Nepal Tours

You can use your debit and credit cards to make payments in Nepal, but it is much easier with cash. Cash in a local currency, the Nepalese Rupees, and US dollars or Euros are accepted in all hotels, travel agencies, or airlines. The accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Card and Maestro, but keep in mind that there is a service charge on your transaction, and in some remote areas or villages, they may not work.

Tap water and river water in Nepal cannot be drunk without treatment, even you might see localsfine drinking “jungle water”. Generally, tourists are recommended to use bottled water, boiling water or purification tablets. If you are boiling water, be sure the time to boil is longer at altitude. Always check the top of water bottles to avoid the used ones as well as drinking enough water to prevent the risk of dehydration.

Nepal’s official currency isthe Nepalese Rupee or NPR/ Rs. It comes in notes of 1,2, 5, 10, 20, 50,100, 500 and 1000, while Nepali coins aredenominated in1, 2 and 5. You can easily find ATMs and money-exchange counters in big cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara as well as in several popular trails. Dollars,Euro and Pounds are accepted everywhere in Nepal, butit is recommended that you have the local currency if you trek to different regions of Nepal.

There are two major carriers in Nepal providing SIM cards for travellers, Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC/ Namaste), and each has served in different areas. While Ncell is faster and more popular in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Telecom has greater coverage in the mountains that is perfect if you go on a trek. You can easily buy SIM cards from their main vendors at the airport, but the options may be more expensive. Otherwise, many cell vendors in the cities can help you out.

Nepal has many delicious authentic foods like chiura (beaten rice), samosa tarkari (curry soup), or baraa (lentil pancake) that you can safely enjoy in a variety of restaurants. However, it’s recommended to always savour hot dishes and not eat any raw food that you haven’t prepared yourself. You’ll easily find safe food in supermarkets and be sure to rinsefruit and vegetables inpurified water. Also, carrying hand sanitiser with you is a good idea.

Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal but it is expected by most people working in the tourism industry as with many service workers, it is an important source of income. Many large hotels and restaurants in Nepal already include service charges in the final bill. If you don’t see it, you can leave a personal tip in a gratuity box or give a small amount directly to the servers and staffs for good service. If you go on a trekking tour in Nepal, it is recommended to tip your tour guides and porters, basing on the quality of service you receive.

Nepal is a surprisingly diverse country with plenty of amazing places to visit from north to south. While many are lured by the call of adventure with the iconic hikes and rugged trails to the legendary Himalayas, the famous capital city of Kathmandu is a cultural eye-opener with a host of sacred and historic attractions that take a couple of days to uncover. Otherwise, you can spend time in Lumbini to explore the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the historic Lord Buddha. If you’re after real natural experiences, boat trips in Pokhara and wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park will certainly fulfil your desire. For those seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, the Langtang and Helambu regions are perfect options for trekking with old monasteries, extensive views, and stunning mountain scenery.

As Nepal has much to offer all year round, the best time to start your journey will depend much on the activities you plan to do while in the country. If adventures in the mountains are your things, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the peak seasons for hikers and mountaineers with mild temperatures and clear skies. Winter months from December to February can also great options for low-altitude hikesalthough it is inevitably colder, and travel photography with the country’s stunning natural beauty. Summer (June-August) with the monsoon season is a pleasant time for those wanting to avoid crowds and high prices, but expect chances of downpours and sudden changes to your itinerary.

To experience all the best of Nepal, a trip within a month or longer might let you traverse throughout the most popular landmarks and several remote & less-travelled sites, while still have some extra time left to rest and relax. If your vacation is shorter, it’s better to consider your interests and choose some of the prominent destinations for your itinerary. In 5-6 days, you can enjoy the highlights of the capital Kathmandu and spend a short time in some neighbouring towns nearby. Meanwhile, a 10-14 day journey will be the best option for those wanting to catch a glimpse of this picturesque Himalayan nation.

Despite its small size, Nepal covers vast diverse landscapes, ranging from soaring mountains in the north, lush valleys in the central and flat expansive plains in the south. Each region has its geographical features and typical touring highlights that attract a lot of travellers. If you’re planning your 1st-time tour route in Nepal, be sure to research some of the best destinations scattered throughout the country, including the bustling capital city Kathmandu, the sacred garden in Lumbini, the cultural city Bhaktapur, the natural wonders of Pokhara, Asia’s best wildlife watching in Chitwan and many more national parks dotted the land.