Maps & Guides for Nepal Travel (2025)

Navigate Nepal confidently with the best local map (GalliMap), a practical offline navigation setup, and clear guidance on hiring guides/porters for safer trekking.

Maps & Navigation

Nepal’s addresses can be informal, road conditions change, and mountain routes need backup planning. Use a reliable map in cities, download offline backups, and confirm details with locals when needed.

GalliMap (Best local map for Nepal)

For accurate streets, neighborhoods, and local places in Nepal, GalliMap is one of the best options. It’s widely used by locals and drivers and often has better local coverage than Google Maps in many areas.

Digital map navigation for travel in Nepal
Note: GalliMap blocks embedding inside other websites, so the map can’t be shown directly here. Use the official site below.
Open GalliMap Offline map tips

Navigation setup (do this once)

Think in three layers: online maps for cities, offline backups for hills/treks, and human confirmation when routes or pick-up points are unclear.

  • Download offline maps before leaving Kathmandu/Pokhara
  • Screenshot hotel name + pickup point + key bookings
  • Carry a power bank (charging may cost on trails)
  • On treks: confirm the next stop with lodge staff + locals
First-day tip: After landing, exchange a small amount of cash, buy a local SIM/eSIM, and save your hotel location before leaving the airport area.

Offline survival pack

  • Offline maps for Kathmandu + Pokhara
  • Digital copies of passport/visa/insurance
  • Emergency contacts saved offline
  • Backup cash (small notes are useful)

Road travel reality

Distances can look short but take longer due to terrain, traffic, construction, and weather. Build buffer time into transfer days and avoid tight connections.

  • Keep flexible time before flights or big tours
  • Carry water/snacks for long road days
  • Monsoon can cause delays and road blocks

Phone safety setup

  • Enable screen lock + device tracking
  • Share itinerary with family/friends
  • Keep key numbers in Notes (offline)

Guides & Porters

For city travel, you can explore independently. For trekking, a licensed guide makes logistics easier, improves safety, and helps you understand local culture. A porter can make the trek far more comfortable.

When to hire a guide

  • First trek: better pacing + route clarity
  • Higher altitude: earlier detection of altitude symptoms
  • Remote routes: lodge coordination + local help
  • Bad weather: safer decisions when visibility changes
Note: Trek rules can vary by region and may change. Confirm requirements for your exact route before trekking.

Porter vs guide vs guide-porter

  • Guide: navigation, safety, logistics, culture
  • Porter: carries luggage so you trek comfortably
  • Guide-porter: hybrid for simpler routes/budgets

For first-time trekkers, the most comfortable option is often guide + porter so you can walk slowly, hydrate, and enjoy the views without rushing.

Choose a Guide (Checklist)

The right guide can transform your Nepal trek: safer pacing, better logistics, and richer local insight. Use this checklist to avoid common mistakes first-time trekkers make.

Before you book

  • Confirm license/registration and insurance
  • Ask what routes they did recently (last 6–12 months)
  • Clarify what’s included: permits, transport help, lodge coordination
  • Check if they carry a first-aid kit and know altitude protocols
Green flag: The guide talks about acclimatization, hydration, and safe pacing before anything else.

During the trek

  • They check your condition daily (sleep, headache, appetite)
  • They explain tomorrow’s route and weather risks clearly
  • They don’t rush you to “catch up” at altitude
  • They coordinate lodges and timing to reduce stress

Etiquette & Fair Travel

Nepal trekking is built on local communities and hardworking staff. Responsible travel improves safety, protects culture, and supports fair working conditions.

Porter fairness

  • Pack light: avoid unnecessary items
  • Avoid overloading porters (keep bags reasonable)
  • Choose operators who provide proper gear/clothing

Village respect

  • Ask before photographing people or ceremonies
  • Dress respectfully in temples and villages
  • Keep noise low around monasteries and sacred areas

Trail manners

  • Yield to pack animals on narrow trails
  • Carry out trash when possible
  • Follow your guide’s safety calls (weather/altitude)

Tipping (Simple & Respectful)

Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated when service is good. Tip at the end of the trek or service, openly and respectfully. If you’re unsure, ask your guide what is normal for your region and team size.

When to tip

  • At the end of the trek (final day)
  • After airport transfers or tour service (optional)
  • When the service clearly helped you

How to tip respectfully

  • Give it directly with thanks
  • Tip openly (no secrecy needed)
  • Use cash if possible (simple and practical)

FAQs

Quick answers that help first-time travelers avoid confusion.

GalliMap blocks embedding inside other websites for security. Use the “Open GalliMap” button to access it.
Yes. Coverage can drop in hills, long drives, and on trails. Offline maps and saved screenshots avoid stress.
Strongly recommended—especially for altitude, weather changes, and logistics. It makes the trip safer and smoother.