Kathmandu

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.