Admin UserNepal can feel overwhelming at first: crowded streets, ancient temples, giant mountains and a different rhythm of life all at once. These 25 travel tips for first-time visitors will help you plan with confidence, avoid common mistakes and make the most of your trip. Each tip links to a deeper guide so you can go further where it matters.
Travel tips before you go
- Check visas and passport validity. Your passport needs at least six months' validity. Most visitors get a visa on arrival; see the visa guide.
- Buy travel insurance with trekking cover. Make sure it covers your maximum altitude and helicopter evacuation (insurance guide).
- Book in advance for October and April. Flights, lodges and good guides sell out early in peak months.
- See a travel clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Ask about vaccines and medication.
- Choose a registered local agency and verify its licence. Ask about guide welfare and safety policies.
Video: 30 things I WISH I'd known before visiting Nepal (Claire's Footsteps on YouTube)
Money and connectivity
- Carry USD cash for the visa and some tours; new, undamaged notes are best.
- Withdraw rupees in Kathmandu before treks. ATMs on trails are rare and unreliable.
- Buy a local SIM at the airport or in the city (SIM and money guide).
- Keep small notes for tips, taxis and snacks.
- Budget realistically. Use our daily budget guide to plan.
Health and safety
- Drink filtered or bottled water. Avoid ice in unknown places.
- Learn the signs of altitude sickness (guide) and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
- Be careful with street food at first. Choose busy stalls and freshly cooked dishes.
- Pack a basic medical kit with rehydration salts, blister care and personal medication.
- Wear a seat belt and avoid night driving. See our safety guide.
Culture and etiquette
- Say Namaste with palms together to greet people.
- Dress modestly at temples and cover shoulders and knees (etiquette guide).
- Remove shoes before entering homes, temples and some shops.
- Use your right hand for giving, receiving and eating.
Getting around
- Use ride apps or prepaid taxis in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Allow extra time for travel. Roads are slow and traffic is heavy.
- Book domestic flights with buffer time and read the Lukla guide if you are heading to Everest.
Trekking
- Do not rush acclimatisation. Add rest days and ascend slowly.
- Hire a guide or porter-guide. See solo trekking rules in 2026.
- Pack layers and break in your boots. Use our packing list.
Mindset: the real secret
Be flexible. Delays are normal, schedules shift, and the best moments are often unplanned: a cup of tea with a family in a village, a festival procession that blocks your taxi, a clear dawn when you least expect it. Patience, humour and curiosity will do more for your trip than any packing list.
How many days do you need?
Ten to fourteen days works well for most first-time visitors. A week is enough for Kathmandu, Pokhara and a short trek. Two weeks allows a wildlife stop and a longer trek. See our itineraries for 7 days, 10 days and 14 days.
What to see if you only have a few days
Prioritise Kathmandu's heritage sites (UNESCO guide), a sunrise at Sarangkot in Pokhara and a short trek such as Poon Hill. If you want wildlife, add a night in Chitwan (safari guide).
Your first 48 hours in Kathmandu
Day 1. Arrive, settle into your hotel and rest. Walk around Thamel in the afternoon to get a feel for the streets, exchange a small amount of cash, buy a SIM and have an early dinner. Avoid over-planning; jet lag and the altitude of 1,400 m can be tiring.
Day 2. Start early for sights while the air is clear. Visit Swayambhunath for sunrise, Boudhanath in the late morning and Pashupatinath in the afternoon, then rest and eat. Read the Kathmandu guide and UNESCO sites guide to decide your route.
A few Nepali words that help
| Nepali | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Namaste | Hello / goodbye (with palms together) |
| Dhanyabad | Thank you |
| Bistari | Slowly (use on the trail) |
| Chiya | Tea |
| Dal bhat | Rice and lentils |
| Kati ho? | How much is it? |
| Paani | Water |
A few words go a long way, and people appreciate the effort.
Getting around, explained
- Taxis and ride apps work well for short trips in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Agree on a price or use an app.
- Tourist buses connect Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan; they are cheaper than flights but take 5–8 hours.
- Domestic flights save time, with Kathmandu to Pokhara taking 25 minutes, but delays are common.
- Private cars with drivers are the most comfortable for groups and families.
- Local buses are cheap and crowded; for experienced travellers only.
Useful apps and tools
- An offline map app for navigation
- A translation app
- A ride-hailing app for city travel
- A weather app with mountain forecasts
- Your airline and hotel apps
Tipping guide
| Service | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | About 10% if no service charge is included |
| Trekking guide | 10–15% of the guide's fee, usually shared |
| Porters | A share of the team tip pool |
| Drivers | A small tip for full-day service |
| Hotel staff | A small amount for porters and housekeeping |
What to eat first
Try dal bhat on day one, momos on day two and a Newari meal on day three. Choose busy places, and eat at least one meal with local people. Our food guide lists dishes and tips.
A planning checklist by timeline
Three months before. Choose your season (best time guide), decide on a trek or itinerary, check passport validity, research agencies and book flights. For October or April, book Lukla flights and lodges now.
Six to eight weeks before. Book a travel-clinic visit, buy travel insurance, start your training plan and confirm your itinerary and permits with your agency.
One month before. Buy or rent gear, break in boots, pre-register for your visa, arrange foreign currency and inform your bank.
One week before. Pack using the packing list, save offline maps and documents, share your itinerary with someone at home and confirm airport pickup.
On arrival. Rest, buy a SIM, change a small amount of cash, meet your guide and check your gear before heading to the mountains.
Where to stay: types of accommodation
- Guesthouses and budget hotels in Thamel and Lakeside: cheap, simple, social.
- Mid-range hotels: private bathrooms, breakfast, sometimes a pool or garden.
- Boutique and heritage hotels: characterful, often in restored buildings.
- Jungle lodges: in Chitwan and Bardia, usually including meals and activities.
- Tea houses: simple lodges on trekking routes with twin rooms and a heated dining area.
- Homestays: a chance to live with a family and learn about local life, available in several regions.
Festivals and local life
You may arrive during a festival, which is one of the joys of the country but can also affect transport and opening hours. Take part with respect: ask before photographing, dress modestly and follow your host's lead. Learn what is happening from your hotel or guide, and plan an extra day if you are travelling during Dashain or Tihar. Our festivals calendar lists the main dates.
Staying healthy and comfortable day to day
Small habits protect your trip. Carry a refillable bottle and treat water, wash your hands often, use sunscreen even on cloudy days at altitude and keep a scarf or mask for dusty roads. Pace your sightseeing: Kathmandu is at 1,400 m, and long days of walking in heat and traffic can tire you more than expected. Keep snacks in your bag, rest in the middle of the day if you can and schedule one slow day every few days. If you plan to trek, treat the first days in Nepal as acclimatisation: sleep well, drink plenty of water and avoid heavy alcohol.
How to talk to guides, drivers and hosts
Be friendly, clear and patient. Agree on prices, schedules and meeting points in advance, and confirm them again the evening before. A smile and a few words in Nepali go a long way. If something goes wrong, stay calm and work out a solution together; most problems are caused by misunderstandings, not bad faith. Tip fairly at the end of the service, and leave an honest review if you were happy.
Common first-timer mistakes
- Trying to see too much in too little time
- Skipping insurance or buying one that excludes altitude
- Booking the cheapest operator without checking its licence
- Overpacking and under-layering
- Drinking tap water or ice
- Ignoring altitude symptoms to keep to a schedule
Plan your trip
Choose a ready itinerary or ask us to design one. The Nepal Tourism Board also publishes official travel information. Contact us for a free custom quote.
Tours that match this guide
- Classic Nepal: Kathmandu, Chitwan & Pokhara (8 days): temples, wildlife and mountain views with no trekking.
FAQ
How many days do I need in Nepal?
Ten to fourteen days works for most first-time visitors.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, in tourist areas, hotels and on popular treks.
What is the best month to visit?
October and April, though Nepal has something to offer all year (best time guide).
Do I need vaccinations?
Check current recommendations with a travel clinic well before you travel.
Is it safe to travel in Nepal?
Yes, with common-sense precautions. See our safety guide.
