Nepal

Begin in Kathmandu, where ancient courtyards, incense-filled shrines, and busy lanes create an unforgettable first impression. Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, watch evening rituals at Pashupatinath, and climb the steps to Swayambhunath, the hilltop “Monkey Temple.” Nearby Patan is calmer and especially rewarding for its Newari architecture, metalwork, and traditional courtyards, while Bhaktapur is ideal for a slower half-day wandering among brick temples and pottery workshops.

Traffic can be intense, so group sights by neighbourhood rather than trying to cross the city repeatedly. Taxis and ride-hailing services are useful, but agree on a fare before entering a conventional taxi. Keep small Nepalese rupee notes for entrance fees, snacks, and short rides. A guide can add valuable context at the major heritage sites, particularly if you want to understand the symbolism behind the temples rather than simply photograph them.

For easy arrival logistics, organize your first days in Hello’s trip planner and activate Hello eSIM before landing so maps, translation, and booking messages work as soon as you leave the airport.

Nepal’s great treks reward patience more than speed. The Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley each offer distinct scenery, from terraced hills and rhododendron forests to high passes and glacial valleys. September to November and February to May are commonly favoured for trekking because conditions are often clearer and more settled, while monsoon months can bring rain, leeches, and flight disruptions.

Check requirements for your exact route before departure. Trekkers may need a TIMS card, national park or conservation-area entry permit, and additional permits for restricted regions; Nepal Tourism Board guidance lists TIMS fees of NPR 1,000 for group trekkers and NPR 2,000 for individual foreign trekkers. Restricted-area permits can cost much more and may require a registered agency or guide. Carry passport copies, permits, travel insurance covering trekking altitude and evacuation, and some cash for remote lodges.

Build in acclimatization days, walk slowly, and drink regularly. Pack layers, a headlamp, water treatment, blister care, and offline maps. Use Hello’s budget tracker in NPR to monitor lodge, meal, permit, and porter costs as prices rise with altitude.

Nepali food is comforting, aromatic, and wonderfully varied. Make dal bhat—rice, lentil soup, vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat—a reliable trekking meal, since refills are often available and the combination provides useful energy. In Kathmandu and Patan, seek out Newari specialities such as momos, bara lentil pancakes, chatamari rice-flour crepes, and yomari, a sweet steamed dumpling traditionally filled with molasses and sesame.

Street food can be excellent, but choose busy stalls where turnover is high. Drink treated or sealed water, use caution with raw salads outside reputable restaurants, and carry hand sanitizer. Chiya, Nepal’s spiced milk tea, is perfect for a chilly morning, while local beer and raksi are best enjoyed thoughtfully, especially before or during high-altitude walks.

Menus in tourist centres often include international dishes, but remote trekking lodges have limited supplies. Ask what is fresh and avoid ordering meat in places where refrigeration appears unreliable. If travelling with friends, Hello’s expense-splitting feature can simplify shared momo platters, taxis, guides, and group dinners; record spending in Nepalese rupees to keep the totals clear.

Travel in Nepal is an adventure in itself. Tourist buses connect Kathmandu with Pokhara and other major destinations, while domestic flights save time on routes such as Kathmandu–Lukla or Kathmandu–Pokhara but can be delayed by weather. Roads are winding and journeys frequently take longer than maps suggest, so avoid scheduling a flight or trek immediately after a long overland transfer. For short city trips, taxis are practical; confirm the fare beforehand or ask your accommodation to arrange one.

The Nepalese rupee (NPR) is the everyday currency. Nepal remains largely cash-based outside major hotels, restaurants, and shops, and ATMs can be unreliable or unavailable in mountain areas. Withdraw enough for remote sections, but keep money in separate places and carry small notes for tea houses, snacks, tips, and local transport. Credit cards may incur fees, and foreign exchange is easier in Kathmandu and Pokhara than in villages.

Track costs with Hello’s budget feature, setting categories for transport, food, permits, and accommodation. Download maps and key reservations before leaving reliable coverage, and use Hello eSIM for connectivity without roaming charges—buy and activate it before you land.