Nepal Travel Guide Information
Passports & Visas for Nepal
All travelers entering Nepal require a valid passport with at least six months validity and a full blank page for the visa stamp. A Nepal tourist visa is required and must be paid for in cash upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport or at border entry points. You will also need a passport-sized photo (photo booths are available at the airport if needed).
Current Visa Fees (Single-Entry Tourist Visa)
- 15 Days - $30 USD
- 30 Days - $50 USD
- 90 Days - $125 USD
Visa extensions are available for $3–5 per day, with a minimum charge of $30 for 15 days or less. Nationals of SAARC countries (except India) can obtain a Gratis (Free) 30-day Visa, but extensions follow standard visa rules. Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal. For full visa details, visit Nepal’s official immigration website.
Best Trekking & Tour Seasons in Nepal
Nepal’s trekking seasons vary based on weather conditions and altitude. Understanding the best times to trek helps ensure an enjoyable and safe experience.
Spring Trekking (March–May)
Spring is a fantastic season for trekking with warmer temperatures at higher altitudes and rhododendron forests in full bloom. It is also a peak season for mountaineering expeditions.
Temperature
Lower Elevations (800m – 2,000m)
- Day: 15°C to 25°C
- Night: 5°C to 10°C
Mid-Elevations (2,000m – 4,000m)
- Day: 10°C to 20°C
- Night: -5°C to 5°C
Higher Elevations (4,000m – 5,500m)
- Day: 0°C to 10°C
- Night: -10°C to -5°C
Summer & Monsoon Season (June–Mid-September)
The monsoon season brings heavy rain and humidity, making most trekking routes challenging. However, Upper Mustang and Manaslu remain great options as they fall in rain-shadow areas and receive less rainfall.
Temperature
Lower Elevations (800m – 2,000m)
- Day: 20°C to 30°C
- Night: 10°C to 15°C
Mid-Elevations (2,000m – 4,000m)
- Day: 15°C to 25°C
- Night: 5°C to 10°C
Higher Elevations (4,000m – 5,500m)
- Day: 5°C to 15°C
- Night: -5°C to 5°C
Autumn Trekking (Mid-September–November)
This is the best trekking season in Nepal, with clear skies, stunning mountain views, and stable weather. Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley treks are most popular during this time.
Temperature
Lower Elevations (800m – 2,000m)
- Day: 15°C to 25°C
- Night: 5°C to 10°C
Mid-Elevations (2,000m – 4,000m)
- Day: 10°C to 20°C
- Night: -5°C to 5°C
Higher Elevations (4,000m – 5,500m)
- Day: 0°C to 10°C
- Night: -10°C to -5°C
Winter Trekking (December–February)
Winter trekking is possible but very cold at higher elevations. Lower-altitude treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill and Helambu are great choices for winter trekking.
Temperature
Lower Elevations (800m – 2,000m)
- Day: 10°C to 20°C
- Night: 0°C to 5°C
Mid-Elevations (2,000m – 4,000m)
- Day: 0°C to 10°C
- Night: -10°C to 0°C
Higher Elevations (4,000m – 5,500m)
- Day: -5°C to 5°C
- Night: -20°C to -10°C
Essential Trekking Equipment for Nepal
Packing the right gear is crucial for a successful trek in Nepal, whether you’re hiking to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang, Manaslu, or Mustang. Below is a comprehensive packing list categorized by essentials:
Nepal’s trekking routes cover multiple climate zones, so layering is key.
Base Layer (Moisture-Wicking)
- Thermal tops (2-3) – lightweight, quick-dry
- Thermal bottoms (2-3) – merino wool or synthetic
Mid Layer (Insulation)
- Fleece or down jacket – for warmth in higher altitudes
- Insulated trekking pants – for extra warmth
Outer Layer (Weather Protection)
- Waterproof & windproof jacket (Gore-Tex recommended)
- Waterproof & windproof pants
Trekking Clothes
- Quick-dry t-shirts (2-4) – synthetic or merino wool
- Trekking pants (2-3) – convertible preferred
- Lightweight shorts (optional)
Headwear
- Warm beanie or wool hat
- Sun cap or wide-brim hat
- Neck gaiter or Buff (for wind & sun protection)
Handwear
- Inner gloves – lightweight, moisture-wicking
- Outer gloves – insulated, waterproof
Footwear
Good trekking boots are the most important gear.
- Trekking boots – waterproof, ankle support, well broken-in
- Camp shoes or sandals – for resting at tea houses
- Trekking socks – merino wool (3-5 pairs)
- Gaiters (optional) – for snow or muddy trails
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C to -20°C for high-altitude treks)
- Sleeping bag liner – adds warmth & keeps bag clean
- Pillowcase (optional)
Backpack & Bags
- Main backpack (50-70L) – for multi-day treks
- Daypack (20-30L) – for carrying essentials during the day
- Dry bags or stuff sacks – to organize and protect gear
- Rain cover – for backpack protection
Trekking Accessories
- Trekking poles – adjustable, lightweight
- Sunglasses – UV-protected, polarized
- Headlamp – extra batteries required
- Water bottles (1-2 liters) or hydration system
- Water purification tablets or filter (e.g., LifeStraw)
- Trail snacks – energy bars, nuts, chocolates
Personal Hygiene & First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & lip balm
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Quick-dry towel
- Nail clippers & tweezers
Basic first aid kit:
- Band-aids, antiseptic cream, painkillers (Ibuprofen/Paracetamol)
- Diamox (for altitude sickness)
- Rehydration salts (ORS)
- Blister patches (Compeed)
Documents & Money
- Passport & Nepal Visa (carry extra copies)
- Trekking permits (TIMS, National Park entry permits)
- Travel insurance (covers high-altitude trekking & helicopter evacuation)
- Cash (Nepali Rupees) – for tea houses & local expenses
Optional Items
- Camera or GoPro
- Power bank & extra batteries
- Journal & pen
- Lightweight book or Kindle
Packing Tips:
- Layering is key – temperatures change drastically at high altitudes.
Pack light but don’t miss essentials – porters have weight limits (usually 18-25kg). - Break in your boots before trekking to avoid blisters.
- Always carry extra snacks & hydration – energy is crucial on high-altitude trails.
Tea House Lodging & Trekking Food in Nepal
Tea houses are small guesthouses found along trekking routes, providing basic accommodation and meals.
Accommodation:
Twin-sharing rooms with simple beds and blankets
Shared bathrooms with either squat or western-style toilets
Dining areas with a communal heater (common in higher elevations)
Limited electricity & Wi-Fi – Charging devices may cost extra
Meals & Beverages:
- Dal Bhat – Traditional Nepali meal with rice, lentils, and vegetable curry
- Soups & Noodles – Garlic soup, Sherpa stew, and fried noodles
- Breakfast Options – Porridge, pancakes, Tibetan bread, eggs
- Tea & Coffee – Black tea, milk tea, hot chocolate, and herbal tea
- Limited beverages – Beer and soft drinks available at extra cost
Travel & Trekking Insurance
Trekking in Nepal involves risks, so comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for high-altitude treks.
Insurance Coverage Should Include:
- Medical emergencies & helicopter evacuation (above 5,600m)
- Trip cancellations, delays & lost baggage
- Personal accident & repatriation
Recommended Insurance Providers:
Trekking Grades – Choosing the Right Trek
Nepal treks are categorized by difficulty based on altitude, terrain, and trekking duration.
Trek Difficulty Levels:
- Easy Treks (Grade 1) – Suitable for beginners, below 3,000m, 4–5 hours walking per day (e.g., Ghorepani Poon Hill, Langtang Valley)
- Moderate Treks (Grade 2) – Slightly challenging, reaching 3,500m, 5–6 hours walking per day (e.g., Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal)
- Strenuous Treks (Grade 3) – High-altitude treks above 4,000m, requiring prior trekking experience (e.g., Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit)
- Very Strenuous Treks (Grade 4–5) – Remote, high-altitude expeditions over 5,500m (e.g., Everest Three Passes, Island Peak Climb)