The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is the perfect combination of mountains, colours, temples, wildlife and photogenic scenery. It’s a photographer’s playground and an adventurer’s dream destination. One thing to make clear is that Nepal is no holiday. Think of it as more of an expedition, even if you’re only seeing the main sites and don’t plan on trekking. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world with 25 percent of people living below the poverty line and 50 percent per day, however, despite the county’s hardships, its economy is slowly growing.
The people of Nepal are some of the friendliest in the world. You’ll often find walking around, minding our own business that people will greet you with the words “Namaste”, which loosely translates to “I bow to you”. You’ll often find yourself saying it to everyone you meet, so be prepared, enjoy the atmosphere and embrace the culture in this guide on travelling in Nepal.
When is the Best Time to Visit Nepal?
The best time to visit Nepal depends on what you want to achieve in Nepal. Whether it be for trekking or to simply admire the culture. If the festivals are something you wish to see then you have many to consider:
Festivals
Festival Itinerary: Nepal is known for its continuous festivals. Nepalese are said to observe more festivals than there are days in the year. Some of the major and interesting festivals are listed below:
Navavarsha: The Nepalese New Year\’s Day usually falls in the second week of April. i.e. the first day of Baisakh. The day is observed as a national holiday. The people celebrate it with great pomp and show. On this occasion, Bisket Jatra is held in the city of Bhaktapur.
Baisakh Poornima (April – May): As Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the Lights of Asia, the triple anniversary of the Buddha\’s birth, enlightenment and death is observed with many colourful ceremonies on this day. People celebrate the occasion with great veneration paying homage to Buddha at places like Swayambhunath and Lumbini.
Red Machchendranath Rath Jatra (May – June): This festival is the biggest socio-culture event in Patan. The wheeled chariot of the deity known as Bungdyo or red Machhendranath is prepared at Pulchowk, and dragged through the city of Patan in several stages till it reached the prescribed destination (Lagankhel). The grand final of the festival is called \”Bhoto Dekhaune\”. A similar kind of chariot festival of Machhendranath (white) is also held in Kathmandu City in the month of March-April.
Dumji: It is celebrated in Sherpa Settlements in the month of July.
Gaijatra (Cow festival) (July – August): This carnival-type festival lasts eight days. Dancing, singing and comedy are its highlights. Those people whose family members have died during the years send out persons dressed up as a cow to parade the main streets through the city on the first day of the festival.
Krishnastami (July – August): It marks the birthday of Lord Krishna, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. On this day, an impressive ceremony at the Krishna Temple in Patan takes place.
Indrajatra (August – September): The festival of India, the god of rain, is observed with great enthusiasm in Kathmandu Valley. The chariot of Kumari, the living Goddess, is taken out in procession through the main street of Kathmandu. The festival is specially noted for the echoes of drums and dancing feet of the masked dancers almost every evening.
Dashain or Durga Puja (September – October): The Dashain festival is the most important festival of the Nepalese. It takes place sometime in the month of September-October.
Weather
Otherwise, the best months to visit Nepal are from September to November and March to May, to avoid summer rain and icy winters.
Nepal Tourist Information
Getting to Nepal
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. By road, Birgunj is the main entry point to Nepal for Indian tourists especially those coming from Calcutta and Patna. Birgunj is about 210 kilometres away from Kathmandu.
Visas
Tourists wishing to enter Nepal will need a visa to enter the country. You can apply for a visa online up to 15 days before you arrive. If you prefer you can obtain a visa at Nepal’s only international airport. You will need to ensure that you have a passport photo with you and at least six months left on your passport, as well as your online visa receipt. It’s a good idea to take a few passport photos of yourself with you for any other forms or passes that may require them for your time in Nepal. Visas can be purchased for 15, 30 and 90 days. Typical cash payment is USD. If you’re still concerned, watch this YouTube video that helped me when I arrived at the Tribhuvan Airport.
Currency
The currency used in Nepal is the Nepalese rupee, not to be confused with the Indian rupee. Some places do accept the Indian currency but for a safe bet, you’re best of going to a reputable exchange office and having your own currency changed.
SIM Cards
SIM cards are very cheap to buy and putting one in your phone is the best form of communication should you need. The staff at our hotel were only too happy to get us a SIM card which made everything super easy.
Time Difference
Nepal is 5.45 hours ahead of GMT.
Electricity
Power supply throughout is 230 volts.
Transport
Getting around Nepal can be a challenge. Hiring a car is not strictly possible, but hiring a driver is the way to go. If you do find yourself driving, do so at your own peril, as the roads and standards are incredibly poor and dangerous. Taxi’s are your best bet for getting around cities as not only are they super cheap, but the drivers know their way around better than any tourist. Avoid buses if you can as accidents are common and there are a number of fatalities every year. Buses tend to be overcrowded and poorly maintained.
Personal Safety
Nepal is one of the safest counties in Asia, however, just like any country in the world, crime and potential danger does exist. A few points worth knowing below:
Respect the Culture
When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Nepal is a country heavily institutionalised in religion and culture. Whilst the majority are Hindu and Buddhists, you’ll still find Christians and Muslims. Study the locals on how they dress and behave on a daily basis. Embrace the culture around you. This is what makes travelling so special and the people are just as important as the destination. Nepal has a fairly strict dress code in regards to visiting sights and places of worship. In some places, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter. As a guideline, cover your shoulders and knees and you shouldn’t have any trouble.
Scams to Look Out For
The people of Nepal are some of the friendliest people on earth, however, they have to make a living and sadly it is known that tourists are often ripped off when purchasing goods or paying for services. While we were lucky to know Nepalese friends, they would ensure that we were not treated differently in comparison to any local and so we felt confident to pay the prices of what was asked. However, it is encouraged to perhaps haggle in certain shops. This helps demonstrate that you are not naive and nor an easy target to be conned. Often in shops, I would examine an item, ask the price and then put it back down again. The shop owner would say out loud a much-lowered price and then I would repeat until a price was agreed upon. At the same time, I appreciated the fact that the people of Nepal are generally a lot poorer than many western tourists, but I didn’t want to be paying much more for an item that it was really worth.
Be wary of children who seem to have a great deal of knowledge and offer to help you in any way they can. They are charming but will request money at some point. Another scam to watch out for is where ‘Holy men’ who do their best to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead, only to then demand significant payment.
Crime
There is a low rate of serious crime in Nepal, however, like anywhere in the world, you should always remain vigilant and take sensible precautions. Zip up pockets, put valuables away when not in use and exercise situational awareness just as you would at home. Sexual assault against foreign nationals, particularly women, have been reported in tourist areas. It’s advised to stay in a group. Victims of crime should call the Tourist Police in Kathmandu on 01 4700750 or the Tourist Police headquarters on 01 4247041.
Drinking Water
Water in Nepal is not often drinkable from taps. Showering and brushing your teeth is fine, but avoid drinking. Purchase water in a sealed bottle every time. If you need to drink from a tap then you should use a bottle with a water filtration and purification system. Otherwise consider water purification tablets. We recommend the GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier for an all in one system on Amazon.
Hygiene
Nepal suffers from not only unclean water but air pollution and rabies are just some of the health concerns that the country faces every day. The tap water and river water in Nepal is unsafe to drink and visitors have a choice between bottled water, purification tablets, or having their water boiled. If you are boiling water, make sure you boil it longer at altitude, as the time to boil properly is greater than at sea level.
Rabies is common in Nepal and it’s best to avoid stroking dogs, cows, and other animals that are found in the countryside and all over the streets of Kathmandu. Wash your hands after touching animals.
If you are visiting the Terai in Nepal, this lowland part is a malarial zone and you will need to seek medical advice before travelling and take anti-malarial tablets. In the evenings, wear long trousers and long sleeves, and use insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is no joke and by no means is to be underestimated. When trekking, it’s important not to allow yourself to climb any higher than what’s recommended in a day to allow your body to slowly adjust. Trekking is a marathon. not a race; literally! Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 and 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 2,500m above sea level.
Look out for the symptoms:
- Headaches
- Feeling and being sick
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to stay at your altitude for a few days to allow your body to get used to the change. If you do not feel any better after 24 hours, go down by at least 500m (about 1,600 feet). Do not attempt to climb again until your symptoms have completely disappeared.
Prevention:
- Take 2 to 3 days to get used to high altitudes before going above 2,500m
- Avoid climbing more than 300m to 500m a day
- Have a rest day every 600m to 900m you go up, or rest every 3 to 4 days
- Make sure you’re drinking enough water
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours
Travel Insurance
Read this sentence out loud: I will make sure that I have suitable travel insurance for my travels.
The amount of people that still travel without insurance is shocking. Travel insurance is essential for so many reasons and will help you in any worst-case scenario. A good insurance policy will cover you for any medical issues should you fall sick or have an accident. Cover for your gadgets is something to consider especially if you’re taking expensive camera equipment. If your flights are cancelled or your luggage is lost, a good policy will cover this. Travel insurance offers that peace of mind for when the unexpected does occur. Check your insurance policy to see if it’s right for you. Look at a comparison website to compare a range of policies.
Essential Travel Items
- Power Bank – Electricity in Nepal does have a tendency to not be very reliable, with its frequent outages and scarce availability in some of the rural areas. I highly recommend the Anker brand for power banks. Bought mine originally in 2016 and still going strong.
- Female Urinal Funnel – The toilets in Nepal are mostly squat toilets which can be very strange to use for many westerners. For most women, this can be a lifesaver and can offer the freedom to go to the toilet just as a man would. Just be sure to have a few practice attempts in the shower! Purchase yours here.
- Water Bottle – Invest in a bottle that comes with a decent filtration system. We recommend the GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier for an all in one system on Amazon, that can allow you to fill up from any water source in the world.
- Personal Cutlery – Recommended due to the poor cleaning standards in certain restaurants.
- Biodegradable Wipes – Get yourself a pack on Amazon here: Face wipes and Toiletry wipes.
- Hand Sanitiser – Worthwhile when you can’t get access to hot water and soap. Purchase a pack here
What To See and Do in Nepal
Trekking
Nepal is one of the best destinations in the world for trekking. The first thing to decide is whether you want to camp or overnight in lodges known as teahouses. Life is undeniably simpler on a teahouse trek, mainly because you don’t have to fuss with a tent, stove or food. Most people like the sociability, interaction and comfort of teahouses, but during high season the lodges are often bursting and you’ll find yourself interacting far more with tourists than with locals. Be warned that no matter when you go trekking, there will be times where it will be freezing. Any hike above 3000m in altitude will be cold. Be prepared!
Classic Teahouse Treks
Annapurna Circuit
Best for: Mountain views, villages and scenery
Duration: 10 – 12 days
Annapurna Sanctuary
Best for: Comfy lodges, high passes and traditional villages
Duration: 10 days
Everest Base Camp
Best for: Mountains, Sherpa culture, fame and glory
Duration: 14+ days
Langtang Valley
Best for: Easy access, great lodges
Duration: 7 days
Unique Teahouse Treks
Everest Three Passes
Best for: Mountain views, lakes and high passes
Duration: 20 days
Manaslu
Best for: Mountain views, glaciers and villages
Duration: 16 – 18 days
Upper Mustang
Best for: Tibetan art, monasteries and unique scenery
Duration: 10 – 14 days
Khopra Ridge
Best for: Mountain views, short time and comfortable lodges
Duration: 6 days
Camping Treks
Kangchenjunga
Best for: Views, villages and geographical variety
Duration: 14 – 25 days
Makalu Base Camp
Best for: Views, perhaps yetis and expedition-style trekking
Duration: 13 days
Upper Dolpo
Best for: Remoteness, snow leopards and monasteries
Duration: 7 – 12 days
Always go with a guide
Always take a guide wherever you trek. Trekking alone is dangerous, and even the most experienced people can fall into difficulty and, in some cases, life-threatening. While you may be tempted to venture off alone into the mountains, you need to remember that you are in a very wild and unpredictable environment. Do not underestimate altitude sickness! At the very least hire a guide from a reputable trekking agency in Kathmandu, who can help you register your permits, navigation and acclimatisation. Trekking with a group can encourage you when the going gets tough. Not to mention, you may make friendships and socialise in the evenings.
Trekking Permits
Your tour operator should organise this if going with a group, otherwise trekkers going alone will need to register at the Nepal Tourism Office.
When to Trek
Trekking should ideally be done after the monsoon season has come to an end (late September to late November) when the weather is clear and dry. Visibility in the mountains will be its clearest. Spring (February to April) can be a good time to avoid busy crowds with a combination of good weather and longer days.
Photogenic Sites
Mount Everest – You can see Mount Everest from hill stations like Nagarkot, although the view is from a distance. Otherwise, consider the trek up to base camp or even book a tour scenic flight over the world-famous mountain.
Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu – The watchful eyes and colourful prayer flags that surround the stupa make it usually the first site that photographers will take a shot.
Swayambhunath, Kathmandu – The Monkey Temple offers fantastic picture opportunities. Just watch your gear when walking amongst these cheeky monkeys as it’s their turf. Look out for them on ledges and statues with interesting backgrounds for a picturesque photo.
Langtang Region – When trekking in Nepal in this area, you’ll find mountains and valleys all too good to miss a photo opportunity.
Pokhara – Some of the highest mountains are visible from Pokhara and Phewa Lake can create a mirrored effect on the water.
Chitwan National Park – Visitors come to see elephants, rhinos and other wildlife that deserve their pictures taken. Stay in a lodge nearby and enjoy the scenery.
People Watching – Of course you shouldn’t take pictures of people without their permission but you can take generally pictures of people that just so happen to be in the shot. Taking a snapshot of the life and culture around you can make an awesome photograph.
Kathmandu
This is where you’ll likely start in Nepal. Feel free to see all the top sites and embrace the culture. Do watch out for traffic as it can get very hectic. Expect the streets to be very busy and noisy. If necessary wear a mask to reduce breathing in the dust from the roads as often it will be high in the air as people go about their day.
Pokhara
If you’re unsure where to go in Nepal but know you would like to have a break from the dusty and busy streets of Kathmandu, then Pokhara is where to go. We enjoyed Pokhara so much and was gutted that we didn’t have more time. You’ll find tour excursion offices, tourist shops and restaurants.
Accommodation
Hotels
If in Kathmandu, I’d strongly recommend our hotel, Hotel Timila. The staff were incredibly helpful and I’ve never known a hotel so welcoming. The rates are by no means expensive, the rooms are a decent size and the beds were comfortable. Most major cities and tourists spots will offer the most comfortable of hotels.
Hostels
Hotels tend to be cheap enough that the only reason you’d find yourself in a hostel (commonly known as guesthouses) in Nepal, is either to socialise with other tourists or no other choice. Nothing wrong with hostels but be prepared that there are often just the bare essentials. Expect hot running water, toilets, clean sheets and blankets. Outside of main tourist areas, be prepared for even less!
Teahouses
The cheap and cheerful choice of accommodation. The basics are all you’ll likely find, and by basics; Bed, pillow and possibly blankets. The mindset to obtain when staying in Teahouses is that you’re paying for shelter. The experience of being in a Teahouse, often in the company of other like-minded individuals does outweigh the inadequacy that Teahouses offer.
Food
Food in Nepal is generally spicy. The national dish is daal bhaat – rice, lentils and lightly curried vegetables. Vegetarians are well served as most Nepalese Hindus don’t eat meat. In Kathmandu, you’ll find many restaurants serving Tibetan and Indian cuisine.
A few recommendations for tourists are:
- Momo – A steam-filled dumpling and can either be filled with vegetables or meat.
- Bara – Essentially a lentil pancake.
- Chatamari – A pizza-like dish prepared from rice flour. Toppings can include meat, eggs, cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes.
- Chhoyela – Otherwise known as Choila. A meat dish mixed with mustard oil and spices.
- Dhau – A popular dessert that closely resembles that of yoghurt.
Find More Information With These Posts
Top 10 Things to Do and See in Nepal