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Info Nepal

Everything you need to know for travelling in Nepal

In general

Documents and visa

You need a passport valid for at least 6 months (airlines refuse boarding with less validity). A visa is REQUIRED but easily obtained ON ARRIVAL at Kathmandu airport (or online on the official system): bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash to pay for it. Declare currency over USD 5,000; Nepalese rupees cannot be exported. Other nationalities should check their own rules.

Currency and payments

The currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Nepal is a very cheap country but cash-based: bring euros or dollars to change (also needed for the visa), and keep rupees for daily payments. Cards are accepted only in the larger hotels and shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara; ATMs are in the cities but charge fees. On the treks and in the villages you need ONLY cash in small denominations. Change your rupees before leaving (they cannot be exported).

Language

The language is Nepali. English is common in the tourist sector (hotels, guides, Thamel, trekking agencies) and among young people in the cities. Learning the greeting 'namaste' (joining your hands) is much appreciated: the Nepalese are among the kindest and most hospitable peoples in the world.

Health, vaccines and altitude

Healthcare is precarious throughout the country, including Kathmandu: insurance covering medical expenses and ESPECIALLY repatriation/helicopter rescue is essential (mountain rescues are difficult and costly). Yellow fever vaccine only from at-risk countries; hepatitis A/B, typhoid and rabies (given the many strays) are recommended with your doctor. Drink only sealed bottled water, no ice, beware of raw food. For high-altitude treks ascend gradually against altitude sickness: drink plenty and don't rush.

eSIM and connectivity

The main operators are Ncell and Nepal Telecom: a tourist SIM with data is easily bought (passport and photo needed). 4G coverage exists in cities and along the main valleys, but disappears in the mountains and on the treks (part of the charm: you disconnect). Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Download maps and information offline before excursions.

Electricity

Power is 230V/50Hz with type C, D and M sockets (round pins, partly 'Indian-style'): bring a universal adapter. Power cuts can occur, especially outside the cities: a power bank is useful, especially for the treks.

Time zone

Nepal has an unusual time zone: UTC+5:45 (with the 45 minutes, one of the few in the world).

Climate and seasons

The climate varies enormously with altitude: subtropical and hot in the Terai (Chitwan), temperate in the valleys (Kathmandu, Pokhara), alpine and cold in the mountains. The best times are autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April): clear skies, ideal for seeing the Himalayas, and pleasant temperatures. June to September is the monsoon (rain, clouds covering the peaks, leeches on the trails); winter is cold at altitude but clear. In spring the rhododendrons bloom.

Good to know

Trekking and mountains

For treks, even the lighter village ones, rely on reputable agencies and consider a local guide and/or porter (you support the economy and walk more safely). Permits are needed (TIMS and an area permit, e.g. ACAP for the Annapurna), which the agencies arrange. Bring broken-in boots, layers, rain gear and a first-aid kit. Altitude sickness is serious: respect the acclimatisation times and, at the first severe symptoms, descend. Insurance MUST cover helicopter rescue.

Safety

Nepal is a safe country for tourists and violent crime is rare. The main risks are natural: the country is highly seismic (the 2015 earthquake killed thousands and damaged Patan and Bhaktapur), and road accidents are frequent on the rough mountain roads (avoid night travel and overloaded buses). Strikes (bandh) and demonstrations can occur, usually peaceful but blocking transport. In the Terai region (Chitwan area) pay a little more attention.

Culture and respect

Nepal is deeply spiritual (Hindu and Buddhist): dress modestly, remove shoes and hat in temples, turn the prayer wheels clockwise and do not touch people on the head. Do not photograph the cremations at Pashupatinath and always ask permission to photograph people. Cow meat (a sacred animal) is not eaten. Hospitality is sacred. Tips are common and appreciated, especially for guides and porters, who should be treated with respect and fairness.

Useful numbers

💡 Nepal is a destination that changes those who visit it: spirituality, immense mountains and the kindest people. The visa is done on arrival (bring dollars and a photo), but don't forget insurance covering helicopter rescue, essential in case of problems on the treks. Travel in autumn or spring to see the Himalayas clear, drink only bottled water, and for the trails rely on a local guide: you'll walk more safely and support those who live from it.