Your Complete Nepal Travel Guide 

🇳🇵 Nepal Guide

Planning a trip to Nepal? This quick guide covers the essential information you need before and during your journey—from visas and transport to trekking, safety, food and local culture.

🛂 Visa & Entry

Most foreign visitors, except Indian nationals, need a tourist visa. Visa on arrival is available at major airports and designated land entry points for eligible nationalities. Check the latest requirements and fees before travelling, as rules can change.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Autumn (October–November) and spring (March–May) generally offer the best conditions for trekking, sightseeing and mountain views. Winter is good for many lower-elevation destinations, while the monsoon brings rain but also lush landscapes.

💰 Money & Budget

Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Carry some cash, particularly when travelling outside major cities. Cards and ATMs are more widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara than in remote areas.

🚌 Getting Around

Domestic flights are useful for remote mountain destinations, while tourist buses, local buses, taxis and private vehicles connect cities and towns. Road journeys can be slow, especially during monsoon or on mountain roads.

🏨 Accommodation

Nepal offers everything from budget guesthouses and homestays to hotels and luxury resorts. Trekking routes commonly use teahouses/lodges. Book ahead during peak seasons and major festivals.

🏔️ Trekking Permits & Guides

Trekking requirements depend on the route. Many popular trekking areas require TIMS and/or protected-area entry permits, while specified routes require a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS. Restricted areas require special trekking permits. Always check the current requirements for your exact route before departure.

Current TIMS fee: NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 2,000 for other foreign visitors, according to the current Nepal Tourism Board information.

⚠️ Important: Trekking regulations can change. Confirm current permits, guide requirements and fees with the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered trekking agency before travelling.

🩺 Health & Safety

Altitude sickness can become a serious risk at higher elevations. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated and never continue climbing if symptoms are worsening. For high-altitude trekking, travel insurance should cover trekking and emergency evacuation.

Drink safe water and consider visiting a travel clinic before your trip for destination-specific health advice.

🚨 Emergency Information

Police: 100
Fire: 101
Ambulance: 102
Tourist Police: 1144

⚠️ In remote trekking areas, emergency response can take time. Your guide, lodge or hotel may be able to arrange help faster.

🧳 What to Pack

Pack according to the season and destination. Essentials may include comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, rain protection, sunscreen, personal medicines, a reusable water bottle, power bank and universal travel adaptor.

🍛 Food & Drink

Try Nepal's famous dal bhat, momo, Newari dishes and Thakali cuisine. Drink bottled, filtered or properly purified water, especially while trekking.

📱 SIM & Internet

Local SIM/eSIM services are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Mobile coverage and internet can become limited in remote mountain regions. Carry offline maps and important information when trekking.

🙏 Culture & Etiquette

Dress respectfully at temples and religious sites, remove shoes where required and ask before photographing people or ceremonies. Respect local customs, religious practices and sacred places.

🌱 Responsible Tourism

Avoid littering, reduce single-use plastic, respect wildlife and local communities, use marked trails and choose registered guides and responsible tourism operators where possible.

🗺️ Suggested Trips

2–3 days: Kathmandu Valley
5–7 days: Kathmandu + Pokhara
7–10 days: Kathmandu + Chitwan + Pokhara
10–14 days: Add a short trek or longer mountain itinerary
2–3 weeks: Combine major cities, nature, culture and trekking.

🌤️ Before You Visit

Check the weather • Plan your budget • Arrange accommodation • Pack essentials • Check permits • Use authorized guides where required • Plan transportation • Follow local safety advice

Note: Visa rules, trekking permits, fees and other travel regulations can change. Always verify the latest information before travelling.