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Nepal travel guide
Himalayan treks, ancient temples and jungle safaris.
Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains and is a top trekking destination. Travelers explore the temples of the Kathmandu Valley, relax by the lake in Pokhara and spot rhinos in Chitwan National Park.
Travel tools
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.
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.
Source and more: Nepal travel facts on RoamSun
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.
Source: RoamSun Nepal page · Browse hotel guides
Connect
Plug types: C, D, M. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.
Calling code: +977.
Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.
Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun
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.
Source: full Nepal guide on RoamSun
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
Source: RoamSun Nepal guide
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.
Source: RoamSun Nepal facts
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Nepal?
Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr – clear mountain views and good trekking. Ranges from subtropical lowlands to arctic peaks, with monsoon rains from June to September.
What time zone is Nepal in?
Nepal uses Asia/Kathmandu.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
It depends on your passport. In our dataset 186 of 198 other passports can enter without a prior visa, 0 need an e-visa or eTA and 12 need a visa in advance. Use the visa checker and confirm with the official government source.
What plug and voltage does Nepal use?
Nepal uses plug type C, D, M at 230 V. Check whether your devices are dual-voltage before you plug in.
What is the calling code for Nepal?
The international calling code for Nepal is +977.
Do you tip in Nepal?
About 10% in restaurants; tips for trekking guides and porters are expected.
What is the emergency number in Nepal?
100 police · 101 fire · 102 ambulance.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Nepal?
Traffic drives on the left.