Nepal - Travel Guide

When traveling to Nepal, pack according to the season, destination, and altitude of your trip. For general sightseeing, bring comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and any personal medications. For mountain trips and trekking, pack warm layers, a waterproof and windproof jacket, sturdy trekking shoes, a warm hat, and gloves; specialized equipment may be required for high-altitude treks. During the monsoon season, a waterproof jacket, shoe covers, and dry bags are useful. When visiting temples and religious sites, pack modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A reusable water bottle, power bank, travel adapter, passport, and travel insurance documents are also recommended.

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), commonly written as Rs. or रू, and 1 rupee is divided into 100 paisa. Banks, authorized exchange counters, and ATMs are available in major cities, and Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, travelers should carry enough Nepalese rupees when visiting remote areas or trekking regions, where card payments and ATMs may be limited. Foreign currency should be exchanged through banks, hotels, or licensed money changers, and it is advisable to keep your exchange receipts in case they are required when converting unused Nepalese currency before departure.

The most commonly used international gateway to Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, the country's main international aviation hub. Pokhara International Airport (PKR) and Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA) are also operating international airports. For travel within Nepal, domestic flights and road transportation are the main options. Popular destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini can be reached by domestic flights or long-distance tourist buses, while remote mountain areas and trekking trailheads often require a combination of road travel and short domestic flights. Within cities, travelers can use taxis, buses, three-wheelers, or private cars. Nepal currently has no railway network connecting its major cities. Domestic flights are generally the most time-efficient option, while tourist buses and private vehicles are popular choices for travelers who prefer scenic road journeys or greater flexibility.

When traveling in Nepal, visitors should respect local religious beliefs and cultural customs. Remove your shoes before entering temples, stupas, or private homes, and follow local rules at religious sites, some of which may restrict entry to non-believers. Ask for permission before photographing local people, religious ceremonies, or temple interiors. Walk clockwise around temples and stupas, and avoid touching people or religious objects with your feet. Dress modestly when visiting temples and traditional areas, avoid excessive public displays of affection, and use your right hand or both hands when giving or receiving items. During trekking, follow local guidelines, respect the environment, and keep passports and valuables secure. In an emergency, call 1144 (Tourist Police), a free hotline that assists tourists with safety issues, theft, lost documents, and other travel-related problems; 100 is for Nepal Police, and 103 is for Traffic Police.

Nepal uses Type C, Type D, and Type M power sockets, with a standard voltage of 230V at 50Hz. Socket types can vary between hotels and accommodations, so international travelers are advised to bring a universal travel adapter. Most phone, camera, and laptop chargers support 100–240V and generally only require a plug adapter, while single-voltage appliances should be checked for compatibility with Nepal’s 230V supply and may require a voltage converter. When traveling to remote areas or trekking at high altitude, carrying a power bank is also recommended in case charging facilities are limited or power interruptions occur.