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Nepal is a culturally rich, mountainous country requiring a visa for most visitors, basic trekking permits for many areas, and preparation for variable weather and altitude. Plan logistics, health precautions, and respect local customs for a smooth trip.

Visa / Entry Requirements

• Visa on arrival available for most nationalities at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and major land borders; apply online for an e-Visa to speed processing. Check Nepalese embassy website for your nationality and up-to-date fees.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Carry passport-size photos for forms.
• Some regions (Annapurna Conservation Area, Langtang, Upper Mustang, and restricted border areas) require additional permits/trekking permits (TIMS card, ACAP/NCAC permits); arrange through trekking agencies or entry points.

Best Time to Visit

• Autumn (late Sep–Nov): Best overall—clear skies, mild temperatures, excellent mountain views and festivals.
• Spring (Mar–May): Great flowering season, good views, warmer; busy on treks.
• Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Heavy rain, leeches, landslides; lower prices, lush valleys—limited trekking in some areas.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, especially at altitude; good for lower-elevation travel and pilgrimages.

Safety Tips

• Altitude: Acclimatize gradually; don’t ascend more than 300–500 m sleeping altitude per day above 3,000 m. Know acute mountain sickness (AMS) symptoms; descend immediately if severe. Consider acetazolamide (Diamox) after consulting a doctor.
• Trekking: Use licensed guides/porters for remote treks; check weather and trail conditions. Carry basic first-aid, water purification, and a headlamp.
• Health: Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid ice/uncooked street food if you have a sensitive stomach. Vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid, routine vaccines) recommended; check with travel clinic.
• Crime: Petty theft can occur in cities—use common-sense precautions (lock luggage, avoid displaying valuables). Women should take usual solo-travel precautions; harassment can occur in some areas—dress modestly and avoid isolated areas at night.
• Road safety: Roads are often narrow, winding, and poorly lit—prefer daylight travel. Domestic flights can be canceled or delayed due to weather.

Local Customs & Etiquette

• Respectful dress: Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites; remove shoes before entering temples and some homes.
• Greetings: A nod or ‘‘Namaste’’ with palms together is polite. Avoid public displays of affection.
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people, especially at religious sites or during ceremonies.
• Religion: Be mindful around stupas, prayer wheels, and monasteries—walk clockwise around stupas and don’t touch prayer wheels with shoes.

Currency & Money

• Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Bring some cash; ATMs available in major cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara) but limited in remote areas.
• Credit cards accepted in higher-end hotels, restaurants, and some shops; always carry cash for villages/tea houses on treks.
• Tipping: Common for guides, porters, drivers, and restaurant staff. Typical trekking tips: porter 10–15% of trek cost or $3–5/day; guide higher depending on service.

Transportation

• Domestic flights: Quick but weather-dependent. Book flexibly, especially to Lukla (gateway to Everest) where flights are frequently delayed.
• Buses: Inexpensive; tourist deluxe buses run between major hubs (Kathmandu–Pokhara). Local buses are crowded and slower.
• Private car/jeep: Common for flexible trips; negotiate fares or book through agencies.
• Taxis/rideshares: Metered taxis in Kathmandu are rare—agree price beforehand. Apps like Pathao operate in some cities.

Must-Know Practical Tips

• Permits and TIMS: Secure permits for treks and conservation areas in advance or via a licensed agency; they’re checked at entry points.
• Connectivity: SIM cards (Ncell, NT) available with passport; 4G coverage in cities and many valleys but patchy in high mountains.
• Power & plugs: 230V, type C/D/M sockets common. Carry a power bank for trekking; electricity and charging are limited in remote teahouses (small fees or solar-charged).
• Packing: Layered clothing, good walking shoes, sun protection, reusable water bottle with filter, basic medical kit, and a headlamp for treks.
• Responsible travel: Respect natural areas, avoid single-use plastics where possible, and compensate guides/porters fairly. Beware of wildlife and stick to marked trails.

Additional Local Insights

• Kathmandu Valley: Rich UNESCO heritage (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Patan, Bhaktapur); expect traffic and dust but vibrant culture and markets.
• Trekking culture: Tea houses provide basic food and lodging on popular routes—book in peak season if you need particular comforts. Off-trail or remote trekking requires camping or agency support.
• Food: Try dal bhat (staple), momos (dumplings), and local Newari cuisine. If vegetarian or vegan, many options are available in tourist areas.
• Festivals: Dashain and Tihar (autumn) are major national festivals; timings vary by lunar calendar—plan around them for cultural experiences.

Final note

Prepare for altitude and variable infrastructure, carry cash and copies of important documents, use licensed guides for remote treks, and respect local customs to have a safe, rewarding trip to Nepal.