Nepal Travel Information

Nepal, a landlocked country in South Asia, is known for its beautiful mountains, rich culture and history, and diverse landscapes. From the Himalayas to the lush jungles, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Nepal. Here are the top 10 things to do in Nepal that should not be missed:

1. Trekking in the Himalayas

Nepal is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, and trekking in the Himalayas is one of the most popular activities in the country. Visitors can choose from a variety of trekking routes, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and the Poon Hill Trek.

2. Visit Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant mix of ancient temples, palaces, and stupas. Visitors can explore the city's many temples, such as the Pashupatinath Temple and the Swayambhunath Stupa, and also visit the Durbar Square.

3. Visit Pokhara

Pokhara, a city in western Nepal, is known for its beautiful lakes, such as Phewa Lake, and the stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visitors can also go for a paragliding, ultralight flights and hot air balloon rides to see the beautiful views of the mountains.

4. Visit Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as the Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, and the Asian elephant. Visitors can take a jungle safari, go for an elephant ride and take a canoe trip on the Rapti River.

5. Visit Lumbini

Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the birthplace of the Lord Buddha and one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Visitors can explore the many temples, stupas, and monasteries, such as the Maya Devi Temple and the Ashoka Pillar, and also visit the Lumbini Museum.

6. Visit Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp Trek takes visitors to the base of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. Along the way, visitors will encounter beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and a chance to experience the culture of the Sherpa people.

7. Visit Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal, and it offers visitors stunning views of the Annapurna range, including the Annapurna South, Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre.

8. Visit Langtang National Park

Langtang National Park is located in the central Himalayas and offers visitors the opportunity to trek through beautiful landscapes and traditional villages. Visitors can also see the Langtang Lirung and other peaks, and also visit the Kyanjin Gompa, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

9. Visit Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is a remote and secluded region located in the northern part of Nepal, and it offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Tibetan culture and architecture. Visitors can explore the many cave monasteries, such as the cave of Guru Rinpoche, and also see the beautiful landscapes and traditional villages.

10. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic center of Kathmandu. Visitors can explore the many temples, palaces, and courtyards, such as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Taleju Temple and the Kumari Ghar, and also see the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Nepal has a diverse climate due to its varied topography, ranging from tropical to alpine.

The Terai

• The Terai region, located in the southern part of Nepal, has a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity.
• The monsoon season runs from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall to the region.
• The best time to visit the Terai region is from October to May, when the weather is dry and temperatures are more moderate.

The Hill Region

• The Hill region, located in the middle part of Nepal, has a temperate climate with cool temperatures and moderate rainfall.
• The monsoon season runs from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall to the region.
• The best time to visit the Hill region is from October to May, when the weather is dry and temperatures are more moderate.

The Himalayas

• The Himalayas, located in the northern part of Nepal, have an alpine climate with extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.
• The best time to visit the Himalayas for trekking and climbing is from September to November, when the monsoon season has ended and the weather is clear.

It's worth noting that the weather in Nepal can be unpredictable and can change rapidly, particularly in the mountainous regions, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast and pack appropriate clothing. Additionally, the peak tourism season in Nepal varies depending on the activity you want to do, for example, trekking and climbing are more popular during the dry season, while rafting and kayaking are popular during the monsoon season.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

There are several options for accommodation in Nepal, catering to different budgets and preferences. Some of the most common types of accommodation include:

Hotels

Nepal has a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts.

Guesthouses

These are small, family-run accommodations that offer basic amenities and a more authentic local experience.

Homestays

Staying with a local family in their home is a unique way to experience Nepal's culture and way of life.

Hostels

Hostels are a budget-friendly option for travelers, offering shared dormitory-style accommodation.

Camping

For trekkers and hikers, camping is a common way to spend the night while on the trail. Tents and equipment can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu and other major towns.

Resorts

Nepal have some of the best resorts in the world, especially in the mountain regions, which offer luxury accommodation, spa services and adventure activities.

Lodges

Some of the trekking routes have lodges that provide accommodation, meals and other services for trekkers.

It's worth noting that availability and quality of accommodation can vary greatly depending on the region, so it's best to do your research and make reservations in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

There are several options for transportation in Nepal. Some of the most common include:

Bus

This is the most common mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike. Buses run between major cities and towns, and are relatively inexpensive.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Nepal and can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you're short on time.

Motorbike/Scooter

Renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular option for travelers looking to explore more remote areas.

Bicycle

Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the countryside and small towns.

Domestic flights

For mountain regions and trekking routes, domestic flights to remote area are available.

Private Car

Hiring a private car with a driver can be a comfortable and convenient way to travel around Nepal, especially for longer journeys.

Trekking

Trekking is a popular way to explore the Himalayas. There are a variety of trekking routes available, catering to different levels of fitness and experience.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.