Nepal Travel Guide 2026

Why Visit Nepal?

Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains, ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples, medieval Newari towns and jungle safaris, all close to India. Indians don't need a visa or even a passport, Indian rupee notes are widely accepted and the food feels familiar, which makes it one of the easiest international trips you can take.

The classic first trip combines Kathmandu Valley (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur), the lakeside town of Pokhara with Himalayan sunrise views, and wildlife in Chitwan National Park.

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Nepal Itineraries: 3, 5 or 7 Days

Pick 3, 5 or 7 days. Each longer plan builds on the shorter one: the first days stay the same and the extra days add more places. Costs are approximate per person per day; prices and timings change, so check before you book.

Nepali Food to Try

• Dal bhat — Lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry and pickles, refilled until you're full. "Dal bhat power, 24 hour!"
• Momos — Steamed or fried dumplings with spicy tomato achar; vegetarian versions are everywhere.
• Thukpa — Tibetan-style noodle soup, perfect in the mountains.
• Newari khaja set — Beaten rice with spiced potatoes, beans, pickles and more, a Kathmandu Valley speciality.
• Sel roti — Ring-shaped sweet rice bread, popular during festivals.
• Juju dhau — Rich, creamy curd from Bhaktapur.

For Indian travellers: vegetarian food is easy to find and very familiar, and many restaurants in Thamel and Pokhara serve North and South Indian dishes.

Best Time to Visit Nepal

Autumn (October–November): the best time, with clear skies, mountain views and festivals such as Dashain and Tihar.

Spring (March–April): warm days and blooming rhododendrons; a little hazier.

Monsoon (June–September): green and quiet but rainy, with landslides on mountain roads and clouds hiding the peaks.

Winter (December–February): cold nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara but often clear views; high trails can be snowed in.

Getting Around Nepal

Domestic flights: the fastest way between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bharatpur (Chitwan). Mountain weather causes delays, so leave a buffer day before your flight home.

Tourist buses: cheap and reliable between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, though slow on winding roads.

Taxis and apps: agree fares before getting in, or use the Pathao or inDrive apps in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

By road from India: main crossings include Sunauli–Bhairahawa, Raxaul–Birgunj and Panitanki–Kakarbhitta.

Travel Essentials

Entry for Indians: Indian citizens don't need a visa for Nepal. Carry a valid passport or voter ID card (Aadhaar is generally not accepted as the main travel document for air travel). Children and minors have separate document rules, so check with your airline. Rules as of October 2026; always check the official website before you travel.

Money: Nepali rupee (NPR). ₹1 is about NPR 1.6, and Indian ₹100 notes are widely accepted; check current rules before carrying larger Indian notes. ATMs work in cities; carry cash for smaller towns.

Daily budget (per person): a mid-range hotel share, food, local transport and sightseeing come to about NPR 4,000–7,000 a day, plus domestic flights and safaris.

SIM card: Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) sell SIMs at the airport and in town with your passport or ID and a photo.

Plugs: types C, D and M, 230V, so most Indian plugs fit. Power cuts are less common than before but carry a power bank.

Etiquette and safety: walk clockwise around stupas, remove shoes in temples and ask before photographing people. For treks above about 3,000 m, go slowly to avoid altitude sickness and buy insurance that covers trekking.

Nepal FAQs

Prices, visa rules and opening details change often. Figures here are approximate as of October 2026, so please check official websites before you book.