Visa & Entry

1. Do I need a visa for Nepal?

Yes. Most travelers need a visa. You can get it on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Cost: $30 (15 days), $50 (30 days), or $125 (90 days). Bring your passport, one photo, and cash in US dollars. Indians don’t need a visa.

2. Can I extend my visa in Nepal?

Yes. Visit the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Cost: $3 per day (first 30 days), then $5 per day. Maximum stay: 150 days per year. Don’t overstay—it causes fines and problems.

3. What documents do I need for a Nepal visa?

You need: a valid passport (6 months validity), one passport photo, a visa fee in USD cash, and an accommodation address. Complete the online form before arrival to save time at the airport.

Safety & Health

4. Is Nepal safe for tourists?

Yes, Nepal is very safe. Crime against tourists is rare. Watch your belongings in crowded areas like Thamel. Solo female travelers visit safely—just dress modestly and avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas.

5. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, essential. Your home insurance won’t cover Nepal emergencies. Helicopter rescue costs $5,000-15,000. Get insurance covering trekking up to your planned altitude. Companies like World Nomads specialize in Nepal coverage.

6. What vaccines do I need?

See your doctor 6-8 weeks before travel. Common vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas), and Rabies (if going remote). Malaria isn’t a concern in Kathmandu or the mountains.

Money & Costs

7. How much does Nepal cost per day?

Budget travelers: $20-30/day. Mid-range: $50-80/day. Luxury: $150+/day. Trekking costs $20-30/day (independent) or $70-120/day (with guide). Nepal is very affordable compared to Western countries.

8. What currency does Nepal use?

Nepalese Rupee (NPR). About 140 NPR = $1 USD. ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Credit cards work in tourist hotels but carry cash everywhere—especially for trekking areas with no ATMs.

9. Should I bring cash or use ATMs?

Both. Bring $200-300 USD as backup. Use ATMs in Kathmandu/Pokhara, but withdraw ALL cash needed before trekking. No ATMs exist in mountain villages. ATM fees are around $4 per withdrawal.

Trekking & Permits

10. What trekking permits do I need?

TIMS Card: $20 (independent) or $10 (with agency). National Park permits: Everest ($30), Annapurna ($22), Langtang ($22). Restricted areas need special permits: Manaslu ($100), Upper Mustang ($500). Get permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

11. Can I trek alone without a guide?

Yes for popular routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang). No for restricted areas (Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga)—guides mandatory there. Hiring guides is safer and supports local jobs.

12. When is the best time to trek?

Best seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). Clear skies, great views, comfortable temperatures. Autumn is the peak season—busier but with the best weather. Avoid the monsoon (June-August) unless going to rain-shadow areas.

13. How hard is trekking in Nepal?

Varies by route. Easy: Poon Hill (3-5 days). Moderate: Annapurna Base Camp (7-12 days), Everest Base Camp (12-14 days). Hard: Manaslu Circuit, Three Passes Trek (18+ days). The main challenge is altitude, not technical difficulty.

Food & Drink

14. Is the food safe in Nepal?

Generally, yes with precautions. Only drink purified water—never tap water. Avoid raw vegetables, unpeeled fruit, and ice. Eat at busy restaurants where you see food being prepared. Dal bhat (rice and lentils) is a staple food that is safe and nutritious everywhere.

15. Can I drink alcohol in Nepal?

Yes, alcohol is legal. Local beers (Everest, Gorkha) cost $2-3. Try traditional raksi (grain spirit) or tongba (hot millet drink). Avoid alcohol when trekking high—it worsens altitude sickness. Some lodges don’t serve alcohol at high altitude.

16. Are there vegetarian options?

Absolutely. Many Nepalese are vegetarians. Dal bhat is naturally vegan. Tourist areas have extensive vegetarian and vegan menus. Just tell servers your dietary needs—though “vegan” (no dairy) may need explanation.

Culture & Etiquette

17. What should I wear in Nepal?

Dress modestly. Women: avoid short shorts, mini skirts, sleeveless tops. Wear pants/knee-length skirts and t-shirts. Men: long pants in cities (shorts okay for trekking). Cover shoulders and knees at temples. Always remove shoes before entering homes and temples.

18. What does Namaste mean?

It means “I greet the divine in you.” Say it as a greeting and goodbye. Press palms together at chest, slight bow, say “Namaste” (nah-mas-tay). Everyone uses it—very polite and respectful.

19. Do people speak English?

In Kathmandu, Pokhara, and trekking routes—yes, enough for basic communication. In remote villages, limited. Learn simple Nepali words: “Dhanyabad” (thank you), “Kati ho?” (how much?), “Paani” (water). Download offline translation apps.

20. Can I use my phone in Nepal?

Buy a local SIM card at the airport—Ncell or Nepal Telecom. Cost: $3-5 with data. Good coverage in cities and surprisingly far into trekking areas (even Everest Base Camp has signal sometimes). Remote areas have no coverage. WiFi is available in hotels, but slow.

Essential Quick Tips

Best Time to Visit Nepal: March-May (spring) and September-November (autumn)

Average Trip Duration: 10-14 days for first visit, 3+ weeks for major treks

Emergency Numbers: Police 100, Tourist Police +977-1-4247041, Ambulance 102

Time Zone: GMT+5:45 (yes, 45 minutes!)

Electricity: 230V, Type C, D, and M plugs. Bring a universal adapter. Power cuts are common.

Tipping: Not required but appreciated. Round up bills or add 10% in tourist restaurants.

Bargaining: Expected in markets and with taxi drivers. Start at 50-60% of the asking price.

Internet: Slow by Western standards. Don’t expect streaming. WiFi is common in tourist areas.

Booking Accommodation: Not necessary in advance except during peak season (October-November). Book teahouses as you trek—very flexible.

Festival Times: Dashain (September-October) and Tihar (October-November) are major festivals. Beautiful, but transport/hotels fill up. Plan accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not getting proper insurance – Biggest mistake. Get coverage before arrival.

❌ Overpacking – You don’t need as much as you think. Laundry is available everywhere.

❌ Ascending too fast – Causes altitude sickness. Follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle.

❌ Only bringing cards – Cash essential. Bring a mix of USD and get NPR from ATMs.

❌ Disrespecting local culture – Dress modestly. Remove shoes at temples. Ask before photographing people.

❌ Drinking tap water – Never. Only purified water. Causes serious stomach issues.

❌ Not bargaining – You’ll overpay significantly in markets and with taxis.

❌ Expecting Western efficiency – Things take longer. Flight delay. Plans change. Stay flexible.