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Nepal Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip
A friendly, practical guide to seasons, getting around, money, permits and routes — from someone who lives here.
People often ask me where to start when planning a first trip to Nepal. This Nepal travel guide brings together the basics I share with friends — the best time to visit, getting around, money, permits and sample routes. Rules and prices change, so always check official sources before you travel — but this will give you a solid starting point.
When to go
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Oct – Nov | Clear skies, the best mountain views and the busiest trails. Big festivals like Dashain and Tihar. |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | Cold nights, quiet trails and crisp views. High passes may be closed by snow. |
| Spring | Mar – May | Warm days and rhododendron forests in bloom. Some haze later in the season. |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Green, lush and wet. Roads and flights can be disrupted; great for photography if you’re flexible. |
Getting around
- Tourist buses link Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan and are the most comfortable road option.
- Local buses and jeeps reach almost everywhere else — slower, but full of stories.
- Domestic flights save time on long routes, but mountain weather can cause delays. Leave buffer days.
- Distances take longer than the map suggests. Plan fewer places and more time.
Money, phones and practical bits
- Carry cash in small notes, especially outside the cities. ATMs are common in towns but rare on treks.
- A local SIM card is cheap and easy to set up with your passport; mobile data works in most towns and many villages.
- Use treated or filtered water and avoid single-use plastic bottles where you can.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking altitude and rescue is essential for mountain trips.
Visas and permits
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival or apply online, and many trekking areas and national parks need permits. Some regions, like Manaslu, are restricted and require a licensed guide. Requirements and fees change, so check with Nepal’s Department of Immigration, the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered trekking agency before you go.
Easy day trips from Kathmandu
Got a free day in the valley? These are the escapes I go back to — all reachable in under two hours from the city.
- Godawari Botanical Garden — Nepal’s oldest and largest botanical garden, about 15 km south-east of Kathmandu at the foot of Phulchowki Hill.
- Jamacho Hill — a quiet forest hike in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to a hilltop stupa at around 2,100 m.
- Dahachowk View Tower — a hilltop park near Chandragiri with forest and Himalayan views.
- Swayambhunath at sunrise — the best view over the city before it wakes up.
Sample routes
7 days
Kathmandu Valley (3 days) → Pokhara (3 days) → back to Kathmandu. Culture, lakes and a sunrise viewpoint.
14 days
Kathmandu → Chitwan or Bardiya → Pokhara → a short trek or village homestay in the hills.
3 weeks
Valley and Pokhara plus a full teahouse trek — Annapurna, Langtang or, with permits, Manaslu.
Slow month
Pick two regions and stay. Homestays, festivals, cooking and long walks — the best way to really know Nepal.
Still have questions?
Ask about routes, seasons or where to film — I reply to every message.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Nepal?
October and November are the most popular months for clear skies and mountain views. March and April are the next best, with warm days and rhododendrons in bloom.
How many days do I need in Nepal?
Seven days covers the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. Two weeks lets you add a national park or a short trek. Three weeks or more is ideal for a full teahouse trek.
Is Nepal safe for tourists?
Nepal is generally considered a welcoming country for visitors. The main risks are road travel, altitude and weather in the mountains, so build in buffer days, trek with a guide in remote areas and carry travel insurance that covers altitude and rescue.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival or apply online before travelling. Rules and fees change, so check Nepal's Department of Immigration before you go.
How much does a trip to Nepal cost?
Nepal can be very affordable if you use local transport, guesthouses and dal bhat. Treks, permits, guides and domestic flights add the most cost. See budget travel in Nepal.
The full journeys are on YouTube
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