Nepal Travel Guide – Travel Insights and Tips

Traveling to Nepal? Our detailed Nepal insights, blogs and travel tips will help you plan the best trip.

A gateway to the awe-inspiring Himalayas, Nepal offers the world’s best treks, such as the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trek. But Nepal is not merely a trekkers’ paradise. You will also find lush tropical rainforests, vast grasslands, stunning temple art, serene Buddhist stupas and colorful cities here.

Visit the outstanding UNESCO World Heritage sites of Patan and Bhaktapur and marvel at their royal palaces and Newari architecture. Kathmandu is also endlessly fascinating, with its medieval alleys, chaotic bazaars, palaces and nightlife. Head to Pokhara and admire the scenery and soak in the quiet charms of the lake city. Go deep into the jungle of Chitwan to spot the wildlife. There is no dearth of places to visit and things to do in Nepal.

Say, you are looking to trek to Everest Base Camp in May or wondering if November in Nepal is ideal for exploration, we have got you covered. Just use our Nepal travel guide to explore this remarkable country and find the best time to visit Nepal.

So, how many days should you spend in Nepal? We recommend spending a minimum of one week on your Nepali holiday. Once you have gathered all the information on Nepal, you can choose one of these Nepal tours that best fits your budget and interests. Or, you could plan a customized tour to Nepal with the assistance of our local travel experts.

Top Destinations in Nepal

Discover the highlights of Nepal.

Follow Trekking Trails to Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most incredible experiences in the world. The scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The trek is accessible to anyone with basic fitness levels. While the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular, alternative routes like the Three Passes detour are also available. View Tours

Go on a Safari in Chitwan National Park

Spread across 952 square kilometers, Chitwan National Park is home to nearly 50 species of mammals, 55 species of reptiles and amphibians and more than 500 species of birds. Spot tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos on a traditional jeep safari. And see crocodiles and gharials on an exciting boat safari on Rapti River. View Tours

Explore Kathmandu’s Historic Landmarks

Kathmandu Durbar Square is the heart of the old city. Here, you can find the city’s best architectural heritage and landmarks, including the famed Hanuman Dhoka palace. Other must-visit sites in Kathmandu include the Pashupatinath temple, and Swayambhunath, a Buddhist stupa overlooking the city. View Tours

What to do in Nepal

Read all about the top things to do in Nepal.

Things to Do in Nepal

Located between the majestic Himalaya Mountains and the fascinating Indian jungles, Nepal is a land where things like yaks, yetis, mountain peaks and hidden monasteries appear to be seemingly common. Ever since the country opened its borders to foreigners ...Read more

15 Best Things to do in Pokhara, Nepal

If Kathmandu is known for its culture and heritage, Pokhara is the gateway to adventure in Nepal. The picturesque valley features shimmering lakes lined by cafes and restaurants ranging from quirky to luxurious. Surrounding the city are hills, home to loc ...Read more

10 Best Rafting Tours in Nepal - Ultimate Rafting in Nepal Guide

Normally Nepal is all about Mt. Everest and trekking in the Himalayas. But did you ever pause a moment and think about Nepal's rafting tours? If you're going rafting in Nepal, you will be up for some of the best river rafting trips in the world. The rafti ...Read more

See all what to do in Nepal guides

Nepal at a Glance

Quick facts about Nepal.

CAPITAL CITY

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.

SIZE

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.

COUNTRY CODE

+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.

CURRENCY

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.

MAIN AIRPORT

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

VISAS

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.

LANGUAGE

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.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

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

WHAT'S UNIQUE

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.

When to visit Nepal

Read the below travel guides to find the best time to visit Nepal.

°C °F

Jan Avg Daily: 17 ° C Avg Nightly: 2 ° C
Feb Avg Daily: 19 ° C Avg Nightly: 4 ° C
Mar Avg Daily: 24 ° C Avg Nightly: 8 ° C
Apr Avg Daily: 28 ° C Avg Nightly: 12 ° C
May Avg Daily: 29 ° C Avg Nightly: 15 ° C
Jun Avg Daily: 29 ° C Avg Nightly: 17 ° C
Jul Avg Daily: 27 ° C Avg Nightly: 18 ° C
Aug Avg Daily: 27 ° C Avg Nightly: 18 ° C
Sep Avg Daily: 27 ° C Avg Nightly: 17 ° C
Oct Avg Daily: 25 ° C Avg Nightly: 14 ° C
Nov Avg Daily: 22 ° C Avg Nightly: 9 ° C
Dec Avg Daily: 18 ° C Avg Nightly: 4 ° C

Best Time to Visit:

Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

Nepal in September: The Start of Fall Season

Monsoon rains gradually dissipate all over the country by the beginning of fall, which means that you can enjoy captivating views of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas combined with the luscious greenery of valleys during your trip to Nepal in September. Ho ...Read more

Nepal in December: Weather, Tips & Trekking

While visiting Nepal in December might not be a popular option, this month can be a surprisingly good time to visit the country. It is early winter in Nepal, which means that some areas will be cold. However, on the plus side, the country is mostly dry du ...Read more

Nepal in May: Clear Weather and Trekking Season

May is the end of one of two high seasons in Nepal and one of the best times to explore. As it’s pre-monsoon season, the weather in Nepal in May is favorable and the long days and clear conditions make it an excellent time to go on a trekking holida ...Read more

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How long to stay in Nepal

Read about the ideal duration to stay in Nepal.

7 Days in Nepal: Our Recommendations

Most travelers heading for Nepal plan a fortnight-long stay in the country in order to trek to the base camp of either Mount Everest or Mount Annapurna. However, the country also has a lot to offer even to those planning to spend just 7 days in Nepal. For ...Read more

10 Days in Nepal: Our Recommendations

Those looking to spend 10 days in Nepal can soak up its towering mountains during one of the shorter treks like Mardi Himal or Poon Hill, then travel down to its plains where nature reserves abound. Try spotting tigers on a jeep safari in Chitwan or head ...Read more

Great Nepal Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to brightly colored temples, a trip to Nepal brings together adventure and spirituality in a unique blend that you’ll be yearning to return again and again. Hike through the Himalayas and take a flight over Mount Ev ...Read more

See all how long to stay in Nepal guides

Treks in Nepal

Read the ultimate trekking guides for Nepal.

Trekking Seasons in Nepal

For every trekking season below we list the average temperatures in Kathmandu, which lies at an altitude of 1300 m. If wanting to calculate the potential temperatures during your trek then please note that for every 100 meters of ascend the temperature wi ...Read more

Altitude Illness while Trekking in Nepal

Altitude illness occurs due to changed pressure and oxygen levels. As the altitude increases the pressure levels drop and as a result oxygen levels drop accordingly. Altitude illness may kick in when reaching 3,000 meters and above as a result of the body ...Read more

Health and Safety while Trekking, Including Altitude Sickness

Trekking is generally very rewarding and a lifetime experience. While trekking is not dangerous, health and safety should always be kept in mind. Whether you're going for the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, the Inca Trail in Peru, or wanting to trek Kili ...Read more

See all trekking in Nepal guides

Nepal Tours and Holiday Packages

Select the tour type that you are looking for.

FAQs for Nepal

Read the most frequently asked questions and answers about traveling to Nepal below.

What is the required budget for a trip to Nepal?
When should I travel to Nepal?
How long do I need to travel Nepal?
What are the main attractions of Nepal?

Sustainable travel — How to travel through Nepal responsibly

In line with Bookmundi’s vision, we wish to provide our travelers with a sustainable travel experience through Nepal. As part of this effort, we carbon offset any Nepal tour that you purchase through us. Read more details about our carbon offsetting program.

Here’s what you can do to travel to Nepal more responsibly:

Carbon offset your trip to Nepal via Qantas that allows for carbon offsetting. If you have purchased your tour through Bookmundi, the moment your tour begins in Nepal, we will carbon offset your tour from its starting point to its ending point.
You can donate a small amount to help the efforts of Renewable World, an NGO with headquarters in the UK that works with local partners in Nepal to develop affordable renewable energy solutions for poor communities.
You can also do your bit by traveling sustainably in Nepal. For example, don’t buy plastic bottles, always pack any rubbish generated and dispose of properly, and travel by bus instead of flight between major cities.

Nepal travel tips and insights

Take off your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home.
Objects and cash should be offered and received with the right hand or both hands.
The Nepali greeting, “namaste,” with your palms held together, is the best way to form a bond or start a conversation with a stranger. A more formal and respectful version is “namaskar,” usually reserved for older relatives or priests.
Power outages are common in Nepal, especially in remote areas. So always be prepared with a power bank to charge your devices.

Ready to customize your Nepal Vacation

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Jón Jonker Travel Expert in Nepal
Shiv Raj Singh Travel Expert in India & Nepal
Nilam Bastola Travel Expert in Nepal

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