Travel Tips for Nepal – Things to Know Before Traveling to Nepal

Travel tips for Nepal – Things to know before traveling to Nepal

Nepal is a beautiful holiday destination and holds a special attraction for Indian travelers. It has so much to offer in terms of leisure, adventure, culture, heritage, and nature. It is a complete family destination and an ideal getaway for travelers of all genres, families, backpackers, luxury travelers, spiritual and religious travelers, as well as adventure seekers. Before you plan your holiday to Nepal, here are some travel tips for Nepal as well as good to know the information.

Nepal Map

About Nepal

Nepal is a small landlocked country that is sandwiched between India and China. The country is home to the highest mountain peak in the world, Mount Everest. Eight of the ten highest mountain peaks of the world are rooted in Nepal. Nepal was the only official Hindu state in the world until recently. Now it is a secular state with a predominant majority practicing Hinduism and Buddhism. There are over 125 ethnic groups in Nepal. Some of these are Newar people, Sherpas, Tharu people, Gurung people, Tamang people, etc. The country which was a monarchy was constituted as the Federal Democratic Republic in the year 2008.

How To Get To Nepal

The Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu is the arrival point for international visitors to Nepal. The small country of Nepal is well connected internally with a network of about 43 airports which allows one to fly to destinations within the country like Pokhara, Lukla, etc.. One can travel to Nepal by road from various border crossings in India like Raxaul, Tanakpur, and many others.

International flights from major cities across countries in the world enable easy access to Kathmandu and Nepal. Major airlines connect Indian cities to Kathmandu. Nepal Airlines is the flag carrier of Nepal and operates flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, and Bangkok. Additionally, Nepal Airlines flies to 25 destinations within Nepal. Many other airlines like Buddha Air, Himalaya Airlines, Tara Air, Yeti Airlines, etc.. connect the airports of Nepal. These airlines also have the famous Everest flights that allow you to glimpse the magnificence of the Himalayas from the plane window.

Visa For Nepal

Tourist visas on arrival can be obtained at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. This is the entry point for foreigners to the country. The Visa process is fairly simple and quick, however, one can expect queues during the peak tourist season between September to December. One can also obtain a Nepal tourist visa at the country’s diplomatic missions in your respective countries. Visa extension in Nepal too is fairly easy and can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a calendar year.

For Indian passport holders, there is no requirement of Visa. Indian Government identification like Aadhar, Voter Id is enough to gain entry for Indians into Nepal.

Nepal Currency

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee. The currency is available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. The Nepalese Rupee is pegged to the Indian Rupee @ 1 NR=1.6 INR. It is worth noting that most if not all shops and business establishments accept Indian currency, but most smaller shops may not accept currency notes above 100 INR. Credit cards are accepted in the bigger stores, restaurants, and hotels. US dollars are accepted in the bigger establishments and travel agencies, but one would need Nepalese Rupees for smaller shops and restaurants. This is one of the very useful travel tips for Nepal that will stand in good stead.

Mobile Network In Nepal

The mobile network in Kathmandu is good while expectedly in remote areas connectivity would be an issue. In Kathmandu, most hotels offer complimentary WiFi with good internet speeds. The Tribhuvan International Airport also offers free WiFi usage for 90 minutes and the network connections and internet speed is good too. If you have an Airtel connection from India and traveling to Nepal, mobile connectivity is not at all an issue. As soon as you cross over to the Nepalese side your phone gets connected to the network of local service providers like NCell.

The best part is there is no need to even activate International roaming for Airtel subscribers when in Nepal. It is a seamless process and one can continue to enjoy the benefits of being connected to one of the best networks of India during the Nepal sojourn. The Airtel network enables one to enjoy the splendors of Nepal and at the same time stay connected with friends and family at home. This is another of the very useful travel tips for Nepal, especially for those who will travel to Nepal from India.

Getting Around In Nepal

There are multiple ways to get around Nepal. Within Kathmandu one can avail of local buses if you are on a budget, the tickets cost between 15-50 Nepalese Rupees depending on the distance. But the buses can be crowded. This is another of the Important tips for Nepal travelers

Taxis are another option to get around Nepal. They charge by the Meter, however, you can negotiate for a fixed sum as well. Typically, a ride of about 10 kilometers could cost around 500 NR as per current rates.

If you want to get to different towns of Nepal from Kathmandu, you can hire a taxi, or take local buses. But if the distance is far, say you want to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu, we advise you to take a flight. Flights are relatively cheap and save time.

Languages Used In Nepal

Nepali is the official language of Nepal. However, Hindi is spoken and understood by most people. English too is spoken and understood by people, especially in urban areas.

Time Zone of Nepal

Nepal time is 5.45 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. It is 15 minutes ahead of the Indian Standard Time.

Travel tips for Nepal – Climate of Nepal

Nepal has four distinct seasons. It is winter season from December to February, Summer from June to August, Spring from March to  May, and Autumn from September to November. Nepal gets rain in the summer months. It is a destination that can be visited throughout the year. But if you are planning to visit a place like Pokhara for views of the Himalayan ranges, it is best to avoid the summer season as the weather is pretty hot and the views are obstructed by clouds and rain.

Treks In Nepal

The lure of trekking in the Himalayan ranges draws millions of visitors to Nepal. Treks in Nepal range from the extremely arduous to easier ones. You have the Everest Base Camp trek and the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek among many others to live the Himalayan dream. One of the important Travel tips for Nepal to be noted is that some treks need trekking permits and it is best to contact authorized and licensed trek organizers who would take care of all formalities and ensure safety norms. Trekking with a guide and or a group is always advisable.

Travel tips for Nepal – AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)

If you are traveling to the high altitude places of Nepal, do ensure to take all precautions against AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Make sure you acclimatize yourself, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and start taking Diamox before you arrive at a high altitude place. If you are visiting places like Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, only there is no issue of AMS.

Travel tips for Nepal – Dressing In Nepal

The Nepali Topi also referred to as Dhaka Topi is the traditional headgear of Nepal worn by the Nepali men. The Nepali Cap is like a skull cap and comes in different designs. Daura Suruwal is the traditional dress of the men and includes a double-breasted shirt which is known as Daura and trousers known as Suruwal. The traditional attire of Nepali women is known as Kurta Suruwal and includes a Kurta or long sleeved loose blouse and baggy trousers worn with a large scarf or dupatta.

Visitors to Nepal are advised to dress modestly and especially so in the temples and public places and be sensitive to religious sentiments.

One of the prevalent and common practices in Nepal is to honor guests with a shawl known as Khada and or a Tika (Vermillion mark on the forehead). The Khada is draped over the shoulders of guests when welcoming them and also when bidding them farewell. Visitors can expect to be honored in this way when they arrive at hotels or at private homes. The Khada is an integral part of Nepali culture and plays a role in all major events ranging from political events to birthdays to weddings to death ceremonies.

Travel tips for Nepal – Food of Nepal

Typical Nepali food consists of Dal, Bhat, Tarkari. This is a meal of steamed rice, lentils soup, and vegetable curries. Chicken and Meat dishes are also eaten by non-vegetarians. Momos are also something that visitors to Nepal can relish. Nepal being a tourist center, different cuisines are available at small and big restaurants in places like Kathmandu and Pokhara. One of the famous Nepali dishes is Sel Roti which is a circular, deep fried snack made from rice flour and slightly sweet in taste.

Tipping In Nepal

A decent tip is welcome in Nepal though it is not mandatory. You can expect a selfless and warm service everywhere in Nepal irrespective of whether you are tipping or not.

Travel tips for Nepal – Nepal FAQ

Nepal is a multi-dimensional country with a unique culture that is deeply rooted in tradition. It has a rich heritage and is deeply religious with many of the sacred sites of Hinduism and Buddhism located here. Visitors to this enigmatic and enchanting country are sure to have lots of questions about the culture, religion, and way of life so that they do not end up in embarrassing situations and are sensitive to the feelings of the people. Here are some questions that are sure to be on everyone’s mind before visiting Nepal.

Can one enter all temples in Nepal?

Some temples like the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu allow only Hindu visitors inside the main temple. Others can visit the outer courtyard only. Wherever entry is allowed to Buddhist and Hindu temples, it is mandatory to remove your footwear outside.

Are there entry tickets to attractions in Nepal?

Most attractions in Nepal have entry tickets. Entry is free for Nepalis, there is a different amount of entry fees for those from the SAARC countries and other countries.

What is the Post Earthquake scene in Nepal?

Nepal has shown remarkable resilience and things have been normalized in record time. However rebuilding is still happening at some of the famous archaeological sites like Bhaktapur, Patan, etc..

Is Nepal safe to travel?

Nepal is one of the safest countries to travel in, with its people very hospitable and helpful.

Do I need to carry drinking water while sightseeing?

One needs to do a lot of walking, especially in the heritage areas like Durbar Square Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and other places. It is advisable to carry your own refillable water bottle to ensure being hydrated.

Is an umbrella needed in Nepal?

It can be really hot in the summers. An umbrella or cap is an absolute necessity for protection from the sun as well as rain. Use of a sunscreen is also highly recommended.

How is the shopping scene in Nepal?

Nepal is a shoppers paradise. The street markets of Kathmandu and Pokhara are great places to shop for souvenirs, trekking outfits and equipment, apparel, and other knick-knacks. One can also indulge in bargaining and strike a good deal.

What about Electricity supply and Electric points in Nepal?

Nepal has a supply of 230V voltage at 50 HZ. Plug points in Nepal have two and three round pins. The points are similar to those found in India. One should be ready for power outages though the bigger hotels do have generators. It is advisable to have a torch at hand especially when you are staying in the countryside.

Is there a lot of dust in Nepal?

In parts of Kathmandu, owing to construction and rebuilding, there is lots of dust and it is advisable to cover oneself with a face mask in these areas. This is again one of the important travel tips for Nepal. Even the locals cover their mouths and noses with masks when they are in the dusty areas.

What is the common greeting in Nepal and what some useful Nepali phrases to know?

The common greeting or salutation is the folded hands “Namaste” which is used to welcome as well as bid farewell. “Dhanyabaad” means Thank You in Nepali. Tapaai laai kasto chha? Means “how are you?” in Nepali.

What are the colorful flags and prayer wheels that we see so often near Buddhist temples in Nepal?

The colorful flags are prayer flags and are usually of 5 different colors which stand for the five elements, air, water, fire, earth, and sky or space. It is believed that they send out positive vibrations as they sway in the wind. The prayer wheels that one finds in Buddhist temples have the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum written in Newari language. Spinning the wheel in a clockwise direction is believed to help accumulate good Karma and banish bad Karma.

Which are the most beautiful places to visit in Nepal?

Apart from the Himalayas, places like Chitwan, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen, and Bhaktapur among others are beautiful places in Nepal.

What is the best Nepal Travel Advice?

Nepal can not only be seen, but it needs to be felt. Experience Nepal from the core of your heart and it shall be a life-changing experience.

We hope these Nepal travel tips equip you to enjoy the beautiful country to the full and before you visit Nepal you are well versed with the things to know before traveling to Nepal. However, if you are still wondering about what to know about Nepal, do connect with us and we would be more than pleased to help. Do look out for many more Nepal travel blogs on our site.

You might be interested in reading our other posts on Nepal:

Chitwan Jungle Safari | All About Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Trekking in Nepal – Best Trekking Places in Nepal
A Paradise called Pokhara beckons you

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