Nepal Travel Guide – Travel Insights and Tips

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Founded in 723CE by Raja Gunakamadeva, its early name was Manju-Patan. The word Kathmandu means ‘wooden temple.’ Like many South Asian cities, Kathmandu can seem noisy and chaotic at first glance, but this mix of ancient, medieval and modern makes it so intriguing.

49.45 square kilometers. Navigating Kathmandu can seem challenging, but you can easily find rickshaws in the tourist area of Thamel and taxis nearly everywhere. Buses are available, but the service can be confusing.

+977 is the Nepal's country code when making a call from another country. Follow the country code with an area code, such as 01 for Kathmandu.

Nepal uses the Nepali Rupee. ATMs are found in most large towns and cities. Nepal’s main airport offers facilities for exchanging money. Moneychangers can also be found in tourist hotspots. Government-registered money changers usually give better rates. US dollar cheques are accepted in tourist areas but carry local cash when traveling to remote places.

Tribhuvan International Airport is Nepal’s only international airport. It is home to about a dozen private carriers operating within the country and some international airlines that connect parts of Asia and the Middle East. The airport is about six kilometers away from the city center. Code: KTM Closest City: Kathmandu

All foreign nationals barring Indians, need a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are free for 30 days for some South Asian nationals. Tourist visas are issued on arrival at Kathmandu airport, but you may want to get one from a Nepali embassy or consulate in your country beforehand. Tourist visas can be extended up to 150 days.

More than 120 languages are spoken in Nepal, but the official language is Nepali. English is the most commonly spoken international language, and most people in the tourism sector speak basic English. If you go to rural areas, a friendly smile and a ‘namaste’ will go a long way in breaking the ice.

Dial 100 to contact the police. 1144 is the tourist police hotline number for Kathmandu. Dial 101 for fire and 112 for ambulance service.

Nepal does not have Uber, but motorcycle ride-sharing apps like Pathao, InDriver and Tootle are popular here. You can use foreign SIM cards in Nepal, but local ones like Ncell are far cheaper.