What currency does Nepal use?

Nepal uses the Nepali Rupee (NPR, symbol रू or Rs). Notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 NPR. Coins are 1, 2 and 5 NPR but rarely used. The NPR is pegged to the Indian Rupee at 1 INR = 1.6 NPR. The Indian Rupee is widely accepted for small denominations (up to 100 INR notes) but large Indian notes (500, 2000) are not accepted.

How cheap is Nepal really?

Nepal is one of the world's most affordable destinations. Dal bhat (the national dish — lentils, rice, vegetables, often with unlimited refills) costs NPR 200-500 at local restaurants. A budget guesthouse room: NPR 300-1,500/night. A teahouse room on a trek: NPR 200-500 (meals are the main expense, NPR 300-800 each). A beer: NPR 300-500. A local bus ride: NPR 200-1,500 depending on distance. Comfortable travel is possible on NPR 3,000-7,000 per day (USD 20-50). Even mid-range travel rarely exceeds USD 60-80/day.

Can I use Apple Pay, Google Pay or contactless in Nepal?

Effectively no. Contactless NFC payments work at a tiny number of premium hotel terminals in Kathmandu — the Hyatt, Marriott and similar international chains. Outside these, no contactless infrastructure exists. Nepal has domestic mobile payment apps (eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay) used widely by locals, but these require a Nepali bank account and phone number. Foreign visitors cannot use them. Cash is the only reliable payment method.

How much cash should I carry on a trek?

Budget NPR 3,000-6,000 per day on popular teahouse routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna). This covers accommodation (NPR 200-500), meals (NPR 300-800 each, 3 meals), hot showers (NPR 200-500), device charging (NPR 200-300), bottled water or purification (NPR 100-300), and snacks. Add NPR 5,000-10,000 emergency buffer. For a 14-day Everest Base Camp trek, carry approximately NPR 70,000-100,000 (USD 500-750). Keep money in multiple locations in your pack for security.

Is tipping expected in Nepal?

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Nepal. Restaurants: round up or add 5-10% in tourist areas (many add a 10% service charge). Trekking guides: NPR 1,000-2,000 per day. Trekking porters: NPR 500-1,000 per day. Taxi drivers: round up to nearest NPR 50-100. Hotel staff: NPR 100-200 per bag. Tips for trekking guides and porters are an important part of their income — discuss tipping expectations with your agency before the trek.

Should I bring USD, EUR or GBP?

USD gets the best exchange rates and widest acceptance. EUR is also exchangeable at major banks and exchange offices in Thamel. GBP is accepted but at fewer locations. Bring clean, undamaged notes — torn or marked bills may be refused. USD 50 and 100 bills get better rates than smaller denominations. Bring small USD notes (1s, 5s, 10s) for tips and small purchases where change is difficult.

How do I pay for transport in Nepal?

All local transport is cash only. Taxis in Kathmandu: negotiate the fare before getting in (meters rarely used). Tourist buses (Kathmandu-Pokhara, Kathmandu-Chitwan): NPR 700-1,500, bookable and payable at tourist bus counters in Thamel. Local buses: very cheap (NPR 200-800) but crowded and slow. Domestic flights (Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, Tara Air): card payment possible for online booking; cash at the airline office. The Kathmandu-Lukla flight (gateway to Everest region) books out early in peak season — book well in advance.

How dangerous is altitude sickness on the classic treks?

It's the risk to take most seriously: Everest Base Camp reaches 5,364 m and the Annapurna Circuit's Thorong La pass 5,416 m — altitudes where ascending too fast can be fatal. The rules are simple and non-negotiable: build in acclimatisation days, never ascend with worsening symptoms, descend immediately if they do. Insurance must explicitly cover helicopter evacuation (costs run to five figures) and trekking at your maximum altitude — many standard policies stop at 4,000 m.

When is the best time to trek in Nepal?

October-November is the classic window — post-monsoon air, the clearest mountain views of the year, and the busiest trails. March-May is the spring alternative, warmer and painted with rhododendron blooms. The monsoon (June-September) brings rain, clouds and leeches to the lower trails, though the rain-shadow regions like Upper Mustang stay trekkable; winter is possible at lower altitudes but bitterly cold up high.

Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit — which trek?

Everest Base Camp (12-14 days) is the icon: Sherpa villages, Tengboche monastery, and the Khumbu Icefall finale — plus higher altitude and flights through Lukla's weather-dependent airstrip. The Annapurna Circuit (15-21 days) is the diversity champion, climbing from rice paddies through forest into Tibetan-influenced high desert over Thorong La. Short on time? Annapurna Base Camp (7-10 days) or Langtang Valley (7 days) deliver the Himalaya without the full commitment.

How cheap is Nepal really?

Genuinely one of the world's most affordable destinations: dal bhat refills are the budget traveller's engine, guesthouses cost a fraction of Western rates, and on a teahouse trek your daily spend — bed, three meals, endless tea — undercuts a single restaurant dinner in most Western capitals. The exceptions are flights, restricted-area permits and imported gear. Check current prices when budgeting; they shift with season and route.

Is Kathmandu worth time before the trek?

Give it two or three days — partly by necessity (permits, gear, acclimatising to the time zone, which runs on a quirky UTC+5:45), partly on merit: the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the great stupa at Boudhanath and the ghats of Pashupatinath are a world-class heritage cluster on their own. The city is noisy, polluted and chaotic — and fascinating. Pokhara, the far calmer lakeside base, works better for post-trek recovery.

Nepal

Phone Code

+977

Capital

Kathmandu

Population

30 Million

Native Name

नपल

Region

Asia

Southern Asia

Timezone

Nepal Time

UTC+05:45

Nepal is the world's premier trekking destination — a landlocked Himalayan country that contains eight of the ten highest mountains on earth, including Everest (8,849 m). The geographical diversity is staggering: from the tropical Terai lowlands at 60 m elevation to the summit of Everest — the greatest altitude range on earth over such a short distance. Nepal offers visa on arrival for most nationalities: 15 days (USD 30), 30 days (USD 50) or 90 days (USD 125), with extensions possible up to 150 days per visa year. Passport must be valid 6 months with one blank page. Indian citizens enter free under the open-border agreement. Trekking permits (TIMS card, national park permits) are separate from the visa.

Nepal Visa & Entry System

Nepal offers visa on arrival for citizens of most countries at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and land borders with India and Tibet/China. Very few nationalities require advance visas. The process is straightforward: fill out the form (online pre-registration through the official Nepal immigration portal recommended to speed entry), pay the fee in USD cash or credit card, and receive a 15, 30 or 90-day multiple-entry visa. Costs: 15 days USD 30, 30 days USD 50, 90 days USD 125. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay with one blank page. Indian citizens enter free under the reciprocal open-border agreement — no visa required, unlimited stay. Chinese citizens need an advance visa. Visas can be extended in Kathmandu or Pokhara up to 150 days total per visa year (mid-January to mid-January) at USD 3/day for the first 30 days, then approximately USD 40-50 per month — making Nepal popular with long-term travellers. Trekking permits (TIMS card, conservation area permits, national park permits) are separate from the visa and arranged through trekking agencies or tourism offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Common Visa Types

Visa on Arrival

15 days (USD 30), 30 days (USD 50) or 90 days (USD 125); multiple entries included

For tourism, trekking, visiting and business. Available to most nationalities at Kathmandu airport and land borders. Online pre-registration through the official Nepal immigration portal recommended. Payment in USD cash or credit card. Passport photo required. Simple process, typically 15-30 minutes at the airport.

Visa Extension

Extendable up to 150 days total per visa year; USD 3/day initially, then USD 40-50/month

For travellers extending their stay for trekking, study or extended travel. Apply at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan) or Pokhara. Requires passport, fee, passport photo. Popular with trekkers doing multiple routes.

Free Entry (Indian Citizens)

Unlimited

Reciprocal open-border agreement between India and Nepal. No visa required, no fee, unlimited stay. Open border with free movement. Indian citizens can live and work in Nepal and vice versa.

Trekking Permits (separate from visa)

Duration of trek; arranged per trek

Required for trekking in national parks and conservation areas. TIMS card (USD 20) for most treks, ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area, USD 30), Sagarmatha/Everest National Park (USD 30). Restricted areas (Upper Mustang USD 500, Upper Dolpo USD 500) cost significantly more. Arranged through agencies or tourism offices in Kathmandu/Pokhara.

Essential Information for Nepal Travellers

Visa on Arrival: available for most nationalities at Kathmandu airport and land borders. 15 days USD 30, 30 days USD 50, 90 days USD 125. Pre-register online through the official Nepal immigration portal. Passport valid 6 months, one blank page.

Altitude Sickness: a serious and potentially fatal risk on treks above 3,000 m. Acclimatise properly — don't ascend too fast. Diamox can help. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Travel insurance MUST cover helicopter evacuation — costs run to five figures. Many policies exclude trekking above 4,000 m — check your cover carefully.

Trekking Permits: separate from the visa. TIMS card (USD 20), conservation area permits (USD 30), national park permits (USD 30). Restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo) cost USD 500. Arrange in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Travel Overview

Nepal is where the Himalayas meet the traveller. The Everest Base Camp trek (12-14 days, reaching 5,364 m) passes through Sherpa villages, crosses suspension bridges over glacial rivers, and culminates with the Khumbu Icefall and Everest's south face filling the sky — a bucket-list journey that lives up to every expectation. The Annapurna Circuit (15-21 days, crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m) traverses rice paddies, subtropical forests, arid Tibetan-Buddhist landscapes and high-altitude desert in a single trek of extraordinary diversity. Annapurna Base Camp (7-10 days) offers the amphitheatre of 8,000 m peaks without the extreme altitude. Langtang Valley (7 days from Kathmandu) is less crowded and deeply rewarding. Kathmandu itself is a sensory overload: the narrow alleys of Thamel, the medieval splendour of Patan and Bhaktapur's Durbar Squares, Boudhanath's enormous stupa circled by Tibetan refugees turning prayer wheels, and Pashupatinath where Hindu cremation pyres burn on the ghats of the Bagmati River. Pokhara is the adventure capital: paragliding over Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range as backdrop, the start of the Annapurna treks, and a lakeside traveller scene far more relaxed than Kathmandu. Chitwan National Park in the steaming southern lowlands delivers rhino tracking on elephant back, Bengal tiger territory, and crocodile-inhabited rivers — a complete contrast to the mountains. And all of this at prices that make Nepal one of the world's most affordable destinations: a teahouse trek, food and accommodation included, costs a fraction of comparable mountain travel anywhere else.

Discover Nepal

Nepal's trekking routes double as a journey through the Sherpa homeland — the ethnically Tibetan communities of the Khumbu region around Everest, whose Buddhist monasteries (most famously Tengboche, with its dramatic backdrop of Ama Dablam) punctuate the Everest Base Camp trail and give the route a spiritual as well as physical dimension. Prayer flags, mani walls carved with Buddhist scripture and chortens (stupas) mark the trail at regular intervals, following a tradition where circling them clockwise is considered auspicious. The Annapurna region, by contrast, crosses through Gurung and Thakali villages and a dramatic rain-shadow transition — lush subtropical forest on the southern approach giving way within days to the arid, Tibetan-influenced high desert of Manang and Mustang on the far side of the Thorong La pass, a single trek spanning climatic and cultural zones that would normally require crossing several countries.

Ways to Experience This Destination

Trekking & High Altitude

Everest Base Camp (12-14 days, 5,364 m), Annapurna Circuit (15-21 days, Thorong La 5,416 m), Annapurna Base Camp (7-10 days), Langtang Valley (7 days), Manaslu Circuit (14-18 days), Upper Mustang (restricted, Tibetan culture). Nepal has the world's greatest concentration of high-altitude trekking routes. Peak seasons: March-May (spring, rhododendrons) and October-November (clearest views).

Temples & Heritage

Kathmandu Valley's seven UNESCO sites: Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur (medieval palaces and temples), Boudhanath stupa (Tibetan Buddhist centre), Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (Hindu cremation ghats), Changu Narayan (4th century temple). Bhaktapur is the best-preserved medieval city. Many sites still undergoing restoration after the 2015 earthquake.

Adventure Sports

Paragliding over Pokhara with Annapurna views, white-water rafting on the Trisuli and Bhote Koshi rivers, bungee jumping near the Tibet border (160 m), ultralight flights over the Himalayas, zip-lining, mountain biking, and canyoning. Pokhara is the adventure hub. All at a fraction of European prices.

Wildlife & Jungle Safari

Chitwan National Park: one-horned rhinos (population recovered to 700+), Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gharial crocodiles, sloth bears. Jeep safaris, canoe rides, jungle walks with naturalist guides. Bardia National Park in the far west is wilder and less visited. Both are tropical lowland parks — hot, humid, a complete world away from the mountains.

Spiritual & Pilgrimage

Lumbini — birthplace of the Buddha (563 BCE), UNESCO World Heritage, with Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar (249 BCE), sacred garden and monastery zone with temples from Buddhist nations worldwide. Boudhanath in Kathmandu as the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in exile. Pashupatinath as one of the holiest Hindu sites. Meditation retreats in Kopan and Boudhanath monasteries.

Budget & Long-Stay Travel

Nepal is one of the world's most affordable destinations: dal bhat (the national dish of lentils and rice) is the reliable cheap meal everywhere, guesthouses cost a fraction of Western rates, and teahouse trekking is all-inclusive village hospitality rather than priced mountain tourism. Visa extensions up to 150 days per year make long stays practical. Kathmandu and Pokhara have established backpacker infrastructure — check current prices when budgeting, they shift with season.

Money & Currency

₨

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Currency code: NPR

Practical Money Tips

Carry Enough Cash for Your Entire Trek

ATMs do not exist on trekking routes. Once you leave Kathmandu or Pokhara for a trek, you are entirely reliant on the cash you carry. Estimate your daily spending (teahouse accommodation, meals, hot showers, charging devices, bottled water, snacks) at NPR 3,000-6,000 per day, add a generous buffer for emergencies, and withdraw or exchange everything before departure. Some teahouses on popular routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit) may accept USD for larger purchases, but don't count on it.

ATMs Work in Kathmandu and Pokhara — Nowhere Else That Matters

ATMs from Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered, Himalayan Bank and NIC Asia are found in Kathmandu (Thamel has dozens) and Pokhara (Lakeside). Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits vary — typically NPR 25,000-50,000 per transaction, with daily limits that differ by bank. ATMs occasionally run out of cash, especially during festival seasons. Make multiple withdrawals over several days before your trek rather than relying on a single large withdrawal on departure day.

Cards Only at Upmarket Hotels — Everything Else Is Cash

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at international-standard hotels, some upscale restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and airline offices. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at a very small number of modern terminals in Kathmandu's premium hotels — do not rely on them. Everywhere else — teahouses, local restaurants, transport, trekking permit offices, shops, taxis — is cash only. Nepal is fundamentally a cash economy for travellers.

Exchange USD or EUR in Kathmandu — Not at Home

Exchange offices in Thamel (Kathmandu's tourist district) offer competitive rates for USD and EUR. Exchange at home is far worse. Bring clean US dollar bills for the best rates — NPR is pegged to the Indian Rupee, which in turn floats against the dollar. The Indian Rupee (INR) is also accepted in Nepal at a fixed rate (1 INR = 1.6 NPR), but large Indian notes (500, 2000 INR) are not accepted. Licensed exchange offices display rates openly; compare two or three before exchanging.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

Accredited

Based in New Delhi, India

Frequently asked questions

Land at Kathmandu (or cross a land border), fill in the form, pay in USD cash or by card, and walk out with a multiple-entry visa: 15 days for USD 30, 30 days for USD 50, or 90 days for USD 125. Pre-registering online through the official Nepal immigration portal speeds the queue noticeably. Bring a passport valid six months with a blank page and a passport photo. Very few nationalities need an advance visa — Chinese citizens do; Indian citizens need none at all under the open-border agreement.

Yes — always. Most routes need a TIMS card (USD 20) plus the relevant conservation-area or national-park permit (USD 30 each for Annapurna and Sagarmatha/Everest). Restricted areas like Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo are a different tier entirely, at USD 500. Everything is arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara, directly or through a trekking agency — allow a day in the city for the paperwork before heading out.

Officially, since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas must hire a licensed guide through a registered agency — but the Everest region opted out under its local municipality, so solo trekking in the Khumbu remains permitted, and enforcement elsewhere has varied year to year. The practical advice: confirm the current position for your specific route with a registered agency when planning — and remember a good guide is also employment for the mountain communities the trails run through.

Planning a trip to Nepal? Whether you need a visa on arrival, help with trekking permits, or guidance on entry requirements — get step-by-step support for your visa application.

Arrange your visa on arrival

Visaja keeps this page's contact details and visa guidance under continuous review — still, requirements can change at short notice, so confirm the essentials with the mission or the official government portal before you travel.

Nepal

On This Page

Nepal Visa & Entry System

Common Visa Types

Visa on Arrival

Visa Extension

Free Entry (Indian Citizens)

Trekking Permits (separate from visa)

Essential Information for Nepal Travellers

•Visa on Arrival: available for...

•Altitude Sickness: a serious and...

•Trekking Permits: separate from the...

•Peak Trekking Seasons: March-May (spring,...

•2015 Earthquake: the magnitude 7.8...

•Budget-Friendly: Nepal is extraordinarily affordable...

•Kathmandu Chaos: the capital is...

•Currency: Nepali Rupee (NPR). ATMs...

•Time Zone: Nepal uses UTC+5:45...

•Health: drink only bottled or...

Discover Nepal

Trekking and Sherpa Culture in the High Himalaya

Kathmandu Valley's Newari Heritage

Pokhara and the Adventure-Sports Circuit

Chitwan, Bardia and Lowland Conservation

Lumbini and the Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit

Teahouse Trekking and Long-Stay Travel Culture

Ways to Experience This Destination

Money & Currency

Practical Money Tips

What currency does Nepal use?

How cheap is Nepal really?

Can I use Apple Pay, Google Pay or contactless in Nepal?

How much cash should I carry on a trek?

Is tipping expected in Nepal?

Should I bring USD, EUR or GBP?

How do I pay for transport in Nepal?

Accredited missions for Nepal

Austrian Embassy in New Delhi

Argentine Embassy in New Delhi

Chilean Embassy in New Delhi

Colombian Embassy in New Delhi

Mexican Embassy in New Delhi

Peruvian Embassy in New Delhi

New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi

Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi

Embassy of Poland in New Delhi

Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi

Swedish Embassy in New Delhi

How does Nepal's visa on arrival work?

Do I need a permit to trek, separate from the visa?

Can I trek solo in Nepal, or is a guide mandatory?

How dangerous is altitude sickness on the classic treks?

When is the best time to trek in Nepal?

Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit — which trek?

How cheap is Nepal really?

Is Kathmandu worth time before the trek?