Nepal Country Information

• Geography: Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, located between India and China.
• Population: approximately 30 million people
• Official language: Nepali (plus about 123 other languages spoken by different ethnic groups)
• Capital city: Kathmandu
• Government: Federal Democratic Republic since 2008. (Beforehand, Nepal used to be a monarchy)
• Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). 1 USD= 133 NPR
• Electric plugs: Type C, D and M

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 2023 in the Gregorian Calendar is year 2080 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

Spring: March – 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: June-August. (Note: The monsoon season sometimes starts earlier (May) and sometimes it ends later (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.

Autumn: 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.

Winter: 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.

The Best Time to Visit Nepal

Between October – November and March – April

The best time to visit Nepal is between October – November. It is the time just after the monsoon season ends and there is a clear view of the Himalayas. The weather is sunny but not too hot. This time of the year also coincides with 2 of the biggest festivals in Nepal (Dashain and Tihar) which make it even more special to experience while in Nepal.

Visiting Nepal in 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.

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.

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, I know lots of people who went hiking during the monsoon season and they still enjoyed 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 Mustang which lies in the rainshadow region of Nepal. Usually, Mustang does not or receives less rain during monsoon season, thus it is a great place to be hiking. (Note: Weather patterns can still be unpredictable. For example, in 2023, there were flash floods in Lower Mustang due to the rain during monsoon).

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. Check out here the list of festivals and public holidays in Nepal in 2024.

Dashain: Dashain festival is a 15-day long festival. Usually falls around the middle of October (depending on the lunar calendar, the Bikram Sambat). It 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.

Tihar (or Diwali in India): 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 brother-sister relationship (Bhai Tika) in which the sister and brother perform prayers for each other and give a tika on each others’ foreheads. During this time the streets and houses are lit up with fairy lights and I have always loved the view of Kathmandu Valley with all the lights on (Tip: go to the Monkey Temple after sunset and watch the Kathmandu Valley with all the lights up).

Safety in Nepal

Nepal is safe to travel, also for female solo travellers. I have always been travelling in Nepal on my own and I never had any bad experiences. I have been careful for my belongings but I have never felt unsafe.

Tip: Lookout for your belongings when travelling on the bus as pickpocketing can happen.

What to Pack for Travelling in Nepal

Clothes: 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 Thamel (Kathmandu) or Pokhara. However, it is still more accepted to wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees.

In rural areas, it is still very conservative and you will have to be careful to wear clothes that are not revealing.