Travel guide · Nepal
Nepal Travel FAQ
Everything first-time visitors ask about Nepal — visas, money, safety, altitude, SIM cards and the best time to go — answered in one place.
Nepal packs Himalayan giants, ancient temple cities and warm hospitality into one compact country, and first-time visitors tend to ask the same handful of practical questions. Below are answer-first responses to what travellers most often want to know before and during a trip, grouped so you can jump straight to what matters.
Before you go
For most nationalities a Nepal visa is available on arrival at Kathmandu airport or major land borders, costing USD 30 to 125 depending on length of stay and payable in cash. The clear-sky autumn months of October and November are the peak season, with spring (March to May) a close second; see the full breakdown of the best time to visit Nepal before locking in dates. A week covers Kathmandu, Pokhara and a short hike, while 10 to 14 days lets you add a proper trek with safe acclimatisation. Travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is essential if you plan to head into the mountains.
Money and costs
Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee (NPR), and cash is king outside upscale hotels and city restaurants. Budget travellers manage on around USD 25 to 35 a day, while a comfortable mid-range trip runs USD 50 to 90 a day; our Nepal travel budget guide breaks down where the money goes. ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara work but charge per-transaction fees and have low limits, so withdraw enough before heading rural. Tipping is appreciated rather than compulsory, though guides and porters customarily receive a daily tip at the end of a trek.
On the ground
Nepal is broadly safe for tourists, including solo and female travellers, with road accidents and altitude posing more risk than crime; the is Nepal safe guide goes deeper. Buy a cheap local SIM from Ncell or Nepal Telecom with your passport for affordable data, and check our notes on internet and SIM in Nepal for coverage details. A few practical reminders:
- Tap water is not safe — filter, treat or boil it, and refill a reusable bottle.
- Electricity is 230V with Type C, D and M sockets, so bring a universal adapter.
- English is widely spoken in tourism, but a "namaste" goes a long way in villages.
- Time festivals like Dashain or Tihar (autumn) for an unforgettable cultural layer.
Getting in from the airport is quick: Thamel is about six kilometres away, and a prepaid taxi or a hotel pickup is the easiest start. For longer journeys, our getting around Nepal guide compares buses, domestic flights and private cars.
Trekking and altitude
Altitude sickness can strike above about 2,500 metres, so ascend slowly, take acclimatisation days, stay hydrated and descend if symptoms worsen. Since 2023, solo trekking in national parks is restricted, so you will generally need a licensed guide plus permits such as a TIMS card and a conservation-area permit (ACAP for Annapurna, Sagarmatha for Everest). Pack layers, a down jacket, a waterproof shell and broken-in boots, and read the Nepal trekking guide before choosing a route. Finally, drones are tightly regulated and require permits, so leave casual aerial filming plans at home unless you have arranged paperwork well in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal, and can I get one on arrival?+
Most nationalities need a visa, and the easiest option is a visa on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport or at major land borders. Fees are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days, payable in cash (USD preferred). A few nationalities, such as Indian citizens, do not need a visa at all, so check your country's status before flying.
What is the best time of year to visit Nepal?+
Autumn, from October to November, is the peak season with clear skies, stable weather and the best mountain views, making it ideal for trekking. Spring, from March to May, is the second-best window thanks to warm days and rhododendron blooms. The summer monsoon (June to September) brings rain and clouds, while winter (December to February) is cold at altitude but quiet and clear in the lowlands.
How many days do I need to travel in Nepal?+
A week is enough to combine Kathmandu, Pokhara and a cultural site like Bhaktapur or a short hike. Plan 10 to 14 days if you want to add a proper trek such as Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp or a slice of the Everest region. Three weeks lets you do a longer high-altitude trek without rushing the acclimatisation days.
Is Nepal safe for tourists?+
Nepal is generally very safe for travellers, including solo and female visitors, with low rates of violent crime. The main risks are road accidents on mountain highways, altitude sickness while trekking, and occasional petty theft in crowded areas. Use registered trekking operators, keep valuables secure and follow local advice during festivals or political demonstrations.
How much does a trip to Nepal cost per day?+
Budget backpackers can travel on around USD 25 to 35 a day, covering guesthouses, local food and public transport. A comfortable mid-range trip runs roughly USD 50 to 90 a day with nicer hotels, private transport and guided activities. Organised treks add permit, guide and porter costs, typically USD 30 to 70 per day on the trail depending on the route.
What currency is used in Nepal, and can I use ATMs and cards?+
The currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR), and you should expect to use cash for most everyday purchases. ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara but charge a per-transaction fee (often around NPR 500) and have low withdrawal limits. Cards are accepted at mid-range and upscale hotels, restaurants and agencies, but carry enough cash for rural areas and trekking routes where ATMs are scarce.
Is tipping expected in Nepal?+
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory in everyday situations. In tourist restaurants a service charge is often added; otherwise rounding up or leaving about 10 percent is generous. For multi-day treks it is customary to tip your guide and porters at the end, with common amounts being roughly USD 10 to 15 per day for a guide and USD 5 to 10 per day for a porter, split among the group.
How do I get a SIM card and internet in Nepal?+
You can buy a local SIM from Ncell or Nepal Telecom at the airport or in town, bringing your passport and a passport photo (or a digital copy) to register. Tourist data packages are cheap, often just a few US dollars for several gigabytes valid for a couple of weeks. Wi-Fi is widely available in city hotels and cafes, though mountain lodges may charge extra and offer slow, weather-dependent connections.
What is altitude sickness, and how do I avoid it in Nepal?+
Altitude sickness can occur above roughly 2,500 metres when your body has not adjusted to thinner air, causing headache, nausea, dizziness and poor sleep. Prevent it by ascending slowly, taking scheduled acclimatisation days, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately; high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp require particular care and good travel insurance.
Do I need a guide to trek in Nepal?+
As of 2023, solo trekking in Nepal's national parks is restricted, and trekkers are generally required to hire a licensed guide. You will also need permits such as a TIMS card and a conservation-area permit (for example ACAP for Annapurna or the Sagarmatha permit for Everest). A guide adds safety, navigation and local insight, while a porter can carry your pack so you can enjoy the walking.
What should I pack and wear in Nepal?+
Pack layers, because temperatures swing from warm valleys to freezing mountain mornings: a fleece, a down jacket, a waterproof shell and broken-in hiking boots are essential for trekking. Bring modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples and rural villages. Add a reusable water bottle with purification, sunscreen, a hat, basic medications and a power bank for long days off-grid.
Can I drink the tap water in Nepal?+
No, tap water in Nepal is not safe to drink and should always be treated first. Use a filter, purification tablets, a UV pen or boil the water, and avoid ice of unknown origin. Refilling a reusable bottle with purified water is cheaper and far more eco-friendly than buying single-use plastic bottles, which are a growing waste problem on trekking trails.
What are the electricity, plug type and voltage in Nepal?+
Nepal runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz, so most modern phone and laptop chargers work fine, but check older single-voltage appliances. Sockets are Type C, Type D and Type M, so a universal travel adapter is the safest choice. Power cuts can still happen, especially in remote areas, so a power bank and a headlamp are worth carrying.
Is English widely spoken in Nepal?+
The official language is Nepali, but English is widely understood in the tourism industry, including hotels, agencies, guides and many shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In rural villages and on remote trails English is more limited, though guides bridge the gap. Learning a few words like 'namaste' (hello) and 'dhanyabad' (thank you) is warmly received.
Which Nepali festivals are worth planning a trip around?+
Dashain (around September or October) and Tihar, the festival of lights (October or November), are the biggest celebrations and fall conveniently in the autumn trekking season. Holi in spring brings colour, while Indra Jatra in Kathmandu features masked dances and the living goddess. Festivals can affect transport and closures, so build a little flexibility into your dates.
How do I get from Kathmandu airport to the city?+
Tribhuvan International Airport is only about six kilometres from Thamel, the main tourist hub, so transfers are short but traffic can be slow. Prepaid taxis from the official counter, a hotel pickup arranged in advance, or ride-hailing apps like Pathao and InDrive are the simplest options. Agree on the fare before you set off, and expect roughly NPR 700 to 1,000 to central Kathmandu.
What are the drone rules in Nepal?+
Flying a drone in Nepal is tightly regulated and requires permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and often additional approvals from the Department of Tourism, the army or the home ministry. Drones are banned in many national parks, near airports, over heritage sites and in restricted border zones. Arrange permissions well in advance, as casual recreational flying without paperwork can lead to confiscation or fines.
Do I need travel insurance for Nepal?+
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Nepal and is effectively essential if you plan to trek. Make sure the policy explicitly covers high-altitude trekking up to the elevation you will reach, plus emergency helicopter evacuation, which can otherwise cost thousands of dollars. Also check that it covers medical treatment, trip cancellation and your gear.
