What are the ways to enter Nepal?
You can either enter by air or overland through India and Tibet, the autonomous region of China. There are also some direct flights available from mainland China, Gulf countries and Europe.
By Air: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, the capital city is the only international airport in Nepal. There are several international airlines including the Nepal Airlines, the national flag operate flights to Kathmandu. Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Oman Air, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Jet Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Air India, Spice Jet, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Dragon Air, Air China, Korean Air and China Southern have regular flights to Nepal.
By Overland: There are six entry points to enter Nepal from India and one from China (Tibet). For more information, please visit our Travellers Information page.
Do I need to organize visa for Nepal before I leave?
Visas for entering Nepal can be obtained at the Nepalese Embassies and Consulate Offices abroad. Tourist visas can also be obtained at the Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu or at any cross-borders to Nepal. It would be good to have visa already to avoid the long queuing at the airport or entry points. There are a few countries who are not allowed visa on arrival. Please visit also our Travellers Information page and www.nepalimmigration.gov.np for more information on current visa rules of Nepal.
What are the essential documents for a trip to Nepal?
You should have following documents ready for a trip to Nepal and please keep a copy of all documents with you for a record.
- A valid passport
- Valid visa
- Fight tickets
- Travel insurance covering emergency rescue and evacuation
- Cash or Travellers Cheque or Credit Cards
- Emergency contact numbers
- Completed booking form
Also leave a copy of all documents with someone at home.
Do I need any vaccinations before entering Nepal?
We recommend to seek a medical advice at least six weeks before to enter into Nepal about vaccinations. You do not officially require any immunization to enter the country unless you have come or recently visited the area where yellow fever is present.
Is there a medical facility in Kathmandu for sick travelers?
Yes there are. There are now plenty of good hospitals having sufficient facilities in case of any emergencies. They have pretty comprehensive information from immunization to High Altitude Sickness.
Are insurance policies available in Nepal?
We strongly recommend you to arrange travel insurance before going to Nepal and make sure that it covers the medical treatment including the emergency helicopter evacuation. However, you can also purchase them online after your arrival in Nepal.
What is the weather like in Nepal?
Nepal has very much diverse weather from very hot to very cold. It rains quite less in higher altitudes with a possibility of snowing and a lot in the Terai in summer. However, short hiking is possible throughout the year. Please, visit our Travellers Information page to read more about on weather.
Click here for Nepal’s High Altitude Weather Forecasts
How do I make the payment?
You can pay us using your credit/debit cards with our further instruction for deposits and payments. It is safe and hassle free. You can also pay by wire transfer to the specified bank account in Nepal. Additionally, it is also payable by cash USD, Euro or UK Pounds while you arrive in Nepal. We honor all major credit cards including MasterCard and Visa.
For your personal expenses in the mountains and in the cities you should have local currencies in small denominations. Nepalese Rupees (NRs) are the official local currencies in Nepal.
Where can I exchange monies?
You can exchange your money into local currency at banks, with money changers or at hotels. Please be aware to ask for a receipt also. You will need the receipt to change back your excess money into hard cash at the end. There are money changers at the airport terminals for your comfort.
Are there ATM facilities in Kathmandu?
The Kathmandu city, Tribhuvan Airport, main tourist market Thamel, Pokhara and Chitwan have several ATM machines run by different commercial organizations and banks. They accept all major cards also. It should be noted that the cash is withdrawn in local currency only.
Are the streets safe in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is normally safe. You need to remain cautious with the people who try to sell you many things. All you need to do is avoid them saying ‘no-thanks’. You also need to be careful about the traffics in the narrow streets. Therefore, we advise you to deposit the valuables at hotel if it is going to be late evening.
Is nightlife safe in Kathmandu?
Nightlife couldn’t become the part of life of the people here fully, so early back is important and safe.
Is road travel safe in Nepal?
Road travel is a must for some destinations like Dhunche for Langtang and Jiri for Everest trekking. However, the main tourist cities like Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini have connection of good roads and comfortable tourist buses. Tourist buses are generally safer than other buses. You can also hire a private vehicle or fly apparently.
Do I need to inform about my travel to my embassy in Nepal?
It is strongly advisable to inform your diplomatic office in Kathmandu about your travel plans in Nepal and who you are going with. Their roles will be vital to contact your families in case of any emergencies.
Is there any special dress code in Nepal?
There are no strict cultural rules for dress code in Nepal. Most people in the villages follow a conservative dress code with long sleeves. It will be appreciated and worth remembering long sleeves dresses are most liked.
Is Chitwan safe for a tourist?
Many people are afraid of malaria in Chitwan and the surrounding areas. It is completely eradicated now declared malaria free zone. So, you can freely travel to Chitwan and other southern part of Nepal.
How can I help to protect the natural environment?
The natural environment will certainly have some impacts due to human activities. So, it is advisable to minimize the use of plastic water bottles firstly. Probably it is better to refill your metallic water bottle with the purified drinking water from the teahouses. You can also encourage the local people by eating food that is prepared without using firewood. Please make sure that the food rappers you brought are properly disposed. Our guides are trained about eco-friendly treks and they could be the best resources for your desired nature-friendly trekking trip in Nepal’s Himalayas.
Is there tipping system in Nepal?
Tipping is generally expected in Nepal and is everyday part of life. The usual amount to tip in teahouses/lodges and restaurants is 10 to 15%. If the service charge is added in the bill, it should be noted that tip is already included. It is necessary to tip your guides and porters at the end of the trip. The general amount to tip is from $3 to $5 per day per person to each guide and porter. However, there is no restriction to tip more and note that tipping is always for better service.
Can I hire some mountain gears in Nepal?
You can hire all trekking and climbing gears in Kathmandu at affordable prices. However, we advise you to have your own sleeping bag and jacket. Please visit our Equipment List for more information.
Is there Internet facility in Kathmandu?
Most of the hotels have free internet service with WiFi facility while many restaurants offer free WiFi access for their customers.
What kind of food is available in the mountains of Nepal?
There are many dishes available in the mountain lodges including the continental and American. The local dishes are equally popular and we advise you to try them also. Your guide will show you how to eat them. The popular Nepali dish is Daal-Bhaat. There is a popular saying, Daal-Bhaat power, twenty four hour.
What is a teahouse or lodge like?
These are comfortable and basic inns prepared in the mountains for trekkers. They are designed with single/double/triple rooms with attached/shared modern toilet facility. The treks which are not necessary to camp are regarded as teahouse or lodge trekking. The popular Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit and Langtang treks are now possible without camping.
Is there hot shower available on the trek?
There are some major places which have teahouses/lodges with shower facilities but otherwise it is a water bucket provided on request and payable. All showers cost extra about US $3-4 per person. However, the showers are not to the Western standard in the high mountain areas.
How do I choose a trek to my level of fitness?
We have treks available ranging from easy to hard. Among them, easy to medium treks are suitable for the people who are moderately fit and no previous experience necessary. Medium-hard treks are for the people with some previous mountain walking experiences. Likewise, hard treks should only be undertaken by real adventure seekers as ropes may be necessary in some places. Hill walking, running and swimming is recommended a few months before you set out on a trek as a fitness regime. If you are suffering from pre-existing medical conditions or disease, you must seek a medical advice before considering a trek. It is quite common to feel some discomforts during acclimatization that may appear above 4,000 meters though.
For more information on Trekking Grades, please visit our Trip Grading Definition page.
What are the modes of communication facility on the trek?
There are land line telephones available in many remote areas. The popular Everest and Annapurna trails have good access of 3G mobile network and internet facility. Also we use the satellite phones and walkie-talkies on bigger expeditions.
Are there facilities on treks where I can recharge batteries?
Many of the popular trekking routes have solar electricity and they have facilities to recharge your batteries. However, it is extra and payable directly on the spot. We would also advise you to bring spare batteries if you are in a place where there is no recharging facility. The Everest and Annapurna regions have good facilities for recharging batteries.
Is there any tax applicable in airports in Nepal?
There is no Airport or Departure Tax payable when departing Nepal or at domestic airports. The Airport tax includes in the air tickets.
Where can I buy a mobile SIM in Nepal?
You can buy SIM cards of Nepal Telecom (Government owned) and Ncell (Private) easily in the international airport, their service centers and also from the authorised agents located throughout the cities. Please keep a spare copy of passport and two passport size pictures to acquire a SIM. The recharge cards are also easily available in many stores.
Does my mobile network works in Nepal?
There are many international mobile companies that work with Nepal’s mobile network.