Nepal is one of the most rewarding destinations in Asia for international travellers — but it rewards those who arrive prepared. Here are 20 practical tips drawn from our guides’ decades of experience hosting visitors from around the world.
1. Money and Currency
Nepal’s currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). Notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 NPR denominations.
- ATMs: Widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara; thin on the ground above Namche Bazaar on the Everest trail. Withdraw enough cash before heading into the mountains.
- Airport exchange: Convenient but rates are slightly worse than in Thamel money changers. A small airport exchange for initial transport and tips is fine.
- Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in mid-range and upmarket hotels and restaurants; less reliable in guesthouses and trekking teahouses.
- Cash only on trail: Teahouses above Namche Bazaar accept cash only.
2. Tipping Culture
Tipping is not mandatory but is deeply appreciated and forms an important part of guides’ and porters’ income. General guidelines:
- Trekking guides: USD 10–20 per day for a lead guide
- Porters: USD 5–10 per day
- Drivers: USD 3–5 for day trips
- Restaurant staff: 10% if service charge is not already included
3. Bargaining and Shopping
Bargaining is expected in Thamel souvenir shops, local markets, and with unlicensed taxis (always agree on the price before getting in). Fixed-price shops, restaurants, and licensed tour services do not negotiate.
- Start at 50–60% of the asking price for souvenirs and work up
- Be pleasant — aggressive bargaining is considered rude
- Walk away if the price is wrong; vendors will often call you back
4. Getting Around Kathmandu
- Taxis: Metered or negotiated; app-based services like Pathao and InDriver are available and often cheaper than street taxis
- Electric rickshaws: Good for short distances in the city; negotiate the fare before boarding
- Hired car and driver: Best value for day trips to Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, or Dhulikhel; Eco Holiday Asia can arrange
- Domestic flights: For Pokhara (25 min), Lukla (40 min), Bharatpur/Chitwan and other destinations; book early in peak season
5. Temple and Monument Etiquette
- Remove shoes before entering Hindu temples and many Buddhist shrines
- Circumambulate Buddhist stupas and chortens clockwise
- Dress modestly at religious sites: cover shoulders and knees; sarongs are usually available to borrow at major sites
- Do not photograph cremation ceremonies at Pashupatinath without explicit permission
- Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the main Pashupatinath Temple sanctum; the ghats and surrounding area are open
6. Photography Etiquette
- Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural villages
- Many Kathmandu attractions charge a separate camera fee; check at the entrance
- Photography inside some monastery prayer halls and temples is restricted or requires a donation
- Drone use requires prior permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN); restrictions apply near military areas and Kathmandu city
7. Food and Water Safety
- Drink only filtered or bottled water. Tap water is not safe to drink directly.
- On trek, use a filter (Sawyer, LifeStraw) or purification tablets rather than buying single-use plastic bottles
- Fresh salads and raw vegetables in smaller eateries carry higher risk; stick to cooked dishes
- Nepal’s dal bhat (lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry) is the trekker’s staple: nutritious, freshly cooked, and filling — with free refills at most teahouses
8. Internet and SIM Cards
- Tourist SIM cards (Ncell or NTC) are available at the airport on arrival and in Thamel. Show your passport to register (mandatory by law).
- Coverage is good in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and tourist areas; 4G available along most trekking trails up to mid-altitude; signal thin above 4,000m
- Satellite messengers (Garmin inReach) are recommended for off-trail or very high-altitude expeditions
9. Power and Electricity
- Nepal uses 230V / 50Hz electricity with Type C, D, and M sockets
- Power cuts still occur; a power bank is essential on trek
- On trek, teahouses charge per device charge (NPR 100–300 per charge above 3,500m)
10. Safety and Health
- Travel insurance is essential and must cover helicopter evacuation; costs can exceed USD 5,000–10,000 without it
- Vaccinations: consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 6 weeks before departure; hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are commonly recommended
- Nepal is generally safe for solo and group travellers; petty theft in crowded Thamel is the most common issue — use a money belt or hidden pouch
11. Responsible Travel
- Do not give money or sweets to children begging on trail — it encourages school non-attendance; donate instead to registered local schools and funds
- Carry out all non-biodegradable waste from above-treeline trekking areas
- Use locally owned teahouses and guesthouses rather than large chain hotels to keep economic benefit in communities
- Eco Holiday Asia is a certified member of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and supports Leave No Trace principles on all treks
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