*Disclaimer: this page includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself.
Additionally, World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
I lived in Nepal for about a month and a half in the Fall of 2019. My reason for visiting was to experience the country and spiritual culture, but mainly to volunteer. I wanted to give back and learn, and I found an opportunity to work with an organization that helped victims of sex trafficking – a problem very prevelant in Nepal. Unfortunately, my experience turned pretty sour when I found out the organization was a scam and was completely misusing funds. While it was beyond disappointing and a gross example of human behavior while real victims were in serious need, it was still a massive learning experience for me. It opened up research of voluntourism to me, something I had never heard of (and would like to write about in the future) and it showed an unfortunate reality of some NGO’s, something I was naive to.
While I mention this to be authentic with readers and my experience in Nepal, I am also being authentic in saying I would love to return to Nepal. The trekking there is absolutely incredible and I miss the movement of the city. Staying in Nepal for a month and a half, I began to feel very at home there and knew the vendors whom I passed on the street everyday. I perfected my bargaining skills, expanded my food palette, and I still think about flying a kite off the rooftop while watching the sunset over Kathmandu.
While in Nepal I really dove into the food culture fully, and tried any dish put in front of me. I had my favorites and some were more memorable than others. From my experiences, I provide to you a ta...
Nepali is the official language of Nepal but there are over 120 first languages. Many people in Kathmandu speak English as a second language, but it is not as common elsewhere especially the mountain villages.
Nepalese rupee
SYMBOL: रू or Rs
ABBREVIATION: NPR
CONVERSION: The currency rate is subject to change but typically 1 USD ~ 115 NPR
Nepal uses plug types C, D, and M with 230 V and 50Hz.; This voltage is higher than in the U.S.. As a standard rule of thumb, I suggest traveling with a plug adapter with a converter.
U.S. citizens must obtain a visa in order to travel to Nepal which can be done online or on arrival. Visas are for 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days. Visa information is subject to changes so double check here.
*Note that when I traveled to Nepal the price of the visas had gone up and was not the price as seen online.
To check health advisories and what vaccinations are needed to travel to the Nepal, check the CDC website.
If you are trekking while in Nepal, I highly recommend bringing a first aid kit, antibiotics just in case of a stomach bug, electrolytes and DiaResQ.
Nepal is considered safe to travel to by most, but like every country in the world there are some tips to follow to be extra cautious.
The best time to visit Nepal greatly depends on if you’re going trekking, and specifically where as some might be closed during certain seasons. Online you will find many resources claiming Fall, September – November, is best for trekking because of the cool weather and end of rainy season. However, I visited Nepal in September and October and experienced an 8 day trekking trip that rained the ENTIRE time. Perhaps November is prime time. However, to play it safe if I were to return, I would in March – May which is spring, the flowers are bloomed, and its perfect timing for trekking.
The best time to visit Nepal greatly depends on if you’re going trekking and specifically where; some treks might be closed during certain seasons. Online you will find many resources claiming Fall, September – November, is best for trekking because of the cool weather and end of rainy season. However, I visited Nepal in September and October and experienced an 8 day trekking trip that rained the ENTIRE time. Perhaps I went too early and November is prime time (?). However, to play it safe if I were to return, I would do so in March – May which is spring, the flowers are bloomed, and its perfect timing for trekking.
The most popular airports to fly into are Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Pokhara Airport, and the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla if hiking the Everest base camp.
From the airport take a taxi – there will be a taxi stand there ready to take tourists, or you can arrange pickup with your accommodation if possible.
Within Kathmanudu and Pokhara, taxis and the rideshare Pathao can be used, but honestly I just walked mostly everywhere.
There are public buses you can take, which I did often. However I did so with locals, and think it would be very difficult to navigate on my own as there’s no specific route, you figure it out with the driver who usually does not speak English. I never saw another tourist on the buses.
From Kathmandu to Pokhara you can fly or take a bus (book on 12Go.Asia).
While trekking your guide/company should arrange all transportation. If trekking on your own you typically can take a taxi or local bus to the starting point and then you trek to each village, and at some point take a public bus down the rest of the way.
The most popular airports to fly into are Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Pokhara Airport, and the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla if hiking the Everest base camp.
From the airport take a taxi – there will be a taxi stand there ready to take tourists, or you can arrange pickup with your accommodation if possible.
Within Kathmanudu and Pokhara, taxis and the rideshare Pathao can be used, but honestly I just walked mostly everywhere.
There are public buses you can take, which I did often. However I did so with locals, and think it would be very difficult to navigate on my own as there’s no specific route, you figure it out with the driver who usually does not speak English. I never saw another tourist on the buses.
From Kathmandu to Pokhara you can fly or take a bus (book on 12Go.Asia).
While trekking your guide/company should arrange all transportation. If trekking on your own you typically can take a taxi or local bus to the starting point and then you trek to each village, and at some point take a public bus down the rest of the way.
Accommodation prices will vary from Kathmandu and Pokhara to less remote places such as home-stays in the village while trekking.
Typically hostels in Kathmandu are around $4-8 USD for a dorm bed; private rooms in hostels, Airbnbs, or hotels in Kathmandu about $20-40 USD; home-stays within mountain villages only a few dollars, and sometimes included in a trekking package if bought. Most accommodation in Nepal is between $5- $35 USD for backpackers.
A meal out is typically $2-5 USD in Kathmandu and there are much more expensive places in Pokhara. However it is possible to get noodles or simpler meals for $1 at more local places. While trekking, more effort is needed to get food up the mountains so it comes at a cost of around $7 USD.
A flight in between islands can greatly vary depending on when you buy it but could be between $20 – $100 USD. A ferry between islands farther apart is typically around $20 USD, a shorter ride around $5 USD. The cost of renting a motorbike for a day is $6-9 USD.
Trekking permits start at around $20 USD and can go up to hundreds of dollars depending on the region being trekked.
The cost of a porter and a guide can vary.
Budget per day in Nepal depends on if you go trekking and how you go about it (with a guide + porter, etc.).
As a backpacker I would budget at least $30 USD a day. This is not including any trekking, permits, or visa costs.
Although some places in Kathmandu and Pokhara will accept an international credit card, I suggest paying in cash. If you go trekking you absolutely must have cash to pay in the villages.
