A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors to Nepal (2025)
Plan Nepal like a pro — visas, the best seasons, safe transport, money + SIM tips, cultural etiquette, trekking permits, altitude safety, food, language, packing, and first-trip itineraries. Designed for travelers who want a smooth, confident, unforgettable first visit.
Essentials to plan before you land
Nepal is easy when you prepare the basics: documents, money, connectivity, and a realistic itinerary. Use this checklist as your pre-flight plan.
Documents
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Digital + printed copies (passport, visa, insurance)
- Travel insurance (trekking + evacuation if hiking)
Money & connectivity
- Carry some USD cash for visa + emergencies
- ATMs mainly in cities; keep a small cash cushion daily
- Get a local SIM/eSIM for maps & contact
First-trip strategy
Nepal feels best when you avoid rushed transfers. For your first visit, build the trip around Kathmandu Valley + Pokhara plus either a short trek (Poon Hill/Langtang) or a wildlife safari (Chitwan).
Visa & entry (first-timer friendly)
Most tourists enter Nepal with a Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or land borders. Bring a valid passport, a photo, and your fee in USD (cash is the smoothest backup).
| Tourist Visa Duration | Fee (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | $30 | Kathmandu + Pokhara + short add-ons |
| 30 days | $50 | First trip + one trek or safari |
| 90 days | $125 | Slow travel, long treks, multiple regions |
Arrival steps (simple)
- Fill the form (kiosk/online if available)
- Pay visa fee
- Go to immigration counter
- Keep your visa receipt + passport safe
Airport survival tips
- Use hotel pickup or a trusted taxi
- Exchange only a small amount at airport; compare in city
- Buy SIM/eSIM early for navigation
Best time to visit Nepal
Nepal is a year-round destination, but your “best time” depends on what you want: mountain visibility, festivals, trekking, wildlife, or photography.
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm days, stable weather, rhododendron bloom, and peak trekking energy.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Blue skies, stable trekking, and Nepal’s biggest festivals.
Winter & Monsoon
Winter is clear but cold; monsoon is lush and quiet (great for culture and deals).
Festival months (high culture)
If you want cultural energy, plan around major celebrations like Dashain and Tihar (autumn), plus vibrant city festivals such as Indra Jatra. Festivals can affect transport schedules, so book flights and tourist buses early.
Wildlife timing
For Chitwan/Bardia, cooler months often feel comfortable for safaris. Early mornings are best for birding, and riverbanks are great for spotting wildlife.
Trekking (first-timer tips + what to choose)
Trekking is Nepal’s signature experience. You don’t need to be an athlete — you need pacing, layering, and smart planning. Choose a route that matches your time and comfort.
Beginner-friendly treks
- Ghorepani Poon Hill: classic sunrise viewpoint, short and scenic
- Langtang Valley: culture + mountains with simpler logistics
- Mardi Himal: dramatic ridge views near Pokhara
Permits & rules (important)
Permit requirements vary by area (TIMS and/or conservation/park permits; restricted areas need special permits). Always confirm the latest rules for your exact route before starting.
Tea-house trekking
Most popular trails offer tea-houses (simple lodges + meals). Expect basic comfort: warm layers matter more than luxury gear. Start early, walk steady, and keep hydration high.
Health & altitude (the #1 trekking safety rule)
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. The fix is not “fitness” — it’s slow ascent, rest days, and descending if symptoms worsen.
Golden altitude rules
- Climb high, sleep low when possible
- Hydrate + eat enough (many skip meals at altitude)
- Headache + nausea + fatigue → stop ascending
Insurance (non-negotiable)
Get travel insurance that covers trekking altitude and emergency evacuation. Keep your policy number + emergency phone saved offline.
Food & water safety
- Use filtered/treated water; avoid unsafe ice in remote areas
- Eat freshly cooked meals; go easy on raw salads on trail
- Carry oral rehydration salts for stomach issues
Safety, scams & transport (realistic tips)
Nepal is generally safe. Most problems are minor: overcharging, pickpocketing in busy markets, or transport confusion. These tips keep your trip smooth.
City safety
- In crowded areas (Thamel/markets), keep phone and wallet secure
- Use trusted taxis or hotel pickups; agree on price before riding
- Keep passport in hotel safe; carry a copy daily
Transport choices
- Tourist bus: most comfortable for KTM ↔ Pokhara
- Domestic flight: fast, but weather delays happen
- Private car: best for families/comfort (book via trusted operator)
Money, payments & tipping
Nepal is a cash-friendly country, especially outside major cities. Plan a simple system: some cash daily + a card backup.
Currency basics
Currency is Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Exchange money at reputable counters in Kathmandu/Pokhara. Keep smaller bills for taxis and local purchases.
ATMs
ATMs are common in cities but can be limited or unreliable on trails. Withdraw before leaving for treks and safaris.
Tipping (simple rule)
Tipping isn’t mandatory everywhere, but appreciated. If service is good, tip in restaurants and consider fair tips for guides/porters.
Culture etiquette (small things that matter)
Nepal is respectful and community-oriented. A little cultural awareness makes travel smoother and more meaningful.
Temples & sacred sites
- Dress modestly; remove shoes where required
- Ask before photographing rituals or sadhus
- Walk clockwise around stupas
Food customs
- Use the right hand for giving/receiving
- Be mindful: beef is widely avoided in Hindu communities
- Try local meals — it’s part of hospitality
Homestays
Homestays are a powerful way to experience real Nepal. Expect simple comfort, warm hospitality, and meaningful cultural exchange — be curious and respectful.
Food guide: what to eat (beyond Dal Bhat)
Dal Bhat is the daily staple — but Nepal’s food is shaped by geography and ethnic communities. Here are safe, delicious first-timer choices.
Momos
Dumplings you’ll find everywhere. Veg, chicken, or buff (water buffalo) depending on preference.
Thukpa
Himalayan noodle soup — perfect on trekking days and cold evenings.
Newari cuisine
Try bara, chatamari, yomari, and festival platters in Kathmandu Valley.
Language tips
Nepali is the official language; English is widely used in tourist areas. These phrases instantly help you connect.
Useful phrases
- Namaste — Hello / Greetings
- Dhanyabad — Thank you
- Kati ho? — How much is this?
- Thik cha — Okay / fine
Communication hacks
- Download offline maps before treks
- Save hotel name as screenshot (helps with taxis)
- Carry a power bank (electricity may be limited on trail)
Packing list (first trip)
Pack in layers. Nepal weather changes quickly — especially between cities and mountains.
City essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket + scarf (dust & evenings)
- Reusable bottle + sunscreen
Trek essentials
- Layers (base + fleece + warm jacket)
- Rain shell (monsoon/shoulder season)
- Headlamp, water treatment, power bank
Nice-to-have
- Sunglasses (strong UV at altitude)
- Blister kit + tape
- Earplugs (tea-house walls are thin)
Itineraries (first-time friendly)
These sample plans keep transfers realistic and give enough time to enjoy Nepal without stress.
7 days: culture + Pokhara
- Days 1–3: Kathmandu Valley highlights
- Days 4–6: Pokhara lakeside + viewpoints
- Day 7: Return + depart
12–14 days: add a short trek
- 2–3 days Kathmandu + Bhaktapur
- 4–5 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
- 2–3 days Pokhara recovery + explore
- Optional: 2 days Chitwan safari
FAQs
Quick answers to the most common first-time Nepal questions.