written by our team in Kathmandu, so it reflects how things really work on the ground.
Quick answer: most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival (US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days). Nepal uses the Nepali rupee; ATMs are common in cities but cash is king in the mountains. Buy a local SIM card at the airport, drink only treated water, dress modestly at temples, and allow time for slow roads and weather delays. Nepal is generally very safe for travellers.
Nepal at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Kathmandu |
| Population | About 30 million |
| Language | Nepali (English widely spoken in tourist areas) |
| Currency | Nepalese rupee (NPR) |
| Time zone | UTC +5:45 |
| Electricity | 230 V; plug types C, D and M |
| Main airport | Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu |
| Highest point | Mount Everest, 8,848.86 m |
| Religions | Mainly Hindu and Buddhist |
| Best time to visit | October–November and March–May |
Visa and entry
Most visitors can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at land borders with India. You can fill in the online arrival form in advance (within 15 days of arrival) to save time, or use the kiosks at the airport. Fees are paid in cash, preferably US dollars, or by card at some counters.
| Visa length | Fee |
|---|---|
| 15 days (multiple entry) | US$30 |
| 30 days (multiple entry) | US$50 |
| 90 days (multiple entry) | US$125 |
Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Indian citizens do not need a visa. Citizens of a few countries must apply in advance at a Nepali embassy, so check before you travel. Choose a visa long enough for your whole trip, including a few spare days for flight delays in the mountains. Visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Arriving in Kathmandu
Tribhuvan International Airport is small and can be busy. After immigration and baggage collection, you exit into a crowd of drivers and hotel representatives. If you have booked with a trekking company or hotel, someone will meet you with a sign. Otherwise, use the prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal. The drive to Thamel, the main tourist area, takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Your first impression of Kathmandu may be overwhelming: motorbikes, horns, dust, cows in the street, temples on every corner and the smell of incense and diesel. Give yourself a day to adjust. Within a few days, most visitors come to love the energy of the city.
Money: rupees, ATMs and cards
Nepal's currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Notes come in denominations from 5 to 1,000 rupees. Indian rupees are widely accepted in some areas, but Indian 500 and 2,000 notes have been restricted in the past, so check current rules.
- ATMs are widespread in Kathmandu, Pokhara and larger towns. Most allow withdrawals of NPR 25,000–35,000 per transaction and charge a fee.
- Cards are accepted in many hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and trekking agencies, often with a 3–4% surcharge.
- Cash is essential in the mountains, in local shops, restaurants and taxis. On treks, bring all the cash you need from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Money exchange counters in Thamel and Lakeside offer fair rates; bring clean, undamaged notes.
- Tell your bank you are travelling to avoid card blocks.
SIM cards and internet
Buying a local SIM card is easy and cheap. The two main providers are Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell. Both have counters at the airport and shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You will need your passport and a photo. Data packages are inexpensive, and coverage is good in cities and many trekking villages, although patchy in remote valleys. Nepal Telecom tends to have wider coverage in the mountains. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés and trekking lodges.
Getting around Nepal
Domestic flights
Flights are the fastest way to reach Pokhara, Lukla, Jomsom, Bhairahawa (for Lumbini), Bharatpur (for Chitwan) and Nepalgunj. Mountain flights are weather-dependent, and delays are common, especially in the monsoon and in spring afternoons. Always build spare days into your itinerary.
Tourist buses
Comfortable tourist buses run daily between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan (Sauraha). They are cheap and scenic but slow: Kathmandu to Pokhara takes 6–8 hours on a winding road.
Private cars and jeeps
Private vehicles with drivers are the most comfortable and flexible way to travel by road, and good value for small groups. Jeeps are used to reach many trailheads.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis in Kathmandu and Pokhara are cheap; agree the fare before you get in. Ride-hailing apps such as Pathao and inDrive are widely used and give fixed prices.
Where to stay
In Kathmandu, Thamel is the backpacker and trekker hub, packed with hotels, restaurants, gear shops and agencies. For a quieter stay, consider Lazimpat, Boudhanath or Patan. In Pokhara, most visitors stay in Lakeside. Accommodation ranges from US$10 guesthouses to international five-star hotels and beautifully restored heritage boutique hotels. In the mountains, you stay in teahouses.
Food and drink
Nepali food is simple, filling and delicious. The national dish is dal bhat: rice with lentil soup, vegetable curry and pickles. Other favourites include momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), sel roti (sweet rice bread) and Newari cuisine in Kathmandu, with dishes such as bara (lentil patties) and yomari (sweet dumplings). Tourist areas also have excellent international food, from Italian to Korean.
- Water: do not drink tap water. Use bottled, boiled or filtered water, or purification tablets. Refill stations are common in Thamel and Lakeside.
- Street food: choose busy stalls with freshly cooked food.
- Tea: milky, sweet chiya is served everywhere.
- Alcohol: local beers include Everest, Gorkha and Nepal Ice; local spirits include raksi and chhaang.
Culture and etiquette
Nepalis are generous, patient and welcoming, and a little cultural awareness goes a long way.
- Greeting: press your palms together and say namaste.
- Temples: remove your shoes before entering; some Hindu temples, including the main temple at Pashupatinath, are closed to non-Hindus.
- Stupas and mani walls: walk clockwise around them.
- Right hand: use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving; the left is considered unclean.
- Feet: do not point your feet at people or religious objects, or step over someone.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites and in villages.
- Photography: ask before photographing people, and never at cremation ceremonies without permission.
- Public affection: keep it discreet.
- Bargaining: expected in markets, but do it politely; the difference may mean little to you and a lot to the seller.
Is Nepal safe?
Nepal is generally a very safe country for travellers, including solo women. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main risks are practical ones:
- Road safety: roads are narrow and winding, and driving standards vary. Choose reputable transport and avoid night travel on mountain roads.
- Petty theft: keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- Trekking risks: altitude sickness, weather and falls. Walk with a licensed guide and read our guide to altitude sickness.
- Natural hazards: Nepal is earthquake-prone, and the monsoon brings landslides and floods. Follow local advice.
- Strikes (bandh): occasional political strikes can close roads and shops; your agency will advise.
Health
See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before your trip. Commonly recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid and routine vaccines; your doctor may also suggest others depending on your plans. Malaria is present only in some lowland areas, with low risk in most tourist destinations. The most common health problems are stomach upsets and colds. Carry a small medical kit, wash your hands often, and drink only treated water. Kathmandu has good private hospitals and clinics, including specialist travel medicine clinics.
Travel insurance is essential, and for trekking it must cover the altitude you will reach and helicopter evacuation.
When to visit
October–November offers clear skies and pleasant temperatures; March–May brings warmth and rhododendrons. December–February is cold but clear, and good for lower treks and cultural tours. The monsoon (June–September) is green and wet, with fewer tourists. Read our month-by-month guide for details.
Festivals worth planning around
Nepal's calendar is full of festivals. Dashain (September/October) is the biggest, when families gather and offices close. Tihar (October/November), the festival of lights, is beautiful, with oil lamps and garlands everywhere. Holi (March) is the colourful spring festival. Indra Jatra in Kathmandu (September) features masked dances and the living goddess Kumari. Losar (February) is the Tibetan and Sherpa New Year. During the big festivals, transport and hotels fill up, so book early.
What to see and do
- Kathmandu Valley: seven UNESCO World Heritage monuments, including Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. For the details, read our Kathmandu travel guide.
- Pokhara: lakes, mountain views and adventure sports. See our Pokhara guide.
- Chitwan National Park: rhinos, elephants and jungle safaris. See our Chitwan guide.
- Lumbini: the birthplace of Buddha.
- Trekking: from short hikes to Everest Base Camp.
- Adventure: rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, mountain biking and scenic flights.
Our article on the top things to do in Nepal has more ideas.
Sample itineraries
One week: highlights
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu |
| 2 | Kathmandu sightseeing: Swayambhunath, Durbar Square, Boudhanath |
| 3 | Bhaktapur and Patan; early morning Everest mountain flight (optional) |
| 4 | Travel to Pokhara; evening by Phewa Lake |
| 5 | Sarangkot sunrise, Pokhara sightseeing or paragliding |
| 6 | Travel to Chitwan; afternoon village walk |
| 7 | Jungle safari, then return to Kathmandu |
Two weeks: trek and tour
Combine two days in Kathmandu, a 7–10 day trek such as Poon Hill, Mardi Himal or Annapurna Base Camp, a day or two in Pokhara and two nights in Chitwan. Our Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan tour is a great base to build on.
Three weeks: the big trek
Spend two days in Kathmandu, trek to Everest Base Camp or around the Annapurna Circuit, and finish with a few relaxing days in Pokhara or Chitwan.
Budget: how much does Nepal cost?
| Travel style | Per day (US$) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 30–50 | Guesthouses, local food, buses |
| Mid-range | 70–150 | 3-star hotels, restaurants, private transport, guided sightseeing |
| Luxury | 200+ | 5-star and heritage hotels, flights, private guides |
Trekking costs are covered in our guide to the cost of trekking in Nepal.
Tipping
Tipping is common in Nepal's tourism industry. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included; if not, leave around 5–10%. Tip drivers, sightseeing guides and hotel porters modestly. For trekking guides and porters, 10–15% of the trek cost is customary.
Responsible travel
- Refill water bottles instead of buying plastic.
- Support local businesses, guides and handicraft makers.
- Respect religious sites and local customs.
- Avoid giving money or sweets to children; support schools or registered charities instead.
- Choose ethical wildlife experiences; elephant riding has been phased out in favour of jeep and walking safaris in many areas.
Useful Nepali phrases
| English | Nepali |
|---|---|
| Hello / goodbye | Namaste |
| Thank you | Dhanyabad |
| How are you? | Tapai lai kasto chha? |
| I am fine | Malai thik chha |
| How much? | Kati ho? |
| Delicious | Mitho chha |
| Water | Pani |
| Slowly, slowly | Bistarai, bistarai |
Communication and getting help
English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, shops and trekking agencies in tourist areas, and many young Nepalis speak it well. In rural areas, fewer people speak English, but a smile, a few words of Nepali and some patience go a long way. Emergency numbers include 100 for the police, 101 for the fire service and 102 for ambulances, and the Tourist Police have offices in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap and Thamel) and Pokhara. Your hotel and trekking company are usually the quickest source of help for any problem, from a lost passport to a medical issue.
Shopping and souvenirs
Nepal is a good place to buy handicrafts, especially if you buy from the people who make them. Popular souvenirs include pashmina shawls, singing bowls, thangka paintings, handmade paper, prayer flags, Tibetan jewellery, felt products, tea from Ilam, coffee from the hills and Gurkha kukri knives (check your airline's rules before packing one). Thamel, Patan and Bhaktapur have hundreds of shops; Patan is especially known for metalwork and fine crafts, and Bhaktapur for pottery and woodcarving. Buying from fair-trade shops supports artisans directly. Bargaining is normal in markets, but not in fixed-price stores.
Travelling with children
Nepal is a great family destination. Children are warmly welcomed everywhere, and there is plenty to excite them: monkeys at Swayambhunath, elephants and rhinos in Chitwan, boats on Phewa Lake, paragliders over Pokhara and short treks with mountain views. Plan shorter travel days, choose hotels with space to play, bring familiar snacks and a good first-aid kit, and be careful with food and water hygiene. Our Nepal Family Holiday is designed around children's interests and pace.
Accessibility and older travellers
Many older travellers visit Nepal, and with good planning, the country is accessible to most. Kathmandu's historic sites involve uneven paving, steps and crowds, and some temples are on hilltops, so allow extra time. Private vehicles, good hotels and guided tours make travel much easier. Scenic flights, such as the Everest mountain flight and helicopter tours, let travellers who cannot trek see the Himalaya up close. Travellers with limited mobility should contact us in advance so we can plan suitable hotels, routes and transport.
Photography tips
Nepal is one of the most photogenic countries on Earth. The best light for mountains is at sunrise and sunset, when peaks glow pink and gold, so plan early starts. Temples and squares are quieter and more atmospheric in the early morning. Always ask before photographing people, especially sadhus (holy men), who may expect a small payment, and never photograph cremations at Pashupatinath without permission. Drones require permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and are banned at many heritage sites and in national parks.
Common first-timer mistakes
- Planning too much. Distances look short on a map, but roads are slow. Two or three destinations in a week is plenty.
- No spare days. Mountain flights and treks need buffers.
- Drinking tap water or ice from unknown sources.
- Underestimating the cold in the mountains in winter, even if Kathmandu feels mild.
- Booking with unlicensed operators to save a few dollars.
- Forgetting insurance that covers trekking altitude and helicopter rescue.
Your first 24 hours in Kathmandu
Many first-time visitors ask what to do on their first day. Our suggestion: after you check into your hotel, take a short nap if you need it, then walk to a café for a Nepali tea and a plate of momos. In the late afternoon, head to Boudhanath Stupa and join the pilgrims walking clockwise around the great white dome as the butter lamps are lit, or climb the steps to Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, for sunset over the valley. In the evening, have dinner in Thamel or at a traditional Newari restaurant, where you sit on cushions and eat small dishes with local rice wine. Go to bed early; the next day starts with temples, markets and the chaos of Asan Tole, and you will want your energy.
Staying healthy on the road
Most stomach problems in Nepal come from contaminated water, unwashed hands or food that has been sitting out. Choose restaurants that are busy, eat hot food, peel your own fruit, avoid ice unless you know it is made with treated water, and wash your hands or use sanitiser before eating. Kathmandu's air can be dusty and polluted, especially in winter and spring, so a good face mask helps if you have asthma or a sensitive chest. If you do get sick, rest, drink rehydration salts and see a doctor if symptoms last more than a day or two; clinics in Thamel and Lakeside are used to treating travellers.
Internet, power cuts and staying charged
Nepal's electricity supply has improved dramatically in recent years, and the long daily power cuts of the past are largely over in the cities, although short outages still happen. Most hotels have backup power. In the mountains, lodges rely on hydropower and solar panels, and charging can be limited or cost extra. Bring a power bank and a universal adaptor, and download maps, entertainment and important documents before you leave Kathmandu. Mobile data is fast in cities and surprisingly good in many trekking villages.
Understanding Nepal's diversity
Nepal is small on the map but enormously varied. In a few hours you can travel from the subtropical plains of the Terai, with rice fields, mango trees and jungle, through the green middle hills with their terraced villages, to the high Himalaya with glaciers and Tibetan Buddhist culture. The country is home to more than 120 ethnic groups and around as many languages, including Newars in the Kathmandu Valley, Gurungs and Magars in the hills, Sherpas and Tamangs in the mountains and Tharus in the Terai. Each has its own festivals, food, dress and traditions. Taking time to notice these differences, and to ask your guide about them, makes any trip to Nepal far richer.
Leaving Nepal
When your trip ends, allow plenty of time at Tribhuvan International Airport: check-in and security lines can be long, especially in peak season, so arrive at least three hours before an international flight. Keep some rupees for airport snacks and taxes, but spend or exchange the rest before you leave, as Nepali rupees are hard to change abroad. And do not be surprised if you are already planning your return; most first-time visitors leave Nepal with a list of treks and places they want to see next time.
First-timer tips from our team
- Slow down. Nepal runs on its own time. Traffic, flights and weather will test your patience; smile and go with it.
- Build in spare days around mountain flights and treks.
- Carry small notes for taxis, tea and tips.
- Wear a mask in Kathmandu traffic on dusty days.
- Get up early for mountain views and quiet temples.
- Talk to people. Nepalis love to chat, and a conversation over tea may be the highlight of your day.
If you would like help planning your first trip, contact our team in Kathmandu. We can arrange everything from airport pick-up to treks, tours and safaris, and we are always happy to answer questions.