According to the Department of Immigration of Nepal, 1,014,885 individuals visited Nepal in 2023 ( 65% more than in 2022 ) and more than 80% of that number visited Nepal for adventure tourism like trekking and peak climbing, with such a growing number of visitors every year there is also increase in grievances from tourists.

Nepal is a small country between two powerhouses China and India that brings massive numbers of travelers from the world to their country. However, for adventure seekers, Nepal is a must-visit country, as I have been in this industry for nearly 30 years, I have heard from many travelers who wished they knew certain things before.

So, for those who want to visit Nepal, I have listed here some important things a tourist should know before visiting Nepal:

1. Visa Requirements:

• On Arrival Visa: Nepal provides visa service on arrival; tourists can get an arrival visa after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport and most land borders. Tourists are asked to fill out an application form and they can apply for various Visa lengths (e.g.,15, 30, or 90 days)

As of 2024, Nepal provides visas to almost all countries excluding Nationals; Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Liberia, Ethiopia, Palestine, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Cameroon, and Afghanistan, who are not eligible for visas on arrival and have to apply through Nepali embassy or other way.

2. Altitude Awareness:

• Altitude Sickness: If you are trekking at high altitudes, especially in a place like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Manaslu Circuit which are above 5000m, you have to be aware of altitude sickness.
• Acclimatization: Plan a proper acclimatization day for you to cope in Higher altitudes. Spend an extra day acclimatizing if you are not sure, be well hydrated and avoid alcohol and coffee in high altitudes.

If symptoms worsen then descend to a lower altitude immediately. If worse comes you can contact your tour operator for Emergency Evacuation.

3. Possible Scams:

Nepal also has scammers just like any other country. Being alert is the best way to stay away from possible scams. Traveling through a government-registered reputed travel agency with a certain period of experience is the best for the tourist visiting Nepal. Some of the possible scams that might occur are:

• Airport Taxi Scams: Most tourists get scammed in airports who haven’t booked with a reputed travel agency. Drivers would charge high prices to innocent tourists who do not know the price beforehand. You need to get a rough idea of fares from your booked hotel or internet.
• Unauthorized Guide Scam: There would be many people wanting to talk to tourists when they are walking on the road,  and people might come to talk in a friendly way offering you various treks and tours at a low price but after the trek is completed they might ask for an unreasonable tip. And also they might take you to a shop and persuade you to buy an item from which they will earn a huge commission from a shopkeeper. They might also take you to one of their friends to sign you up for an overpriced tour.
• Unauthorized Travel Agency Scam: There are many unauthorized travel agencies in Kathmandu. Traveling with such an agency might turn out to be difficult if things go south during the trek. They might also disappear overnight after collecting a large sum of money from the tourists. So, check their official documents or reviews online before booking a trek or tour with them.
• Helicopter Rescue Scam: You might get sick in a high-altitude country like Nepal and some underhanded tour operators use this chance to persuade you to do helicopter rescue even though you are not that ill. They might tell you a life-threatening scenario so you would sign up for a rescue mission from which operators get a huge commission from the hospital and helicopter.

These are some of the possible scams that you need to be aware of more, however, you would need to be careful of other things also like over-friendly people in the streets, children beggars, fake brand shopkeepers, etc.

4. Cultural Sensitivities:

Nepal is a multi-ethnic multi-religious and multi-cultural country that has a very diverse cultural heritage however with more than 80% of the population being Hindu. Some of the cultural values that tourists should keep while traveling in Nepal are;

• Dress Code: Try to dress modestly in rural areas of Nepal, people in rural areas are more conservative. While you can see tourists in shorts and tops in urban areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara it's respectful to dress modestly covering your knees and shoulders especially at religious sites and festivals.
• Respect Religious Sites: Remove your shoes while entering temples and monasteries or somebody's home. And also avoid taking photos of religious sites if it is not permitted.

5. Local Currency and Payment Methods:

The local currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). You can exchange your currency to the Nepali rupee in the city before going for a trek. Most of the money exchange shops are only in a city so it's better to exchange the required amount in the city.

ATMs are available in cities for tourists to withdraw cash and ATMs allow to withdraw 20 to 30 thousand Rupees per transaction. You can withdraw three times per day from ATMs. Some of the ATMs might not work so it would be better to have a backup plan.

If you are planning to pay by card to your tour operator, the bank will charge them an extra 4% of the amount per transaction so tour operators might add that 4% from tourists, so if it's not a big amount to worry about you can pay through cash.

6. International Flight Cost:

While Nepal offers an incredible experience for its travelers, however coming here can be very expensive, especially depending on where you are flying from. Flight costs to Nepal depend on which month you are flying to Nepal higher on Nepali festive seasons and trekking seasons. Here are a few average prices for people to keep in mind;

• From North America: Flight from the US or Canada to Kathmandu typically ranges from USD 800 to USD 1,500 for economy class depending on the month of travel. Direct flights are very rare, so tourists can expect some layovers or transit in different countries.

• From Europe: Flight from major European cities like Rome, London, Frankfurt, or Paris to Kathmandu can cost between 550 euros to 1,100 euros.

• From Australia/New Zealand: Travelers from Australia and New Zealand can expect to pay around USD 700 to $1300 depending on the month of visit. 

• From Asia or nearby countries: If you are flying from nearby countries flight costs are typically low compared to others. It can cost around $100 to $300 USD for a round trip.

Though flights to Nepal can be expensive, being flexible with dates, booking in advance, and choosing the right airlines will help travelers decrease their overall expenses. After you arrive in Nepal, food, accommodation, transportation are relatively affordable.

7. Food and Water Safety:

Mineral water is not found in rural areas of Nepal so while trekking it's better to buy water purifying tablets that will last for your whole trek. For 1 liter of water, 1 tablet would be enough but you have to wait 30 minutes after putting in the purifying tablet to drink it.

Tourists can enjoy local cuisines like Dhal Bhat, Newari, and Thakali foods but beware of street foods which might give you food poisoning. So, check the cleanliness of the place and food before enjoying it.

8. Transportation:

Nepal is a developing country so transportation facilities might not be as good as Western countries. And because of the Nepal landscape traveling by road may take much more time. For example; Kathmandu to Pokhara which is 200 km in distance would take 7-8 hours minimum because of road conditions. So, we suggest you to keep extra days for trekking and touring in Nepal just in case there is a delay due to transportation.

Flights to places like Lukla (Gateway to Everest) are mostly weather-dependent and can be delayed or even canceled. So many people visit Nepal in trekking seasons like (September to December) and (March to May) which are the best times to visit Nepal.

9. Safety Tips:

Nepal is a safe country but you might run into some scams and pickpocketing in tourist areas if you are not careful. Most tourists have a hard time in Nepal because of not carrying essential gear, for which you can consult with your tour operators, they will tell you which gear would be appropriate for you depending on your trek or tour. Accidents might occur in high altitude countries like Nepal so it's better to have travel insurance which should cover high altitude trekkings.

10. Rules and Regulation:

There are rules and regulations that tourists have to follow while visiting Nepal.

• Permits and Immigration Laws: Most of the trekking areas in Nepal require permits so make permits according to the place you are going and match it with the number of days you would be there. There are some restricted areas like Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo, and Kanchenjunga for which you would be required to book with a government-registered company to make your permit. Please be well informed on restricted areas of Nepal.

If you plan to extend your stay in Nepal without extending your visa you will have to pay a fine and there could be other legal issues. So don't overstay your visa.

• Drone Regulation: To fly a drone you have to take a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Flying drones without a permit will lead to fines and confiscation, especially near Airports, religious sites, and military camps.
• Local Guidelines: There are many unsafe and untouched places in Nepal especially in remote areas. Many people go missing when people walk through different routes. So, follow local guidelines to avoid unsafe areas and routes, especially in less crowded trekking areas.

Nepal has significantly more to offer in adventure tourism than any other country through its majestic high-peak mountains and cultural diversity. By being aware of these essential tips you might be able to make your stay in Nepal both safe and memorable.

For more tips and guided trek and tour visit Beyond the Limits Treks and Expedition or contact us for expert advice on planning your next adventure in Nepal.