Visa for Nepal (Updated 2019):
A fee has to be levied while issuing tourist visa by the Nepalese Mission abroad or entry points in Nepal.
For foreigners desiring to come to Nepal first time in visa year, the cost of visa will be as follows:
- $30 US Dollars for 15 days Multiple entry visa.
- $50 US Dollars for 30 days Multiple entry visa.
- $125 US Dollars for 90 days Multiple entry visa.
For more information on VISA, please visit Department of Immigration.
Entry/Exit Points to Nepal:
The entry and exit points for the purpose of the foreigners entering into and departing from Nepal are following. The Immigration Offices in such points remain open for 24 hours. Entering and departing from other places except the point refers to as the violation of Immigration Act and the Regulation.
1. Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali)
2. Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke)
3. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu
4. Hilsa (Humla)
5. Birganj (Parsa)
6. Kakarvitta (Jhapa)
7. Kodari (Sindhupalchowk)
8. Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur)
9. Rashuwagadi (Rashuwa)
10. Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi)
11. Biratnagar (Morang)
12. Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), Bhairahawa (Rupandehi)
13. Pokhara International Airport (PIA), Pokhara (Kaski)
Trekking Permits:
Nepal’s first national park is obviously Chitwan National Park, established in Chitwan in 1973A.D. There are some protected areas in Nepal including 12 national parks, 6 conservation areas, 1 wildlife reserve and 1 hunting reserve altogether. Entry fees apply for all the national parks, reserves and conservation areas. Some of the popular trekking routes lie in the conservation areas also, such as Annapurna Circuit trekking route lies in Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), Manaslu Circuit trekking route lies in Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) and Kanchenjunga trekking route lies in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA). Similarly, the popular Everest Base Camp trek lies in Sagarmatha National Park.
The fee for obtaining a permit in conservation areas will cost Rupees 2,000 per person while it costs Rupees 3,000 per person in national parks to all foreigners desiring to trek in such areas. Then 13% VAT is applicable on top of all permit fees. Apart from the national park or conservation fee, a separate permit TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) will also be required to trek in the national parks and conservation areas. It costs US$ 10 per person for foreigners. TIMS is not necessary to trek in the controlled areas and if climbing permits are issued.
Government of Nepal has restricted some areas for foreign visits and a foreigner desiring to trek in such permissible trekking regions will have to obtain a permit from the Department of Immigration. Trekking Encounters can apply on your behalf to obtain this permit and there will be minimum two persons necessary to acquire such permits. Regions such as Upper and Lower Dolpa, Manaslu and Tsum Valley, Nar and Phu Villages in Manang, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga, Humla and Simikot are controlled areas and special ‘Trekking Permit’ will be required to trek in these areas apart from the conservation or national park permits.
The different permit fee structure of restricted area is as per below (Updated 2019):
| Lower Dolpa | US$ 20 per person per week |
| Upper Dolpa | US$ 500 for first 10 days |
| Kanchanjanga Region | US$ 20 per person per week |
| Upper Mustang | US$ 500 for first 10 days |
| Manaslu Region | US$ 100 per person per week (Sep-Nov) US$ 75 per person per week (Dec-Aug) |
| Humla and Simikot | US$ 50 per person per week |
| Nar and Phu (Manang) | US$ 100 per person per week (Sep-Nov) US$ 75 per person per week (Dec-Aug) |
| Tsum Valley (Gorkha) | US$ 40 per person per week (Sep-Nov) US$ 30 per person per week (Dec-Aug) |
Health and Safety:
Kathmandu has enough best health facilities compared to the mountain areas. Unwell Trekkers are so usually evacuated by a helicopter to Kathmandu. It is always advisable to take out travel insurance in order to cover the costs of hospital treatment and evacuations. We also recommend seeking 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.
Never drink the Mountain water unless the source is verified, filtered or treated with water purifier. Also do not forget to carry your own medical kit box and to mention if you have any chronic disease or heart problems especially if you are taking higher altitude treks. All our guides carry first aid kit box for any emergencies. You must be aware of high altitude hazards if you are trekking above 4,000 meters. Safety is our important concern in all treks in Nepal. Our guides are fully aware of natural conditions, trails, routes, roads and traffics. We pay our prompt attention to the safety of your life.
Weather of Nepal:
Nepal has very typical monsoon and varied weather, two-season a year combining the dry season from October to May and the wet (monsoon) season from June to September. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best times to come to Nepal for a longer and high altitude treks. The best climbing season starts from March until May. There are some important and colorful festivals to enjoy during October-November. In December and January, the climate and visibility are still good but it can get very cold at high altitudes. February to April, it is an ideal time for a trek and rhododendrons (the national flower of Nepal) and other flowers are in Technicolor bloom.
May and early June are hot and dusty. It is a good time to trek in Mustang and Dolpo during Mid-June to September being the rain shadow area. It doesn’t rain all day but it usually rains every day in summer. Most rivers are too high to raft and visiting Tibet might be a good idea in the latter part of the monsoon (August and September). Pokhara is warmer and more pleasant than Kathmandu during winter. Due to the diverse weather conditions of Nepal; it is never closed and shorter or longer trips are available and possible throughout the year.
Average Weather Chart of Nepal (in Degree Celsius – Max/Min):
| Kathmandu | Pokhara | Chitwan | Namche | Jumla | |
| Jan | 19/2 | 19/6 | 24/7 | 7/-8 | 11/-2 |
| Feb | 21/3 | 21/8 | 26/8 | 6/-6 | 13/-3 |
| Mar | 25/7 | 26/12 | 33/12 | 9/-3 | 17/0 |
| Apr | 28/10 | 30/15 | 35/18 | 12/1 | 22/3 |
| May | 30/14 | 30/18 | 35/20 | 14/4 | 24/6 |
| Jun | 29/18 | 29/20 | 35/23 | 15/6 | 24/13 |
| Jul | 28/19 | 29/21 | 33/24 | 16/8 | 23/15 |
| Aug | 28/19 | 29/21 | 33/24 | 16/8 | 24/15 |
| Sep | 27/17 | 28/20 | 32/22 | 15/6 | 23/12 |
| Oct | 27/12 | 26/17 | 31/18 | 12/2 | 24/6 |
| Nov | 23/7 | 23/11 | 29/12 | 9/3 | 19/-4 |
| Dec | 20/2 | 20/7 | 24/8 | 7/-6 | 15/-5 |
Click here for Nepal’s current Weather data
Click here for Nepal’s High Altitude Weather Forecasts
Foreign Exchange:
Nepal Rastra Bank sets the official exchange rates which are available on its website and published in the daily newspapers of Nepal. Exchange rates at private banks vary but are generally not very far from the official rate. There are money exchange counters at the international terminal of Kathmandu’s Airport and money-changers at the various border points. We recommend you to carry enough small-denominations of cash rupees if you are trekking in the mountains. It is necessary to show your passport while changing the money and also ask for receipts as you need them to change excess rupees back into hard currency at banks. Some hotels have facilities to change money but their rates might be lower. In addition to the banks, there are several licensed money-changers in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birgunj, Kakarbhitta and Sunauli/Bhairahawa border points.
Click here for Currency Conversion link
Currency and Banks:
Nepal has its own currency called Nepali Rupees (Rs) available in different denominations like 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 rupees. The biggest is Rs. 1000. The interesting thing with the Nepali rupees is all notes are of different sizes in increasing order. There are several numbers of banks and their ATM’s in Kathmandu and the popular tourist center- Thamel. Most international currencies like the US dollar, Euro, Pound sterling and the Indian rupees are easily acceptable in every place. However, small denominations of Nepali rupees are advisable to keep with you for purchase of things and pay out the bills in restaurants. You can also pay your bills by credit cards and Travellers’ cheques. Please also note that there will be a certain credit card processing fee levied from 4-4.5%.