←All destinations
Travel Guide
Visiting Nepal
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.
Exercise Caution
UK FCDO: The FCDO does not advise against travel to any part of Nepal. Following unrest since 26 July, local curfews have been imposed in Koshi province and Madhesh province in the south of the country. Wider disruption across the Middle East may also affect flight connections to Kathmandu.
Updated 2026-08-01 11:42:45
Discover
Top Attractions in Nepal
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park covers 124,400 hectares of dramatic high-altitude terrain in the Solu-Khumbu district and contains Mount Everest (8,848 m), the highest point on Earth, along with peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park protects rare Himalayan wildlife including snow leopards and red pandas, as well as the ancient monasteries and settlements of the Sherpa people. The Everest Base Camp trek route passes through its valleys, drawing trekkers from around the world.
UNESCO World Heritage
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple stands on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in eastern Kathmandu and is one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the world. The two-storied pagoda, with its gilded roofs and intricately carved silver doors, anchors a sprawling 246-hectare complex of 518 smaller temples, ashrams, and sacred images accumulated over centuries. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the complex draws pilgrims and cremation rites take place at the riverside ghats throughout the day.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Nepal. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Nepal.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number There is no central public ambulance service. Some private providers operate in the main cities. In an emergency, call the nearest hospital. FCDO has a list of some of the hospitals in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recomme
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police100
Ambulance102
Fire101
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Nepal
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Nepal page at Yoogo.
Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Card acceptance is growing in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is essential for smaller guesthouses, markets, and rural areas, so it is wise to carry a supply of rupees when venturing outside the major cities.
Nepal is generally considered a low-crime destination and is visited safely by hundreds of thousands of travellers each year. Petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas such as Thamel, and mountain trekkers should be prepared for altitude-related health risks; checking current government travel advisories before departure is always recommended.
Within Kathmandu, taxis, app-based ride-hailing services (Pathao and inDrive), and local minibuses cover most destinations, with metered taxis the most straightforward option for visitors. Tourist buses connect Kathmandu to Pokhara and Chitwan, while domestic flights operated by carriers such as Buddha Air link the capital to regional hubs including Pokhara, Lukla (for Everest treks), and Bharatpur.
The two most popular seasons are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), when skies are clear, temperatures are moderate, and mountain views are at their finest. Monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall and leeches on trekking trails, while winter (December to February) can be cold at altitude, though lower-elevation destinations such as Chitwan and Lumbini remain pleasant.
Nepali is the official national language, though the country recognises well over 100 mother tongues, including Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, and Tamang. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and trekking agencies, and the greeting 'Namaste' accompanied by pressed palms is universally understood and warmly received throughout the country.
Travellers are commonly advised to be up to date on Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations before visiting Nepal; those trekking or visiting rural areas may wish to discuss Rabies, Hepatitis B, and Japanese Encephalitis with a travel clinic at least four to six weeks before departure. Altitude sickness is a genuine risk for trekkers ascending rapidly above 2,500 metres, and acclimatisation days should be built into high-altitude itineraries; medication such as acetazolamide is available on prescription for prevention.
Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal but is genuinely appreciated, particularly in the trekking industry where tips form a significant part of guides' and porters' income. In restaurants a gratuity of 5 to 10 per cent is customary when a service charge is not already included, and for multi-day treks guides typically receive around USD 10 to 15 per day, with porters receiving USD 5 to 10 per day, payable in local rupees.