- Quick Facts
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Official Language: Nepali
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
- Time Zone: UTC +5:45
- Entry Requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry.
- Most nationalities require a visa, available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or online (e-visa).
- Tourist visas are issued for 15, 30, or 90 days.
- Health & Immunizations
- Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (for rural or long-term stays), and routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, Polio).
- Japanese Encephalitis vaccine recommended for rural areas during monsoon season.
- Malaria prophylaxis may be necessary in southern Terai regions.
- Travel insurance strongly advised, especially for trekking and altitude coverage.
- Climate & Temperatures
Season Months Avg. Temp (°C/°F) Notes Winter Dec – Feb 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F) in Kathmandu Snow in mountains, cool in valleys Spring Mar – May 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F) Clear skies, warm; rhododendrons bloom Summer Jun – Aug 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F) Monsoon rains, humid Autumn Sep – Nov 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F) Dry, clear; best trekking season - Packing List
- Layered clothing for changing altitudes and climates.
- Warm jackets and thermal wear for treks.
- Hiking boots and walking shoes.
- Rain jacket and umbrella during monsoon.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Water purification tablets and reusable bottle.
- Power adapter (Type C, D, and M plugs, 230V).
- Personal first aid kit and medications.
- Transportation
- Main international airport: Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Domestic flights connect Kathmandu with Pokhara, Lukla, Bharatpur, and other trekking gateways.
- Air travel is the primary means of connecting major regions for tourists.
- Electricity
- Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz
- Plug types: Type C, D, and M
- Power outages common; carry a portable power bank.
- Recommended Tipping
- Restaurants: 5–10% if not included.
- Guides: $10–15 per person/day.
- Porters: $5–10 per person/day.
- Drivers: $5–10 per day.
- Hotels: Small tips for porters and housekeeping appreciated.
- Food
- Nepali cuisine is flavorful and varied, with rice and lentils as staples.
- National dish: Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice, vegetables, and pickles).
- Popular foods: Momo (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle soup), and Sel Roti (rice doughnut).
- Tea is widely consumed, including masala tea and butter tea in mountain areas.
- Vegetarian options are widely available.
- Culture & Behavior Tips
- Show respect at temples and stupas; walk clockwise around them.
- Remove shoes before entering homes or religious sites.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
- Use your right hand for giving/receiving; avoid touching others with your feet.
- Public displays of affection are discouraged.
- Practical Tips
- ATMs available in cities but carry cash for rural areas.
- Internet is widespread in cities, limited in mountains.
- English widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Altitude sickness is a risk in higher regions; ascend gradually.