Facts About Nepal + Information for First Time Travellers to Nepal (2025)
First time travelling to Nepal and looking for some information and quick facts about Nepal?
Nepal is mostly known for the Everest but there is so much more to the country! If it’s your first time visiting Nepal, there are many great places to visit and things to do.
I have been visiting and periodically living in Nepal since 2015, and if it’s your first time in Nepal or Asia, it might take a few days to get used to the traffic, busy streets and heat.
Since I have been coming to Nepal for almost 10 years, it is easy to forget what it felt like to visit for the first time. Recently, my brother came to visit me in Nepal, so here is everything that was useful before his trip to Nepal.
Here are some of the important basic facts about Nepal to help you prepare for your first trip to Nepal!
Quick Facts About Nepal
- Geography: Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, located between India and China
- Population of Nepal: approximately 30 million people
- Official language: The official language is Nepali but in total, there are 123 ethnic languages spoken as mother tongue in Nepal
- Capital of Nepal: Kathmandu
- Government: Federal Democratic Republic since 2008. (Beforehand, Nepal used to be a monarchy)
- Currency of Nepal: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). 1 USD= 133 NPR
- Electric plugs: Type C, D and M
Nepal Basic Information
Can People Speak English in Nepal?
Yes, people speak pretty good English in Nepal, especially in big cities and in touristy places. Generally, it is easy to get by speaking English in Nepal.
However, in remote, non-touristy places, people don’t speak English or have very limited knowledge of English.
If you only visit touristy places or popular trekking routes, you do not have worry about speaking English as everyone will have enough knowledge of English to get by.
🗣️ Want to learn some Nepali? Check out my list of useful Nepali words for travellers in Nepal!
Best Time to Visit Nepal
The best time to visit Nepal is in the Autumn (October – November). It is the time just after the monsoon season ends, the weather is pleasant and the views are clear to have a good view of the Himalayas.
This time of the year also coincides with two of the biggest festivals in Nepal (Dashain and Tihar) which make it even more special to experience while in Nepal.
Visiting Nepal in the Spring (March and April) is also one of the best times. By March, the winter season is over and the weather starts to get warmer. During this time, the skies are still clear and you will have great views of the Himalayas.
Calendar in Nepal
Nepal follows the Bikram Sambat, which is a lunar calendar following the cycles of the moon.
The Bikram Sambat is 57 years ahead of the Gregorian Calendar. For example, the year 2025 in the Gregorian Calendar is year 2082 in the Bikram Sambat in Nepal.
The Nepali New Year is celebrated in April, it usually falls on a day around mid-April, depending on the moon cycle. To check the Nepali dates and public holidays, download the hamro patro app.
Seasons in Nepal
Did you know that there are 6 seasons in Nepal? Yes! But to make things easier, many times only 4 seasons are referred so that foreigners can understand the seasons in Nepal easier.
Spring Season in Nepal
Spring in Nepal runs from March to May.
In March, the weather starts to get warm. The skies are still clear and it makes the period between March-April one of the best time to visit and go trekking in Nepal.
Monsoon Season in Nepal
The monsoon season in Nepal is from June to August. The monsoon season sometimes starts earlier in May butcan sometimes also end later in September.
During the monsoon season, it gets very hot and humid. Most of the time, it will be raining in the afternoon but it can also rain all day long.
Be sure to always carry an umbrella with you. You will see that in Nepal, people carry umbrellas not only for the rain but also to protect themselves from the sun.
🌧️ Check out the best things to do during monsoon in Nepal here!
Autumn Season in Nepal
The Autumn in Nepal is between September – November. The monsoon rains start to withdraw in September and the weather starts to become slightly cooler.
After the monsoon season withdraws in September, the skies become clear in October and makes it the best time to visit Nepal. October and November is the best time to visit Nepal as trekking is the best in Nepal during this time.
⛰️ Check out the best places to visit in Autumn in Nepal here!
Winter in Nepal
Winter in Nepal is between December – February.
Winters in Kathmandu are very enjoyable. It is sunny during the day and it only gets cold at night. If you go trekking in the mountains, be prepared for snow and cold temperatures.
❄️ Check out the best places to visit in Winter in Nepal here!
Trekking in Nepal
Best Time to Trek in Nepal
The best time to trek in Nepal is between October-November or March-April. During these times, the weather is not too cold and you can get the best views of the Himalayas.
Popular Trekking Routes in Nepal:
- Everest Base Camp
- Annapurna Base Camp
- Annapurna Circuit
- Mardi Himal
- Langtang Valley Trek
- Pikey Peak Trek
- Australian Camp
- Panchase Trek
Trekking during Monsoon
It is not recommended to go trekking during the monsoon season as due to the rain, you may face landslides on the trail.
Also, the trails are full of leeches the during monsoon season and it will not be a pleasant experiences to be hiking when you are being attacked by leeches.
Nevertheless, lots of people still go trekking during the monsoon season and they enjoy it. However, if you go trekking during the monsoon season, it is best if you do not go on your own.
You do not have to take a guide but it is recommended that you find a trekking buddy so that you are not on your own.
If you would like to go hiking during the monsoon season, it is best if you go to Upper Mustang which lies in the rain shadow region of Nepal.
Usually, Upper Mustang does not or receives less rain during monsoon season, thus it is a great place to be hiking.
Festivals in Nepal
There are many festivals in Nepal celebrating both Hindu and Buddhist holidays.
Two of the biggest and most important festivals in Nepal are Dashain and Tihar that fall around October-November.
Dashain Festival in Nepal
Dashain is a 15-day long festival in Nepal. It usually falls around the middle of October (depending on the lunar calendar, the Bikram Sambat).
Dashain celebrates the victory of good over evil. My Nepali friends described Dashain to me as the Nepali Christmas during which time people travel home and celebrate with their families.
🎆 Check out the full list of festivals and holidays in Nepal here!
Tihar Festival in Nepal
Tihar is the festival of lights. It is a week-long festival during which time not only gods/goddesses are celebrated, but also human relationships to dogs, cows and crows.
One day is also dedicated to the worship of bonds between brothers and sisters. On this day, the sister and brother perform prayers for each other and give a tika on each others’ foreheads.
During Tihar, the streets and houses are lit up with fairy lights and you get great views of Kathmandu with all the fairy lights!
💡 Tip: During Tihar, go to the Swoyambhu Stupa (Monkey Temple) for sunset and watch the Kathmandu Valley with all the lights up in the evening!
Must Visit Places for First Time Travellers to Nepal
I would say the ideal time to spend in Nepal is around 3 weeks. This will give you enough time to go on a short 5 day trek, visit Pokhara (a popular tourist destination in Nepal) and go on a jungle safari in Nepal.
Usually, these 3 activities (trekking, visiting Pokhara and going on a jungle safari) are the most popular things to do for first timers to see different sides of Nepal in one trip.
There is so much travel in Nepal to get from one place to the next, that if you travel by bus in Nepal, it can take up a considerable time in your schedule.
Even if you plan to travel by flights, many times the planes are delayed due to bad weather and people end up waiting for days to get on a flight.
For these reasons, it is good to plan a 3 week holiday in Nepal and have extra buffer days in case of flight delays or long bus journeys.
I recommend to include the following activities and places:
- Trekking
- World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
- Pokhara
- Jungle Safari in Bardia or Chitwan
⭐ For the full list, check out the 25 best things to do and places to visit in Nepal!
Trip to Nepal Cost
You may wonder, how much does a trip to Nepal cost?
On average, the minimum you will need is USD 25/day. This is the minimum and if you want to eat or stay in fancier places, it will go higher.
Nepal has many options for hotels and restaurants for different budgets, so whether you are looking to travel on a tight budget or stay in high-end hotels, there are great options for each budget.
💲💲💲 Check out how to plan your Nepal trip budget here!
Safety in Nepal
Nepal is safe to travel, including female solo travellers and families. Nevertheless, you have to stay cautious and vigilant just like in any other country.
If you travel by bus in Nepal, make sure to look out for your valuables and belongings.
Other risks in Nepal include natural hazards, such as earthquakes, or landslides during the monsoon season.
What to to Wear in Nepal (for women)
Nepal is still a conservative society when it comes to dressing for women.
I noticed that times are changing and slowly it is more and more common/accepted for women to wear shorts. It is especially true if you are staying in touristy areas such as Kathmandu or Pokhara.
In villages and rural areas, it is still very conservative and you will have to be careful to wear clothes that are not too revealing.
FAQs: Facts About Nepal + Information for First Time Travellers to Nepal
What is the currency of Nepal?
The currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). Approximately, USD 1 = NPR 137 as of 2025.
Is Nepal in Asia?
Yes, Nepal is in Asia. Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia and borders India and China.
What is the official language in Nepal?
The official language in Nepal is the Nepali language. However, Nepal is a diverse country and there are 123 ethnic languages spoken as mother tongue in Nepal.
Where is Nepal located?
Nepal is located in South Asia. It is a landlocked country and borders India and China.
What is Nepal best known for?
Nepal is best known for Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world at 8,848 metres. Nepal is also known for its world heritage sites, temples and as the birthplace of Buddha.
What is Nepal’s national food?
The most popular Nepali dish is the dal bhat which is a dish made of rice, lentil soup, vegetable side dishes as well as meat.
In most Nepali households dal bhat is eaten at least 1-2 times a day every day.
What do Americans need to enter Nepal?
US citizens, like the majority of other countries’ citizens, are eligible to get a Visa on Arrival when landing at the Kathmandu Airport. All you need is a passport that is valid for at least 6 more months at the time of entry to Nepal.
The process to get a Visa on Arrival for Nepal is quick and you will just have to fill in the visa application form, pay for the visa and then you will get the tourist visa in your passport. If there are not many people at the airport, it can be completed in maximum 30 minutes.
How much is a Nepal visa for US citizens?
As of 2025, Nepal has the following prices for tourist visas that are applicable to US citizens and the majority of other countries’ citizens:
- 15 days: 30 USD
- 30 days: 50 USD
- 90 days: 125 USD
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember for first time travellers to Nepal is that when you travel to a new country, things may not always go as planned, so just be ready to go with the flow.
Almost all nationalities are eligible to get a Visa on Arrival for Nepal and the process is very easy, so you don’t have to worry about it. Just make sure your passport is valid and once you land in Kathmandu, you can apply for the tourist visa. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.
For a trip to Nepal, most people budget around USD 25/day which is about the minimum you will spend and if you want to stay or eat in fancier places, this budget increases.
Like This Post? Pin It For Later!
