Best travel tips for Nepal

Nepal is a land of contrasts, towering Himalayan peaks, lush jungles, and vibrant cities.

Whether you are trekking through the Himalaya ar Annapurna region, exploring the cultural richness of Kathmandu, or spotting rhinos in Chitwan, Nepal offers a raw, spiritual, and unforgettable experience. Geert’s journey in April and May 2024 and specifically his Himalaya trekking provided valuable insights, moments of awe, and plenty of practical lessons. Here I share the best tips to help you prepare for your own Nepal adventure.

When is the best time to visit Nepal?

Nepal can definitely be a year-round destination, but each season brings different flavors and challenges.

Spring (March to May): During my trip, I enjoyed clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, and daytime temperatures averaging 20–25°C. Kathmandu can be hotter, the mountains colder. April is peak trekking season, while May can be hazier with early monsoon showers.
Autumn (September to November): Another ideal period with crisp air, blue skies, and festive vibes (think Dashain and Tihar).
Winter (December to February): Great for lowland travel with fewer crowds, but very cold and snowy in higher regions.
Monsoon (June to August): Lush and green, but slippery trails, leeches, and clouded mountain views can be challenging.

How to get to Nepal

By Air: The main international entry point is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. It is served by airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates (via FlyDubai), Turkish Airlines, and regional carriers from India, Thailand, and Malaysia. Book your ticket here!
Overland: You can also enter from India or Tibet, but overland border crossings can be slow and subject to political conditions. Get your tickets here!
Visa on Arrival: Available for most nationalities at Kathmandu Airport. Bring a passport photo and USD (or pay by card).

Tip: Flights to Nepal may often include a long layover. If you have the time, plan a stopover in cities like Doha, Bangkok, Delhi, Kuala Lumpur or Sinapore.

How to get around Nepal efficiently

Domestic Flights: Great for saving time. We flew from Ramechap to Lukla for our Himalaya trekking and enjoyed spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Tourist Buses: Affordable and fairly comfortable between cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Book early for tourist-class buses.
Private Driver: Ideal if you are short on time or want more flexibility. It is affordable compared to Western prices.
Local Transport: Buses, taxis, and tuk-tuks are everywhere, but not always comfortable. Always agree on a fare before you ride.

How to pay in Nepal

Cash: Still the main mode of payment, especially in smaller towns and trekking areas.
ATMs: Found in most cities, but often have low withdrawal limits (NPR 10,000–25,000) and high fees. So when you ga on a multiple day trekking withdraw in advance and make sure you carry enough cash.
Cards: Accepted in mid-range to high-end hotels, restaurants, and some shops.
Mobile Payments: Apps like eSewa or Khalti are popular with locals, but generally not usable for foreign visitors.

Top Destinations in Nepal

Kathmandu: A sensory overload of temples, prayer wheels, and rooftop cafés in Thamel. Don’t miss Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath.
Sagarmatha National Park: This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the southern face of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many other iconic peaks. We did our 16-day trek here, tough but deeply rewarding.
Pokhara: Nepal’s laid-back side. Ideal for paragliding, lake-side strolls, and starting point for Annapurna treks.
Annapurna Region: Choose between Poon Hill, ABC, or the longer Circuit for your trekking.
Chitwan National Park: Jungle safaris, canoe rides, and the chance to spot rhinos or even a Bengal tiger.
Lumbini: Spiritual and peaceful, the birthplace of Buddha.

If you are looking for great tour options, have a look here and make your booking direct!

What to eat in Nepal

Dal Bhat: The national staple. You will hear “Dal Bhat power 24 hour” more than once. It is the main dish in most teahouses along the trekking routes.
Momos: One of my favorite snacks, filled with veggies or paneer, served steamed or fried.
Thukpa: Warming noodle soup from the mountains.
Sel Roti: A sweet rice-flour donut often eaten during festivals.

I had to eat everything during the trekking to stay energized but there are definitely plant-based options in Kathmandu and I found it easy to get tasty vegetarian food almost everywhere.

Where to stay in Nepal

Guesthouses: Found everywhere, from budget to boutique.
Teahouses: If you are trekking, you will sleep in basic but cozy lodges run by local families.
Homestays: A great way to connect with Nepali culture. Staying with local families, highly recommended!
Hotels: In Kathmandu you can still find some “fancy hotels. We stayed at the Aryatara Hotel in the Thamel neighbourhood. A small cozy somewhat boutique hotel.

Useful apps and tools for Nepal

Maps.me: Offline maps — a potential lifesaver during treks.
Rome2Rio: To check bus, flight and drive times.
XE Currency: For up-to-date exchange rates.
Google Translate: Helpful for menus and signs, especially outside tourist areas.

Staying connected in Nepal

Staying online in Nepal is fairly easy, but should you go for an eSIM or a local SIM card? Here is what we found:

eSIM (Best for Convenience) (Book your eSIM here!)
• Available before you land, ideal if you want to be connected immediately.
• Great for multi-country trips across South Asia.

Local SIM Card (Best for Price & Coverage)
• Ncell and NTC are the two main providers.
• Available at the airport or local shops (passport needed).
• Better data packages and more reliable in remote areas.

Our Verdict: For a short stay, eSIM works fine. But if you plan to trek, travel slower, or use lots of data, a local SIM will serve you better.

Budget tips for traveling in Nepal

Eat Local: Nepali restaurants (“Bhattis”) are authentic and cheap.
Trek Smart: Avoid overly commercial routes if you want to save on permits and accommodation.
Off-season Discounts: Negotiate room rates, especially in the summer and winter.
Don’t Overplan: Nepal rewards flexibility, prices and options are often better locally than online.

Cultural tips for Nepal

Quiet and Respectful: Norwegians value personal space and nature, do not expect small talk.
Tipping: Not expected, though rounding up is appreciated.
Shoes Off: Common in homes and some accommodations.
Sustainability: Norwegians are very eco-conscious, recycle, conserve water, and leave no trace in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions about traveling in Nepal

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
A: Yes, most travelers can get a visa on arrival in Kathmandu. You can also apply online beforehand if eligible, check here!

Q: Is Nepal safe for tourists?
A: Yes, it is generally safe and the locals are incredibly welcoming. As always, take care of your belongings and follow trekking safety guidelines.

Q: What about altitude sickness?
A: If you trek above 2,500m – 3,000m, go slow, drink lots of water, and allow time to acclimatize. During our 16 day trekking we had 3 acclimatization days.

Q: Can I use an eSIM in Nepal?
A: Yes, but coverage is limited in rural and mountainous areas. For full coverage, we recommend getting a local SIM card from Ncell or NTC.

Ready to discover Nepal?

Nepal is a place that humbles and uplifts at the same time. Whether you are trekking through the Himalayas, spinning prayer wheels in a quiet monastery, or sharing tea with locals, every day feels meaningful. Got a question or want to share your own Nepal tip? Reach out and we love hearing your stories! Or go check our Instagram for some great trekking stories and pictures.

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