Nepal

Nepal Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Nepal is small on the map but huge in experiences. It is the land of the Himalayas, trekking routes like Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, spiritual cities such as Kathmandu and Lumbini, and jungle safaris in Chitwan and Bardiya—so it truly has more than mountains. Travelers come for adventure, but stay for the culture: centuries-old temples, stupas draped in prayer flags, bustling bazaars, and friendly locals who will greet you with “Namaste.” Nepal is also one of South Asia’s most affordable and welcoming destinations. That said, it is a developing country—roads can be rough, power can cut, and travel times can be longer than you expect—so arriving with good, practical information matters. This guide is written for first-time tourists who want to plan smart, stay safe, and make the most of Nepal’s incredible scenery and culture.

Cities, Towns & Attractions Popular with Tourists

Kathmandu: Capital and classic starting point. Thamel (tourist quarter), Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and nearby Bhaktapur and Patan for historic squares.
Pokhara: Lakeside town with Annapurna views, paragliding, boat rides on Phewa Lake, and the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill treks.
Chitwan National Park: Jungle walks, jeep safaris, rhinos, birds, and village experiences.
Bardiya National Park: More remote than Chitwan and great for wildlife lovers.
Lukla & Everest Region: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to start treks toward Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Everest Base Camp.
Annapurna Region: Treks from Pokhara—Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill/Ghorepani, Mardi Himal.
Lumbini: Birthplace of the Buddha, important pilgrimage stop.
Langtang & Helambu: Beautiful trekking areas closer to Kathmandu.

Good to Know

Best trekking seasons: Oct–Nov (stable, clear skies) and Mar–Apr (warm, rhododendrons). Winter is cold at altitude; Jun–Sep is monsoon, so some trails are muddy or leechy and mountain views can be limited.
Permits: Many trekking areas require permits (like TIMS, national park/conservation entry) and, in some regions, a licensed guide—check current rules before you go or have a local agency arrange it.
Altitude: Trekking in the Everest/Annapurna regions can involve high altitudes—plan rest days and ascend slowly to avoid AMS.
Power & internet: In Kathmandu/Pokhara generally fine, but on treks expect slower Wi‑Fi or paid charging.
Natural hazards: Nepal is seismically active and has landslides in monsoon—check local updates, especially for remote travel.

Currency & Budget

Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

Exchange rate: In 2025, 1 USD often trades roughly around NPR 130–140, but Nepal’s rate can move and cash changers may differ—check a fresh rate on arrival.

Average daily budget (approx.):

Backpacker: 25–45 USD/day – budget guesthouses in Thamel/Pokhara, local meals, buses, basic trek with tea houses.
Midrange: 50–110 USD/day – nicer hotels, domestic flight or scenic drive, guided day trips, paid attractions, upgraded tea houses.
Luxury: 150–300+ USD/day – boutique/luxury hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara, private guide/porter, domestic flights to remote areas, premium safari lodges.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in tourism. Tip guides and porters (often daily or at the end of the trek), safari guides, and hotel staff.

Credit card acceptance: Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are increasingly accepted in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and better hotels/cafes, but many smaller businesses are still cash-only, especially on treks and in rural areas.

ATMs: Widely available in Kathmandu (Thamel area), Pokhara (Lakeside), and some larger towns. ATMs may have low withdrawal limits and charge local fees—use a no-fee card and withdraw larger amounts at once.

Best way to get local cash: Bring at least two debit/credit cards, withdraw NPR from ATMs in the city before heading to the mountains, and carry small notes for homestays and tea houses.

Language & Communication

Official language: Nepali.
Other languages: Dozens of ethnic languages are spoken across the country.
English: Widely understood in tourism areas (Kathmandu, Pokhara, trekking routes) and by guides—one reason Nepal is easy for first-timers.

SIM cards / eSIM

Main operators: Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC).
Where to buy: At Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport on arrival or at Ncell/NTC shops in Thamel/Lakeside—bring your passport and a passport photo if asked.
Tourist SIM: Common and inexpensive; data packs are good value.
Coverage: Good in cities and popular trekking areas, but can be weak or absent in remote valleys and high passes—download offline maps and tell someone your route.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Voltage: 230V, 50 Hz.
Plugs: Primarily Type C, D, and M. Many hotels have multi-sockets, but bring a universal adapter and a power bank for treks where charging costs extra.

Getting Around

Domestic flights: The quickest way to reach Lukla (Everest region), Pokhara (if you do not want to drive), and some remote areas. Weather can disrupt flights—plan buffer days.
Tourist buses / microbuses: Common between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan—cheap, but travel times can be long.
Private car/jeep: Faster and more comfortable than buses, good for families or tight schedules.
In cities: Taxis and ride-hailing (limited) in Kathmandu and Pokhara; always agree the fare first.
Trekking transport: Many treks start with a jeep/bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara—book through your guesthouse or a reputable agency.

Safety

Overall: Nepal is considered safe and friendly for tourists, including many solo travelers.
Petty crime: Pickpocketing and bag theft can happen in busy areas like Thamel or on buses—keep valuables close and use hotel safes.
Trekking safety: Altitude sickness is the main risk—ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and do not ignore symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness). Hire licensed guides/porters, especially if trekking solo.
Road safety: Roads can be narrow and crowded—daytime travel is safer.
Women travelers: Dress modestly in rural/temple areas and avoid isolated places at night.

Common Tourist Scams & Annoyances

Fake trekking guides or unlicensed operators: Book treks and permits with established agencies or through your hotel.
Overpriced taxis: Always agree the fare before you get in; ask your hotel for the usual rate.
Donation/temple “fees” that are not official: At some sites, someone may ask for money—pay only if it is clearly an official ticket/checkpoint.
Gem/antique offers: Politely refuse unless you know the market and export rules.
ATM/card skimming: Use ATMs attached to banks and check the slot.

Give yourself a couple of days in Kathmandu, head to Pokhara for the mountains, add a short trek or a Chitwan safari, and you will get the classic Nepal mix of culture, Himalayas, and wildlife.