Nepal information
The best time to visit
There are positives and negatives to visiting Nepal at any time of the year. Here is an overview of what is best at what time of year.
Spring (March – May)
- A great time for general touring
- A little less busy than the autumn trekking season
- Clear days and warm temperatures
- Great for rhododendrons and spring flowers
- A great season for mountain trekking
- In the mountains, blue skies and snow-capped peaks are common scenes
Summer (June – August)
- Low/shoulder season
- The best time for the Upper Mustang and the Tibetan Plateau (anywhere in the rain shadow areas)
- Off peak – a good time for touring World Heritage Cultural sites, Kathmandu, Lumbini, Pokhara etc
- A good time for visiting villages (rice planting and lush fields)
- High altitude areas have wildflowers in bloom (but they may be difficult to access in some areas)
- Monsoon views of hills and mountains are very dramatic with clouds in the picture but if you are after snow capped peaks and clear blue skies this is not the season
- Views of snow-capped peaks not common due to low cloud cover
- Remote roads can be difficult or impassable when wet
- Terai wildlife zones (such as Chitwan) are not possible at this time of the year
Autumn (September – November)
- High season
- The busiest season for trekking
- Weather is generally perfect with clear skies and snow capped peaks commonly seen
- In the mountains, autumn trees dot the hillsides
- It’s festival time in the cities and villages, with Dashain and Tihar happening back to back in October
Winter (December – February)
- Low season
- It’s pretty cold in Kathmandu and the mountains at this time of the year
- In the lowlands and mid hills, haze is common at this time of the year
- In the mountains it is very cold and snowfall is common
- Potentially, this is a good time of year for trips to the Terai wildlife areas (much quieter but still dry with milder weather)
- Mountain areas, although cold, are beautiful with clear skies and snow-capped peaks, but high altitude passes and high areas will be have limited access due to snowfall.
What to bring
If you are trekking or just generally touring, most items can be easily purchased in Kathmandu and other tourist areas. In most cases, you will be able to purchase items necessary for travel for cheaper prices than at home and you will be supporting the local economy as well. The following is a guide of what you should bring or what is best to buy after you arrive.
What to bring
- Your travel documents – make sure you have all of your travel documents with you. You should keep a copy back at home with your family or friends and provide a copy of these as well as your insurance details to your trekking or tour agency in Nepal (this may be a requirement with them prior to commencing your tour)
- A backpack or duffel bag – this is the best way to pack your gear for Nepal. Try to avoid bringing large suitcases, they tend to get thrown around during transit at airports and if porters need to carry your bags soft bags with carry straps are much more practical.
- Pack light for travel – while your international flight may allow 30kg of baggage you need to keep in mind that if you are travelling on domestic flights in Nepal that this limit will be significantly lower. You can always fill your bags with souvenirs to take home on your return journey.
- Prescription medication and general medication you may need – many general items are readily available at pharmacies in Nepal. There is also a large range of medicines available for common ailments. If you are taking prescription medication, it is recommended that you have a supply readily available.
- Large sizes of shoes and clothing – it is virtually impossible to buy large sizes of clothing and shoes in Nepal. If you need anything larger than L or XL in men’s clothing, you need to bring it with you. Similarly, if you have large feet (most Nepali feet are very small) then you need to make sure you have shoes with you including trekking boots if you are going trekking.
- Chocolate and sweets – while it is possible to buy chocolate and sweets in Nepal you will find that the quality varies quite considerably and is much more expensive than at home. A supply of quality chocolates and your favourite treats will be a welcome sight in your luggage after a long day.
- A small power bank or multi plug – one that will fit all of your electronic devices. This way you can plug your power board into a multi plug in the wall of your hotel (or use an adapter) and charge all of your devices at once.
What to buy
- All your trekking gear – in Nepal (particularly in Kathmandu), you will be able to stock up on everything you need for your trip or trek. This includes down sleeping bags, down jackets, warm fleece, trekking pants, trekking boots, goretex and softshell pants and jackets and everything else not mentioned. This includes climbing gear as well such as ropes, crampons, down suits etc.
- Toiletries – you will find it cheaper and easier to easily purchase small travel packs of toiletries on arrival. This includes shampoo (you can even buy single use sachets), toothpaste, soap, face wash, combs and brushes etc.
- Maps and guide books – these are readily available from the many bookshops in Kathmandu and other cities and towns
- Power adaptors and universal plugs – these are readily available to buy in Nepal, you will also find that most hotels and lodges have universal plugs in the walls so they may not be necessary.
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer – you should carry these with you at all times.
Nepal visa information
Upon arrival, visas are available for tourists from most countries (except for Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan & Syria) and they are easily obtainable from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and 8 other land entry points around the country.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you can fill in the online visa application form using the machines in the terminal building. Or, you can do it online in advance at: https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
You can pay for a visa for 15 days, 30 days and 90 days at the airport.
- 15-days multiple entry visa – US $30
- 30-days multiple entry visa – US $50
- 90-days multiple entry visa – US $125
Children under 10 require a visa but there is no fee charged.
The maximum length of time that you can extend this visa is for a total of 150 days per calendar year. The extension fee is currently USD $2 per day and it can be easily arranged at the Immigration Department office in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival in Nepal, you will need to have a valid passport as well as the contact details and the address for the hotel in which you will be staying.
You can also arrange a Nepal visa through your local embassy (the cost may be higher).
For more information visit: https://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/
Insurance
It is a wise idea to have travel insurance when travelling to Nepal. Many travel agencies and tour operators will include this as a requirement for you to book onto an organized tour.
When looking at travel insurance policies, make sure that the activities that you will be doing are covered under the policy. Some policies do not cover high altitude trekking and adventure activities. Making sure that these are covered will ensure that you do not have any problems later on.
Choose a policy that covers medical and emergency repatriation, including helicopter evacuation for trekkers and general medical evacuation.
Having a good travel insurance policy will mean that you can receive fast, quality medical care if required. Make sure that you make copies of your insurance documents and forward them to your tour organizer and also to your family in case of an emergency.
While theft is not a big problem in Nepal, insuring your personal belongings and valuables will ensure that you can claim any loss or damage on your holiday if needed.
Important travel tips
- Do not trek alone – trekkers regularly go missing in Nepal. Most of the trekking trails have very little signs to help you find your way. Many are also at a high altitude and you are at risk of AMS or changing weather. A guide will have your safety as his primary concern and you will be supporting the local economy by providing employment as well. The guide and porter fees can easily be shared out in your group. If you are a solo traveller, then you can meet with other solo travellers or you can book a fixed departure with a trekking agency.
- The greeting used in Nepal is Namaste – which is done with both palms joined together.
- Food safety – don’t drink water that is not bottled or boiled. Bottled and purified water are readily available in Nepal. Wash your fruit and vegetables with bottled or boiled water.
- Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you at all times – public toilets do not have toilet paper and they may require you to use squat toilets. There will not always be soap and water for hand washing.
- Do not give money to beggars on the street – although they look very sad it only encourages them to beg for more and it supports the professional begging industry. If you are interested in helping out socially, you can donate to one of the many charities or social organisations.
- Be sure to exchange all local currency before departure. Outside of Nepal, it cannot be exchanged back and it is illegal to take the currency out of the country.
- Do not rely completely on schedules and times – there are many reasons why they might change. Mountain flights can be delayed by unpredictable weather conditions. Always allow some extra time in case of delays if you have a fixed departure home.
- Be aware of load shedding – the power may be off for part or most of the day depending on the time of the year. Most hotels have generators and solar lights that are used in the rooms and common areas but you may not be able to charge your electronic items during those times. It is also a great idea to have a torch handy (or use your phone) at night time.
- Be aware that “Banndhs’ or strikes which force the closure of public transportation can affect your travel plans.
- Do not assume that yes means yes. Always confirm details- ‘yes’ is often a polite way of acknowledgment and sometimes you may not have been understood.
- Don’t assume that “ganja” (marijuana) is legal in Nepal – it is not even though it is commonly found on hillsides and roadsides.
- Stay away from dance bars in Kathmandu and Pokhara. These are tourist traps where you will be encouraged to buy food and alcohol at much high prices.
- There will be entrance fees for you to pay to enter many of the temples and public places- these only apply to foreigners. Some temples will not allow foreigners to enter. Monasteries will encourage a donation.
- Avoid having food around monkeys at temples and stupas. They will quite often snatch food and water bottles and they can at times be quite vicious.
- Always walk clockwise around stupas, and walk to the left of mani walls and stones. Be respectful of culture and religion particularly in sacred places.
- Support the no plastic initiative in trekking areas, use water bottles and refill at safe water refill stations.
How to get there
Nepal has one international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. While the facilities here are quite basic, it is easy to get a visa on arrival and the processing times / baggage collection times are quite reasonable by international standards. It is easy to get a prepaid taxi to anywhere in the city with very little fuss and help is always available.
Flights from Europe
From continental Europe, there are no direct flights. Most airlines that fly to Kathmandu from here transit through India or the Middle East.
Flights from the UK and Ireland
From the UK, you can fly via India or via the Middle East depending on the airline.
Flights from Australia and New Zealand
It is easy to fly to Kathmandu from Australia and New Zealand. The transit from here will be through Asia (Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Singapore most likely).
Flights from Canada and the USA
Flights from here involve multiple transits. They are generally through Asia or the Middle East depending on the travel route.
Flights and land access from India
Getting to Nepal from India is easy. There are land routes here where buses offer services daily. There are also direct flights from Delhi and also (though not as often) from other Indian cities.
Flights from Asia
There are convenient direct flights to Kathmandu from many Asian airports.
Flights from the Middle East
There are convenient direct flights to Kathmandu from many airports in this region.
Getting around
It is easy to find your way around Nepal. In Kathmandu, there are taxis and rickshaws readily available to take you wherever you wish to go. There are daily tourist buses to all of the major destinations that can easily be booked from your hotel. There are domestic flights which fly to all of the main tourist areas and while the cost of a flight ticket is higher than the cost of a bus, the flight times are very fast and the cost is reasonable.
Most people that work in the tourism field speak very good English, so it is easy to communicate and to be understood. Many people also speak other languages as well which is a bonus for tourists.
Embassies and Consulates
There are currently 25 embassies located in Kathmandu, Nepal:
Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 437 1678
Fax: +977 1 437 1533
Emaill: austembassy.kathmandu@dfat.gov.au
Basundhara, Chakrapath, Kathmandu
(opposite NABIL Bank Dhapashi Branch)
Tel: +977 1 439 0130
Fax: +977 1 439 0132
Email: mission.kathmandu@mofa.gov.bd
Chundevi Marg, House no. 155, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 472 1462
Fax: +977 1 472 1464
Email: basemb.kathmandu@itamaraty.gov.br
Nakhkhu Height, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 559 2774
Fax: +977 1 559 2776
Email: myanmaremb@wlink.com.np
Baluwatar, Kathmandu
Tel: +977 1 441 1740
Fax: +977 1 441 4045
Email: chinaemb_np@mfa.gov.cn
761 Neel Saraswati Marg, Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Tel: +977 1 441 3010
Fax: +977 1 441 1409
Email: ktmamb@um.dk
Sainbu, Bhaisepati, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 559 0166
Fax: +977 1 559 2661
Email: embassy.kathmandu@mfa.gov.eg
Bansidhar Marg 17, Bishalnagar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 441 6636
Fax: +977 1 441 6703
Email: sanomat.KAT@formin.fi
Lazimpat – BP 452, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 441 2332
Fax: +977 1 441 9968
Gyaneshwar Marg 690, Gyaneshwar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 421 7200
Fax: +977 1 441 6899
336, Kapurdhara Marg, Lainchaur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 441 0900
Fax: +977 1 442 8279
Emergency 24 hour: +977 1 442 3702
Bishramalaya House, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 444 1310
Fax: +977 1 441 3920
1253, Narayan Gopal Sadak, Panipokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 442 6680
Fax: +977 1 441 4101
Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 552 1855
Fax: +977 1 552 5394
Ravi Bhawan, Kalimati, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 427 0172
Fax: +977 1 427 4041
Email: konepemb@mofa.go.kr
Sanepa-2, Ring Road, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 554 5680
Fax: +977 1 554 5679
Email: mwkathmandu@kln.gov.my
Surya Court, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 554 5307
Fax: +977 1 554 5226
Email: emb.kathmandu@mfa.no
Pushpanjali, Maharajgunj Chakrapath, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 437 4024
Fax: +977 1 437 4012
Email: parembktm@gmail.com
2715 Narayan Gopal Marg, Maharajgunj, Ward No 3, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 472 1631
Fax: +977 1 472 1636
Email: Kathmandu@mofa.gov.qa
Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 441 2155
Fax: +977 1 441 6571
Email: ruspos@info.com.np
Gairi Marg, Chundevi Road, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 472 0623
Fax: +977 1 472 0128
Email: lankaemb@wlink.com.np
Jawalakhel, Ekanta Kuna, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 554 9225
Fax: +977 1 552 5358
Email: kat.vertretung@eda.admin.ch
167/4 Ward No. 3, Maharajgunj, Bansbari Road, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 437 1410
Fax: +977 1 437 1408
Email: thaiemb@thaiembnepal.org.np
Lainchaur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 441 0583
Fax: +977 1 441 1789
Email: bekathmandu@fco.gov.uk
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 423 4000
Fax: +977 1 400 7272
Email: usembktm@state.gov
Do’s and don’ts
Some rules of etiquette in Nepal:
- Namaste is the common way to greet someone – it is done by pressing your palms together in front of you. Shaking hands is not commonly practiced
- Showing public affection is considered offensive (kissing and hugging) as is the holding of hands between men and women
- It is considered offensive to wear skimpy or revealing clothing (like wearing your underwear in public)
- Food is not eaten with the left hand
- Ask before taking photographs of locals (or do it in a discreet manner)
- Check if photography is permitted in monasteries or temples before you take photos
- Some temples do not allow entrance to foreigners
- Do not give money to children – it only encourages them to beg for money. You can donate to a local school or community organisation instead
- Among Hindus, do not touch women or holy men
- Use both hands when receiving something – it is a sign of respect
- Don’t point with your finger but use your flat hand, particularly in a sacred place
- Don’t eat beef in front of Hindus and Buddhists – this is prohibited as cows are sacred in Nepal
- Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery
- When sharing a drinking bottle, avoid touching it with your mouth
- Do not touch someone’s head or point the bottom of your feet towards them. It is considered rude
- Always walk around a stupa clockwise, the walls and prayer wheels should be on your right. When passing a mani wall or stone (a wall covered in Tibetan script) always pass with the wall or stone on your right. Never remove any of the stones
- Do not shout or raise your voice – this is considered to be very bad manners in Nepal
- Make sure you get a certificate of authenticity when buying antiques otherwise you won’t be able to take it out of the country
- Don’t buy ivory or fur from endangered species or any other illegal goods – you won’t be able to take them home and it only encourages the trade in illegal goods
- When trekking, make sure that you dispose of rubbish correctly (in the bins provided)
Currency exchange
In Nepal, the local currency is Nepal Rupees (NRS) which are used throughout the country to buy local goods, transport and other services
The current exchange rate (as of 1st March 2024) is:
USD 1 = 120 NRS
AUD 1 = 89 NRS
EUR 1 = 133 NRS
GBP 1 = 160 NRS
There is no need to arrange a currency exchange before you arrive. This is something that can be easily done after your arrival (and at a lower cost too).
At the airport, you can pay for your arrival visa using USD, AUD or Euros.
Your hotel or trekking agency will arrange an airport pickup for you or if you need to take a taxi to your hotel then you can easily pay for this using these currencies too.
Once you arrive in Thamel or at your hotel, there will be a currency exchange counter near your hotel and near all of the Kathmandu tourist areas. The currency exchange rate is listed as the daily rate and will be the same (or very similar) to all of the currency exchanges. They do not charge any transfer fees and you can easily change money day or night. Once out of Kathmandu it is a little harder to exchange currency. The bigger cities and towns (such as Pokhara) will have readily available currency exchanges but the more remote areas and trekking regions will not. Make sure that you change money into the local currency before you leave for your trek.
You can also find ATMs throughout Kathmandu and most of the cities in Nepal. You can withdraw funds from your ATM credit card and the machine will dispense money in the local currency.
Our suggestion is that you arrive with the local currency and then you exchange for some more local currency after your arrival. We can advise you on how much spending money you are likely to need for your stay in Nepal.
Culture and language
The culture of Nepal is unique. It is rich with music, dance, arts, literature, religion, festivals and food. Temples and monasteries are the foundations of Nepali architecture. They are important cultural and historical places.
There are 36 different ethnic groups in Nepal and they have all developed their own religion, language and music. Folk music is very popular. When travelling in Nepal, you can see the different traditional clothing, taste the different traditional foods and learn about the cultures of the various ethnic groups.
The main language spoken in Nepal is Nepali with 45% of people using it as their primary language. There are however 123 different languages spoken in Nepal.
The most common greeting in Nepal is “Namaste” which is where both palms are pressed together across the chest. When translated, it means “the god in me greets the god in you”.
Religion
Approximately 80% of the Nepalese population is Hindu with Buddhism as the second most popular religion. In the mountains, Buddhism is more predominant, and in the cities, hills and flat lands, Hinduism predominates. Nepalese people are very religious and they hold close to their beliefs and culture. There is also a strong belief in spirits, ghosts and Shamanism. Shamans are often consulted to treat illnesses.
Festivals
The biggest festival of the year is Dashain, which is held for 15 days in late September/early October. There are many other festivals and celebrations held in Nepal.
Climate
The climate of Nepal varies considerably depending on the altitude and location. The Terai Region (which is in the south) is characterized by a sub-tropical climate where it is hot and humid during the summer and cool but not cold in the winter. The hills that cover the central areas of the country are cooler, with pleasant temperatures for most of the year. The mountain regions have a much cooler alpine climate all year round and can be extremely cold particularly in the winter months.
Nepal has 4 seasons
Spring (March – May)The temperatures in the spring are warm in the lower altitudes and mild at higher altitudes. This is the time that the rhododendrons (the national flower) and other flowers are in bloom, bringing colour to the trekking trails in the mountains. This is the second most popular season for trekking and it is the time where most expeditions to Mt Everest take place.
Summer (June – August)This is also known as the rainy season (monsoon). It is generally hot and humid in most areas (except in the mountains) and on most days there are thunderstorms that move through quite rapidly, particularly in the late afternoon or evening. This leaves the air quite clear and makes the hillsides a lush green color.
Autumn (September – November)This is the most popular tourist season in Nepal and the trekking trails can be quite busy at this time. The temperatures are still quite warm and the skies are mostly clear with very little rain. It is also the season for festivals such as Dashain and Tihar. In the mountains, the hillsides are dotted with autumn leaves.
Autumn (December – February)The weather is cooler in these months. The climate can be very cold at higher altitudes although the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls. Away from the mountains, the air can be quite hazy.
| Average Temps (degrees Celsius) max/min | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu (1336m) | 28/10 | 29/19 | 27/12 | 20/2 |
| Pokhara (827m) | 28/15 | 29/21 | 26/17 | 20/7 |
| Namche Bazaar (3447m) | 11/1 | 16/8 | 10/4 | 7/-6 |
| Trisuli (541m) | 32/17 | 32/20 | 30/15 | 23/8 |