Nepal

Nepal packs snow-capped peaks, jungle plains, and chaotic cities into a surprisingly compact country, so a bit of planning goes a long way. Most trips start in Kathmandu, where narrow lanes in Thamel buzz with trekking shops, rooftop cafés, and incense from hidden temples. Give yourself at least a day or two here to adjust, sort permits, and explore Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), or Boudhanath Stupa.

Visa-on-arrival is available for many nationalities at Tribhuvan International Airport, but expect queues; having passport photos and cash in major currencies speeds things up. Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance handy. The Hello app’s trip planning tools are useful for mapping out key stops like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini, then adding day hikes or cultural sites as you go.

Altitude and weather can shape your route. Trekking seasons (roughly March–May and late September–November) are busy, so book popular trails and teahouses in advance. Use Hello’s budget tracking to keep an eye on costs in Nepalese rupees as you tweak your itinerary—helpful if you spontaneously add a side trip, like a short trek in the Annapurna foothills or a white-water rafting day on the Trishuli River.

Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee (NPR), and cash is still king once you leave major cities. ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but can run out of cash or reject some cards, so withdraw a bit extra before heading into the mountains. In many mid-range cafés, a meal might cost around NPR 600–900 (roughly USD 5–7), while simple local places and dal bhat joints can be far cheaper.

Carry small notes for taxis, street snacks, and temple donations. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and upscale restaurants, often with a surcharge. The Hello app’s budget tracking helps you categorize spending in NPR—ideal for seeing how much is going on trekking, food, or transport. If you’re travelling with others, the expense splitting feature makes it easy to settle up for shared teahouse rooms, guides, or jeep rides without awkward calculations.

Tap water is not safe to drink, so budget for filtered or bottled water, or bring a purifier. Many lodges offer hot showers and device charging for a small fee; factor these into your daily trekking budget. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated, especially for trekking guides and porters—plan a pool of cash for this at the end of your trip.

Travel in Nepal is an adventure in itself. Within cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll mostly rely on taxis, ride-hailing apps, or your own feet. Always confirm the fare before you start; meters are rarely used. For longer distances, tourist buses and minibuses link popular routes such as Kathmandu–Pokhara–Chitwan. They’re cheap but can be slow and bumpy, so keep expectations flexible and bring snacks, a scarf (for dust), and a power bank.

On tighter schedules, domestic flights connect places like Lukla, Bharatpur (for Chitwan), and Pokhara, though weather delays are common. Keeping an eye on updates is much easier if you’ve activated a Hello eSIM before landing; that way you can check airline notices, message guesthouses, and navigate with online maps without worrying about roaming charges.

For trekking, expect a mix of walking, shared jeeps, and the occasional local bus to reach trailheads. Build buffer days into your itinerary using Hello’s trip planning so a landslide, festival, or surprise snowstorm doesn’t derail your whole route. In mountain towns, walking remains the best way to soak up daily life—passing prayer wheels, mani walls, and fields of buckwheat as you go.

Nepal’s food and culture are wonderfully diverse, shaped by Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous traditions. You’ll quickly encounter dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles), the everyday power meal of trekkers and locals alike—refills are often free. Try momos (steamed or fried dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and Newari dishes in Kathmandu’s historic neighborhoods. In touristy areas, you’ll also find plenty of cafés serving good coffee, pastries, and vegetarian-friendly options.

Temples and monasteries are deeply woven into daily life. Dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and always walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls. A simple "Namaste" with palms together is a respectful greeting. When invited into homes or village teahouses, accept tea or snacks with your right hand and avoid pointing your feet at shrines.

To share photos, translate signs, or quickly look up festival dates, staying online helps. Buying a Hello eSIM before you arrive means you can activate data as soon as you land and avoid hunting for physical SIM stalls or dealing with paperwork. Use it to pin your favorite momo spots, message new friends, and keep cloud backups of trekking photos—all while your budget tracking in the Hello app keeps an eye on how many rupees you’re trading for coffee and cake.