Welcome to Nepal

The very epitome of adventure, Nepal combines jaw-dropping alpine views, intriguing temples and friendly villages for an epic travel experience. Eight of the world’s ten highest mountains are here, including the biggie – Everest – so take your pick.

One of the easiest treks is the Langtang Valley trek, while the shorter Kathmandu Valley Trek combines stunning views and cultural heritage. And, of course, there’s the popular Everest Base Camp Trek through the villages and monasteries of the Khumbu Valley.

Or, try kayaking, canyoning, paragliding and mountain biking in some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Soak up the Tibetan Buddhist vibe, learning how to make momos (dumplings) from local monks and visiting hidden shrines.

Spin the prayer wheels at the 14th-century Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu. Stroll through Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Patan, one of the oldest known Buddhist cities. With an array of astonishing cultural sites and Himalayan grandeur, Nepal is a real treat.

Unique Facts

• Known for its sky-soaring mountains, Nepal is also home to the second deepest canyon in the world, the Kali Gandaki Canyon. It is formed by the Kali Gandaki River, between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
• Everest wasn’t always Everest. It’s known by this moniker to Westerners but the locals between China and Nepal originally referred to it by its Tibetan name, Qomolangma, which means “the mother’s universe,” or its Nepali name, Sagarmatha, which means “the heaven’s forehead.”
• Several endangered animals make their homes in Chitwan National Park, including the Asian one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger.
• Due to its small size, but large number of heritage sites, Nepal has the greatest concentration of sites recognized by UNESCO.
• Nepal is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha), born in 623 BC in Kapilvastu, Lumbini, now considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.

Language

Nepal’s official language is Nepali.

When To Go

The best time to go to Nepal is between October and December. The skies are clearer during this period, so the views are spectacular. The weather is typically dry until April.

Airports

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Nepal: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C, D and M. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Nepalese Rupee

Getting Around

Generally, Nepalese roads are in poor conditions. Traffic is poorly regulated. Don’t drive at night outside the Kathmandu Valley.

Avoid long-distance bus travel. Taxis are the safest and most convenient form of public transportation.

Driver’s License

Nepali driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Kathmandu
Maharajgunj
Kathmandu, Nepal
Telephone: +(977)(1) 423-4000 or 400-7200
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(977)(1) 400-7266,400-7269
consktm@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
Kathmandu 44600
Nepal
Tel: +977 1-4247041

Nepali Tourism Board
Pradarshani Marg
Kathmandu 44617
Nepal
Tel: +977 1-4256909

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 100

Safety and Security

The crime rate in Nepal is low. Pickpocketing and purse snatching happens occasionally at major tourist sites. Do not carry valuables with you. Exchange money at your hotel or a bank. Avoid walking alone after dark.