Nepal

Nepal

Nepal offers a unique blend of majestic Himalayan landscapes, spiritual serenity, and rich cultural heritage. It's a land of ancient temples, vibrant festivals, and unparalleled trekking opportunities, from easy day hikes to challenging expeditions to Everest Base Camp.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days
Budget$20/day
Mid-range$50/day
Luxury$500/day

Known For

HimalayasMount EverestKathmanduEverest Base Camp

🇳🇵 Country Information: Nepal

CapitalKathmandu
CurrencyNepalese rupee (₨)
Language Nepali , Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newari, Magar, Gurung, Sherpa, English, Hindi
Phone Code+977
Electricity230V (Type C, D, M)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas
  • In restaurants, a 10% service charge may be added; if not, 5
  • 10% is appreciated
  • For porters and guides on treks, a tip is expected, often calculated per day of service
  • For drivers, a small tip is customary

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are available but not always reliable, especially outside major cities
  • Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants in tourist areas, but less so elsewhere
  • Bringing cash (USD, EUR, or INR) for exchange is highly recommended, especially for smaller purchases and rural areas
  • There can be a black market for currency exchange, but it's generally safer and better to use official exchange counters or ATMs

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; cover shoulders and knees
  • Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items
  • Avoid public displays of anger or frustration
  • Do not point with a single finger; use an open hand
  • It is considered rude to step over someone's legs or belongings
  • When eating, it is customary to wait for the host to indicate when to start

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. While homosexuality was decriminalized in 2007 and Nepal has made some strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including recognizing a third gender, societal acceptance and legal protections are still limited, especially outside of urban areas. Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties, including long prison sentences

Special Laws

  • Do not touch sacred objects or people with your feet
  • Always remove your shoes before entering temples or people's homes
  • Do not publicly display affection
  • Photography may be restricted in some religious sites
  • Be aware of the local customs when bargaining in markets
  • Do not kill animals in sacred areas

Common Phrases

NoChaina (chai-nah) छैन
YesHo (hoh) हो
HelloNamaste (nah-mah-steh) नमस्ते
PleaseKripaya (kri-pah-yah) कृपया
Excuse mePheri bhetau (peh-rih beh-tao) फेरि भेटौँ
Thank youDhanyabad (dhun-yah-bahd) धन्यवाद

Climate

Classification for Nepal, recognizing its diverse geography from lowlands to high mountains.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Dal Bhat Tarkari must_try

This is the national dish of Nepal, consisting of rice (bhat) served with lentil soup (dal) and various curried vegetables (tarkari) or meat. It is a

Momos street_food

These delicious dumplings are incredibly popular, similar to dim sum, featuring a wrapper made from flour and water filled with spiced vegetables or m

Sel Roti seasonal

A traditional homemade sweet, ring-shaped bread, deep-fried to a golden crisp from a rice flour batter. It is especially popular and prepared in large

Dhindo regional_speciality

A traditional dish made by continuously stirring millet or buckwheat flour into boiling water to form a firm, thick porridge. Considered a staple food

Chiura (Beaten Rice) snack

This is rice that has been flattened, creating a very crunchy, dry texture. It is a popular mid-day snack and often served as part of the Newari Khaja

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Guided High-Altitude Treks (e.g., Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit) tour_or_activity
Book 2–6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons

Reputable guiding companies, experienced guides, and the best trekking lodge rooms/tea houses book out quickly during the popular spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) seasons.

Flights for Domestic Routes (e.g., Kathmandu-Lukla) Transport
Book 1–3 months in advance

Flights to remote airstrips like Lukla (gateway to EBC) have limited capacity and are frequently delayed/canceled due to weather, making seats highly competitive, especially in peak season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation in Peak Season (Kathmandu, Pokhara, major trekking hubs) Accommodation
Book 1–3 months in advance

Limited quality accommodation in major tourist areas and cities can become fully booked, especially during the best weather seasons, leading to higher prices and fewer choices.

Fun Facts

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