Travelling in Nepal
Essential Nepal Travel Guide
This handy Nepalese travel guide will give you all the practical and essential information that you need to help you prepare and plan for travelling to Nepal.
Key Fast Facts
Language
Nepali (secondary languages: Maithili, Bhojpuri, Thamang)
Currency
Nepalese Rupee (USD as a back up)
International Airports
Tribhuvan International Airport
Time Zone
GMT +5.45.
ATM & Credit Cards
ATM plentiful in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Cash preferred but card accepted most places
Plugs and Voltage
3 plug types - C (round pin), D & M (both round pin). 230 standard voltage and 50 Hz.3
Visa
UK travellers need a passport with 6 months travel left. (https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/)
Health
Sensible to have travel insurance. Nepal healthcare is inferior to that in the UK. Mandatory for high altitude hikes
Emergency Numbers
Dialing Code - +977
Police - 100
Fire - 101
Ambulance - 102
Best Travel Months
Peak - May, Oct, Nov Shoulder - April, June, Sept, Dec
Hiking Tips
Per person - $5 per day for guide, $2 - $3 per for porters
Sim Cards
Buy at airport. Ncell is the best coverage. Airalo for eSim.
Female Travel
Safe for solo female travellers even at night time. (Apply good travel sense as usual!)
Local Food & Drink
Momo
Thukpa
Dahl Baht
Everest Beer!
Food Tipping
Mostly not expected but always appreciated, 10% for good service
Top Scams:
Buying milk for mothers for their baby. Buying hash (1 month prison). 'Free' guides at tourist places.
Language
Nepali (secondary languages: Maithili, Bhojpuri, Thamang)
Currency
Nepalese Rupee (USD as a back up)
International Airports
Tribhuvan International Airport
Time Zone
GMT +5.45.
ATM & Credit Cards
ATM plentiful in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Cash preferred but card accepted most places
Plugs and Voltage
3 plug types - C (round pin), D & M (both round pin). 230 standard voltage and 50 Hz.3
Visa
UK travellers need a passport with 6 months travel left. (https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/)
Health
Sensible to have travel insurance. Nepal healthcare is inferior to that in the UK. Mandatory for high altitude hikes
Emergency Numbers
Dialing Code - +977
Police - 100
Fire - 101
Ambulance - 102
Best Travel Months
Peak - May, Oct, Nov Shoulder - April, June, Sept, Dec
Hiking Tips
Per person - $5 per day for guide, $2 - $3 per for porters
Sim Cards
Buy at airport. Ncell is the best coverage. Airalo for eSim.
Female Travel
Safe for solo female travellers even at night time. (Apply good travel sense as usual!)
Local Food & Drink
Momo
Thukpa
Dahl Baht
Everest Beer!
Food Tipping
Mostly not expected but always appreciated, 10% for good service
Top Scams:
Buying milk for mothers for their baby. Buying hash (1 month prison). 'Free' guides at tourist places.
Nepal Overview
Nepal is a country with a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and heaps of adventure. The Himalayas, home to the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, offers amazing trekking experiences for everyone. The diverse landscapes of lush valleys and high altitude mountains is just a visual feast for which ever trek you decide to undertake.Â
A melting pot of vibrant festivals, ancient temples, warm hospitality and great food makes this a destination that you won’t regret. Nepal offers such a great and unique landscape to explore, whether you are seeking a spiritual journey, an adventurous journey to Nepal or a blend of both.
Transport in Nepal
Transport options in Nepal are pretty straight forward to be honest. Plane, bus, rickshaw, motorbike, bicycle and walk! We have bite sized information guides on the various options for getting to Nepal and also how to get around once you are in Nepal. Â
Accommodation in Nepal
Nepal offers accommodation in plentiful amounts and caters to all preferences and budgets. Guesthouses, hostels and boutique hotels can be found easily and you can even find some of the global corporate style hotels if you want to know what you are getting. Our bite size guide on accommodation options in Nepal covers everything you need to know from locations, costs and with annecdotal evidence.Â
Nepal Bite Size Guides
Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is a transformative experience for several reasons. The majestic Himalayan mountain ranges, with iconic peaks such as Everest and Annapurna, provide a breath taking backdrop for your hike.Â
The trails lead through diverse terrains, from lush forests, blooming rhododendron and high altitude deserts. It also allows you some amazing cultural experiences, exploring remote villages and interacting with a diverse range of ethnic communities. Â
On my first hiking expedition to Nepal, I was undertaking the magnificent challenge of Everest Basecamp. That was my first ever hike. And my mind was just blown.Â
Nepal Stories
Essential Nepalese Words and Phrases
One of the great parts about travelling is showing gratitude to your host country and the locals. One of the easiest ways to do this is to learn some key phrases to use. Try learning these phrases before travelling to Nepal because nothing brings a smile to the faces of the locals faster than you trying to say the basics in their mother tongue.
- Hello – Namaste
- How are you? – Kasto cha?
- Thank you – Dhanyabaad
- Sorry – Maaf garnu hos
- How much does this cost? – Yeslaai katee paisaa ho?
- It’s tasty – Mitho cha
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