Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Visa on Arrival & E-Visa Options
Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or land borders for $30 (15 days), $50 (30 days), or $125 (90 days). For convenience, apply for an e-visa online in advance to skip queues, valid for multiple entries within the year.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Nepal, with at least two blank pages for visas and stamps. Ensure it has no damage or alterations, as this could lead to entry denial at immigration checkpoints.
Photocopy your passport and keep digital copies for emergencies during treks or remote areas.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of India, Bhutan, and Maldives can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 150 days. SAARC country nationals (like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) get special rates or exemptions for short visits.
Always carry proof of onward travel, as border officials may request it even for visa-exempt travelers.
Visa Applications
Apply for visas online via the official Nepal immigration website or on arrival, requiring a passport photo, completed form, and payment in USD cash. Fees are non-refundable, so double-check eligibility based on your nationality.
Processing is instant at airports but can take 1-2 hours at land borders during peak seasons; e-visas are approved within 24-72 hours.
Border Crossings
Popular land entries from India (Sunauli, Birgunj) and China (Kodari) require visas if not exempt, with potential delays due to queues. Air entry via Kathmandu is smoothest, but always have exact USD for fees.
Expect health screenings for yellow fever if coming from endemic areas, and COVID-era protocols may still apply sporadically.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory for adventure activities like trekking; policies must cover evacuation up to $100,000, medical expenses, and trip cancellation. Choose providers experienced in high-altitude rescues, as helicopter evacuations are common in the Himalayas.
Carry printed policy details and contact numbers, as cell service is unreliable in remote regions like Everest Base Camp.
Extensions Possible
Extend your visa up to 150 days total by applying at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu before expiration, with fees starting at $2 per day. Provide reasons like extended trekking or cultural immersion, along with passport photos and application forms.
Overstaying incurs fines of $3/day plus potential blacklisting; apply early to avoid last-minute rushes.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Kathmandu by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for peak trekking seasons.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for thakali or momo street food under $3/meal in Thamel or Pokhara, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to cut costs by 40-60%.
Local teahouses during treks offer unlimited refills of dal bhat for fixed low prices, providing great value and authenticity.
Public Transport Passes
Use tourist buses for intercity travel at $10-20 per leg, or get a local SIM for ride-sharing apps to save on taxis in cities.
For multi-day treks, group permits and shared guides reduce per-person costs significantly compared to private hires.
Free Attractions
Explore Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath stupa, and community hikes in the Annapurnas without fees, immersing in culture at no cost.
Many monasteries and viewpoints in the Himalayas are free, with donations optional; volunteer opportunities can offset accommodation expenses.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but rural areas and markets require NPR cash; exchange USD at banks for best rates.
Avoid airport exchanges due to poor rates; ATMs are widespread in Kathmandu but charge fees, so withdraw larger amounts.
Trekking Permits
Bundle TIMS card ($20) and area permits ($30/week) for major routes like Everest or Annapurna, which cover multiple sites and save on individual fees.
Travel off-peak to avoid permit surcharges and enjoy quieter trails with lower guide costs.
Smart Packing for Nepal
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack moisture-wicking layers for variable altitudes, including thermal base layers, fleece jackets, and a waterproof Gore-Tex shell for monsoon or mountain rain. Include quick-dry pants and long-sleeve shirts for sun protection during high-elevation hikes.
Modest clothing like scarves for women is respectful at temples; pack lightweight sleepwear for chilly teahouse nights.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Types C/D/M), solar charger or high-capacity power bank for remote treks, and a rugged phone case. Download offline maps like Maps.me and trekking apps for navigation without data.
A headlamp is crucial for early starts on trails; keep devices in waterproof bags during river crossings.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive insurance docs, altitude sickness meds like Diamox, a basic first-aid kit with blister treatments, and rehydration salts. Include vaccinations proof (hepatitis, typhoid) and malaria prophylaxis if visiting Terai lowlands.
Water purification tablets or a SteriPEN are essential, as tap water isn't safe; pack lip balm and high-SPF sunscreen for UV exposure at height.
Travel Gear
Opt for a 40-60L backpack with rain cover, lightweight sleeping bag liner for teahouses, and trekking poles for stability on steep paths. Include a reusable water bottle, dry bags for electronics, and a money belt for valuables in crowded markets.
Passport copies and permit backups in a waterproof pouch prevent issues during checkpoints or lost luggage.
Footwear Strategy
Choose broken-in hiking boots with ankle support for multi-day treks like Langtang, paired with moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters. Sandals or lightweight sneakers work for city exploration in Kathmandu or Pokhara's lakeside.
Gaiters protect against dust and leeches in monsoon; always pack extra laces and foot powder for long walks.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable soap, wet wipes for water-scarce areas, and toilet paper rolls for remote toilets. Include hand sanitizer, insect repellent with DEET for jungle areas, and a multi-tool for minor repairs on the trail.
Feminine hygiene products may be scarce outside cities; a small sewing kit handles clothing tears from rugged terrain.
When to Visit Nepal
Spring (March-May)
Pre-monsoon season with clear skies, rhododendron blooms, and temperatures of 15-25°C in valleys, ideal for starting treks to Everest or Annapurna before crowds peak. Mild weather supports acclimatization, with fewer rain risks than summer.
Perfect for cultural festivals like Holi and sightseeing in Lumbini, though higher altitudes can dip to 5°C at night.
Summer (June-August)
Monsoon brings lush greenery and lower prices, with heavy rains (20-30°C in lowlands) limiting high treks but great for yoga retreats in Pokhara or Chitwan safaris amid waterfalls.
Fewer tourists mean bargains on accommodations; leech season in hills requires precautions, but it's prime for budget travelers avoiding peak fees.
Autumn (September-November)
Post-monsoon clarity offers stunning Himalayan views, with crisp 10-20°C days perfect for major treks and festivals like Dashain. Trails are less muddy, and wildlife viewing improves in national parks.
Peak season for adventure, but book permits early; cooler evenings (5°C) in mountains enhance the cozy teahouse experience.
Winter (December-February)
Dry and cold (5-15°C days, freezing nights) suits low-altitude cultural trips to Kathmandu Valley or short Pokhara hikes, with minimal rain and festive Losar celebrations. Budget-friendly due to off-peak rates.
High passes may close due to snow, but it's excellent for meditation retreats; layer up for chilly bus rides and temple visits.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Exchange USD for best rates; cards accepted in cities but cash essential for rural areas and small vendors.
- Language: Nepali is official, with over 120 dialects; English widely spoken in tourist hubs like Thamel and during treks.
- Time Zone: Nepal Time (NPT), UTC+5:45
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/D/M plugs (mix of round and flat pins)
- Emergency Number: 100 for police, 101 for fire, 102 for ambulance
- Tipping: Expected in tourism; 10% at restaurants, $1-2/day for guides/porters on treks
- Water: Not safe to drink from taps; use bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Pharmacies: Readily available in cities; look for "Aushadhalaya" signs, stock common meds but bring prescriptions