Nepal Travel FAQs & Tips
26 September 2022 Last updated at 14:50
The below FAQs are designed according to the many queries of our customers planning to visit Nepal. Here, we’ve got everything about Nepal travel to assist you plan and organize your Nepal trip better.
If you can't find helpful questions, travel advice here, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll try our best to answer your questions as soon as possible!
Things to Know Before You Visit Nepal
Is it safe to visit Nepal?
Nepal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In each of the past years, more than 1 million tourists visited Nepal. Generally, it is quite safe in Nepal. The Nepalese accept that tourism is a mainstay of the country's economy, and are very welcoming. The Maoist-led government has warmly welcomed travelers from all over the world to visit Nepal in recent years.
Do I need to get vaccinations before I visit Nepal?
Nepal does not officially require any immunizations for entry into the country, but the further off the beaten track you go, the more necessary it is to take precautions. However, travelers coming from an area infected with yellow fever are required to be vaccinated before entering the country.
What clothes should I bring?
Depending on when you plan to visit Nepal, it's important to have the proper clothes and be prepared for unexpected weather. Fairly well-worn and comfortable shoes are a must! For tours between November and the first two weeks of March, bring a jacket suitable for zero degrees Celsius. Although it's often sunny and pleasant during the day, the trek to Poon Hill (3200 meters) in early morning will be cold. For tours at other times, please bring a jacket suitable for 4 to 6 degrees Celsius. Better to be on the safe side in preparation. The porters are available to carry the bulk of your items. Check more Packing Advice for Nepal Travel >>
Do I need to voltage adapter with me?
Yes. Bring a universal plug and voltage adapter kit for your electronics. Nepal uses 220V.
What is the country code of Nepal?
The country code for Nepal is 977 and the area code for Kathmandu is 01, for Pokhara is 061, Chitwan is 056 and Lumbini is 071.
What is the time difference in Nepal?
Time Zone in Nepal is GMT plus 5 hours 45 minutes.
What to Pay Attention to When Traveling in Nepal
What are some basic Nepali customs that I need to know?
- When visiting a temple, always circumambulate in the clockwise direction.
- Take off your shoes before entering a temple or a Nepalese home.
- Entrance to some temples is forbidden, so look out for such notices.
- Seek permission to take photographs inside temples or in religious ceremonies.
- You can accept a handshake offered by either a male or a female but never offer your hand first.
- Show decency in dress and avoid any show of public affection.
What are the cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal?
There are totally 10 World Heritage Sites in Nepal, including both cultural and natural properties, like Kathmandu/Bhaktapur/Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Changunarayan Temple in Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini and Chitwan National Park, etc.
Where can I shop in Nepal? What souvenirs can I take home?
In the major cities of Nepal, like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Pokhara, Chitwan, Dharan etc, you will find many shopping malls, such as the Thamel in Kathmandu, and areas near major tourist attractions. Popular souvenirs in Nepal are handmade handicrafts and apparels like woolen sweaters, jackets, trousers and caps. And the Pashmina shawl is a highly coveted item. Then there are ethnic and contemporary carpets, gems and jewelry, metal and wooden products, Khukuri (the curved metal knife, music CDs, Nepali paper products, pottery, spices, tea and Thangka paintings to take home.
How much should I expect to tip?
Tipping is a newly accepted custom in Nepal. Hotel, restaurant, touring and trekking organization staff members often make up for relatively meager wages with tips. But, it should only reward good work. Don't tip for short taxi rides in town or any service person you've bargain with. Groups might give a reasonable amount per day to a tip pool to be divided among the staff, generally relative to rank, for good service.
Should I give money to the poor/destitute or beggars that I see in town?
Do not give money to beggars that you see on the streets. Even though they look pitiful, your giving away of money encourages them only to beg for more. If you really care, you can support one of many charity organizations working in Nepal.
Can I drink the tap water? What health precautions need to be taken?
Tap water can not be drunk directly in Nepal. Please use only bottled mineral water or boiled and filtered water only. Always wash your hands before eating. Do not eat unpeeled fruits or vegetables unless they have been thoroughly washed.
Are there public toilets in Nepal? How are the toilets like in Nepal?
Public toilets can be used for a small fee. But visitors are advised to use the toilets at the shopping malls, stores and restaurants which are cleaner. Always have some tissue paper and hand sanitizer with you at all times – and note that some of the toilets may require squatting.
How are communication facilities in Nepal?
Mobile coverage is wide in Nepal, even in the rural areas. Internet facilities are available in most hotels and cyber cafés in major tourist cities. Apart from the urban centers, popular trekking destinations – the Annapurna and Everest region – also have modern communications facilities.
About Nepal Trekking Tours
Do I need a guide during my trekking tours?
Yes. You should never trek alone. There were solo trekkers reported missing in recent years. Always hire a guide or trek with other people.
When are the main trekking seasons in Nepal?
Trekking is still popular outside the main seasons and during the monsoon months (mid-June, July, August, mid-September) the rain-shadow areas of the upper Marsyandi and Kali Gandakivalleys, and Dolpo receive far less rain than the Khumbu or Annapurna areas. During the winter conditions can also be good although much colder, but be aware that on occasions in January, February and March the higher passes and valleys are sometimes unreachable owing to snow fall. Best Time to Visit Nepal >>
What should I take?
For trekking below 4,000 m, the daytime temperatures in these seasons normally allow visitors to be comfortable in a T-shirt and light sweater. Above 4,000 m, a fleece jacket may be needed. At altitudes above 3000-3500m, night time temperatures will be low (often down to around freezing), but a down jacket or staying tucked up comfortably in a warm tent or lodge will be enough to stay comfortable.
Where can I accommodate during the trek?
During our Nepal treks you'll stay in trekking lodges or guest houses. These are (very) basic Nepali lodges with just a couple of rooms with two separate beds. The lodges have running water but don't expect a hot shower. Blankets are available but we recommend bringing your own sheet bag. You can rent sleeping bags before you begin your Nepal trekking holiday in Pokhara or Kathmandu or if you'd prefer bring your own from home.
Safety & Insurance in Nepal
How to avoid and treat the high altitude sickness in Nepal?
Travelling in Himalayan Region can be risky if the traveler doesn't take little actions to protect himself and if he doesn't know how to listen to the signals his body gives him. When someone goes in high altitude, it's normal that his body needs to acclimatize.
Normally he feels strange, he feels tired, he feels his breathe becomes shortest than before, and needs urinate frequently. It's is normal. The things he has to do to feel better are: be calm, walk slower, a modest increase of fluids, not to ascend more than 400 meters per day in sleeping elevation. Slowly he will see that the symptoms will disappear. If not the only thing he has to do is DESCEND.
How do I get medication in Nepal in case of necessity?
There are well-equipped general and specialized hospitals, nursing homes and private clinics manned by very competitive doctors in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other cities if you fall sick. Your hotel will provide good advice on the matter.
What should women travelers pay attention to?
Generally speaking, Nepal is safe country for women travelers. However, women should still be cautious. First, dress modestly, wearing clothes that cover the shoulders and thighs. Second, never to travel off the beaten track nor to hike or trek alone with a local guide.
Do travel agencies provide travel insurance?
It is compulsory that travel operators must buy travel agencies' liability insurance for their clients. But we also highly suggest clients to buy insurance on their side as the Nepalese insurance does not cover a wide range as the foreign insurance covers.
What are the useful telephone numbers in case of emergency?
- Police (Emergency): 100
- Fire Brigade: 101
- Ambulance: 102
- Tourist Police – 4211293/4247041
- Ambulance, Red Cross: 4228094
- Tribhuvan International Airport: 4472256/4472257
- Night Taxi: 4224374
How to Plan a Nepal Tour
Best time to visit Nepal: March to mid-June and mid-September to November
How to get to Nepal: overland driving from China (Tibet) and India, flights from China (Tibet, Chengdu…), India (Delhi/Mumbai/Kolkata/Bengaluru...), Bangladesh (Dhaka), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Thailand (Bangkok), Singapore, etc.
Nepal Visa: you can get Nepal Visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport and border entry ports, or apply for it from Nepal Embassy abroad before departure, which takes about 1 to 3 working days.
Tourists always start a Nepal tour from Kathmandu - the capital city and tourist distribution center. 4 days is enough to enjoy the world heritage sites and Himalayan views in Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and Nagarkot). For those travelers who won’t want to miss the most astonishing nature of Nepal, spend 1 or 2 more days visiting lakeside Pokhara. For more experience, Chitwan is a good choice to offer Nepal’s oldest wildlife (various mammal and birds species) as well as a variety of excursions in 2 days usually. If you are a Buddhist follower or fan, travel Lumbini and other Buddhist sites in 3~4 more days. If you are a trekking enthusiast, there is a bucket of trekking routes, like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill, etc.
☞ 4 Days Classic Kathmandu Valley Tour
☞ 5 Days Kathmandu Pokhara Leisure Tour (by Flight)
☞ 8 Days Nepal Holiday Tour (Kathmandu - Pokhara - Chitwan)
Travel with Us
Traveling with Himalayas Discovery, you are assured to use our high-quality travel services, including vehicles, professional tour guide and experienced driver, well-organized itinerary, assistance of visa and permits application and other travel related services. We will settle all arrangements in advance to make sure you always enjoy a worry-free journey.
Adam's Family from USA visited Kathmandu with Himalayas Discovery
Nepal Destinations
Nepal Travel Guide
Most Recommended Nepal Tour Packages
Following are 3 most recommended Nepal tour packages that you may be interested in. All tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.
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8 Days Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Highlights Tour
Kathmandu / Nagarkot / Pokhara / Chitwan / Kathmandu
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