Nepal Travel Guide

Nepal: Sacred, Chaotic, and Closer to the Sky

Nepal doesn’t rush you. It invites you. Through prayer flags, yak bells, and smoky temples. Through narrow alleys and wide-open summits. It’s the kind of place where monks chant while dogs nap and snow-capped peaks judge your selfie angle in silence.

Nepal is not just a destination — it’s a shift in altitude and attitude.

Quick Facts

Capital: Kathmandu
Population: Approx. 30 million
Language: Nepali (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Time Zone: NPT (UTC +5:45)
Climate: Varied — from subtropical valleys to alpine heights
Visa Requirements: Tourist visa on arrival for most nationalities
Top Religions: Hinduism (majority), Buddhism
Safety: Generally safe, but watch altitude and chaotic traffic
Transport: Buses, microbuses, taxis, domestic flights (weather gods permitting)
Vibe: Spiritual, rugged, humble
Best for: Trekkers, seekers, mountain lovers, slow wanderers

Top 5 Attractions

1. Boudhanath Stupa (Kathmandu)
One of the largest spherical stupas in the world and a center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Its massive mandala and serene ambiance make it a must-visit.

2. Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu)
A sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its spiritual energy and intricate architecture.

3. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) (Kathmandu)
Perched atop a hill, this ancient stupa offers sweeping views of the city. Revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, it's famous for its peaceful vibe and playful monkeys.

4. Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur)
A stunning display of Newar architecture, this historic square is filled with temples, palaces, and centuries of cultural craftsmanship.

5. Chitwan National Park (Chitwan)
Nepal’s first national park and a UNESCO site, known for its jungle safaris, canoe rides, and sightings of rhinos, elephants, and the elusive Bengal tiger.

Activities

  • Trekking: from Everest Base Camp to the Annapurna Circuit

  • Visiting ancient stupas and Hindu temples

  • White-water rafting, canyoning, and paragliding

  • Yoga and meditation retreats in the hills

  • Learning to say "Namaste" and meaning it

  • Sitting still and watching clouds slide over the Himalayas

Culture & Etiquette

  • Always walk clockwise around temples and stupas

  • Dress modestly, especially at religious sites

  • Remove shoes before entering homes and sacred spaces

  • Use your right hand for giving and eating

  • Don’t touch people’s heads — especially kids

  • Public displays of affection are uncommon

What Not to Do

  • Don’t point your feet at people or religious images

  • Don’t enter temples without permission or proper dress

  • Don’t photograph locals, especially monks, without asking

  • Don’t litter — pack it out, especially in the mountains

  • Don’t underestimate altitude — go slow, hydrate, and listen to your body

Tipping in Nepal

Tipping is common in the tourism sector and genuinely appreciated — especially by guides and porters who often rely on it as part of their income.

Restaurants:
5–10% in tourist-focused places. Round up in smaller cafés.

Hotels:
Rs. 100–200 for porters, and a similar amount for housekeeping at checkout.

Guides / Porters / Trekking staff:
Guides: Rs. 800–1,000 per day
Porters: Rs. 400–600 per day
Trek cooks or assistants (if any): Rs. 300–500 per day

Taxis:
Tipping not expected — but rounding up is kind.

Massage / spa:
10% if not already included.

Cash is always preferred, and a simple “Dhanyabad” (thank you) makes it even better.

Cannabis in Nepal (as of 2025)

Cannabis grows wild in parts of Nepal and is sometimes offered to tourists — but it is still illegal.


Though tolerated in certain areas (especially around Shivaratri, a Hindu festival). Cannabis may be seen grown outside of homes in mountain villages where it is used as traditional medicine. Possession or use can still result in fines, detention, or worse.

Bottom line: just because it’s around doesn’t mean you should mess with it.

Please note: Always check the current laws and regulations at the time of your travel to Thailand, as they may change after this information was published. I am not responsible for any legal issues arising from changes in the law.

Destinations by Region

Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu – Chaos, charm, and sacred noise
Patan (Lalitpur) – Art, craft, and quiet corners
Bhaktapur – Living medieval museum of bricks and temples

Central Nepal

Pokhara – Mountains, lake views, and clean air
Bandipur – Restored hilltop town with views and no traffic
Gorkha – Historical heartland with warrior pride

The Himalayas

Everest Region (Solukhumbu) – Treks, Sherpas, altitude
Annapurna Region – Trekking variety for every skill level
Langtang – Quieter trails, Tamang culture, post-earthquake resilience

Southern Nepal (Terai)

Chitwan – Jungle safaris and Tharu culture
Lumbini – Sacred ground and peaceful reflection
Janakpur – Hindu temples and vibrant festivals

Final Note

Nepal doesn’t shout. It chants.
It teaches you how to walk slowly, breathe deeply, and look people in the eyes.

It’s a country where the altitude might knock you out — but the people will lift you up.
And somewhere between the prayer flags and the peaks, you may just find something you weren’t looking for.

Golden stupa with colorful prayer flags at a Nepalese temple complex.
A row of traditional Tibetan prayer wheels on a wooden cart, adorned with colorful prayer flags, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Colorful boats floating on a calm lake surrounded by green mountains and a partly cloudy blue sky.
Group of hikers crossing a suspension bridge in a lush green mountainous forest.
Ancient Nepalese temples with intricate wooden architecture illuminated at dusk, surrounded by pigeons and people sitting or walking nearby.
Green hilly landscape with tea plantations, trees lining a winding road, and a truck traveling along the road.
Colorful prayer flags hanging on a tree branch in the foreground with Mount Everest and a lenticular cloud in the background.
A large golden statue of a seated figure, possibly a deity or spiritual figure, overlooking a mountainous landscape with small houses and lush greenery.
A traditional Asian temple with ornate gold decorations and multiple rooftops, located on a mountain with a scenic view of surrounding hills and sky during sunset.
An elderly man with a gray beard and mustache wearing a red beanie, layered clothing, and wooden beads around his neck, holding a traditional wooden prayer tool. He is outdoors with a blurred natural background.
Close-up of a young child with streaks of red powder on their face, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, with a neutral expression.
A large white stupa with a golden spire at its center, decorated with prayer flags, in the middle of a densely populated cityscape with buildings and narrow streets surrounding it.
A yak standing on a mountain trail with snow-capped peaks in the background and hikers walking nearby.
Three young girls smiling and standing outdoors on a rocky surface with trees in the background, wearing colorful dresses and traditional Indian clothing.
Close-up of a large Buddhist stupa with painted eyes and decorative fabric drapes.
A traditional Ethiopian platter with injera bread topped with various vegetables, lentils, and cheeses, including spicy potatoes, black beans, green leafy vegetables, chickpeas, and sliced cucumbers.