Nepal Travel Guide
October–November is the classic trekking window — clear skies and stable weather. March–April is second best, with rhododendron blooms. Monsoon runs June–September.
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Nepal at a glance
Best time to visit Nepal
October–November is the classic trekking window — clear skies and stable weather. March–April is second best, with rhododendron blooms. Monsoon runs June–September.
Peak: October, plus the Dashain and Tihar festivals — flights and lodges are hardest to secure.
Shoulder season: Late November–December: cold but very clear, with much quieter trails.
Visa and entry
Visa on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days). Also available in advance at Nepali embassies. Trekking Permits (TIMS + ACAP/SAGARMATHA) required for popular trails.
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change frequently. Always confirm with an official embassy or consulate source before booking.
Money and tipping
Nepal uses the NPR (रू).
Not obligatory but appreciated. 10% at tourist restaurants; NPR 500–1,000 per day for trekking guides and porters.
Getting around
Kathmandu has cheap local buses (about NPR 20–50) and tuk-tuks; most visitors use Pathao or InDrive for a fixed price. Trekking transport is shared jeep or domestic flight.
When a pass pays off: No pass system. For Kathmandu Valley sightseeing, a car for the day (roughly NPR 4,000–6,000) beats individual rides from about 4 stops.
Local etiquette
Do
- Walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls.
- Acclimatise slowly on treks — altitude illness is the main trekking risk.
- Buy the required trekking permits and TIMS card before heading out.
Avoid
- Don't touch anything with your feet or step over someone seated.
- Don't drink tap water — use treated or filtered water and refill rather than buying bottles.
- Don't count on refrigeration in remote trekking villages when ordering meat.
Common scams and tourist traps
- “Free” blessings and tika at Pashupatinath that end with a large donation demand.
- Agencies reselling permits you can buy yourself, and guides without insurance — check registration.
- Thamel shops selling counterfeit branded outdoor gear as genuine.
Health
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for Nepal, and trekkers heading to high-altitude regions like the Everest or Annapurna circuits should plan gradual acclimatization and discuss altitude sickness prevention with a doctor. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
When locals eat
Meal windows shift by country, and eating on the local clock is the difference between a full restaurant and a closed kitchen.
| Meal | Early riser | Typical | Night owl |
|---|---|---|---|
| breakfast | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| lunch | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| dinner | 6:30 PM | 7:30 PM | 9:00 PM |
Useful Nepali phrases
English is widely spoken in Kathmandu, Pokhara and along trekking routes.
- Hello
- नमस्ते (Namaste)(na-mas-tay)
- Thank you
- धन्यवाद (Dhanyabaad)(dhan-ya-BAAD)
- Excuse me
- माफ गर्नुहोस् (Maaf garnuhos)(maaf gar-nu-hos)
- How much is this?
- कति हो? (Kati ho?)(KA-ti ho)
Staying connected
eSIM providers that cover Nepal: Airalo. Buying an eSIM before you fly avoids airport queues and roaming charges.
Nepal travel FAQ
- When is the best time to visit Nepal?
- October–November is the classic trekking window — clear skies and stable weather. March–April is second best, with rhododendron blooms. Monsoon runs June–September.
- Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
- Visa on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days). Also available in advance at Nepali embassies. Trekking Permits (TIMS + ACAP/SAGARMATHA) required for popular trails. Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — confirm with an official consulate or embassy source before booking.
- Do you tip in Nepal?
- Not obligatory but appreciated. 10% at tourist restaurants; NPR 500–1,000 per day for trekking guides and porters.
- What currency is used in Nepal?
- Nepal uses the NPR (रू).
- What power plug and voltage does Nepal use?
- Nepal uses Type C and Type D and Type M sockets at 230V / 50 Hz. Check your device's rated input before travelling; most modern laptop and phone chargers handle both 110V and 220V.
- What is the emergency number in Nepal?
- In Nepal, call 100 (police) / 102 (ambulance) / 101 (fire).
- What time zone is Nepal in?
- Nepal is in the Asia/Kathmandu time zone (UTC+05:45).
- What language is spoken in Nepal?
- The main language is Nepali. English is widely spoken in Kathmandu, Pokhara and along trekking routes.
- Is public transport worth buying a pass for in Nepal?
- Kathmandu has cheap local buses (about NPR 20–50) and tuk-tuks; most visitors use Pathao or InDrive for a fixed price. Trekking transport is shared jeep or domestic flight. No pass system. For Kathmandu Valley sightseeing, a car for the day (roughly NPR 4,000–6,000) beats individual rides from about 4 stops.
- What health precautions should I take in Nepal?
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for Nepal, and trekkers heading to high-altitude regions like the Everest or Annapurna circuits should plan gradual acclimatization and discuss altitude sickness prevention with a doctor. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
Plan a Nepal trip around how you actually travel
Travaio builds a day-by-day plan from your travel style, with verified places, real opening hours, and local meal times already accounted for.
Plan my Nepal tripThis guide is general travel information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Visa, health, and safety requirements change — verify anything time-sensitive with an official source before you travel.