Nepal

Nepal packs a lot into a small country, so a bit of smart planning makes a huge difference. Most travellers fly into Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, then build an itinerary around a few key bases: Kathmandu for culture, Pokhara for lakes and Himalaya views, and Chitwan National Park or Bardia for wildlife. A classic 7–10 day trip might look like: 2–3 days in Kathmandu, 3–4 in Pokhara, and 2–3 on safari.

Use trip planning tools in the Hello app to map out travel days carefully; road journeys can take longer than expected due to winding mountain routes, so keep buffer time between bus rides and flights. For trekking, popular routes like Poon Hill, Langtang, or parts of the Annapurna Circuit can be woven into your plan if you have extra days. Aim for October–November or March–April for clearer skies on the trails.

As you sketch out your days, pin key experiences: sunrise at Sarangkot, a stroll around Boudhanath Stupa, and maybe a cooking class to learn how to make momos. Keeping everything organized in one place helps when plans inevitably shift – especially in Nepal, where the best memories often come from last‑minute detours.

Moving around Nepal is part of the adventure. Within cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll mainly rely on taxis, local buses, and increasingly ride-hailing apps. Agree taxi fares in advance or make sure the meter is used, and keep small notes of Nepalese Rupees handy. For longer hops between cities, tourist buses and domestic flights link popular routes like Kathmandu–Pokhara and Kathmandu–Bharatpur (for Chitwan).

Road travel can be slow but scenic. When booking buses, look for reputable operators and plan travel days only – a "6-hour" journey can easily stretch to 8 or more, especially in monsoon season. Pack water and snacks, and avoid ultra-tight connections.

To stay connected while you’re on the move, activate a Hello eSIM before landing so your data works as soon as you arrive at Tribhuvan. That makes it easier to call taxis, check bus schedules, and navigate to guesthouses without hunting for a local SIM counter. In Pokhara and Kathmandu, scooters and bicycles are available for rent; only attempt them if you’re comfortable with chaotic traffic and variable road quality.

A good rule of thumb: fly when time is tight, bus when your schedule is flexible and you’re keen to watch rural Nepal roll by from the window.

Nepal’s food scene is a highlight of any trip, from steaming street-side snacks to cozy cafes with Himalayan views. Start with dal bhat – rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles – the everyday staple that powers trekkers and locals alike. You’ll also find delicious momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and Newari specialties like bara (lentil patties) in Kathmandu’s older quarters such as Patan and Bhaktapur.

For practical eating:

• Street food is tempting; choose busy stalls where turnover is high.
• Tap water is not safe to drink. Opt for bottled or filtered water and avoid ice of uncertain origin.
• On treks, food prices rise with altitude, so budget accordingly.

Use Hello’s budget tracking to log what you spend on meals in Nepalese Rupees and see how your daily food costs add up. In popular areas like Thamel (Kathmandu) and Lakeside (Pokhara), a good local meal might cost around NPR 400–800 (roughly USD 3–6), while coffee in a modern café is often NPR 250–400.

Vegetarians are well catered for, but always confirm how broths and sauces are made. When in doubt, ask for "veg" dal bhat. And don’t miss sipping chiya (spiced milk tea) at roadside stalls – it’s where half the conversations in Nepal seem to happen.

Nepal is generally budget-friendly, but costs vary between city stays, trekking, and safaris. The currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). ATMs are common in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and major towns, but can be scarce in remote villages, so withdraw cash before heading into the mountains.

Approximate daily budgets:

• Shoestring backpacker: NPR 3,000–4,500 (USD 23–35)
• Mid-range comfort: NPR 6,000–10,000 (USD 45–75)

This typically covers a guesthouse room, meals, local transport, and some activities. Trekking costs increase once permits, guides, and gear rentals are factored in, and national park fees (e.g., for Chitwan or Annapurna Conservation Area) are payable in NPR.

To keep on top of spending, use Hello’s budget tracking to monitor expenses in local currency and adjust on the go. If you’re travelling with friends, the expense splitting feature is handy for shared items like jeep transfers, trekking guides, or group dinners – log one bill, then divide it evenly or by custom amounts.

Carry a mix of cash and card, but assume small guesthouses, tea houses, and village shops are cash-only. Tuck emergency cash in a separate place in your backpack, and keep small notes for taxis, tips, and minor purchases like tea, snacks, and prayer beads from temple markets.