I would divide Nepal into 2 parts: treks and cities. I got a bit of both during my month. Between the heights that can be literal and oppressive and the peace of the mountains.
Most tourists visit to hike, often to Everest Base Camp, or for those with deep pockets and lungs of steel, Everest itself. I've heard great things about the Annapurna trek and temples, just as challenging and long as EBC, but a little less crowded and rumored to be nicer.
After a rough start, I came to love the country and the people, especially in the Himalayas. I also believe that Nepal may be the cheapest country in the world to visit, rivaling India. If you like trekking, there are almost unlimited routes you can take considering the cheap prices, some of the cheapest treks in the world, for the most part. Nepal is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, and some of the most diverse offerings I can think of.
'Hello' and 'thank you' in Nepali: "Namsta" with the hands close to the heart and the head bowed, and "Daniabad" (said like 'Dani Ra')
Currency: Nepalese Rupee
Visa: Issuance of the visa in advance at the Embassy of Nepal in Israel
Can be received for two weeks, one month, or two months.
Safety Rating: Ranked 76th in the Global Peace Index with a score of 2.00 (there have been violent protests in the country, but tourists are rarely harmed)
Solo travel friendliness: The only problem I personally encountered abroad was when I was groped in the dark walking alone at night. I broke my own rule. Never walk alone at night anywhere, especially in Nepal.
Climate: At higher elevations, always plan for snow and freezing temperatures, and in the summer, settle for rain and mud. At lower elevations, plan for heat in the spring and summer months.
Best SIM cards: Ncell and Namaste - easy to get at almost any phone store.
Modesty considerations: Women should cover their knees and shoulders to ward off unwanted negative attention. Cover is required for all temple visits. Speaking of temples, some Hindu temples may be off limits to non-Hindus so be sure to ask permission before entering the temple.
Handy tip: the electricity only works for a few hours each day, and the times change each day. Your times will likely be posted somewhere, or if you're staying somewhere fancy, there might be a generator.
Accommodation and accommodation
Cheap budget ($5 - $10): While many locally run guesthouses have been replaced in recent years by large international hotel chains, you can still find good cheap hostels and guesthouses in popular areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Outside of peak seasons (November and April), you can bargain and get discounts from most places. Consider bringing your own sleeping bag as the cheapest places may not be as clean as you'd like. If you are hiking the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, there are guesthouses along the way that provide basic accommodation for hikers, and the cost is usually no more than $1-5 because they make their money by selling food at a slightly higher price._cc781905-5cde -3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_
Mid-range budget ($10 - $35): Mid-range guesthouses come with private rooms starting at $10. The amenities are basic but the rooms tend to be better. Apart from this, homestay programs operated by tours that involve turning an entire village into accommodation for travelers is a good way to immerse yourself in Nepali culture comfortably. Airbnb are becoming more and more popular, with a private room starting around $20, and an entire unit around $35.
food
Local food ($0.5 - $3): Nepali food is simple and hearty. There are many local diners, confusingly called "hotels", that sell staples such as daal bhat and noodle soups. Teahouses usually serve nothing more than snacks and drinks, but are a good place to hang out and observe the daily life of the locals. Along the Annapurna circuit, guesthouses serve as restaurants, as mentioned above. Remember to also bring a way to purify the water, such as purification tablets or a filter.
Restaurants ($3 - $8): Sit-down restaurants usually combine local cuisine with the appetite preference of tourists, serving a mix of Nepali, Chinese and Indian food. Government taxes and service charges are often not shown or included in the menu prices. A bottle of beer costs about $3.
How to get there: Nepal's only international airport is Kathmandu International Airport. There aren't that many direct flights from outside Asia to Nepal, but a popular route is to fly to India before going to Nepal.
Getting around: Because of the bad roads, it can be quite a challenge to get around in Nepal. Local buses are cheap but always crowded and uncomfortable, plus it can be painful to understand the (lack of) schedule and stops. The safest way to get around is with a private car, which always comes with a driver in Nepal. In tourist areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara, taxis are safe and cheap to get around. Finally, there are 3-wheeled vehicles called Tempos within the cities that leave when they are full and follow a fixed route.
Intercity travel: There are intercity buses that serve tourists, which are in better condition and more comfortable than regular buses. However, regular buses are very cheap, with some of the longest distance routes costing up to $10. Off the popular tourist routes, you can rent a shared jeep to get from town to town, which is cheaper than a regular taxi. There are also 20 domestic airports if you plan to do a lot of domestic travel.
Things to Do
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp: Trekking is perhaps the number 1 reason for visiting Nepal for most people. The most popular months are September and October with the second highest season taking place in March and April. If you prefer a guided trek, there are companies and individuals who offer guidance services in English and other major languages, and you can also pay for a porter to help carry your bags during the trek. Personally, I wanted to walk the Annapurna circuit without a guide, and I did so without much difficulty. It was a stunning trek that I will remember for a lifetime.
Holi Festival: Holi is a colorful festival celebrated by Hindus. It is kept to receive God's blessing for the rest of the year. Festival dates change every year so check in advance. The celebration itself may remind one of the Songkran festival celebrated in most parts of Southeast Asia, but in the Holi festival, it is colored powder that is sprayed. Wear clothes you don't mind getting stained, bring some cash and be sure to stay hydrated throughout the celebration.
Paragliding in Pokhara: I tried paragliding in Nepal and it was beautiful to look down on the lake and the rice fields, and I remember thinking to myself "So this is what it feels like to have a pair of wings" the whole time. A popular place to do this is in Pokhara, which is a 6-hour bus ride from Kathmandu and the start of the Annapurna Circuit. You can book in advance online but it is cheaper to book directly with your guesthouse or with an agency directly.
Rato Machhendranath Festival: I was lucky enough to witness this celebration by chance in 2014. The Rato Machhendranath Festival is a celebration that involves a coconut being thrown from a tree-like float by a priest, and local men fighting over each other. catch the coconut This is one of the oldest and most important festivals in Nepal, one that is little known to tourists - the date is not fixed but it takes place between April and May so check with your hostel.
nice trip:)
Written by Michaela Brown
Photos by Seb Riebolge