Nepal

Most trips to Nepal begin in Kathmandu, a vibrant maze of temples, traffic and tiny alleyways. Give yourself at least two days here to adjust, explore Thamel, and visit UNESCO-listed sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. The city can feel chaotic at first, so plan your movements: walk where possible, and use taxis or ride-hailing apps for longer hops.

Many travellers then head to Pokhara, the lakeside gateway to the Annapurna region. Expect a 7–8 hour bus ride or a short domestic flight. In Pokhara, stroll along Phewa Lake, rent a boat, and watch sunset from World Peace Pagoda. For a smoother arrival, save key addresses and your Hello trip planning notes offline so you’re not scrambling for directions.

To get your bearings:

• Take a walking tour in Kathmandu your first morning.
• Stay central in Thamel or Lakeside so you can walk to most restaurants.
• Use Hello eSIM connectivity to check opening times, order taxis, and navigate on maps without worrying about roaming charges.

Even in the busy cities, Nepal rewards slow travel—sit in a café with a masala chai and watch everyday life unfold.

Moving around Nepal is an adventure in itself. In cities, you’ll rely on taxis, local buses, and ride apps for short journeys. Always confirm the price before getting into a taxi; meters are rare. Keeping Hello eSIM active lets you compare routes on maps and translate directions when drivers speak limited English.

For longer distances, tourist buses connect popular routes like Kathmandu–Pokhara and Kathmandu–Chitwan. Journeys often take the whole day, even if the distance looks short, so start early, pack snacks, and keep a flexible schedule. Flights are faster but subject to weather delays, especially in the mountains—build buffer days into your Hello trip planning itinerary.

If you’re trekking, routes like Poon Hill, Langtang Valley, and parts of the Everest region have teahouse lodges along the way. Buy the required permits (TIMS card, national park fees) in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you head out. On trails, cash is king, but you can use Hello budget tracking to log daily spending in Nepalese rupees.

A few practical tips:

• Always carry small bills for buses and taxis.
• Factor in rest days between long bus rides.
• Keep copies of your passport and permits stored securely in your trip notes in Hello.

Nepal’s food scene is comforting and carb-friendly—perfect for trekking days. The national staple is dal bhat: rice, lentil soup, vegetable curries and pickles, often with free refills. It’s affordable (around NPR 300–600, roughly USD 2.50–5) and widely available, from Kathmandu cafés to remote teahouses. You’ll also find momos (steamed or fried dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and Newari specialties like bara and yomari in the Kathmandu Valley.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so stick to bottled, filtered, or boiled water. On treks, refill reusable bottles at lodges where they offer boiled water, and consider adding purification tablets. Most travellers experience minor stomach issues at some point, so pack basic medication and ease into street food gently.

To make eating out easier:

• Learn a few phrases like "bina masa" (without meat) if you’re vegetarian.
• Use Hello eSIM to check reviews and find places that cater to dietary needs.
• Log shared restaurant bills with Hello expense splitting, especially after big group dinners.

Coffee culture is growing in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with good espresso in Thamel and Lakeside. In the mountains, expect simple black coffee or milk tea—and spectacular views as your backdrop.

Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee (NPR), and you’ll need cash for most everyday expenses, especially outside major cities. ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara but can be unreliable in smaller towns, so withdraw enough before heading to places like Chitwan or trekking trailheads. Keep a mix of large notes for accommodation and plenty of smaller bills for taxis, snacks, and rural teahouses.

Daily costs vary widely. A backpacker can get by on NPR 3,000–5,000 per day (around USD 25–40), including basic guesthouses and local meals. Mid-range travellers might spend NPR 6,000–10,000 (USD 50–80) with nicer rooms and domestic flights. Trekking tours, guides, and permits add extra—log these separately in Hello budget tracking to understand how much you’re spending on activities versus daily living.

For smoother money management:

• Carry some USD or EUR as backup; many trekking agencies quote in foreign currency.
• Pay in NPR where possible to avoid poor exchange rates.
• Use Hello expense splitting to divide jeep transfers, guides, and group meals fairly among companions.

Having Hello eSIM connectivity makes it easier to check current exchange rates, confirm ATM locations, and contact your bank if a card is declined—small things that save time when you’re juggling rupees and long travel days.