Nepal Travel Tips: 25 Essential Things to Know Before You Go

Nepal is one of those rare destinations that rewards both the meticulous planner and the spontaneous adventurer -- but a little preparation goes a long way. These 25 tips will save you time, money, and avoidable headaches.

Visas and Entry

1. Nepal visa on arrival is available for most nationalities.
Obtain it at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Fees: $30 USD for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Bring USD cash and one passport photo.

2. Best currency exchange: airport counters or Thamel exchange offices.
The airport rate is fair and convenient. Thamel has licensed exchange counters with competitive rates. Hotels offer the worst rates -- avoid them.

3. ATMs: NIC Asia Bank and Himalayan Bank are most reliable.
Most ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara are functional, but machines do run out of cash on weekends. Withdraw what you need before heading to trekking routes.

Money and Tipping

4. Tipping culture in Nepal.
It's customary to tip 10% in tourist restaurants. For trekking: NPR 1,000–1,500 per day for a porter, NPR 1,500–2,000 per day for a guide.

5. Bargaining is normal in markets -- but know where it's appropriate.
Thamel souvenir shops and street vendors expect negotiation. Fixed-price restaurants and government permit offices do not.

Cultural Etiquette

6. Remove shoes before entering homes and temples.
Look for shoes outside the door as your cue.

7. Dress modestly near religious sites.
Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples and monasteries.

8. Don't touch religious objects with your left hand.
In Nepali and Hindu tradition, the left hand is considered impure. Use your right hand for offerings and greetings.

9. Walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls.
This is the correct direction for circumambulation in Buddhist tradition.

10. Ask before photographing people, especially at religious sites.
A simple smile and gesture usually gets a yes.

Connectivity and Navigation

11. Buy a local SIM card at the airport.
NTC (Nepal Telecom) and Ncell both offer tourist SIMs for approximately NPR 200–500, including data. You'll need your passport.

12. Download offline maps before leaving WiFi.
Maps.me and Google Maps both offer Nepal offline downloads. Don't rely on data connectivity above Namche on EBC.

13. Nepal time zone is GMT+5:45 -- uniquely offset.
Nepal is the only country in the world on a 45-minute offset from standard time zones.

Health and Safety

14. Altitude sickness is real -- ascend slowly above 3,000m.
The most common mistake on EBC and Annapurna treks is going too fast. Take mandatory rest days and consider Diamox if your doctor approves.

15. Travel insurance is essential -- include helicopter evacuation.
Standard travel insurance often excludes high-altitude trekking. Verify your policy covers trekking above 5,000m.

16. Drink filtered or bottled water throughout Nepal.
Tap water is not safe for visitors. On trekking routes, use purification tablets or a UV pen to reduce plastic waste.

17. Quality hospitals in Kathmandu include CIWEC, Norvic, and B&B Hospital.
Outside Kathmandu, medical facilities are basic -- another reason evacuation cover is critical.

Transport

18. Kathmandu traffic is chaotic -- use Sajilo for safe, app-based cab booking.
Sajilo provides upfront fares, verified drivers, and in-app tracking. Use it for airport transfers, day trips to Bhaktapur or Patan, and all city rides.

19. For inter-city buses, book in advance on peak-season routes.
The Kathmandu–Pokhara route fills up during October and November. Sajilo's bus booking at sajilo.net/bus lets you select your seat and confirm your ticket from your phone.

20. Roads can close during monsoon -- check conditions before traveling.
Landslides regularly block mountain roads between June and September.

Budget and Practical Tips

21. Nepal daily budget guide.
Budget: $40–60 per day. Mid-range: $80–150 per day. Luxury: $200+ per day.

22. Power cuts happen in smaller towns -- carry a power bank.
A 20,000mAh power bank keeps your devices going for 3–4 days on the trail.

23. Environmental responsibility in national parks.
Pack out all non-biodegradable waste. Many eco-lodges charge a small premium to fund waste management -- pay it gladly.

24. Wildlife safety in Chitwan.
Chitwan National Park has wild rhinoceroses, Royal Bengal tigers, and wild elephants. Never stray off marked paths during jungle walks.

25. Nepal rewards slow travel.
The temptation is to cram in EBC, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Kathmandu in two weeks. Resist it. A slower pace means fewer altitude problems, more authentic experiences, and a trip you'll actually remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nepal safe for solo travelers?
Yes -- Nepal is consistently rated one of Asia's safest countries for solo travel, including solo female travelers. The main risks are altitude-related health issues and road accidents, both manageable with preparation.

What currency does Nepal use?
Nepalese Rupees (NPR). Indian Rupees are also widely accepted in border towns. USD, EUR, and GBP can be exchanged at banks and licensed counters.

Do I need vaccinations for Nepal?
Consult your travel health clinic. Commonly recommended: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if traveling from countries where Yellow Fever is endemic.

Is internet available in Nepal?
Yes -- WiFi is available in most hotels, restaurants, and tea houses in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the EBC trail, WiFi works up to Namche Bazaar. Mobile data varies above that.

What language do people speak in Nepal?
Nepali is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among guides. A few Nepali phrases go a long way in rural villages.