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Southern Asia

NepalTravel guide

Explore Nepal visa rulesCommon scams in Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country in the Himalayas of South Asia. Its capital is Kathmandu, and it has eight of the world's ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest.

Why go

  1. See Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain.

  2. Explore Kathmandu Valley, including Bhaktapur and Patan.

  3. Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

  4. Visit Sagarmatha and Chitwan national parks.

Best time to go: October–December is best for visiting the hills and mountains, with clearer air. April–June is best for mountain expeditions; June–September brings monsoon rain, and January–March brings freezing nights and extreme cold at high elevations.

Getting there

By air

  • Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport has the airport code KTM.
  • Many flights stop elsewhere in Asia, including the Middle East.
  • Expect long journeys from Europe or North America.

By land

  • From Lucknow, use the Bahraich–Nepalganj border crossing.
  • From Delhi, use Banbassa–Mahendrenagar.
  • From Siliguri or Darjeeling, use Panitanki–Kakarbhitta.

Customs

  • Foreign travellers bringing a car or motorcycle must pay customs charges at the border.
  • The source lists a daily vehicle toll of Rs120 and a one-time transport permit fee of Rs50.
  • Keep the toll and permit documents with you. Police may ask to see them during your journey.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Domestic airlines connect Kathmandu with places including Pokhara, Lukla, Jomsom and Nepalganj. Tickets can sell out, so keep your dates and flight times flexible. Severe weather can cause delays and cancellations.

  • Buses and shared vehicles

    Local buses are cheap but can be confusing and crowded. Some wait until enough passengers have boarded. Microbuses carry about 10–12 passengers and cost more than local buses. Drivers often travel fast and with little care. Tempos are shared vehicles on routes around Kathmandu. They can be crowded. Book tourist buses a few days ahead through a travel agent in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or ask your hotel to book. Tourist buses give everyone a seat but are not much safer than local buses. Avoid overloaded buses and those in poor condition. Travel after dark increases the risk of serious crashes.

  • Cars, motorcycles and scooters

    Traffic drives on the left. Roads are often narrow and damaged, and drivers may give pedestrians little space. To drive a car, carry an international driving permit, your driving licence and the vehicle documents. Rain, landslides and fuel shortages can disrupt journeys. Motorcycle and scooter drivers must wear helmets. Rental vehicles are rarely insured, and you are responsible for damage. Avoid leaving your passport as a deposit. Inspect the vehicle carefully before leaving. If the rental company demands payment for damage you did not cause, go to the local police.

What to see and do

  • Mount Everest

    The world's highest mountain is Nepal's most famous sight.

  • Kathmandu Valley

    This World Heritage Site includes Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan.

  • Sagarmatha National Park

    One of Nepal's four World Heritage Sites.

  • Chitwan National Park

    One of Nepal's four World Heritage Sites.

  • Lumbini

    Buddha's birthplace is a World Heritage Site.

  • Go trekking

    Explore Himalayan routes, while choosing a height and season you can manage. Winter snow can prevent travel above 4,000–4,500 metres.

Food and drink

  • Daal-bhaat-tarkaari

    Nepal's national meal combines lentils, rice and spiced vegetables. It may come with yogurt, pickle or chutney.

  • Momos

    Meat- or vegetable-filled dumplings found widely in Kathmandu and other towns.

  • Newari food

    The Kathmandu Valley's Newar community has a varied local cuisine. Look for Newari restaurants.

  • Tibetan bread and honey

    Puffy fried bread served with honey, often eaten for breakfast.

  • Rikikul

    Sherpa potato pancakes, served hot with butter or yak-milk cheese.

  • Chiura

    Flattened rice eaten with yogurt, hot milk and sugar, or other flavourings.

Money

Nepalese rupee, written as Rs or रु; currency code NPR.

  • Coins come in 1 and 2 rupees. Notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rupees.
  • Budget room prices can often be negotiated, especially for longer stays.
  • Smile and stay friendly when bargaining. Allow the seller a reasonable profit.
  • Eating local dishes can help keep food costs down.

Typical costs

  • Budget double rooms: around Rs250–750.
  • A double room in a hotel roughly equal to three stars: around Rs1,500, with higher prices in Kathmandu.
  • Luxury accommodation: around US$50 for a double or US$100 for an apartment, with higher prices in Kathmandu.
  • Kathmandu's three-wheeled tempos: Rs5–12.
  • The source gives different motorcycle rental figures: around Rs500 a day in one section and Rs800–3,000 in another. It also lists petrol at Rs160–165 per litre during a fuel crisis.

Language

  • Nepali is the official language.
  • Tharu is spoken around Chitwan.
  • Newari is spoken in Kathmandu Valley.
  • Sherpa is spoken in the Everest area.
  • English is fairly widespread among educated Nepalis. Porters may speak very little English.
Namaste
A greeting used for hello or goodbye; bring your palms together with fingers pointing up.
Namaskar
A more formal greeting for an older person or someone of high status.
Dhanyabaad
Thank you; pronounced Dhan-ya-baad.

Staying safe

  • Flooding on 26 August 2026 badly damaged roads, buildings and communications in Rasuwa and the Nepal–China border area. Chitwan and other areas were also affected.
  • The flood warning was last updated on 27 August 2026. Follow local authorities and stay alert to changing conditions.
  • Floods, landslides and earthquakes can close border routes at short notice.
  • Avoid road travel after dark and buses that are overloaded or in poor condition.
2 common scams in Nepal, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Greet people with Namaste and your palms together. Use Namaskar as a more formal greeting for elders or people of high status.
  • Show respect to elders.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a home, and wait to be invited inside.
  • Use your right hand to give, receive or touch things.
  • Walk clockwise around Buddhist shrines, temples and other religious structures.
  • Bargain with a smile and allow a reasonable profit.

Don't

  • Do not point the soles of your feet at people or religious images, or step over someone sitting or lying down.
  • Do not touch people with your left hand, which is considered unclean.
  • Do not enter parts of Hindu temples that are closed to non-Hindus.
  • Avoid touching shared water containers or food that other people will eat.
  • Do not insult goods while bargaining.
  • Do not repeat Namaste to the same person more than once in a day.

Staying healthy

  • Drink water that has been boiled or chemically treated, or use bottled water with an intact seal. When using treatment chemicals, wait the full time stated in the instructions.
  • Use safe drinking water to brush your teeth, and avoid swallowing shower water. Wash your hands before eating and carry hand sanitiser.
  • Choose freshly cooked food protected from flies, and avoid cooked food left unrefrigerated. Be cautious with salads, and wash raw produce with boiled, filtered water or peel it.
  • Discuss vaccinations and preventive medicines with a health care provider. The source identifies risks including typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, malaria and rabies.

Phone and internet

  • Internet access is most widespread in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Most hotels and lodges in those cities offer free Wi-Fi, as do many restaurants.
  • Some village lodges offer Wi-Fi, but remote places may have only an occasional internet cafe.
  • Satellite internet in very remote villages can cost more than Rs100 per minute.

Where to stay

  • Budget double rooms cost around Rs250–750. Ask for a lower price if staying longer.
  • Inspect the room before agreeing to stay. The cheapest rooms may have no sheets, blankets or towels.
  • Rooms roughly equal to a three-star hotel cost around Rs1,500 for a double, with higher prices in Kathmandu.
  • Luxury hotels cost around US$50 for a double or US$100 for an apartment, with higher prices in Kathmandu. Their prices are usually fixed.

Trips to Nepal

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
Courtyards and Lakeside MorningsKathmanduPokharaFrom, per person~US$734
 6 nights
A Valley for TwoKathmanduBhaktapurNagarkotFrom, per person~US$841
 8 nights
Valley, Lake and ForestKathmanduPokharaChitwanFrom, per person~US$1,150

Outdoor adventures in Nepal

Nepal offers Himalayan treks, mountain climbs, river trips and jungle wildlife watching. Popular trekking areas include Annapurna, Everest and Langtang. October–December is the best season for the hills and mountains, but high routes bring risks from altitude and cold.

  • Annapurna Circuit

    TrekAnnapurna, Himalayas

    October–December

    Arrange your trek around overnight stops in mountain lodges. Check the route's guide requirements and available facilities before setting out.

    • Permit: Solo trekking is restricted in many regions. E-TIMS digital trekking checks are enforced at Besisahar. Confirm the requirements for your route.
    • High passes can cause life-threatening altitude sickness. Sleep no more than 300 metres higher each day.
    • Prepare for freezing conditions at high elevations.

  • Everest and Khumbu trekking

    TrekKhumbu, Himalayas

    October–December

    Choose a trek in the Everest region and check its lodge facilities and guide requirements before departure.

    • Permit: E-TIMS digital trekking checks are enforced at Monjo. Confirm the guide and entry requirements for your route.
    • Allow time to acclimatise, which means letting your body adjust to thinner air.
    • Winter is extremely cold. Snow may prevent travel above 4,000–4,500 metres.

  • Langtang region trekking

    TrekLangtang, Himalayas

    October–December

    Choose a route in the Langtang region. Check current accommodation, support and guide requirements before setting out.

    • Permit: Solo trekking is restricted in many regions. Confirm the requirements for your chosen route.
    • High routes carry a risk of altitude sickness.
    • Prepare for cold weather at higher elevations.

  • Annapurna Base Camp

    TrekAnnapurna, Himalayas

    October–December

    Check the route's current facilities and arrange the required trekking support before setting out.

    • Permit: Confirm the route's trekking permissions and guide requirements before departure.
    • Himalayan base camps can expose walkers to altitude sickness.
    • Prepare to walk and sleep in freezing conditions.

  • Chitwan National Park wildlife watching

    WildlifeWestern Tarai

    Visit Chitwan National Park for wildlife watching. Specific transport and tour arrangements are not detailed.

    • Follow local authorities' advice about flooding. Chitwan was among the areas affected by flooding reported in August 2026.
    • Watch where you place your hands and feet. Snakebite risk is greater in warm, low-elevation areas.

  • Pokhara–Jomosom trek

    TrekMiddle Hills and Himalayasnear Pokhara

    October–December; also described as a winter alternative to higher routes

    Choose the Pokhara–Jomosom route as a lower-altitude trekking option. Check current lodge facilities and required support before leaving.

    • Permit: Confirm the route's trekking permissions and guide requirements before departure.
    • Winter minimum temperatures can be around −10°C.
    • A lower route reduces altitude risk, but cold still needs careful preparation.

  • Island Peak

    ClimbingKhumbu, Himalayas

    April–June for mountain expeditions

    Arrange the climb with a qualified climbing guide. This route requires mountaineering equipment.

    • Permit: A climbing permit, qualified climbing guide and waste-disposal deposit are required. A permit is official permission to take part.
    • Use a qualified climbing guide and the required mountaineering equipment.
    • Allow time for your body to adjust to high altitude.

  • Mera Peak

    ClimbingHimalayas

    April–June for mountain expeditions

    Arrange the climb with a qualified climbing guide and obtain the required permissions.

    • Permit: A climbing permit, qualified climbing guide and waste-disposal deposit are required.
    • Use a qualified climbing guide.
    • Allow time for your body to adjust to high altitude.

  • Manaslu trekking

    TrekManaslu

    October–December

    Arrange a guided trek with at least one other foreign trekker. Remote-area groups often use porters and full support. Check current lodge availability.

    • Permit: A Restricted Area Permit is required. This is official permission to enter a controlled area. At least two foreign trekkers and a registered, qualified guide are required.
    • Facilities in remote areas are less extensive.
    • Allow time to adjust to altitude.

  • Mustang trekking

    TrekMustang

    October–December

    Arrange a guided group trek with at least two foreign trekkers. Check which lodges and other facilities are available on your route.

    • Permit: A Restricted Area Permit, at least two foreign trekkers and a registered, qualified guide are required.
    • Remote facilities may be limited.
    • Allow time to adjust to altitude.

  • Kanchenjunga trekking

    TrekKanchenjunga

    October–December

    Arrange a guided group trek with at least two foreign trekkers. Check current facilities and the level of support needed.

    • Permit: A Restricted Area Permit, at least two foreign trekkers and a registered, qualified guide are required.
    • Remote facilities may be limited.
    • Allow time to adjust to altitude.

  • Dolpo trekking

    TrekDolpo

    October–December

    Arrange a guided group trek with at least two foreign trekkers. Confirm accommodation and support before departure.

    • Permit: A Restricted Area Permit, at least two foreign trekkers and a registered, qualified guide are required.
    • Remote facilities may be limited.
    • Allow time to adjust to altitude.

  • Humla trekking

    TrekHumla

    October–December

    Arrange a guided group trek with at least two foreign trekkers. Check whether your route needs porters and full support.

    • Permit: A Restricted Area Permit, at least two foreign trekkers and a registered, qualified guide are required.
    • Remote facilities may be limited.
    • Allow time to adjust to altitude.

  • Great Himalaya Trail

    TrekHimalayas

    October–December

    Check the facilities and permission requirements for the route you plan to follow. Remote areas are often visited with an organised group and full support.

    • Permit: Requirements depend on the route. Solo trekking is restricted in many regions, and some areas require special permission and a guide.
    • High routes carry a risk of altitude sickness.
    • Prepare for extreme cold at high elevations.

  • Trishuli River rafting

    Rafting

    Nepal rafting trips range from 1–10 days; a river-specific duration is not given

    Book through a rafting company offering departures from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The Nepal Association of Rafting Agents provides detailed itineraries.

    • Trips cater to different experience levels. Choose one that matches your experience.
    • Follow local authorities' advice during flood conditions.

  • Bhote Koshi River rafting

    Rafting

    Nepal rafting trips range from 1–10 days; a river-specific duration is not given

    Arrange a river trip through a rafting company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Consult the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents for itineraries.

    • Choose a trip suited to your experience.
    • Follow local authorities' advice during flood conditions.

  • Sun Koshi River rafting

    Rafting

    Nepal rafting trips range from 1–10 days; a river-specific duration is not given

    Arrange a river trip through a rafting company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Consult the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents for itineraries.

    • Choose a trip suited to your experience.
    • Follow local authorities' advice during flood conditions.

  • Kali Gandaki River rafting

    Rafting

    Nepal rafting trips range from 1–10 days; a river-specific duration is not given

    Arrange a river trip through a rafting company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Consult the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents for itineraries.

    • Choose a trip suited to your experience.
    • Follow local authorities' advice during flood conditions.

  • Karnali River rafting

    Rafting

    Nepal rafting trips range from 1–10 days; a river-specific duration is not given

    Arrange a river trip through a rafting company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Consult the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents for itineraries.

    • Choose a trip suited to your experience.
    • Follow local authorities' advice during flood conditions.

  • Seti River rafting

    Rafting

    Nepal rafting trips range from 1–10 days; a river-specific duration is not given

    Arrange a river trip through a rafting company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Consult the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents for itineraries.

    • Choose a trip suited to your experience.
    • Follow local authorities' advice during flood conditions.

  • Tamur River rafting

    Rafting

    Nepal rafting trips range from 1–10 days; a river-specific duration is not given

    Arrange a river trip through a rafting company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Consult the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents for itineraries.

    • Choose a trip suited to your experience.
    • Follow local authorities' advice during flood conditions.

  • Marshyangdhi River rafting

    Rafting

    Nepal rafting trips range from 1–10 days; a river-specific duration is not given

    Arrange a river trip through a rafting company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Consult the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents for itineraries.

    • Choose a trip suited to your experience.
    • Follow local authorities' advice during flood conditions.

  • Trishuli River kayaking lessons

    Kayaking

    Book a Learn to Kayak course with one of the companies offering lessons on the Trishuli River.

    • Follow local authorities' advice during flood conditions.

Airports, metros and trains in Nepal

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BWAGautam Buddha International AirportSiddharthanagar (Bhairahawa)Main international airport
  • PHHPokhara International AirportPokharaMain international airport
  • KTMTribhuvan International AirportKathmanduMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
57 km

People and safety in Nepal

Religion

Most people are Hindu. Mostly one faith.

  • Hindu84%
  • Buddhist8%
  • Muslim5%
  • Folk religions4%
  • Christian2%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #120 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

55% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 185 of 198 countries can visit Nepal easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Freedom of movement1
  • Visa on arrival184
  • Visa required13

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe46 of 46 countries
  • Americas35 of 35 countries
  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Asia44 of 49 countries
  • Africa46 of 54 countries

Questions

When is the best time to visit Nepal's mountains?

October–December is best for the hills and mountains because the air is clearer. April–June is best for mountain expeditions.

Can my hotel help book transport?

Your hotel can book a tourist bus for you. Book a few days ahead, or visit a travel agent in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

What money does Nepal use?

Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee, written as Rs or रु. Its currency code is NPR.

What should I check before taking a cheap room?

Look at the room before agreeing to stay. Cheaper rooms may have no sheets, blankets or towels.

Can I drink untreated water?

No. Use boiled or chemically treated water, or bottled water with an intact seal.

What local food should I try?

Try daal-bhaat-tarkaari, a meal of lentils, rice and spiced vegetables. Momos are meat- or vegetable-filled dumplings found widely in towns.

Will people speak English?

English is fairly widespread among educated Nepalis, but porters may speak very little. A few Nepali words are useful outside tourist areas and while trekking.

Can experienced hikers get altitude sickness?

Yes, even experienced mountain climbers can develop life-threatening altitude sickness. Choose lower routes or increase your sleeping height by no more than 300 metres per day.

How should I greet people?

Say Namaste with your palms together and fingers pointing up. Namaskar is a more formal greeting for elders or people of high status.

Will I find Wi-Fi?

Most hotels and lodges in Kathmandu and Pokhara have free Wi-Fi, as do many restaurants. Access is more limited in remote villages.

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