Travel Guide and Checklist

• • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Nepal. This is a strict requirement for entry into the country and for obtaining your visa. It’s also important to have a few blank pages in your passport for visa stamps and entry/exit records. Make photocopies or digital copies of your passport’s photo page and visa pages in case of loss or theft. Keep one copy with you (separate from the original) and another stored safely online or with a trusted contact.
• • You can apply for a tourist visa online before your trip or get one on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or border entry points. The fee ranges from USD 30 to 125 depending on your stay duration. Always carry passport-size photos and some cash in USD for the visa process.
• • Trekking in Nepal requires permits such as the TIMS card and region-specific passes like ACAP for Annapurna or Sagarmatha National Park for Everest. These permits help manage tourism, ensure safety, and support conservation. Carry your permits during treks as they are checked at various points.
• • Pack a personal first aid kit containing essentials like antiseptic, bandages, blister care, painkillers, and any prescribed medicines. Include altitude sickness medication if you plan to trek at high elevations. Having your own kit ensures quick treatment in remote areas where medical facilities are limited.
• • Choose sturdy, comfortable trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support. Dress in layers to adjust to changing mountain temperatures, including thermal wear, a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. Weather in Nepal’s mountains can shift quickly, so proper clothing is essential.
• • Tap water in Nepal is not safe to drink, especially in rural and trekking regions. Carry water purification tablets or a portable filter to ensure you always have clean, safe drinking water. This helps prevent waterborne diseases and reduces plastic waste from bottled water.
• • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking, high-altitude activities, and emergency evacuations. Medical care in remote areas can be costly and limited, so insurance is vital for peace of mind and financial safety during your trip.
• • Carry Nepalese Rupees for local expenses, as many rural areas don’t accept cards. Exchange foreign currency at authorized banks or exchange counters in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Keep small denominations handy for food, transport, and souvenirs.
• • Power outages are common in Nepal, and electricity may be limited in remote areas. Bring a reliable power bank to keep your devices charged and a travel adapter suitable for Type C, D, or M plugs used in Nepal.
• • Download offline maps such as Maps.me or Google Maps before your trip, as internet connectivity can be weak in mountainous regions.