What can travelers expect in Nepal?
Covering an area nearly four times the size of Switzerland, Nepal is a country of altitude zones: from the subtropical Terai in the south, through the Kathmandu Valley at around 1,400 m, to eight eight-thousanders, including Mount Everest at 8,848.86 m. The classic route links Kathmandu and Pokhara, often supplemented with a multi-day trek in the Annapurna or Everest region.
Kathmandu is the seat of government, the largest city, and, with four UNESCO sites in the valley alone, the starting point of almost every trip. Pokhara on Phewa Lake lies around 200 km to the west and is the base for paragliding, boat trips and access to the Annapurna region.
This page summarizes best time to visit, visa on arrival, health, altitude, and the two stages of Kathmandu and Pokhara, along with the advisories from the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA.
Sources: Nepal Tourism Board
What kind of travel destination is Nepal?
Covering around 147,181 km², Nepal is wedged between India and the Tibet Autonomous Region and ranges from 60 m in the Terai to the highest point on Earth. Hinduism and Buddhism shape the country together, often within the same temple precinct, and the culture is ethnically and linguistically very diverse.
Geographically, Nepal is divided into three strips from south to north: the flat, subtropical Terai on the border with India, the mid-hill zone with Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the high Himalayas in the north. This three-way division means extremely different climate and vegetation over short distances.
The country was a monarchy until 2008 and has since been a federal democratic republic. Most Nepalis are Hindu, with a significant Buddhist minority, especially in the mountain regions and the Kathmandu Valley; the two religions share the same shrines in many places.
Traveling in Nepal almost always means dealing with elevation change: anyone heading from Kathmandu into the mountains needs time for acclimatization, a domestic flight or a multi-day approach, and, since 2023, a licensed guide for most trekking routes.
Sources: Wikipedia
What do travelers see in Kathmandu and Pokhara?
The Kathmandu Valley combines the Durbar squares, the stupa Swayambhunath, the temple Pashupatinath and the stupa Boudhanath into seven monument groups that have jointly been World Heritage as "Kathmandu Valley" since 1979. Pokhara on Phewa Lake is the gateway to the Annapurna region and a center for paragliding and mountain views.
Kathmandu
Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka) was the palace district of the Malla kings from the 12th to the 18th century; after the 2015 earthquake, many pagodas were faithfully rebuilt. The stupa Swayambhunath on a hill above the city is considered one of the valley's oldest Buddhist shrines, and the larger stupa Boudhanath in the east of the city is Nepal's largest.
Legend traces Swayambhunath back to a lotus said to have grown in the valley's primordial lake before the water drained away; because of the many rhesus macaques living there, the complex is also called the "Monkey Temple." More than 365 steps lead from the plain up to the main plateau.
On the Bagmati River lies the 7th-century Hindu temple Pashupatinath, one of the most significant Shiva temples in the world; Hindu cremations take place at its ghats, which can be respectfully observed from a distance. The Kathmandu Valley also includes the independent neighboring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur, each with its own Durbar Square, both known for woodwork and metalwork as well as better-preserved brick buildings than the capital itself.
Pokhara
Pokhara lies around 200 km, or a good 6 to 7 hours by road, west of Kathmandu, or alternatively around 25 to 30 minutes by domestic flight. Phewa Lake at around 820 m is the center of the city, with boats and views of the Annapurna massif and the sacred fishtail mountain Machapuchare, which may not be climbed because of its religious significance to the Sherpa and Gurung.
From the viewpoint hill Sarangkot at around 1,600 m, paragliding flights launch over the valley with views of three eight-thousanders: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. Pokhara is also the starting point for most Annapurna trekking routes and for scenic flights to Mount Everest, which depart from Kathmandu and usually last around an hour.
Excursions from Kathmandu and Pokhara
Good options for a day trip or stopover include Chitwan National Park in the Terai, a World Heritage site since 1984 and known for greater one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger, and Lumbini, a World Heritage site since 1997 as the birthplace of Buddha. Both lie between Kathmandu and Pokhara or south of them and can be worked into the route.
Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Nepal Tourism Board
When is the best time to visit Nepal?
The two main travel seasons are October/November after the monsoon and March/April before the summer heat, both offering clear views of the mountains and stable weather. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain to Kathmandu and Pokhara, washes out trails and limits mountain visibility.
From December to February, the Kathmandu Valley is cool to cold and mostly dry; this period is more demanding for high-altitude trekking because of cold and snow. The post-monsoon months of October and November are considered the most popular trekking season thanks to clear air, alongside the blooming rhododendrons in spring (March/April).
Kathmandu and Pokhara through the year
| Kathmandu | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 18 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 23 | 19 |
| Low °C | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Rainfall mm | 10 | 17 | 21 | 37 | 89 | 170 | 280 | 238 | 169 | 45 | 3 | 5 |
| Pokhara | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 21 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 25 | 21 |
| Low °C | 8 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 18 | 13 | 9 |
| Rainfall mm | 16 | 23 | 27 | 38 | 103 | 245 | 416 | 306 | 221 | 69 | 3 | 6 |
Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station TRIBHUVAN INTL (4 km, 1338 m), auf 1400 m umgerechnet. Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station POKHARA (1 km, 827 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.
Pokhara sits lower and closer to the mountains than Kathmandu and consequently gets more rainfall, especially during the monsoon. Flash floods in the Bhote Koshi and Langtang border areas with Tibet occur during the rainy season and can temporarily close roads and trekking routes.
The biggest festival, Dashain, falls in autumn according to the lunar calendar (usually September or October), followed by Tihar in October or November; during this time, buses and domestic flights are in high demand, but the country is also festive and lively.
Sources: Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
What do you need to enter Nepal?
Swiss, German and Austrian nationals receive a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or at the land borders with India; applying before the trip is not required but possible. The passport must still be valid for at least six months on entry (as of September 2026).
Visa-on-arrival fees depend on the length of stay: USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days, each with multiple entry. Payment is in cash in US dollars or another convertible currency, by credit card at kiosks, or online in advance via nepaliport.immigration.gov.np.
You need a valid passport, a passport photo with a light background, and the completed application form; children under ten are exempt from the fee. A handful of nationalities, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Syria, are excluded from visa on arrival and must apply for a visa in advance at a Nepalese mission.
An extension is possible through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara, from 15 days for USD 45 plus USD 3 per additional day; exceeding 150 days adds late fees of USD 5 per day.
The FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office, the BMEIA and Nepal's Department of Immigration are authoritative for details and current fees; separate rules apply for other nationalities.
Sources: Nepal Tourism Board · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
What vaccinations and health precautions do you need for Nepal?
No vaccination is required for entry. healthytravel.ch recommends hepatitis A for all travelers, and rabies especially for trekking and cycling trips; malaria occurs only in the Terai below 2,500 m, while Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Himalayan trekking routes are malaria-free.
Routine vaccinations should be up to date, plus hepatitis A for all travelers. Typhoid is recommended for long-term stays or travel under basic hygienic conditions, and rabies especially for trekking, cycling or motorcycle trips because of stray dogs.
According to healthytravel.ch, malaria risk exists only in the Terai districts near the Indian border below 2,500 m, for instance around Bardiya and Chitwan National Parks; for the classic destinations of Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Himalayas, no chemoprophylaxis is needed, only mosquito protection.
Cholera is widespread according to the CDC, and dengue occurs mainly in the Kathmandu Valley during and after the monsoon. For trekking above 3,000 m, altitude sickness is a greater risk than infectious disease; travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage is advisable for any mountain region.
Sources: healthytravel.ch, Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
How safe is Nepal for travelers?
Elevated caution applies in the southern Terai border area with India; authorities see no particular terrorism threat, and the current situation is available from the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA. The biggest practical risks are overland traffic, natural hazards, and altitude while trekking.
Political protests and demonstrations are possible in Nepal and can disrupt traffic; it is best to avoid crowds. Pickpocketing and occasional robberies increase during the festival season from September to November; women traveling alone should be cautious after dark.
Nepal lies in a seismically very active zone, and the 2015 earthquake demonstrated the scale of possible damage. The monsoon from June to October brings floods, landslides and flash floods.
All Nepalese airlines are on the EU list of unsafe airlines, which affects domestic flights, for instance to Pokhara or Lukla; the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA explicitly point this out. For trekking above 3,000 m, a certified guide and repatriation insurance with helicopter coverage are mandatory or strongly recommended, respectively.
Sources: Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
How do you get to Nepal and between the stages?
International flights land at Tribhuvan Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, the country's only international airport; there is no nonstop connection from Europe, and connecting flights via Doha, Istanbul, Dubai, Delhi or Bangkok are standard. Pokhara is reached by domestic flight or by road.
| Route | Mode of transport | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Airport – Kathmandu city | car, taxi | around 20 to 30 min |
| Kathmandu – Pokhara | domestic flight | around 25 to 30 min |
| Kathmandu – Pokhara | bus, car | around 6 to 7 h for 200 km |
| Kathmandu – Chitwan | car, bus | around 5 to 6 h for 169 km |
| Kathmandu – Lumbini | domestic flight (via Bhairahawa) | around 45 min, plus transfer |
| Pokhara – Lukla (Everest region) | domestic flight | around 30 min |
According to FlightConnections, Tribhuvan International Airport has nonstop connections to 45 destinations in 16 countries; the farthest-reaching is Istanbul with Turkish Airlines in around 8 h 10 min. From the Gulf, Qatar Airways (Doha) and other Gulf carriers connect; from South Asia, Air India and IndiGo connect several Indian cities, plus connections to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
Travelers arriving from Europe most commonly connect via Doha, Istanbul, Dubai or Delhi; major European airlines don't serve a direct route from a European hub to Kathmandu. All Nepalese airlines are on the EU safety list, which is relevant for domestic flights.
Within Kathmandu and Pokhara, taxis and app-based ride services are common; for overland travel, traffic drives on the left, and mountain roads are often narrow and winding. For access to trekking routes such as Everest Base Camp, the short, weather-dependent flight from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Lukla (around 2,860 m) is the usual option.
Sources: FlightConnections · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria
What money do you need in Nepal and how do you pay?
The national currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR), pegged to the Indian rupee at a ratio of 100 INR to 160 NPR. Cash is obtained from ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara; outside the cities and while trekking, cash in small denominations is needed.
ATMs are plentiful in Kathmandu and Pokhara but become sparse quickly outside both cities and in the mountains; carry enough cash there. Larger hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara accept credit cards, often with a surcharge for the transaction fee.
US dollars in small, clean bills are easy to exchange and are needed directly for the visa on arrival; euros are also most easily exchanged at licensed exchange offices in Kathmandu, not on the street.
While trekking, accommodation, meals and admissions at lodges are usually paid in cash in Nepalese rupees; the higher and more remote the route, the more expensive water, snacks and device charging become.
Sources: Wikipedia
Where is the best place to stay in Nepal?
In Kathmandu, most travelers stay in the nightlife district of Thamel or more quietly in Patan; in Pokhara, right on the lakeshore of Lakeside. While trekking, you stay in simple teahouses or lodges along the route.
Thamel in Kathmandu clusters travel agencies, gear shops and a large range of guesthouses and hotels for every budget; Patan and Bhaktapur offer quieter alternatives with their own historic centers.
In Pokhara, Lakeside sits right on Phewa Lake with views of the Annapurna massif and is the natural base before and after a trek. On the trekking routes themselves, teahouses are the norm: simple rooms, shared bathrooms and a central dining room where all trekkers gather in the evening.
What do people eat in Nepal?
The everyday dish is dal bhat: lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry and chutney, often with free refills. In the Kathmandu Valley, Newari cuisine adds momos (filled dumplings) and spicy meat and vegetable dishes to the mix.
Dal bhat is eaten nationwide, usually twice a day, and reliably provides energy for long trekking days. Momos, originally from Newari and Tibetan-Nepali cuisine, come steamed or fried, filled with meat or vegetables, and are ubiquitous in Kathmandu.
In the higher trekking regions, Tibetan influence shapes the cuisine: barley flour flatbreads, butter tea and hearty noodle soups (thukpa) keep you warm in the cold. Pokhara and Kathmandu also offer a wide range of international traveler-oriented food.
Tap water should not be drunk; bottled or filtered water, often available on trekking routes from checked refill stations for your own bottle, is the safe choice.
What culture and festivals shape Nepal?
Hinduism and Buddhism coexist in Nepal and blend in many places; the biggest festivals are Dashain in autumn and Tihar, the festival of lights, in October or November, both following the lunar calendar. More than 120 languages and just as many ethnic groups shape the country.
At 15 days, Dashain is the longest and most important festival in the Nepalese calendar, with family visits, rituals and blessings from elders to the young. Tihar follows shortly after with five days honoring crows, dogs, cows and finally the sibling relationship.
The Newar, the traditional population of the Kathmandu Valley, shape the architecture and festivals of the three historic cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur especially strongly. In the mountain regions live, among others, the Sherpa, Gurung and Tamang, each with their own languages and, among the Sherpa, predominantly Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
As in India, clothing covering shoulders and knees applies in temples; shoes are removed when entering Hindu and Buddhist shrines. At the cremation grounds of Pashupatinath, respectful distance while photographing is appropriate.
Sources: Wikipedia
How dangerous is altitude while trekking in Nepal?
From around 2,500 to 3,000 m, altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. Kathmandu at around 1,400 m and Pokhara at around 820 m are unproblematic; acclimatization only becomes critical on the trekking routes to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) or Annapurna Base Camp (around 4,130 m).
| Place | Elevation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | around 1,400 m | no altitude issues |
| Pokhara | around 820 m | starting point for the Annapurna region |
| Lukla | around 2,860 m | landing point for the Everest region |
| Namche Bazaar | around 3,440 m | usual first acclimatization day |
| Everest Base Camp | 5,364 m | destination of the classic trek, not a summit |
| Annapurna Base Camp | around 4,130 m | shorter but also high-altitude route |
The Everest Base Camp trek starts in Lukla and covers around 130 km round trip up to 5,364 m; with two planned acclimatization days, the pure trekking days usually take 12 to 14, and with travel to and from Kathmandu, 14 to 16 days in total.
The classic ascent rule is: above 3,000 m, increase sleeping altitude by no more than 300 to 500 m per day and take regular rest days. Headache, nausea and sleep disturbance are early signs; dizziness, breathlessness at rest or confusion are warning signs requiring immediate descent.
Since April 2023, a licensed guide has been mandatory for most trekking regions, including the Everest and Annapurna areas; independent trekking without accompaniment is no longer allowed there. For the Annapurna region, the fees for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and trekking agency registration are also required, together roughly equivalent to USD 38.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · healthytravel.ch, Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria
What experiences are worthwhile in Nepal?
Besides the World Heritage temples of the Kathmandu Valley, paragliding over Phewa Lake in Pokhara, a scenic flight or multi-day trek to Mount Everest, and a safari in Chitwan National Park are the most-booked experiences. Those with less time can combine short hikes in the Kathmandu Valley with culture instead of weeks of high-altitude trekking.
Paragliding over Pokhara
Tandem flights launch from the local mountain Sarangkot at around 1,600 m and usually last 20 to 30 minutes until landing at Phewa Lake at 820 m, with views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare. The dry months outside the monsoon offer the best thermals and clearest views.
Trekking in the Everest and Annapurna regions
The Everest Base Camp trek from Lukla and the shorter Annapurna Base Camp trek from Pokhara are the best-known multi-day routes; both have required a licensed guide and matching permits since 2023. Those wary of altitude or short on time can see the high mountains instead via a scenic flight from Kathmandu.
Safari in Chitwan National Park
In the subtropical Terai, a World Heritage site since 1984, you can observe greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, wild elephants and gharials in their natural habitat. Accommodation is in lodges on the edge of the park, with excursions by jeep, on foot with a ranger, or by canoe.
The Kathmandu Valley on foot
One day is enough for Swayambhunath and Durbar Square, a second for Bhaktapur and Patan with their own palace squares; all four lie within a good hour's drive of each other.
- Boudhanath: Nepal's largest stupa, center of Kathmandu's Tibetan Buddhist community.
- Pashupatinath: one of the world's most significant Shiva temples on the bank of the Bagmati.
- Lumbini: Buddha's birthplace, with monasteries from numerous Buddhist countries on the same grounds.
Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Nepal Tourism Board
How do you travel responsibly in Nepal?
Since 2023, Nepal has required a licensed guide for most trekking routes, which increases safety and secures local economic value. Anyone who pays and equips porters and guides fairly, and carries plastic waste back down from the mountains, contributes directly to preserving the trekking routes.
- Book trekking agencies that pay and equip guides and porters fairly.
- Avoid single-use plastic in the mountains and use your own water filter or bottle with refill stations.
- In Chitwan National Park, only book safaris with providers approved and accredited by the park administration.
- At cremation sites such as Pashupatinath, keep your distance and photograph only with permission.
Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Which countries can be combined with Nepal?
The most obvious choice is India: Delhi is reachable nonstop from Kathmandu in around 1 h 40 min, and the southern land border is open to most nationalities. To the north borders the Tibet Autonomous Region (China), which requires separate formalities and a guided trip to visit.
A combination with India makes sense, for instance Rajasthan or the Ganges at Varanasi before or after Nepal; direct flights connect Kathmandu with Delhi, Mumbai and other Indian cities.
For onward travel to Tibet, a special permit is required in addition to the Chinese visa, and regulations almost always require an organized group trip; independent travel across the land border is practically impossible.
Sources: FlightConnections
Who is Nepal suited for, and who is it less suited for?
Nepal suits travelers who accept modest infrastructure in exchange for spectacular mountains, hiking and nature. It is less suited to anyone seeking consistent comfort, short-notice reliability for flights and roads, or a beach holiday.
Hikers, culture enthusiasts and nature fans all get their money's worth in the Kathmandu Valley, in Pokhara and on trekking routes alike. Even without weeks of high-altitude trekking, short hikes and a paragliding flight give an authentic impression of the mountains.
Anyone relying on a fixed itinerary should build in buffer time: domestic flights to Pokhara or Lukla are often canceled in bad weather, and overland roads are winding and slow. For high-altitude trekking, good physical condition and willingness to take acclimatization days are prerequisites.