Nepal Travel FAQ
Planning a trip to Nepal? Find practical answers about visas, transportation, money, weather, trekking, safety, accommodation, internet access and everyday travel.
Before You Travel
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
Most foreign visitors need a tourist visa unless they qualify for an exemption. Nepal provides Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport for eligible travelers, and visas can also be obtained through Nepali diplomatic missions.
Current standard tourist visa fees listed by the Department of Immigration are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days.
What is the currency of Nepal?
Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Travelers should use authorized financial institutions and money-exchange services.
What is the best time to visit Nepal?
Nepal can be visited throughout the year, but spring and autumn are especially popular. The Nepal Tourism Board identifies October and November as periods with generally clear post-monsoon skies, while spring offers rhododendron blooms.
What should I pack for Nepal?
Packing depends heavily on altitude, season and itinerary. City travel requires much less equipment than a high-altitude trek. Layers, comfortable walking shoes, rain protection and appropriate sun protection are useful starting points.
Getting Around Nepal
How do I travel around Nepal?
Common options include tourist buses, public buses, private vehicles, taxis and domestic flights. The best choice depends on the route, time available, comfort level and weather conditions.
Should I book a private vehicle in Nepal?
Private transportation can be useful for families, groups, multi-destination itineraries and travelers who value flexible departure times.
Can I take domestic flights in Nepal?
Yes. Domestic flights are commonly used to connect Kathmandu with destinations such as Pokhara and mountain-region gateways. Weather can affect mountain-region flights, so travelers should allow reasonable flexibility.
Trekking & Adventure
Do I need a guide for trekking in Nepal?
The Nepal Tourism Board's revised TIMS provisions require a licensed trekking guide and agency-issued TIMS Card on specified trekking routes and protected areas. Always check the current route-specific requirements before departure.
What is TIMS?
TIMS means Trekkers' Information Management System. Current Nepal Tourism Board information lists NPR 1,000 for SAARC applicants and NPR 2,000 for other applicants, payable through the current agency process.
Do I need a national park or conservation-area permit?
Many trekking routes enter protected areas where an additional entry fee applies. For example, the current Nepal Tourism Board fee table lists NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors entering Annapurna Conservation Area and Sagarmatha National Park.
Is travel insurance recommended for trekking?
Yes. Nepal Tourism Board advises comprehensive travel insurance for trekking because medical treatment and helicopter rescue can be expensive.
Safety & Practical Information
Is Nepal safe for tourists?
Nepal Tourism Board provides tourist-safety guidance and operates alongside Nepal's Tourist Police. Travelers should use government-registered tourism providers, authorized vehicles and appropriate precautions.
What is the Tourist Police emergency number?
Nepal Tourism Board currently lists 1144 as the Tourist Police toll-free hotline and 100 for police assistance.
What time zone does Nepal use?
Nepal Standard Time is GMT/UTC plus 5 hours 45 minutes.
Can I use the internet and a SIM card in Nepal?
Yes. Tourist areas generally have mobile and Wi-Fi connectivity, although coverage varies by location, particularly in remote mountain areas.