Nepal
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Key things to know before your trip
Last update October 16, 2023
Visa is issued and paid upon arrival
! Before arrival, you must fill out a special form on the official website
15 days - $30 US dollars
30 days - $50 US dollars
90 days - $125 US dollars
! The visa is paid for on the spot, not online (if you are asked to pay on the website, these are scammers)
! Before arrival, you must fill out a special form on the official website
15 days - $30 US dollars
30 days - $50 US dollars
90 days - $125 US dollars
! The visa is paid for on the spot, not online (if you are asked to pay on the website, these are scammers)
Taxi
Taxi apps Indrive, Sarathi, Taximandu, Pathao (bike taxi)
Navigation on-site
Make sure to install the Maps Me app in advance and download the offline map of Nepal for the specific region you'll be visiting
- Nepal Telekom, Ncell
- Possible to buy at the airport and in the city
- In addition to your passport, you'll also need a passport-sized photo. If you don't have one, you can get it taken on-site for 50 NPR
- E-sim (if your phone supports this feature)
- Install the WiFi Map app - the map with WiFi hotspots and passwords, and get a 10% discount on purchasing an e-sim (use promo code 7ECF3FK for SIM card purchase)
Currency exchange
- Currency - Nepalese rupee (NPR)
- Best exchange rates in exchange offices (in the city center)
- ATM withdrawal (commission 500-600 NRP + conversion/commission of your bank)
- The exchange rate at the airport is undervalued, so we recommend changing a small amount
From the airport to the city
- Taxi is the most convenient option, it is better to order through the app
- City bus (the airport is located within the city)
Where to stay
- Guest house is an affordable option and offers a chance to interact with the homeowners, immersing yourself in local culture. You can find places for as little as $2.5 - $3 a day (which gets you a bed in a hostel with a shared bathroom). Outside the capital, you can find options for $5 a day that come with a private bathroom.
- Camping
- Hotels
- Resorts
Food
- Thakali (dal-bhat) is a dish with a mound of rice or oat flakes at its center, surrounded by various accompaniments like vegetables, legumes, nuts, and a choice of meat/fish.
- Lassi is a blended yogurt drink
- Momo - Tibetan dumplings.
- and other dishes from the rich tapestry of Indian and Tibetan cuisine
Most popular destinations
- Kathmandu is the capital
- Pokhara is a resort town located around a lake, and a large number of trekking routes start from here.
- Chitwan is a city and national park where rhinoceroses live.
- Many mountainous areas
May need while traveling
- Socket adapter (there are different types of sockets in the country)
- Clothes for trekking if you are planning a climb/hike, although many people prefer to buy it all in Kathmandu
Best time for trekking
- March to May (first half) and October to December (first half) are the recommended times.
- Summer brings rains, which can make trekking hazardous
Public transportation
- Travel between cities is commonly done by bus or plane.
- You can purchase bus tickets at any travel agency. There are two types of buses: tourist ones, which are more comfortable, and local buses.
- For longer journeys, we recommend opting for the tourist buses with cushioned seats. Given that roads can get rough after heavy rains or landslides, and sitting for 8-10 hours can be quite a strain, the added comfort is a wise choice.
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More About the Country
personal experiences and impressions
personal experiences and impressions
Food in Nepal
The influence of both India and China is palpable here, evident in the people and the cuisine.
One of the most popular dishes is momo, which are dumplings filled with either meat or a combination of vegetables and cheese.
Buffalo meat is the most commonly consumed, and interestingly, it's cheaper than chicken. Beef is rarely eaten since cows are considered sacred animals.
Soups, noodles, and curry dishes are staples. For breakfast, many opt for the traditional thakali, a plate comprising various dishes reminiscent of Sri Lankan curry.
Indian dishes, like paneer cheese, curries, and so on, are also widely enjoyed.
Grocery stores offer a wide array of products. There's an abundance of different snacks, dairy products, and notably, yak cheese.
Vegetables and fruits aren't exactly cheap. Apples, in particular, are priced like gold, much like in other parts of South and East Asia. For us (even coming from Siberia), it's quite a shock when 1kg of apples costs $3-4 or even more.
One of the most popular dishes is momo, which are dumplings filled with either meat or a combination of vegetables and cheese.
Buffalo meat is the most commonly consumed, and interestingly, it's cheaper than chicken. Beef is rarely eaten since cows are considered sacred animals.
Soups, noodles, and curry dishes are staples. For breakfast, many opt for the traditional thakali, a plate comprising various dishes reminiscent of Sri Lankan curry.
Indian dishes, like paneer cheese, curries, and so on, are also widely enjoyed.
Grocery stores offer a wide array of products. There's an abundance of different snacks, dairy products, and notably, yak cheese.
Vegetables and fruits aren't exactly cheap. Apples, in particular, are priced like gold, much like in other parts of South and East Asia. For us (even coming from Siberia), it's quite a shock when 1kg of apples costs $3-4 or even more.