Nepal Travel Guide
Everything a client needs to plan a seamless journey across Nepal — forward this once the itinerary is confirmed, or use it to answer the logistics questions upfront.
Essential travel tips
From visa requirements and altitude to culture, payments and local experiences — everything to know before travelling to Nepal.
Climate & Best Time
October to November gives the clearest mountain visibility of the year and is Nepal's peak season. December to February is cold but clear, especially at altitude. March to April brings warmer weather and blooming rhododendrons — a strong secondary window. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and poor visibility, best avoided for trekking or mountain flights.
Visa Information
Most Australian and New Zealand passport holders can get a Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu's airport, or apply online in advance. If combining with India, note the two countries require entirely separate visa applications — worth flagging to clients early in the planning conversation.
Time Zone
Nepal runs on Nepal Standard Time (NPT, UTC +5:45) — an unusual 15-minute offset from neighbouring India, worth double-checking when coordinating transfers across the border.
Health & Safety
Nepal is generally safe and welcoming for well-planned trips. Altitude matters even outside serious trekking itineraries — advise clients travelling above 2,500m to pace themselves and stay hydrated. Bottled or filtered water is recommended throughout, and basic travel insurance covering altitude-related issues is worth having for mountain-region travel.
Money & Payments
The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the local currency. Kathmandu and Pokhara have reasonable card acceptance in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is essential for markets, smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in main tourist centres but less reliable further out — carry sufficient cash when heading beyond the two main cities.
Dining
Dal bhat — lentils, rice and vegetables — is Nepal's staple and widely available, alongside Tibetan-influenced momos (dumplings) and Newari specialities in Kathmandu Valley. Vegetarian options are plentiful. Luxury hotels offer international menus alongside local cuisine.
Festivals
Dashain (Nepal's biggest festival, honouring the goddess Durga) and Tihar (the festival of lights, similar in spirit to Diwali) are the standout celebrations, usually falling in September–November. Bookings tighten significantly around these dates.
Culture & Etiquette
Dress modestly at temples and monasteries. Walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas and mani walls. Remove shoes before entering homes and religious sites. A folded-hands "Namaste" is the standard, genuinely appreciated greeting.
Nightlife
Kathmandu's Thamel district has the country's liveliest bar and restaurant scene — low-key compared to a major city, but a genuine option for evenings in the capital.
Shopping
Pashmina shawls, singing bowls, thangka paintings and handwoven textiles are the standout categories, concentrated around Kathmandu's Thamel and Patan districts. Bargaining is expected in markets.
What to Pack
Layered clothing is essential — temperatures swing significantly with altitude and time of day. Sturdy walking shoes, a warm hat, sunscreen (UV is stronger at altitude) and a reusable water bottle cover most itineraries.
Language & Phrases
Nepali is the official language, with English widely spoken in tourism. A few basic phrases — Namaste (hello), Dhanyabad (thank you) — are genuinely appreciated by local hosts and guides.
Useful Nepali phrases
| English | Nepali |
|---|---|
| Hello | Namaste |
| How are you | Tapailai kasto cha |
| Thank you | Dhanyabad |
| Yes | Ho |
| No | Hoina |
| How much? | Kati ho? |
| Please | Kripaya |
| Number | Nepali |
|---|---|
| One | Ek |
| Two | Dui |
| Three | Tin |
| Four | Char |
| Five | Panch |
| Ten | Das |
| Hundred | Ek sae |
Questions on a specific itinerary?
We're happy to talk through visa timing, seasonal fit or logistics for a specific client brief.
Ask our team