Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Nepal comes down to getting a handful of practical things right: your visa, the correct trekking permits, the best season to come, and a realistic budget. This complete Nepal travel guide pulls all of it together in one place — visa and entry, permits, when to visit, costs, packing, transport, accommodation, and safety — with honest, up-to-date advice from our team based in Thamel, Kathmandu. No fluff, just what actually matters when you're planning a Himalayan trip.

Use it as your starting point: each section below gives you the essentials, then links to our full, detailed guide on that topic.

Key Takeaways:

• Most travelers get a visa on arrival or a Nepal e-visa — simple, with 15, 30, and 90-day options.
• The best time to visit is autumn (Sep–Nov) and spring (Mar–May) for clear skies and stable trekking weather.
• Trekking permits are region-specific — most areas need the ACAP or a national park permit, and some need special restricted-area permits.
• Nepal suits every budget: from USD 30–50 a day independently to comfortable guided packages.
• The Nepali rupee (NPR) is the currency; carry cash for the mountains, where ATMs are scarce.
• Nepal is a safe, welcoming destination; the main real risk on treks is altitude, which good pacing manages.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Most travelers to Nepal can get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport or apply online in advance with the Nepal e-visa. Visas come in 15-day (USD 30), 30-day (USD 50), and 90-day (USD 125) options, and the process is quick if your passport has at least six months of validity and you carry a passport photo and USD cash. Indian citizens do not need a visa at all. To save time at immigration during peak season, we recommend completing the e-visa online before you fly.

→ Read our complete Nepal Visa Guide — visa types, fees, country-by-country rules, land borders, and step-by-step application.

Trekking Permits in Nepal

Trekking permits in Nepal are region-specific, so the permits you need depend on where you trek. Most popular regions require a conservation area or national park permit: the Annapurna region (Circuit, ABC, Mardi, Poon Hill) needs the ACAP; the Everest region needs the Sagarmatha National Park permit and a local Khumbu permit; Langtang needs the Langtang National Park permit. Restricted areas like Manaslu, Upper Mustang, and Tsum Valley need special restricted-area permits, a licensed guide, and a minimum group size. As of 2026, the old TIMS card is no longer required for the Annapurna region.

→ Read our Annapurna Circuit Permits guide for the most-trekked region's full permit details. When you book with us, we arrange every permit for you.

Best Time to Visit Nepal

The best time to visit Nepal is autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), when the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the mountain views are at their sharpest. Autumn is the prime trekking season with the clearest views of the year, while spring adds blooming rhododendron forests and warm days. Winter (December–February) is cold but quiet and good for lower treks and sightseeing, and the monsoon (June–August) brings rain to most of the country — though the rain-shadow regions of Mustang and Upper Manang stay dry and trekkable.

→ Read our Best Time to Trek in Nepal guide — season-by-season detail for every region.

How to Get to Nepal

Most international travelers arrive by air at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal's only major international gateway. Direct and one-stop flights connect Kathmandu with hubs across Asia and the Middle East — including Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Guangzhou — from where you can connect from Europe, North America, and Australia. It's also possible to enter Nepal overland from India at several border crossings (Sunauli, Birgunj, Kakarvitta) and from Tibet/China via the Rasuwa–Kerung border. For most trekkers, flying into Kathmandu is by far the simplest option, and we provide airport pickup for all our guests.

→ Planning your arrival? Contact us and we'll help coordinate your airport transfer and first night in Kathmandu.

Getting Around Nepal

Getting around Nepal is done by a mix of domestic flights, tourist buses, private vehicles, and short internal flights to mountain airstrips. For the popular Kathmandu–Pokhara route, you can choose a comfortable tourist bus (6–7 hours) or a quick 25-minute flight. Treks in the Everest region usually begin with a short, dramatic flight to Lukla, while Annapurna treks start with a drive to Pokhara and then to the trailhead. Within cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap and easy. For trekkers, we arrange all ground transport — private vehicles, tourist buses, or flights — as part of your package, so you never have to negotiate local transport yourself.

→ We handle all in-country transport for our trekkers. See our trips to see what's included.

Money & Costs

Nepal is an affordable destination, and your daily budget depends on your style of travel. The currency is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Budget independent trekkers can travel on around USD 30–50 per day for food and basic teahouse accommodation, while a fully guided trekking package (including guide, porter, permits, meals, and transport) typically runs USD 90–150 per day all-in. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, meals cost a few dollars and mid-range hotels are inexpensive by Western standards. Carry Nepali rupees in cash once you leave the cities, as ATMs are scarce and often empty on the trails, and higher-altitude tea houses charge more for everything since supplies are carried up by porter or mule.

→ For a detailed trek budget breakdown, read our Annapurna Circuit Cost guide — it explains every cost component in full.

What to Pack for Nepal

What you pack for Nepal depends on the season and your activities, but the golden rule for trekking is layers — you'll move through several climate zones in a single trek, from warm valleys to freezing high passes. Essentials include moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket, a waterproof shell, broken-in trekking boots, a good sleeping bag for higher treks, trekking poles, a headlamp, sun protection, and a personal first-aid kit. You can rent or buy most gear cheaply in Kathmandu's Thamel district or in Pokhara, so you don't need to bring everything from home.

→ Read our complete Nepal Packing List — a full season-by-season checklist for trekkers.

Accommodation Guide

Accommodation in Nepal ranges from comfortable hotels in the cities to simple family-run tea houses on the trekking trails. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you'll find everything from budget guesthouses to boutique and luxury hotels. On the trails, the standard is the tea house — a basic, welcoming lodge offering a simple twin room and hearty meals, usually with shared bathrooms and, at lower elevations, hot showers and Wi-Fi for a small fee. Tea houses are the heart of the Nepal trekking experience: warm, social, and run by local families. Rooms are simple but the hospitality is genuine, and prices rise gently with altitude.

→ Read our Teahouse & Lodge Accommodation guide — what to expect, night by night.

Travel Safety & Culture

Nepal is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Asia for travelers, with warm, hospitable people and a rich Hindu and Buddhist culture. Petty crime is rare, and the main genuine risk for trekkers is altitude sickness, which proper pacing, acclimatization, and a good guide manage effectively. A few cultural courtesies go a long way: dress modestly at temples, remove your shoes before entering homes and shrines, walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas and mani walls, ask before photographing people, and use your right hand for giving and receiving. Nepalis are famously friendly, and a little respect for local customs is warmly appreciated.

→ Read our Safety & Responsible Tourism standards — how we keep every trek safe and ethical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

Most nationalities need a tourist visa, available on arrival at Kathmandu airport or online via the Nepal e-visa, in 15, 30, or 90-day options. Indian citizens do not need a visa. Your passport must have at least six months of validity.

What is the best time to visit Nepal?

The best times are autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May), offering the clearest skies and most stable weather for trekking and sightseeing. Winter is cold but quiet, and monsoon (June–August) is wet except in the rain-shadow regions of Mustang and Manang.

How much does a trip to Nepal cost?

Nepal suits most budgets. Independent trekkers spend around USD 30–50 per day, while fully guided packages run about USD 90–150 per day all-in, covering guide, porter, permits, meals, and transport. Cities are inexpensive by Western standards.

Is Nepal safe for tourists?

Yes, Nepal is a very safe and welcoming destination. Petty crime is rare, and the main real risk for trekkers is altitude sickness, which is well managed with proper acclimatization and a good guide.

What permits do I need to trek in Nepal?

Permits are region-specific. Most areas need a conservation area or national park permit (like ACAP for Annapurna), and restricted regions like Manaslu and Upper Mustang need special permits plus a licensed guide. We arrange all permits for our trekkers.

What currency is used in Nepal?

The currency is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Carry cash once you leave the cities, as ATMs are scarce on the trails and higher-altitude tea houses charge more for everything.

Start Planning Your Nepal Adventure

This guide covers the essentials, but every trip is different — and after 10+ years helping travelers plan Himalayan adventures, we've learned that the best trips start with a good conversation. Whether you're dreaming of Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, a cultural tour of the Kathmandu Valley, or a gentle first trek, our local team can help you plan a route matched to your time, budget, and fitness.

→ Browse all our Nepal treks and tours
→ See why travelers choose Majestic Trails Nepal
→ Plan my trip — talk to our team