Nepal travel guide

Getting there

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the main gateway, with newer international airports at Pokhara and Bhairahawa; land borders connect with India at crossings such as Sunauli and with Tibet (China).

Best time to visit: Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr – clear mountain views and good trekking.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly to Kathmandu, with live one-way and return fares from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: June to September is monsoon season, with rain, leeches, cloudy views and landslides on mountain roads.

Weather by month in Kathmandu

• 19°J
• 21°F
• 25°M●
• 28°A●
• 29°M●
• 29°J●●●
• 28°J●●●
• 28°A●●●
• 28°S●●
• 27°O●
• 23°N
• 20°D

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Kathmandu. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 186 of 198 other passports can enter Nepal without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 12 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Nepal (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-09-04). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Nepal are based around Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Patan (Lalitpur). Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$20–35 for a backpacker and US$50–100 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: C, D, M. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +977.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Kathmandu (Kathmandu Valley · capital): A chaotic, fascinating city of Durbar Square, Thamel's lanes and sacred stupas.
• Bhaktapur (Kathmandu Valley · medieval city): The best-preserved of the valley's royal cities, famous for its squares and curd.
• Patan (Lalitpur) (Kathmandu Valley · art & temples): An elegant Durbar Square and a superb museum of Nepali art.
• Pokhara (Western Nepal · lakes & mountains): A relaxed lakeside town and gateway to the Annapurna treks.
• Everest region (Khumbu) (Eastern Himalaya · trekking): Legendary trails, Sherpa culture and close-up views of the highest peaks.
• Annapurna region (Western Himalaya · trekking): Treks for all levels, from Poon Hill to the full circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary.
• Chitwan National Park (Terai lowlands · wildlife): Grasslands and forests sheltering rhinos, tigers, elephants and crocodiles.
• Lumbini (Terai · Buddhist pilgrimage): The UNESCO-listed birthplace of the Buddha, with temples built by many nations.

Things to do

• Trek to Everest Base Camp. Hike through Sherpa villages and monasteries to the foot of the world's highest mountain.
• Walk the Annapurna Circuit. Cross the high Thorong La pass on one of the world's most varied long-distance treks.
• Explore Bhaktapur. Wander brick-paved squares filled with pagoda temples, pottery yards and Newar woodcarving.
• Circle Boudhanath Stupa. Join pilgrims spinning prayer wheels around one of the largest stupas in the world.
• Spot rhinos in Chitwan. Search for one-horned rhinos and maybe a tiger on jungle walks and canoe trips.
• Paraglide over Pokhara. Soar above Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range filling the horizon.
• Watch the sunrise from Sarangkot. See the first light turn Machhapuchhre's fishtail peak golden.
• Visit Pashupatinath. Observe Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River at Nepal's holiest Shiva temple.

Eat and drink

• Dal bhat – lentil soup with rice and curry, the daily meal
• Momo – steamed dumplings with spicy dip
• Thukpa – Tibetan-style noodle soup
• Sel roti – sweet ring-shaped rice bread

Money and safety

Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: About 10% in restaurants; tips for trekking guides and porters are expected.

Emergency numbers: 100 police · 101 fire · 102 ambulance.

• The Nepalese rupee is the currency; carry plenty of cash on treks as there are few ATMs in the mountains.
• ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara but often have low withdrawal limits.
• Ascend slowly when trekking and know the signs of altitude sickness; descend if symptoms worsen.
• Get travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue.