Nepal Travel Info

If you're thinking about visiting Nepal, you're in for an incredible experience. Nepal truly has everything from the towering Himalayas and colorful festivals to warm hospitality and spiritual calm. But before you pack your bags, there’s a lot you’ll want to know. That’s where this Nepal Travel Info guide comes in.

Whether you're a first-time traveler, solo backpacker, or adventure lover planning a trek, Nepal is a beautiful country located in South Asia, known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Here is some general travel information about Nepal:

Visa: Visitors to Nepal can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land borders with India and Tibet. The visa can also be obtained from Nepalese embassies and consulates abroad.
Currency: The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Currency exchange facilities are available at banks and money exchange centers throughout the country. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas.
Language: Nepali is the official language of Nepal, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities.
Climate: Nepal has a varied climate depending on altitude and region. The best time to visit Nepal is during the dry seasons from September to November and from March to May.
Transportation: Transportation options in Nepal include buses, taxis, and domestic flights. Buses are the most common and affordable mode of transportation, while taxis are more convenient and comfortable. Domestic flights are also available to major cities and tourist destinations.
Accommodation: Accommodation options in Nepal range from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts. Many popular trekking routes also have tea houses and lodges for trekkers.
Food: Nepali cuisine is influenced by Indian and Tibetan cuisine, with popular dishes including dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), and thukpa (noodle soup). International cuisine is also available in major cities and tourist areas.
Safety: Nepal is generally a safe country for travelers, but it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas. It is recommended to avoid political demonstrations and to be cautious when trekking in remote areas.
Culture: Nepal has a rich cultural heritage, with many festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including dress codes and behavior at religious sites.

Quick Facts About Nepal

Category	Information
Capital City	Kathmandu
Language	Nepali (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
Time Zone	GMT +5:45
Currency	Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Power Supply	230V, Plug Types C, D, M
Religion	Predominantly Hindu and Buddhist
Emergency Number	100 (Police), 102 (Ambulance), 1144 (Tourist Police)

Currency and Money Exchange: How to Handle Your Finances

In Nepal, the local currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Cash is still the most common way to pay, especially outside the cities. Always keep some small denominations handy — perfect for tipping, street food, and short rides.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Exchange Money: You can exchange major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) at banks, exchange counters, or some hotels.
ATM Access: ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but less reliable in rural areas. Some charge fees per transaction, so withdraw smart.
Credit/Debit Cards: Accepted in high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops, but not in small tea houses or local buses.
Daily Budget: Nepal is affordable! You can travel comfortably on USD 30–50 a day for budget travel, or more if you want luxury.

Transportation in Nepal: Getting Around Made Simple

Nepal's roads and flights might be unpredictable at times, but getting around is part of the adventure. Here’s how you can move from place to place:

From the Airport: Kathmandu’s international airport has prepaid taxis and hotel shuttles. Prices are fixed, but always double-check before you hop in.
Domestic Flights: Want to save time? Flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Lukla, and Jomsom are quick but often delayed due to weather.
Tourist Buses: A safe and affordable option for intercity travel. They run regularly between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
Local Buses and Jeeps: Cheap and authentic, but often crowded. Good for reaching offbeat destinations like Langtang or Mustang.
Taxis, Rickshaws, and Scooters: Great for local travel, especially in cities. Always bargain or ask for a meter if it’s available.

SIM Cards and Internet Access: Staying Connected in Nepal

You need to stay connected. Not only for Instagram, but also for maps, bookings, and contacting guides. To can buy sim and stay connected. And if you don’t want to buy sim then you will face problem beacuse you have to buy data. For trekking routes, consider buying a local data card and downloading offline maps.

Here’s how to get online in Nepal:

Local SIM Cards: Ncell and Nepal Telecom are the two main providers. Both offer tourist SIM packages with affordable data plans.
Where to Buy: Get them at the airport, malls, or official counters in Thamel (Kathmandu). You’ll need your passport and a passport photo.
Data Coverage: You’ll have good 4G coverage in cities and towns. In trekking areas, the signal drops, especially at high altitudes.
Wi-Fi: Available at most hotels, cafés, and tea houses. It’s free but can be slow — don’t expect fast streaming speeds in the mountains.

Is Nepal Safe to Visit?

Nepal is known for its welcoming people and peaceful culture. It’s generally very safe for tourists, even for solo or female travelers. You can always contact the Tourist Police if something goes wrong — they speak English and are there to help.

Still, here are a few things to be cautious about:

Scams: Avoid people offering "cheap tours" on the street or fake guides.
Theft: Petty theft happens occasionally. Keep your valuables close and avoid leaving bags unattended.
Transport Safety: Roads can be narrow, winding, and not well-maintained. Choose reliable transportation and drivers.
Solo Travel Tips: Stick to main roads and trails, and inform someone about your plans, especially when trekking.

Is Nepal safe for female travelers?

Yes, Nepal is generally a safe country for female travelers, especially in popular tourist areas. It’s still a good idea to dress modestly and avoid walking alone at night, particularly in rural regions. Many solo female travelers have had positive and respectful experiences here.

Culture, Etiquette, and Local Customs

Nepali culture is warm, spiritual, and full of respect. As a visitor, being culturally sensitive is deeply appreciated. Respect goes a long way in Nepal. You’ll be amazed at how people respond when you follow local manners..

Do:

Say “Namaste” with hands together and a smile — it’s the traditional greeting.
Take off your shoes before entering homes or temples.
Dress modestly, especially in villages, temples, and monasteries.

Don’t:

Touch someone’s head - it’s considered sacred.
Step over someone’s legs or food.
Publicly display affection - it’s frowned upon in rural areas.