Nepal travel guide
Nepal Tourism | Nepal Guide
You're Going to Love Nepal
Nepal is perfect for mountain lovers with a plethora of breathtaking hiking trails. The iconic Mount Everest rises higher than any other place on Earth, while the Annapurna region offers dramatic landscapes and crystal-clear lakes. Whether in mountain villages or larger cities, you're sure to feel the warmth of Nepalese people, as their beaming smiles and charming nature welcome tourists.
What to do in Nepal
1. Discover the Secrets of Kathmandu
Venture into the narrow alleyways surrounding Durbar Square and you'll find a bustling maze of street stalls, monasteries, and boutique workshops. While much of Kathmandu experienced devastating destruction during the 2015 earthquake, the majority of the old city escaped untouched.
2. Scale to Everest Base Camp
A bucket list adventure for many, the trek to Everest Base Camp provides some of the finest remote sceneries imaginable.
3. Marvel at Boudha Stupa
The Buddhist temple rises high into the skyline of Kathmandu and is believed to house the remains of Kassapa Buddha. It is a culturally significant site for refugees pilgrimaging from Tibet and includes a holy shrine inside.
4. See Wild Animals at the Chitwan National Park
Across the vast 360 sq mi preserved area, it is possible to spot one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and deer.
5. Feast on Momos
Regardless of if you're traveling to large cities or smaller towns, you'll find momos on menus everywhere. The delicious local dumplings are available in countless varieties and can be ordered either steamed or fried.
When to visit Nepal
If you are planning on trekking in the mountains, it is recommended that you visit between September and December as these months have the clearest visibility. The spring season between February and April delivers warm weather but can be a little misty in higher altitudes.
How to Get to Nepal
Entry Requirements
Tourist visas are available upon arrival and must be obtained by citizens of most countries other than India. A 15-day visa costs approximately 1,703 NPR (25 USD), with 30 and 90 day visas also possible
Plane
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the only destination for international flights and can be accessed from cities such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Mumbai. A flight with Emirates or Nepal Airlines from Dubai costs roughly 34,075 NPR (300 USD).
Car
Crossing the border is particularly popular from India at Sonauli, with an additional five entry points along the Nepal-India border. It is also possible to enter via the G318 Highway from China at the town of Kodari.
Bus
A 28h direct bus service departs from Delhi once per day to Kathmandu and costs approximately 3,750 NPR (33 USD). Routes are also possible from the Indian cities of Gorahkpur, Panitanki, and Raxaul Bazaar.
Popular airports in Nepal
Popular airlines serving Nepal
Where to stay in Nepal
Getting outside of the major cities will expose you to countless charming villages, where you can sleep in quaint cottages and lodges. Budget hotels are very cheap in Nepal; however, there is normally a quality range in rooms and some may not include bed sheets in the price of accommodation.
Where to stay in popular areas of Nepal
Most booked hotels in Nepal
How to Get Around Nepal
Public Transportation
The most convenient way to get across a city like Kathmandu is on a microbus, which is effectively a large van capable of carrying up to 12 passengers. The small vehicles can fit through tight gaps and navigate peak-hour traffic.
Bus
Long-distance services, such as from Kathmandu to Pokhara, take around 8h and cost roughly 700 NPR (6 USD). Tickets can be pre-purchased at bus stations and hotel desks, while buying onboard can result in prices being inflated by up to about 300 NPR (3 USD).
Car
It is not recommended to rent a car and drive it yourself in Nepal; however, a chauffeur driver can be acquired for between approximately 6,815-11,360 NPR (60-100 USD).
Plane
Domestic destinations include Pokhara, Bharatpur, Rajbiraj, Jomsom, and Lukla. A flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara with a local carrier, such as Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines, is priced at about 13,060 NPR (115 USD).
The Cost of Living in Nepal
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can be bought for around 250 NPR (2 USD), while a bottle of water cost roughly 24 NPR (0.20 USD). Credit cards are usually only accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants as cash is almost exclusively used in the streets and trekking villages.