Perched in the centre of the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, this relatively small country is the perfect mix of culture and adventure.
Nepal provides an unmissable blend of sights, smells and sounds. Nepal’s culture seems to have been frozen in time and much has remained the same over the past 50 years. Taste the famed Nepalese hospitality by trekking in the remote regions of the Himalayas or experiencing the never-ending stream of festivals.
Whether you want to spot tigers in the Royal Chitwan National Park or explore the amazing architecture of Durbar Square, Nepal has everything you need for an unforgettable gap experience!
Adventure peaks here at Everest Base Camp. Catch a glimpse of the tallest mountain in the world as you trek through the Himalayas, resting at traditional teahouses and monasteries along the way. Push yourself to new heights on this bucket list journey, joined by expert guides and new mates to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with.
Kathmandu is where the vibrant culture of Nepal comes alive. This bustling capital is a feast for the senses, from local artisan markets and medieval hilltop temples to eating your way through the city, with an incredible variety of cuisines on offer that will entice any foodies. Dig into Kathmandu - there’s so much more than meets the eye.
Welcome to Nepal’s premier wildlife destination. Famed for its biodiversity and unspoilt forest stretches, Chitwan National Park is home to some of the rarest creatures on Earth - including Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, sloth bears, and colourful birds, as you enjoy one of Asia’s top safari experiences.
Pokhara is one of Nepal’s dreamiest destinations, promising lakeside city views where sapphire waters and lush forested hills collide. Nestled in the heart of the Annapurnas, Nepal’s second most famous mountain range, it’s the perfect launchpad for stunning hikes across foothills, scenic boat rides and paragliding through the sky.
Nepalese food is very healthy and nutritious! As it is influenced by neighbouring Indian and Chinese cuisine expect to find a variety of food during your stay! Rice is a staple food and in high-altitude areas where rice is scarce, the staple food is Dhiro (a thick paste produced from corn or millet).
As the majority of Nepalese are Hindu, no beef is eaten as cows are considered holy and sacred. Being a vegetarian is not a problem in Nepal as vegetables are abundant and usually eaten as part of most meals.
A typical meal might include rice, lentil soup or vegetable curry with an assortment of spicy condiments.
Due to the vastly varied landscape across the country, the weather will vary. The general rule is the higher up you travel the colder and drier it is! High up in the Himalayas the temperatures rarely rise above freezing - something to bear in mind for trekkers!
From March to April and October to November the temperatures become a lot warmer (24-28°C range). Watch out for the Monsoon season in May and June when the weather is hot, sticky and wet, wet, wet! During the winter months (November to March) the weather can get very cold and snow is common, although rarely settles in places like Kathmandu and Pokhara!
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Nepal’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Nepal set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Nepal Embassy in the UK.
To avoid problems at immigration, make sure your passport has an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after your date of entry into Nepal.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
At border control, you may need to show:
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You must have a visa to visit Nepal for up to 90 days.
You can apply online for a visa on arrival up to 15 days in advance of your arrival. Using your submission receipt, you then collect and pay for your visa at the airport. You can also apply using the forms or terminals available at the airport, then queue up to get the visa. You can pay by card, but you should have cash as a back-up, with US dollars being the preferred currency.
Alternatively you can apply for a tourist visa in advance and collect it from the Nepal Embassy in the UK or in another country. Applying in advance can reduce the time it takes to pass through immigration.
Visas are available for several lengths of stay at various costs. Look on the immigration department website for the options.
You can extend your visa online to up to a total of 150 days in one year.
Overstaying your visa in Nepal is a serious crime and can lead to significant fines or imprisonment.
To enter Nepal, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had:
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Nepal guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Nepal. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Bringing precious metals into Nepal is strictly regulated. You can carry gold ornaments up to 50 grams and silver ornaments up to 100 grams. If you bring in undeclared gold or silver, you may:
You must declare on a customs form on arrival any amount above the value of 5,000 US dollars in banknotes or 10,000 dollars in notes and travellers cheques combined. Customs will give a certified declaration, which you must keep.
You will need to convert all your Nepali currency before you leave Nepal, and the bank or exchange counter at the airport may ask you for the declaration.
ATMs are not reliable outside main tourist sites.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
Health and safety content
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