Travel guide · Nepal
How Much Does a Trip to Nepal Cost?
Shoestring from US$25 a day, mid-range US$50–90, luxury beyond — here's what a Nepal trip really costs.
Nepal is one of the best-value countries in Asia, but costs swing widely depending on how you travel and whether you trek. Here's a realistic breakdown to help you set a daily budget.
The short answer
Plan for roughly US$25–35 a day (NPR 3,300–4,600) on a shoestring, US$50–90 (NPR 6,600–12,000) for mid-range comfort, and US$150+ (NPR 20,000+) for luxury hotels, private guides and frequent flights. Treks, permits and domestic flights are the main extras that can blow a budget, so price them separately.
Daily budgets at a glance
| Style | Per day (USD) | Per day (NPR) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | $25–35 | 3,300–4,600 | Guesthouse, local food, buses |
| Mid-range | $50–90 | 6,600–12,000 | Comfortable hotel, mix of restaurants, some private transport |
| Luxury | $150+ | 20,000+ | Top hotels, private guide and driver, domestic flights |
What things cost
Approximate prices to give you a feel (always treat as a guide, not a quote):
- Dal bhat (the national set meal): NPR 250–600 in local spots
- Restaurant meal in Thamel: NPR 600–1,500
- Dorm bed / budget room: NPR 800–2,500
- Mid-range hotel room: NPR 3,000–8,000
- Tourist bus, Kathmandu to Pokhara: NPR 1,200–2,500
- Domestic flight, Kathmandu to Pokhara: US$60–120
- Local SIM with data: NPR 1,000–1,800
Money-saving tips
- Eat local. Dal bhat is filling, cheap and usually comes with free refills.
- Take tourist buses rather than flights between cities when you have time to spare.
- Trek independently on teahouse routes if you're experienced, though a guide adds safety and local insight.
- Carry cash outside the cities — ATMs are scarce on the trail and charge withdrawal fees.
- Travel in shoulder seasons for lower room rates outside the autumn peak.
To match your budget to a route, see our suggested Nepal itineraries, pack smart with the Nepal packing list, and for a city splurge compare the best hotels in Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do you need per day in Nepal?+
Shoestring travellers can manage on around US$25 to US$35 a day, covering a basic guesthouse, local food and public transport. A comfortable mid-range trip runs about US$50 to US$90 a day, while luxury hotels, private guides and domestic flights push the figure well above US$150.
Is Nepal cheap to travel?+
Yes, Nepal is one of Asia's better-value destinations. Food, local transport and guesthouses are inexpensive, and even mid-range comfort costs far less than in Europe or North America. The bigger expenses are organised treks, permits, guides and internal flights.
How much does trekking in Nepal cost?+
Independent teahouse trekking can cost as little as US$25 to US$40 a day for food and lodging on the trail. Add permits, a guide or porter, and gear, and a typical organised trek works out around US$30 to US$70 a day per person, before international flights.
Should I use US dollars or Nepali rupees in Nepal?+
Nepali rupees (NPR) are used for almost everything day to day, from food to transport and shops. Keep some US dollars for the visa fee on arrival and as a backup. Carry cash outside the cities, as ATMs and card payments are limited in rural and trekking areas.
