Getting Your Visa for Nepal
Heading to Nepal? Everyone needs a visa (except Indian nationals), but luckily it’s an easy process. Here’s the latest information on obtaining a tourist visa and how it works for visa-on-arrival.
Nepal Travel Advice
Teahouse Trekking in Nepal: All You Need To Know
Most treks in Nepal are 'teahouse' treks, which means every night you end up at a simple lodge with basic rooms and a meal. The best thing about teahouse trekking - you only have to carry very minimal gear.
Where to Stay in Kathmandu: Choosing Your Accommodation
Welcome to Kathmandu, the beating heart of Nepal. Whatever your taste or budget, this busy metropolis has an accommodation option to suit you. With so many choices—especially in the tourist hub of Thamel—it can be difficult to decide where to stay. Make the most of your visit to the Nepali capital by checking out these recommendations for the best and most unique hotels, resorts, and homestays in the city.
Getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Pokhara may not seem far from Kathmandu (the cities are only 126 miles / 204 km apart), but the Nepali terrain and road quality make for a very long drive. That's why many travelers opt to fly. Here are your options for traveling between the two cities, either by air or road.
Domestic Flights in Nepal
Famous for its mountain airports, Nepal offers a number of domestic flights that give you access to all parts of the country. Often, it’s best to take a local flight to save yourself long drives when you only have a short amount of time in Nepal. Given that mountain weather is often unpredictable, however, it's best to add one or two buffer days before and after your trek to account for flight delays.
Trekking in Nepal: All You Need To Know
Trekking through the Himalayas is Nepal’s key attraction, and is a life-changing experience for many travelers, regardless of whether they are experienced hikers, or novices. This article is a primer to trekking in Nepal and answers frequently asked questions.
Getting Off the Beaten Path to Everest Base Camp
The classic trek route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is beautiful, but has become quite crowded and over-developed. Here are some highly recommended alternatives that take you off the beaten path and let you experience Mt Everest in ways that few people do.
Getting from Pokhara to Jomsom
This scenic twenty-minute flight takes you over the Kali Gandaki Gorge to the town Jomsom at the southern edge of the Mustang region. Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Dhaulagiri (26,795 ft), Nilgiri (23,166 ft), and the entire Annapurna Himal.
Where to Shop in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a shopper's paradise, particularly for those who appreciate high quality artisanal goods at an incredible value. That said, the city is big and traffic is bad, so strategizing your time and whereabouts is key, depending on the goods you're most interested in. Below is a rough guide to help you.
Trekking With Your Family In Nepal
There’s no reason to put off trekking in the Himalaya until the kids have left home. Aside from the amazing landscapes, cultural and wildlife encounters awaiting you, here are some other great reasons why visiting Nepal with your family is a good idea.
Pre-Departure Checklist for the Himalaya
From physical preparation and training to packing and visas: there are a few things you must do before heading to the Himalaya to ensure a smooth, safe, and comfortable trip. While you don't need to be Superman or Wonder Woman to enjoy trekking in the Himalaya, the better prepared you are, the more you'll get out of the experience.
Planning Your Honeymoon in Nepal
For adventure lovers (and adventurous married couples!) there's hardly a more appealing destination than Nepal. Add the romance of stunning mountain vistas, luxury accommodation, and atmospheric cultural sites to classic adventure activities like trekking and paragliding and you have the ideal honeymoon destination.
Tipping Your Guides in Nepal
How much should you tip your guide and porter after a trek? That depends on a variety of factors: whether you're traveling alone or with a group, for just one week or a whole month, and most importantly, what kind of service you received. Here's a brief article to help you.
Local Nepali Food Specialties
Influenced by both Indian and Tibetan cuisine, Nepalese food has its own rich flavors and aromas. Here's a selection of dishes you shouldn't miss during your trip to Nepal.
Monsoon Season in Nepal: What To Expect
Starting around mid-June, peaking in July and August, and winding down in early September, the monsoon brings rain, humidity and an increase in temperatures across most of Nepal. True — mountain views are often obscured by cloud, temperatures get uncomfortable, it rains daily, and yes, there are leeches. But this is still a great time to trek and here are our best tips for going about it.
Role of Your Local Guide in Nepal
Traveling with a great guide is important in Nepal—particularly at high altitude. Read on for more information about the benefits of hiring local, learn what to expect, and meet some of the country's top trekking and tour guides.
Buying and Renting Trekking Gear in Kathmandu
Almost anything you need for your trek, you can find in Kathmandu. There are hundreds of small shops packed with equipment lining the streets of Thamel, the main trekkers' hub. You can buy or rent anything you're missing or don't want to pack—from down sleeping bags and jackets to trekking poles, water bottles, and sunglasses.
Altitude Sickness: All You Need to Know
If you're planning to trek in the Himalayas, the Alps, the Andes — or anywhere above 2500m — it's important to have a good understanding of altitude sickness, which poses a danger to everyone at these altitudes and can be fatal, in severe cases. The good news is that it's easily managed with the right planning and preparation.
Is It Safe to Visit Nepal After the 2015 Earthquake?
In May 2015, Nepal was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Many travelers are still wondering if it's safe to visit Nepal. The short answer is "yes". The earthquake has caused severe damage in certain regions, but the country is rebuilding and open for travel.
Getting from Kathmandu to Phaplu
Phaplu is a gateway village in the lower Solu Khumbu, serving as the starting off point for a number of treks. It also has one of the only domestic airports in the region. There are a number of short treks nearby, such as Pikey Peak, and you can also trek from her to the upper Everest region.
Nepal in October
October is the most popular month for visitors traveling to Nepal. Trekking conditions are glorious, the crisp skies offer excellent mountain views, and cultural festivals offer many opportunities to celebrate. Rates and crowds are at their peak, but for good reason—read on to discover why you should get in on the action in Nepal in October.
Everest Mountain Flight: All You Need To Know
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is the classic way to get up-close-and-personal with the world's tallest peak. But there's another way to go that's quicker, cheaper, and less exhausting: hop aboard a plane or helicopter. Here's how to do it, and what to expect.
Unique Ways to Experience Nepal's Main Treks
When planning a trek in Nepal, it's easy to focus on reaching base camp or a high pass while squeezing the rest into as few days of precious vacation time as possible. But you might want to rethink your itinerary: some of Nepal's most beautiful places are a few hours out of the way. Head off the main trekking trails with these worthwhile detours, and you'll have some of the country's most stunning scenery all to yourself.
Nepal in December
December isn't peak season in Nepal, but with clear, sunny skies and mild temperatures in many places, it should be. If you've been considering coming to Nepal at the start of winter, take the plunge with this monthly guide.
Nepal in November
November is a lovely month to travel in Nepal, and not as busy with travelers as October. Most trails are still available to trekkers, temperatures are comfortable, and there are important cultural festivals to enjoy. Read on for more about traveling to Nepal in the last month of autumn.
Nepal in March
March is the start of one of Nepal's two annual peak tourist seasons, and it's also when the temperatures have truly warmed up after winter. With the thawing of many high-altitude trekking trails, river levels primed for whitewater rafting, and some exciting cultural festivals, March is a great time to travel to Nepal.
Nepal in April
April is perhaps the most popular month for travel in Nepal, with prime weather for outdoor adventures at any altitude. The most popular trekking routes are at their best and busiest—you'll need to book well in advance to secure your spot on the trail. While you won't have the country all to yourself, you'll find that this is peak season for good reason.
Nepal in January
While January is the middle of winter in Nepal, travelers shouldn't hesitate to visit. Manageable temperatures, crystal-clear skies, and excellent low-altitude hiking make this a surprisingly perfect winter destination. Plus, this is the best month for spotting wildlife in Chitwan National Park. Read on to discover why you can (and should!) start your year with a trip to Nepal.
Nepal in September
As the monsoon rains subside, travelers begin returning to Nepal this month. The autumn air is cool and clear, popular teahouse treks in the Everest Region are beginning to open up, and a host of lively celebrations keeps the atmosphere festive. Read on for more about visiting Nepal in September.
Nepal in February
By mid-to-late February in much of Nepal, winter starts giving way to the warmth of spring, yet international travelers are still not arriving in large numbers. Beyond low-altitude trekking, this is also a great month for jungle safaris, and conditions are excellent for mountain biking. Read on to find out why you should beat the crowds by visiting Nepal in February.
Nepal in May
May is the last month of true springtime in Nepal. Temperatures can be hot in the cities and at lower elevations, but conditions are still good for trekking—so get in quick before the rains start.
Nepal in August
While August is still a month of monsoon rains, they ease by the end of the month. Visitors to Nepal in August will be welcomed by dazzlingly green rice fields. High altitude hiking is out of the question, but trails in the magical Mustang region remain dry. And this is a good time for cultural sightseeing—you'll have the most popular spots all to yourself.
Nepal in June
With the arrival of monsoon season in Nepal, visitor numbers thin out considerably in June. But there are still a number of cultural and trekking activities you can enjoy in this warmer month, if you know where to look.
Nepal in July
July falls right in the middle of Nepal's monsoon season, making it the least visited month of the year. That said, there are still things to see and do when it's wet out. Head to the Mustang region for excellent trekking or dig into the endless cultural sights of Kathmandu and Pokhara, taking advantage of lower prices along the way.