South Asia
Nepal
The great trekking country: Everest, Annapurna and Langtang teahouse trails, plus Kathmandu's temples and Pokhara's lakeside. Cheap and friendly; slow roads, weather delays and political strikes are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa1 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyNPRUS$1 ≈ Rs154.20Details
- Price level24%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, D, M230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency100Police 100 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1144
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSouth Asia's most progressive laws, including temporary same-sex marriage registration since 2023, but society is conservative.Details
- Internet89 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the leftScooter rentals in Kathmandu and Pokhara ask for a licence; carry an IDP. Most visitors use buses, jeeps or drivers.
Where to go in Nepal
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KathmanduCapital city | 4/5 | $584–908 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 91/100 |
| PokharaCity | 4/5 | $486–746 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 97/100 |
| ChitwanRegion | 4/5 | $519–778 | Feb–Mar, Oct–Nov | 93/100 |
| Namche BazaarMountain town | 4/5 | $778–1,170 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 71/100 |
| BhaktapurCity | 4/5 | $454–713 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 97/100 |
| LumbiniTown | 4/5 | $454–713 | Feb–Mar, Oct–Nov | 94/100 |
| PatanCity | 4/5 | $649–1,040 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 88/100 |
When to visit Nepal
October–November is peak trekking season with clear skies; March–May brings rhododendrons and warmer days. The June–September monsoon means leeches and cloud, except in rain-shadow Upper Mustang.
Good to know
Entry
- Visa on arrival at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports and main land borders: US$30, 50 or 125 for 15, 30 or 90 days.
- Fill the online arrival form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before landing to shorten the airport queue.
- Since 2023 most trekking routes in protected areas, including Everest and Annapurna, require a licensed guide and a TIMS card.
- Tourist visas allow at most 150 days per calendar year.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Killing or harming cows is a serious crime; buffalo meat is what you'll find.
- Flying a drone needs permission; heritage sites and the Kathmandu Valley restrict them.
- Trekking without the required permits or guide brings fines at checkpoints.
Etiquette
- Walk clockwise around stupas and spin prayer wheels clockwise
- Remove shoes at temples and homes; some Hindu temples bar non-Hindus
- Don't touch people's heads or point your feet at them
- Use your right hand to eat, give and receive
Tipping
Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge plus 13% VAT. Tip trekking guides and porters about 10–15% of the trek cost.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Nepal Tourism Board: Tourist Visa
- Nepal Tourism Board: TIMS Card and guide rule
- Department of Immigration online services
- Ncell Tourist SIM
- Speedtest Global Index: Nepal
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.