Nepal is a country of mountains, ancient cities, diverse cultures, religious traditions and warm hospitality. For visitors coming from another country, some everyday things may be different from what you are used to at home.
Whether this is your first visit to Nepal or you are returning after several years, a little preparation can make your journey easier and more comfortable.
This guide brings together practical information about arriving in Nepal, getting around, communication, money, local customs, safety, responsible travel and preparing for a Himalayan trek.
This guide has been prepared by Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd. to provide practical and general information for travelers visiting Nepal.
We make reasonable efforts to keep the information useful and up to date; however, travel requirements, fees, services, local conditions and other information may change from time to time and may vary depending on the destination, season and individual circumstances.
For important or time-sensitive matters, we recommend checking the latest information with the relevant official sources before making travel arrangements or decisions.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes and should be considered together with the specific requirements and arrangements applicable to your journey.
Before traveling to Nepal, make sure you have the important documents and information you may need during your journey.
Consider keeping the following available:
If you are coming to Nepal for trekking, also understand your route, altitude, expected walking times, accommodation arrangements, transportation and the permits required for your particular area.
Most international visitors arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
After immigration and baggage collection, you will enter the airport arrival area.
If you have arranged an airport pickup, check the name of the person or company collecting you and confirm the vehicle before leaving the airport.
It is useful to keep your hotel name, address and contact number available on your phone or on paper.
If your airport transfer has been arranged in advance, follow the instructions provided by your hotel, trekking company or travel provider.
Keep your passport, wallet, phone and other important belongings with you while moving through the airport.
Having a local SIM card or eSIM can make communication much easier while traveling in Nepal.
Ncell currently offers tourist SIM and eSIM options. Tourist SIM cards are available at Tribhuvan International Airport and authorized Ncell locations. An original passport is required for registration and activation.
Nepal also has other telecommunications providers, including Nepal Telecom.
Before buying a SIM card, check:
Mobile coverage can vary depending on where you travel. Major cities generally have better connectivity, while remote mountain areas can have limited or intermittent service.
If you are trekking, do not depend entirely on mobile coverage. Save important information, maps, contacts and documents before leaving Kathmandu.
Some visitors prefer to keep their home SIM card and use international roaming.
Whether this works and how much it costs depends on your home mobile operator and its roaming arrangements in Nepal.
Check the roaming rates with your home provider before departure. Ncell also notes that international roaming availability depends on the agreement between the visitor's home operator and Ncell.
For longer stays, a local SIM or eSIM may be more convenient, depending on your needs.
There are several ways to travel from Kathmandu Airport to your hotel.
You may have:
If someone is collecting you, confirm the company name, representative's name and vehicle information beforehand.
If you are taking a taxi, confirm the destination and fare arrangement before beginning the journey when appropriate.
Kathmandu traffic can be busy, so the journey may take longer than the distance on a map suggests.
Taxis are commonly used by visitors in Kathmandu.
When taking a taxi, it is sensible to:
If you are unsure about transportation, your hotel or trekking company can help arrange a vehicle.
For longer journeys, private vehicles can be arranged in advance.
Visitors from the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe and other countries may be familiar with ride-hailing apps such as Uber. Similar services are also available in Nepal and can be convenient for getting around Kathmandu and other urban areas.
Depending on your location and current driver availability, you may find services such as:
Uber
Pathao
inDrive
Yango
Availability, vehicle options, service areas and payment methods can vary, so check the app for the latest information when you are in Nepal.
To book a ride, enter your pickup location and destination in the app, review the vehicle and fare information, and confirm the booking. Before getting into the vehicle, check that the driver's name, vehicle details and license plate match the information shown in the app.
A local SIM card or eSIM can be useful because drivers may contact you by phone or message if they have difficulty finding your pickup location.
Ride-hailing apps are generally more useful for journeys within cities. For airport transfers, longer journeys, groups or transportation to trekking areas, a pre-arranged private vehicle may be more convenient.
Services and availability can change, so always check the current information in the relevant app before booking.
Nepal drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Visitors from countries where traffic drives on the right should take extra care when crossing roads.
Look carefully in both directions before crossing, and remember that motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, buses, cars and pedestrians may all share busy roads.
Do not assume that a vehicle will stop simply because you are at a crossing.
Road conditions and traffic can be very different from one part of Nepal to another.
Kathmandu and other major cities can experience heavy traffic, especially during busy hours.
Mountain roads may be narrow, winding and affected by weather, construction, traffic or road conditions.
When traveling overland, allow extra time rather than planning your journey around an exact arrival time.
For longer journeys, your driver or travel provider can advise you about the expected travel conditions.
Visitors should take additional care with road travel at night, particularly outside major cities.
Mountain and rural roads may have limited lighting, difficult conditions or changing weather.
If possible, plan longer road journeys during daylight and allow extra time for unexpected delays.
The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).
Cards and ATMs are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other major tourist areas, but cash becomes increasingly important when traveling to smaller towns and remote trekking areas.
Before heading into the mountains, it is sensible to carry enough local currency for your expected expenses.
Keep some smaller notes available for:
Avoid keeping all your cash, cards and important documents in one place.
Tipping is common in Nepal's tourism industry, but it is generally best treated as a personal way of showing appreciation rather than an automatic requirement.
The amount can depend on the quality of service, length of service and type of activity.
For a normal short taxi ride, a tip is not generally expected.
For a private driver who has provided good service, helped with luggage or assisted you during a longer journey, you may choose to give a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.
Check your restaurant bill before deciding whether to leave an additional tip.
Some restaurants may already include a service charge.
If you received good service and would like to give something extra, that is your personal choice.
Tipping trekking guides and porters is common, particularly at the end of a trek.
There is no single amount that applies to every trek.
The amount may depend on:
A tip should be based on your own judgment and satisfaction with the service.
Visitors may encounter people asking for money in some tourist areas, religious sites and busy streets.
You are not required to give money.
Some travelers choose not to give cash directly because they prefer to support established charitable organizations or local community projects instead.
If children are asking for money or gifts, it is generally better not to encourage begging by giving money or gifts directly.
If you would like to help, consider supporting a reputable organization or community initiative instead.
The important thing is to respond respectfully and avoid treating people as a tourist attraction.
Nepal is culturally and religiously diverse.
Hindu, Buddhist and other traditions are part of everyday life, and customs can vary between communities and regions.
You do not need to know every custom before arriving.
Simply observe what local people do, follow signs and instructions, and ask respectfully when you are unsure.
A little patience and respect can make interactions much more comfortable for everyone.
One of the most familiar Nepali greetings is:
Namaste
It is traditionally made by joining the palms together.
You may also hear:
Dhanyabad – Thank you
Hajur – A respectful way of responding or addressing someone, depending on the situation
Kripaya – Please
Maaf garnuhos – Excuse me / Sorry
You do not need perfect pronunciation. A friendly attempt is usually appreciated.
Nepal has many temples, monasteries, stupas and other important religious places.
When visiting:
Some Hindu temples do not permit non-Hindu visitors to enter certain areas.
Nepal is full of interesting people, ceremonies, temples, markets and landscapes.
However, not everything should automatically be treated as a photograph.
Before taking a close-up photograph of a person, monk, worshipper, ceremony or private activity, ask permission when appropriate.
At religious sites, follow any photography restrictions.
In Kathmandu, Pokhara and other tourist areas, visitors can generally dress comfortably.
However, when visiting:
more modest clothing is appropriate.
You do not need special clothing for every situation. Simply consider where you are and dress accordingly.
Shoes are often removed before entering homes, temples and other places where it is customary.
Pay attention to signs and observe local practice.
In some cultural settings, touching things with the feet or using the left hand to give or receive something may be considered disrespectful.
If you are unsure, follow the example of local people.
Nepal offers a wide variety of food, from traditional Nepali meals to international cuisine.
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, tell the restaurant or guide clearly.
When trekking, food choices may become more limited at higher elevations and in remote areas.
For drinking water, use a reliable treated, filtered or otherwise safe source. If you are unsure about the water supply, ask your accommodation or guide.
Public toilet facilities are available in many parts of Nepal, although their quality and cleanliness can vary.
Hotels, shopping centers, restaurants and tourist facilities may offer more comfortable facilities.
In rural areas and while trekking, toilets can be basic.
It is useful to carry:
Do not throw waste where it does not belong, particularly in natural areas and trekking regions.
Nepal's natural and cultural heritage belongs to everyone.
Please avoid leaving plastic, bottles, food packaging or other waste behind.
Carry a reusable water bottle where practical and use rubbish bins when available.
When trekking in environmentally sensitive areas, you may need to carry your own waste until a suitable disposal point is available.
Keep important belongings secure throughout your journey.
Take particular care of:
Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.
Keep your passport and important documents in a secure place and carry copies when practical.
Kathmandu and Pokhara have many areas where visitors enjoy walking, shopping, eating and exploring.
Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara are especially popular with travelers.
However, not every street has the same lighting, traffic or pedestrian conditions.
When walking:
Normal travel precautions are usually the best approach.
Nepal can be visited independently, but your preparation should match the destination and activity.
Traveling around Kathmandu or Pokhara is different from traveling into remote mountain areas.
Before going somewhere remote, make sure someone knows your itinerary and that you have appropriate transportation, accommodation, communication options and emergency information.
For remote trekking routes, do not rely only on an online map or mobile phone signal.
Trekking is one of the main reasons people visit Nepal.
Before starting a trek, understand:
Requirements can vary between trekking regions and may change over time.
Always check the current requirements for your specific route before departure.
For many trekking routes, particularly regulated or remote areas, visitors may need specific permits and/or guide arrangements.
A registered trekking company can help with practical arrangements such as:
If you are booking a trek, ask clearly what is included in the price and what you will need to arrange separately.
High-altitude trekking is very different from walking in a city or at low elevation.
Even physically active travelers need time to adjust to altitude.
A sensible approach includes:
Do not continue upward simply because you have already paid for the trek or because the itinerary says you should.
Your health and safety should take priority.
Wi-Fi and mobile service are generally easier to find in Kathmandu and Pokhara than in remote mountain areas.
During trekking, connectivity may become slower, less reliable or unavailable.
Before leaving the city:
Do not assume that you will always have a working mobile signal.
Nepal uses electricity at approximately 230 volts and 50 Hz. Socket types may differ from those used in your home country.
If your devices use a different plug type, bring a suitable travel adapter.
A power bank can also be useful, particularly during trekking.
In remote mountain areas, electricity may be limited or charging may cost extra depending on the accommodation.
Nepal's villages and communities are people's homes, not simply tourist attractions.
When visiting rural areas:
Responsible tourism helps protect both local communities and the places visitors come to experience.
If someone offers you an old-looking statue, religious object, antique, wildlife product or other questionable item, think carefully before buying it.
Some cultural objects and wildlife products may be protected or subject to legal restrictions.
If you are uncertain about an item, do not purchase it simply because someone tells you it is an authentic antique or valuable collectible.
Nepal has many tourism businesses, guides, drivers, hotels and travel providers.
Prices can vary for legitimate reasons, but an unusually cheap offer may not include everything you expect.
Before booking a trek, tour or transportation service, ask for the details in writing.
Check:
A clear written quotation helps prevent misunderstandings later.
If you experience a serious problem, contact the appropriate authority.
Tourist Police provide assistance to visitors in many tourist areas of Nepal.
The Tourist Police emergency number is 1144. Nepal Tourism Board also provides information about Tourist Police services and locations.
For emergencies, visitors should also know the relevant local emergency services and keep important contacts available.
Before traveling, check the latest official contact information because numbers and local posts can change.
Learning a few Nepali words can make everyday interactions more enjoyable.
Namaste – Hello / respectful greeting
Dhanyabad – Thank you
Hajur – Yes / respectful response, depending on context
Kripaya – Please
Maaf garnuhos – Excuse me / Sorry
Even a simple “Namaste” can be a friendly way to begin an interaction.
Before beginning a trek, take a few minutes to check everything.
If you are unsure about what you need, ask your trekking company or guide before departure rather than carrying unnecessary equipment.
If you have visited Nepal before, you may already know your way around Kathmandu, Pokhara or the trekking regions.
However, it is still worth checking important information again before each trip.
Transportation arrangements, trekking requirements, permits, prices, services, telephone packages, road conditions and local conditions can change.
Do not assume that everything will be exactly the same as during your previous visit.
A quick review before departure can save time and prevent unnecessary surprises.
Nepal may be different from the country you come from, and that is part of what makes traveling here interesting. You may experience different road conditions, customs, ways of communicating and a different pace of everyday life.
The best approach is to arrive prepared, remain patient, respect local people and traditions, and keep an open mind. A little preparation and understanding can make your time in Nepal more comfortable and enjoyable.
Whether you are visiting Nepal for the first time, returning for another journey, exploring Kathmandu and Pokhara, or preparing for a trek in the Himalayas, we hope this guide provides useful information for your travels.
If you are planning a trek, hiking trip, tour or other journey in Nepal and would like practical advice about your itinerary, route, permits, transportation or preparation, Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd. will be happy to assist.
Thank you for choosing Nepal as part of your journey. We wish you a safe, enjoyable and memorable time in Nepal, and hope you take home not only wonderful memories of the mountains and landscapes, but also the warmth of the people and the unique experiences that make Nepal special.
Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd.
Nepal Government Registration No.: 215808/75/076
Kumarigal-7, Bouddha, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel/WhatsApp: +977 9808717598
Email: nepalhimalayanhiking@gmail.com
Website: www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com
