Nepal travel guide
Nepal compresses an extraordinary range into a small country, from the Himalayan peaks that include Everest to the jungles of the southern Terai. A single trip can take in medieval temple squares, lakeside mountain views, wildlife safaris and the birthplace of the Buddha. Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur make up the cultural core of the valley, with Nagarkot offering sunrise from the rim. Pokhara is the lakeside gateway to the Annapurna region, Bandipur is a quiet hill town on the road between them, Sauraha leads into Chitwan National Park and Lumbini is a pilgrimage site of monasteries. Autumn, October and November, and spring, March to May, are the most popular seasons for trekking and clear mountain views. Nepal suits trekkers, culture seekers and families. Most itineraries combine a few days in the valley with a trek or a safari, so allow time to move between regions, and you can plan your itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Kathmandu.
Before you go to Nepal
- Currency
- NPR ₨
- Emergency number
- 100
- Plug type
- Type C, D, M
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- NPR ~500 per withdrawal
Cities in Nepal
- Kathmandu Nepal's capital and largest city, a dense warren of medieval temples, palaces and living Hindu-Buddhist tradition in the Kathmandu Valley —…
- Pokhara Nepal's adventure and lakeside capital on the shore of Phewa Lake, gateway to the Annapurna trekking region with dramatic Himalayan…
- Bhaktapur The best-preserved medieval Newari city in the Kathmandu Valley — a car-free warren of brick-paved squares, pagoda temples and pottery…
- Sauraha (Chitwan) The gateway village to Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO site famed for one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers,…
- Lumbini The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and one of the world's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites — a UNESCO World Heritage…
- Patan (Lalitpur) The valley's city of fine arts and Newari craftsmanship, twin city to Kathmandu across the Bagmati — its Durbar Square and Golden Temple…
- Nagarkot A ridge-top hill station on the valley rim at ~2,100m, celebrated for its sweeping Himalayan sunrise panorama stretching from the…
- Bandipur A beautifully preserved hilltop Newari trading town on the Kathmandu–Pokhara road, with a car-free bazaar of traditional houses, mountain…
Frequently asked questions about Nepal
- What currency is used in Nepal?
- The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (Rs). ₹1 is about 2 ₨.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Nepal?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: NPR ~500 per withdrawal. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Nepal?
- Tipping in Nepal: optional. Appreciated but not obligatory; 10% in tourist restaurants and tips for trekking guides/porters are customary.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Nepal?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Nepal use?
- Nepal uses Type C, D, M plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Nepal?
- Emergency: 100. Police: 100. Ambulance: 102. Tourist helpline: 1144.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Nepal?
- SIM and eSIM available in Nepal.
- What is the capital of Nepal?
- The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu. Time there: IST + 15 min.