How Things Work in Nepal
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping is not mandatory but deeply appreciated given the low wages in the service industry, especially for trekking guides and porters.
Updated 2025-06
Nepal has no trains; travel is by local bus, shared jeep, domestic flight, or app-based taxi depending on the route and region.
Updated 2025-06
Kathmandu has reliable private hospitals with English-speaking doctors, but medical facilities outside major cities are extremely limited and altitude sickness is a life-threatening risk on treks.
Updated 2025-06
Nepal's key legal risks for tourists include strict drug laws, a prohibition on harming or disrespecting cows, and a ban on proselytizing to Hindus or Buddhists.
Updated 2025-06
Key emergency numbers are 100 (police), 102 (ambulance), 101 (fire), and 1144 for the tourist police in Kathmandu.
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and religious sites, and always remove shoes before entering any temple or many homes.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 18, alcohol is widely available in tourist areas, and local brews like Everest beer, tongba, and chhaang are popular cultural experiences.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is expected in markets, tourist shops, and taxis — start at 50–60% of the asking price and negotiate from there.
Updated 2025-06
Photography is generally permitted outdoors but is prohibited inside most temples and religious interiors, and absolutely forbidden at military checkpoints.
Updated 2025-06
Saturday is Nepal's official day off, not Sunday — government offices are closed on Saturday while Sunday is a normal working day.
Updated 2025-06
Taxis in Kathmandu and Pokhara rarely use meters — use the Pathao or InDriver apps for transparent pricing or firmly negotiate a fare before getting in.
Updated 2025-06
Never drink tap water in Nepal — use bottled, filtered, or purified water at all times including on trekking routes.
Updated 2025-06
Cash is essential in Nepal, especially beyond Kathmandu — Standard Chartered, Nabil, and Everest Bank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards.
Updated 2025-06
Buy an Ncell SIM for the best data in tourist areas or a Nepal Telecom SIM for the best coverage in remote mountains — both are available at Tribhuvan Airport on arrival.
Updated 2025-06
Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets at 230V/50Hz — bring a universal adapter as plug types vary even within the same building.
Updated 2025-06
Common scams target tourists in Thamel with fake gear, gem deals, and taxi overcharging — stick to reputable agencies and use ride-hailing apps.
Updated 2025-06
Nepal is generally safe for tourists with very low violent crime, though petty theft in Thamel and altitude-related emergencies are the real risks to manage.
Updated 2025-06
Greet with 'Namaste' (palms together, slight bow), always use your right hand for giving and eating, and never disrespect cows or religious objects.
Updated 2025-06
Nepali is the national language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, trekking businesses, and Kathmandu — a few Nepali words go a long way.
Updated 2025-06
Nepal is landlocked with no ocean beaches, but Phewa Lake in Pokhara and several other mountain lakes offer calm swimming and boating.
Updated 2025-06
Nepal drives on the left and requires an international driving permit, but road conditions outside Kathmandu are poor and hiring a driver is strongly recommended.
Updated 2025-06
Dal bhat (lentils and rice) is the national meal eaten twice daily by most Nepalis and comes with unlimited refills — it is both the most authentic and best-value meal available.
Updated 2025-06
Remove shoes before entering any temple or religious site, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, and walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas and shrines.
Updated 2025-06
The best trekking seasons are October–November (post-monsoon, clear skies) and March–May (pre-monsoon, rhododendrons in bloom) — monsoon season from June to September makes trekking difficult.
Updated 2025-06
Dal bhat with unlimited refills at local restaurants (300–500 NPR) and teahouse trekking instead of camping are the two biggest ways to dramatically cut costs in Nepal.
Updated 2025-06