Nepal travelplanet.cc Travel Guide 2026

1. Entry Requirements & Documents

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nepal and have at least two blank pages for the entry stamp.

Visa: Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and at designated land border crossings, or applied for online in advance.

• Visa on Arrival (VoA): Available for citizens of most countries.
  • Cost: 15 days: USD 30; 30 days: USD 50; 90 days: USD 125.
  • Payment: Cash only (USD, EUR, GBP, and others accepted).
  • Requirements: A passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-sized photo, and a completed arrival form.
• Online Visa (e-Visa): Available at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np.
  • Validity: Visa must be used within 90 days of issue.
  • Duration: Same as VoA.
  • Cost: Same as VoA.
  • Advantage: Saves time on arrival.
• Visa Extension: Up to 150 days per year can be obtained at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
• Digital Arrival Card: From 1 June 2026, all travellers must complete a Digital Arrival Card through the official Nepal Immigration portal before arrival. The card requires travel and personal information and generates a QR code for faster processing at the airport.
• New Trekking Permit Fees (2026):
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality (Everest region): As of the 2026 trekking season, the permit fee has been increased from NPR 2,000 to NPR 3,000 per person. The fee for trekking in the Upper Mustang and Manaslu regions has also been increased.

Official links: Nepal Online Visa · Department of Immigration

2. Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Mandatory Vaccinations: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission or if transiting for more than 12 hours in such a country.

Recommended Vaccinations: Consult a travel health specialist. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis.

• Altitude Sickness: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common above 2,500m. Acclimatisation is crucial. Descend immediately if severe symptoms develop.
• Malaria: Risk exists in the Terai region and in forested areas of the mid-hills. Prophylaxis is recommended for travel to these areas. Mefloquine-resistant malaria has been reported along the Nepal-India border.
• Dengue Fever: A significant risk in Kathmandu and the Terai region. Prevention relies on mosquito bite avoidance.
• Rabies: Stray dogs pose a significant risk. Vaccination is strongly recommended.
• Japanese Encephalitis: Present in the Terai during the rainy season (June to October).
• Travel Health Insurance: Essential. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, particularly from remote trekking areas. Helicopter evacuation is often the only option, and it is very expensive. The Austrian MFA warns that hospitals in Nepal do not have the medical equipment, hygiene, or professional expertise expected in Europe.
• Medication: Bring a sufficient supply of required medications in original packaging with a doctor's prescription.
• Tap Water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled or boiled water.

Links: CDC – Nepal · Nepal Ministry of Health

3. Safety & Travel Advisories

• Demonstrations: Protests and public gatherings can occur with little notice, especially in Kathmandu and the Terai region. Avoid all demonstrations and strikes.
• Terrorism: There is a risk of terrorist attacks, though they are not common. Targets could include places frequented by tourists.
• Mountain Safety: Trekking in Nepal involves risks. Only travel with reputable guides and ensure you are well-equipped. Avalanches, landslides, and sudden weather changes can occur. In August 2026, a fatal accident on Mount Annapurna highlighted the ongoing risks.
• Crime: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in tourist areas. Use caution in crowded places and keep valuables secure.
• Natural Hazards: Nepal is in a seismically active zone; earthquakes can occur. Monsoon rains (June to September) can cause severe flooding and landslides.
• Road Safety: Traffic accidents are common. Road conditions are often poor, especially in rural areas. Avoid travelling at night.
• Driving: Drive on the left side of the road. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
• Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance: Landmines and unexploded ordnance are present in the southern region of Nepal. Stay on well-marked paths.
• LGBTQ+: Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted; avoid public displays of affection.

Official travel advisories: Australian Smartraveller · Austrian MFA · U.S. State Department

4. Emergency & Important Numbers

Other services: Nepal Police · Nepal Tourism Board

5. Embassies & Consulates

In emergencies (passport loss, legal trouble, consular assistance), contact the embassy or consulate of your home country. Most foreign embassies are located in Kathmandu.

• U.S. Embassy Kathmandu: Maharajgunj, Kathmandu · Tel: +977 1 423 4000
• British Embassy Kathmandu: Lainchaur, Kathmandu · Tel: +977 1 414 8500
• Australian Embassy Kathmandu: Bansbari, Kathmandu · Tel: +977 1 431 3100
• German Embassy Kathmandu: Lazimpat, Kathmandu · Tel: +977 1 441 4300

Search link: All foreign embassies and consulates in Nepal

6. Background on Country & Society

Brief Description: Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, nestled in the Himalayas. It is a federal democratic republic and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Nepal is known for its stunning mountain scenery, including Mount Everest, its rich cultural heritage, and its diverse ethnic groups. The country is a popular destination for trekkers and spiritual seekers.

• Capital: Kathmandu
• Population: ~30 million
• Economy: Tourism, agriculture, and remittances.
• Culture: A blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.

Official information: Official Tourism Website – Welcome Nepal · Government of Nepal

7. Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate: Nepal has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the Terai region to alpine in the Himalayas. There are four main seasons: spring (March-May), summer/monsoon (June-September), autumn (October-November), and winter (December-February).

• Best Time to Travel: The best times for trekking are spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), when the weather is generally clear and stable.
• Monsoon (June-September): Heavy rains can cause landslides, flooding, and poor visibility. Trekking is not recommended during this period.
• Winter (December-February): Cold and snowy at higher elevations; treks above 3,000m can be difficult.

Clothing recommendations: Layering is essential for Himalayan regions. Warm clothing, including a waterproof jacket, thermal layers, and sturdy hiking boots, is required for treks. In the Terai, lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable. When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees.

8. Language & Communication

Official language: Nepali. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger people.

9. Voltage & Plug Types

• Voltage: 230 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Plug types: Type C, Type D, and Type M. Type C is the most common.
• Adapter needed? For travellers from DE/AT/CH: No — plugs are compatible (Type C). For UK/Ireland: Yes — need an adaptor (Type G to C/D/M). For North America: Yes — need both an adaptor and a transformer for 110‑125 V appliances.

10. Money & Finances

• Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR).
• Exchange rate (approx., August 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 145 NPR; 1 USD ≈ 132 NPR.
• Payment methods: Cash is essential, especially in rural areas. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• ATMs: Widely available in cities.
• Cash Declaration: Amounts over USD 5,000 or equivalent must be declared on entry.
• Price level: Low — very affordable compared to Western Europe, but prices in tourist areas are higher.
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. A 5-10% tip for guides and porters is customary for trekking.

11. Transport & Arrival

Airports: The main international airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Other airports include Pokhara (PKR) and Gautam Buddha Airport (BWA) in Lumbini.

• Flights: Many airlines offer direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to Kathmandu.

Trains: The railway network is limited.

Buses: An extensive network connects all major towns, but roads can be hazardous. Night buses are available but are not recommended for safety reasons.

Domestic Flights: Essential for travelling to remote areas; book well in advance.

Driving: Drive on the left. Road safety is a concern. An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Official transport pages: Tribhuvan International Airport · Nepal Tourism Board

12. Accommodation & Practical Information

• Hotel types: From luxury hotels and resorts to budget guesthouses, hostels, and teahouses along trekking routes.
• Safety: Accommodation is generally safe; use hotel safes for valuables.
• Opening hours: Shops: Mon–Sat 10:00–19:00. Many shops are open on Sundays in tourist areas.
• Local regulations: Smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces and on public transport.

13. Food, Drink & Cuisine

Nepali cuisine is diverse, with influences from India, Tibet, and China. Rice, dal, and vegetables are staples.

14. Time Zone & Public Holidays

• Time zone: Nepal Standard Time (NPT) – UTC+5:45. No daylight saving time.
• Time difference to DE/AT/CH: +3.75 to +4.75 hours (depending on the season).

Public holidays in 2026 (selection):

• 1 January – New Year's Day
• 15 January – Prithvi Jayanti
• 30 January – Martyrs' Day
• 19 February – Democracy Day
• 28 February – Maha Shivaratri
• 8 March – Women's Day
• 27 March – Holi
• 14 April – Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat)
• 7 May – Buddha Jayanti
• 19 September – Indra Jatra
• 6 November – Tihar (Deepavali)
• 25 December – Christmas Day

Note: Many shops, museums, and attractions close on public holidays. Check Office Holidays – Nepal for the complete calendar.

15. Attractions & Highlights

Nepal offers a stunning variety of attractions, from the world's highest mountains to ancient temples and wildlife safaris.

Official tourism pages: Welcome Nepal · Destinations

16. Nightlife & Events

Nightlife: Nepal offers a lively nightlife, especially in Kathmandu's Thamel district and Pokhara's Lakeside area.

• Kathmandu (Thamel): Many bars, pubs, and live music venues.
• Pokhara (Lakeside): Bars and restaurants along the lake.

Festivals & events:

• Dashain (October) — the biggest Hindu festival, with family gatherings and celebrations.
• Tihar (November) — the festival of lights, celebrated with lamps and sweets.
• Holi (March) — the festival of colours.

Event calendars: Welcome Nepal Events

17. Media & Further Links

🇳🇵 Nepal — where the Himalayas touch the sky and spirituality meets adventure.
All information is provided for guidance. Always check official sources before travel.