About Nepal
Geography, government, population, climate, and key facts about Nepal — home to Mount Everest and eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, the birthplace of the Buddha at Lumbini, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and approximately 42,000 MW of economically feasible hydropower capacity. India–Nepal Long-Term Power Trade Agreement signed January 2024. Nepal.com — independent guide since 1995.
147,189
km² — total land area, slightly larger than 1.5× Portugal
4
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
13
National Parks
8 of 10
Of the world’s highest mountains located in Nepal
42,000 MW
Economically feasible hydropower capacity — Govt of Nepal / WECS
1995
Nepal.com — online since
Nepal.com has been the authoritative independent English-language home of Nepal since 1995 — one of the oldest continuously operating English-language digital platforms covering the Himalayan region and South Asia. What began as a Nepal Travel Guide, with its Selected Resources spanning Visitors and Travelers and Culture and Society, its City Guide by Region across Nepal’s five development regions, and its Things To Do and See directory, has evolved over thirty years into a multi-sector commercial and editorial platform covering hydropower and energy export, adventure and trekking, digital infrastructure, cultural heritage tourism, agriculture and tea, and financial services — while retaining the editorial heritage that only three decades of continuous, original operation can produce. The inbound link profile, domain authority, and organic search positioning accumulated since 1995 cannot be replicated at any price by a new entrant — it was built before most of Nepal.com’s natural competitors existed in any form. The country profile on this page draws on that accumulated knowledge to provide a comprehensive introduction to Nepal at one of the most consequential commercial inflection points in its modern history.
Home at the Foot of the Himalayas
Landlocked and located between China and India, Nepal has the greatest change in altitude of any place on earth. While the lowlands sit at sea level, the Himalaya mountain range represents the tallest peaks in the world. Named for the mythological Hindu sage, Ne, Nepal features a diverse geography with 5 climatic zones, wooded hills, fertile plains, and mountains.
Nepal provides plenty of interest for climbers, as it is home to Mt. Everest, as well as 8 of the tallest mountains in the world. The country also features several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and religious temples, monasteries, and shrines. For adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, Nepal is a “must see” addition to their bucket lists.
Known for their friendly yet reserved nature and technical skills as mountaineers, the people of Nepal also devote much time to religion, whether it be Hinduism or Buddhism. Many of the festivals and celebrations are based on religious practices.
A multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multilingual country, Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha, who was born in the Kapilavastu district in a place known as Lumbini. During 500 B.C.E., Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, also called Buddha.
Nepal’s mountain region makes up about 64% of the country’s land area, formed by the Mahabharat range and lower Churia range. The lowland Terai, a flat river area of the Ganges, occupies about 17% of the country.
Summing up the attractions in Nepal can be difficult, as the country is as mysterious as it is mountainous. While Mount Everest certainly is a landmark that comes to mind, the country also has contrasts to its mountains. The terrain can also be flat and the climate oppressively warm.
Mount Everest and the Eight-Thousanders
Of the world’s fourteen mountains exceeding 8,000 metres, eight are located in Nepal: Mount Everest (Sagarmatha, 8,848.86 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), and Annapurna I (8,091 m). Tilicho Lake, in the Annapurna region, sits at 4,929 m (16,240 ft) and is among the highest large lakes in the world. The country measures approximately 885 km (531 mi) across the Himalayan range and approximately 250 km (155 mi) at its widest point. Relative to its size and remoteness, Nepal contains a disproportionately large and diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, with approximately 120 distinct ecosystems recorded.
The Sherpa Community and Mountaineering Heritage
The Sherpa people are descended from early Tibetan settlers who migrated to the Solu-Khumbu region of Mahalangur Himal in the 13th and 14th centuries. According to the 2023 census there are approximately 250,637 Sherpas in Nepal, accounting for about 1.1% of the national population. The Sherpa community refers to Mount Everest as Chomolungma — “Goddess Mother of the World” — and has been central to virtually every successful Himalayan mountaineering expedition since the early twentieth century. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, born Namgyal Wangdi in May 1914, became with Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand the first person confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, on 29 May 1953 as part of the British Mount Everest expedition led by John Hunt. Time Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of the twentieth century. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, on 22 April 1993, became the first Nepalese woman to summit Everest; she did not survive the descent and her image now appears on Nepali currency. Kami Rita Sherpa holds the current world record for most Everest summits at more than thirty. Nirmal Purja (Nimsdai) climbed all fourteen eight-thousanders in six months in 2019 — Project Possible.
Lumbini and the Birthplace of the Buddha
Lumbini, in the southern Terai approximately 300 km west of Kathmandu, is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama — later known as Gautama Buddha — in 623 BCE according to the inscription on the Ashoka Pillar. The Maya Devi Temple marks the precise location. Lumbini was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. The site today includes the Maya Devi Temple, the World Peace Stupa, the eternal flame, and monasteries built by Buddhist nations including Germany, China, India, France, Thailand, and others.
Kathmandu, the Federal Capital
The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, features many religious monuments and historic sites. Some of the attractions include Patan Durbar Square, and the Swayambhunath, Bhaktapur, and Boudhanath stupas. You can also enjoy short hikes around the city where, on clear days, you can view the Himalayas. Regardless of where you stay in the capital, you will need to acclimatize yourself to the elevations and climate. This is especially important if you plan to hike around the area.
Pokhara and the Annapurna Region
The scenic city of Pokhara is not quite as bustling as the capital of Kathmandu. Most tourists can be found along Phewa Lake in the city. The city of Pokhara is also a good starting point for a trip to the district of Sarangkot. Visitors like taking the 6-mile round trip excursion to see the sun rise over the Himalayas. For anyone planning a trek through the Annapurna range, Pokhara is the beginning point.
Some mountain trekkers prefer going through the Annapurna range versus trekking to Everest Base Camp, as climbing to the base camp requires ascending about 5,380 meters or 17,650 feet high — a major change in elevation if you are not used to it. You can also take optional treks in Nepal if you so desire. These treks offer great views along with natural hot springs. You can also visit hillside villages and lakes as you travel along the paths.
Chitwan National Park
As you will discover, Nepal is more than mountains. You can also see some spectacular jungle scenery. One of the places where you can observe this terrain is in Chitwan National Park. Not only is the terrain flat, green, and humid during the warm season, it hosts a number of indigenous animals, including tigers, crocodiles, elephants, and rhinoceros. The park is approximately 10 hours by bus from the capital of Kathmandu. Established in 1973 as Nepal’s first national park, Chitwan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984. The 932 km² park is recognised for its conservation of the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asian one-horned rhinoceros.
Safari tours are featured in the park. You can also take jungle tours by foot, jeep or canoe. While some tourists ride elephants through the jungle, there is some controversy about this type of tour. Therefore, it is better to choose a more humane option, although the idea of a riding an elephant, at first, does sound exciting.
Eating Nepalese Food
Part of the cultural experience of being in Nepal includes eating Nepalese food. You really won’t eat dishes like the ones you discover in Nepal anywhere else in the world. The Government of Nepal has recognised Dal Bhat — a combination of steamed rice and lentil soup, served with vegetable curries, pickles, and occasionally meat — as the country’s national cuisine.
Mo Mo’s are dumplings that contain a veggies, chicken, or buffalo filling. While some think of Mo Mo’s as snack foods, others find them to be a tasty meal. You can buy about 10 of the dumplings on a plate, but that number may vary from eatery to eatery. The steamed dumplings can be eaten fried or served with a sauce. Some people eat them with soup. The most expensive of the Mo Mo’s are those filled with chicken.
Chia tea can be consumed at a purchase price of about 15 cents in local tea shops. You can buy the tea sweetened and spiced with just about any flavor enhancer, including cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, or even pepper. To request less sugar, say, “chinni kom” to the server. That does not mean the tea will not be sweet. It just won’t be quite as sweet.
Samosas are also cheap — about 60 cents USD. The pastry, which comes baked or fried, features a savory filling of onion, peas, spiced potatoes, cheese, lentils, beef, or another meat. Samosas may be cone-shaped, triangular, or be shaped like a crescent.
If you crave a fried yet doughy snack to eat with your chia tea, you might opt for sel roti deep fried circles. The little snack is made of rice flour and features small gritty and oily bits that are sweet to the taste. The doughnuts in Nepal have a distinct butter flavor and can be compared to a mix of an American doughnut and croissant.
Nepalese chow mein is a dish of wok-prepared noodles and vegetables, such as cabbage and carrots, as well as a salty sauce, a dash of a couple spices, and cilantro. You can select from buffalo, chicken, veggies, egg, or a combination of any of these ingredients. If you have chow mein with all the ingredients, or the “works,” you will pay about $1.50 USD. If you only have one or two of the listed ingredients included with your chow mein, you will pay about $1.00 USD.
Beyond these everyday dishes, the Newari community of the Kathmandu Valley maintains a distinctive culinary tradition: Chatamari (a rice-flour crepe sometimes called “Nepali pizza”), Yomari (a steamed dumpling filled with molasses and sesame seed, prepared for the Yomari Punhi festival in December), Samay Baji (a feast platter of beaten rice, choila marinated meat, bara lentil pancake, and egg), and Juju Dhau (the “King of Yogurts” from Bhaktapur). Across the country Thukpa — a Tibetan-style noodle soup — warms the high-altitude trekking corridors; Gundruk (fermented leafy greens) and Dhido (millet, maize or buckwheat porridge) anchor everyday hill-country cooking; and Kwati, a soup of nine sprouted beans, is prepared for the Janai Purnima festival in August. Traditional drinks include Tongba (millet beer), Raksi (rice or millet spirit), and Chiya (Nepali tea).
A Federal Democratic Republic Since 2015
Nepal is home to the world’s highest mountain range: The Himalayas. It shares the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest (Sagarmāthā) with China. In addition to its border with China, Nepal has common borders with India to the south, east, and west, with the Indian state of Sikkim adjoining its eastern frontier. The largest city in Nepal is Kathmandu, which also serves as its capital. Citizens are known as Nepali and the country is home to 125 ethnic groups.
The official name of the country is the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (Saṅghīya Lokatāntrik Gaṇatantra Nepāl). Nepal is a Federal Parliamentary Republic with three branches of government: Executive, Judiciary, and the Legislature (Federal Parliament) comprised of a lower house (House of Representatives) and an upper house (National Assembly). The country has both a President and a Prime Minister. Until 2008, the King of Nepal was the country’s head of state and Nepal was the world’s last Hindu monarchy. The monarchy was abolished by an interim legislature in December 2007 and the country was formally declared a federal democratic republic on 28 May 2008.
The current Constitution of Nepal was promulgated on 20 September 2015, transforming the country from a unitary state into a federal democratic republic. The Constitution establishes three tiers of government — federal, provincial, and local — and divides the country into seven provinces, 77 districts, and 753 local government units comprising 6 metropolitan cities, 11 sub-metropolitan cities, 276 municipalities, and 460 rural municipalities. The seven provinces are Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati (containing Kathmandu), Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim. Karnali is the largest province by area at 27,984 km²; Bagmati is the most populous with approximately 6.1 million residents.
Nepal is a member of the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Nepal’s modern history is shaped by its eighteenth-century unification under King Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723–1775) of the Gorkha Kingdom, who conquered the three Malla kingdoms of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhadgaon in 1769 and established Kathmandu as the capital of the unified state. Nepal was never colonised, serving as a buffer state between British India and Imperial China. The Rana dynasty of hereditary prime ministers, beginning with Jung Bahadur Rana in the mid-nineteenth century, governed for 104 years with the Shah kings reduced to figureheads. Parliamentary democracy was introduced in 1951, suspended by monarchs in 1960 and again in 2005, and restored through the peaceful Jana Andolan II revolution of 2006 that ultimately ended the monarchy in 2008.
Nepali national identity draws from the unified Gorkha legacy of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who described Nepal as “Asal Hindustan” (the real land of Hindus), centuries of Hindu and Buddhist religious tradition shared across linguistic and ethnic communities, and the country’s position as the spiritual home of both the Buddha’s birthplace at Lumbini and the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath. The national flag is the world’s only non-quadrilateral national flag, consisting of two overlapping triangular pennons with a crimson background and blue border — the upper triangle bearing a white crescent moon, the lower a white twelve-pointed sun. The national motto in Sanskrit is “Jananī Janmabhūmiśca Svargādapi Garīyasī” — “Mother and Motherland are Greater than Heaven.” The national anthem, “Sayauṅ Thuṅgā Phūlkā” (Made of Hundreds of Flowers), was adopted on 3 August 2007, with lyrics by Byakul Maila (Pradeep Kumar Rai) and music by Amber Gurung.
Key facts at a glance
| Country name | Nepal |
| Official name | Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal — सँघीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल (Nepali) |
| Nickname | None official; sometimes referred to as “Home at the Foot of the Himalayas” |
| Formation | Kingdom of Nepal declared 1768 by Prithvi Narayan Shah; Federal Democratic Republic declared 28 May 2008; current Constitution promulgated 20 September 2015 |
| Location | South Asia — landlocked between China to the north and India to the south, east, and west |
| Country motto | जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी (Sanskrit); Mother and Motherland are Greater than Heaven (English) |
| National anthem | “Sayauṅ Thuṅgā Phūlkā” (Nepali) — “Made of Hundreds of Flowers” (English); lyrics by Byakul Maila, music by Amber Gurung; adopted 3 August 2007 |
| Flag | World’s only non-quadrilateral national flag — two overlapping triangular pennons, crimson with blue border, white crescent moon (upper) and white twelve-pointed sun (lower); adopted 1962 |
| National emblem | Adopted 30 December 2006; depicts Mount Everest, hands of male and female (gender equality), and garland of rhododendrons |
| National colour | Crimson — derived from the rhododendron, signifying strength, bravery, and unity |
| National flower | Rhododendron arboreum (Lali Guras) |
| National bird | Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus — Danphe) |
| National animal | Cow |
| National sport | Volleyball — declared 2017 |
| National cuisine | Dal Bhat — steamed rice with lentil soup |
| Capital and largest city | Kathmandu — population approximately 1.4 million metropolitan |
| Select cities | Pokhara, Lalitpur (Patan), Bhaktapur, Biratnagar, Birganj, Butwal, Dharan, Hetauda, Janakpur, Nepalgunj |
| Government | Federal Parliamentary Republic — three tiers: federal, seven provinces, 753 local units; bicameral Federal Parliament |
| Seven provinces | Koshi (capital Biratnagar), Madhesh (capital Janakpur), Bagmati (capital Hetauda — contains Kathmandu), Gandaki (capital Pokhara), Lumbini (capital Butwal/Deukhuri), Karnali (capital Birendranagar — largest by area at 27,984 km²), Sudurpashchim (capital Dhangadhi) |
| Districts | 77 districts |
| Major religions | Hinduism (81.3%), Buddhism (9%), Islam (4.4%), Kirant (3.1%), Christianity (1.4%), and others — secular state since 2015 Constitution |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| National language | Nepali (44.6% native speakers); 123 languages recognised in the 2021 census |
| Other languages | Maithili (11.7%), Bhojpuri (6%), Tharu (5.8%), Tamang (5.1%), Newar/Nepal Bhasa (3.2%), Bajjika, Magar, Doteli, Urdu, Limbu, Gurung, Sherpa, Rai — among others |
| Largest ethnic groups | Chhetri, Brahmin (Hill), Magar, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Muslim, Kami, Yadav, Rai, Gurung, Limbu, Sherpa — among approximately 125 recognised groups |
| Population | Approximately 30 million (2021 census, National Statistics Office of Nepal); approximately 30.5 million current estimate |
| Life expectancy | Approximately 71 years overall — 69 years (males), 72 years (females) |
| Area | 147,189 km² (56,827 mi²) — slightly larger than 1.5× Portugal; 2.9% water |
| Average temperature | Daily 14°C (55°F); annual 14°C (55°F) — varies significantly by elevation |
| Climate | Five climatic zones — tropical and subtropical (Terai), temperate (mid-hills), subalpine and alpine (Himalayas); November–January cool, March–May hot, May–October monsoon (rainy and humid) |
| Climatic zones | Eight per FAQ — from tropical Terai (below 500 m) through subtropical, lower temperate, upper temperate, subalpine, alpine, and nival (above 5,000 m) |
| Highest point | Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) — 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft) — world’s highest mountain |
| Lowest point | Mukhiyapatti Musharniya in Dhanusha district — approximately 59 m (194 ft); Gangetic Plain region approximately 100 m (330 ft) per historic data |
| Eight-thousanders in Nepal | Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m) — 8 of the world’s 14 eight-thousand-metre peaks |
| Longest river | Karnali River — approximately 507 km (315 mi) within Nepal; Ghaghara/Karnali system approximately 1,080 km total to confluence with the Ganges |
| Major river systems | Koshi (east), Gandaki (centre), and Karnali (west) — the three main Himalayan river systems; Bagmati flows through Kathmandu Valley |
| Deepest lake | Shey-Phoksundo Lake, Karnali Province — 145–167 m deep (475–548 ft) |
| Largest lake | Rara Lake, Karnali Province — 5.2 km (3.3 mi) length, 2 km (1.2 mi) width, surface area 10.8 km² |
| Highest lake | Tilicho Lake — 4,919 m (16,138 ft) above sea level; among the highest large lakes in the world |
| Ecosystems | Approximately 120 distinct ecosystems — disproportionately diverse relative to land area |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites | 4 sites — Kathmandu Valley (1979, cultural — encompasses seven monument zones: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changu Narayan Temple); Sagarmatha National Park (1979, natural — Mount Everest); Chitwan National Park (1984, natural — established 1973 as Nepal’s first national park); Lumbini (1997, cultural — birthplace of the Buddha, 623 BCE per Ashoka Pillar inscription) |
| National Parks | 13 parks — including Sagarmatha, Chitwan, Bardiya, Banke, Shey-Phoksundo, Khaptad, Langtang, Makalu Barun, Rara, Shuklaphanta, Parsa, Shivapuri Nagarjun, and Krishnasaar/Blackbuck |
| Conservation areas and reserves | 6 Conservation Areas (including Annapurna, Manaslu, Api Nampa, Kanchenjunga, Gaurishankar, Krishnasaar); 10 Ramsar (wetland) sites including Mai Pokhari and Koshi Tappu |
| Geographic coordinates | Latitudes 26°–31° N; Longitudes 80°–88° E |
| Currency | Nepalese Rupee (NPR; Rs) — denominated in Paisa; pegged to Indian Rupee at 1.6:1 |
| Driving side | Left |
| Time zone | Nepal Standard Time (NPT) — UTC+5:45 |
| Internet TLD | .np |
| Calling code | +977 |
| Bordering countries | India (south, east, west) — bordering the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim; and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China (north). Nepal does not directly border Bangladesh or Bhutan; the Indian Siliguri Corridor separates Nepal from those countries. |
| Key international memberships | United Nations, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF — active Extended Credit Facility), Asian Development Bank, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Non-Aligned Movement |
| Points of interest | Mountains, Himalayan trekking corridors, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites, Terai lowlands and rainforests, national parks and rhino/tiger reserves, traditional Newari urban centres |
City guide by region
Nepal’s geography spans from the lowland Terai plains in the south to the high Himalayan range in the north. The city guide below preserves Nepal.com’s original five-development-region framework, which has anchored the platform’s editorial coverage for thirty years. Nepal’s current federal structure under the 2015 Constitution organises the country into seven provinces; the geographic and cultural groupings below remain meaningful as travel and editorial regions and continue to reflect the country’s linguistic, ethnic, and ecological diversity.
Things to do and see
Nepal’s extraordinary geographic and cultural diversity — from Himalayan trekking corridors and ancient temple cities to subtropical jungle, terraced agricultural hills, and Buddhist pilgrimage sites — produces an equally diverse range of visitor experiences. The directory below reflects thirty years of Nepal.com editorial coverage.
Explore Nepal in depth
Nepal.com has been the independent digital home of Nepal since 1995. Use the links below to explore Nepal’s regions, culture, travel information, and commercial sectors.
Geography
Nepal’s Regions — Himalayas to the Terai
Culture and History
Heritage, Festivals, Religion and Cultural Life
Travel Planning
Visiting Nepal — Travel Guide
Activities
Trekking, Wildlife Safaris, Mountain Flights
What to See
UNESCO Sites, National Parks, Mountains
Commercial Nepal
Nepal’s Economy — Six Sectors
Nepal travel — frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Nepal?
The official currency of Nepal is the Rupee which is represented by the symbol (Rs, NPR), and it is divided into 100 paisa. The Nepalese rupee is pegged to the Indian Rupee.
Where should I visit in Nepal?
Based upon its population and size, Nepal is one of the most popular tourist destinations amongst the South Asian countries. Although it attracts climbers and mountaineers, Nepal has local and regional attractions for every type of visitor. If you like outdoors, you can choose to visit one its 13 National Parks or wildlife reserves such as Sagarmatha National Park, its 6 Conservation Areas such as Annapurna or Api Nampa; its 10 Ramsar (wetlands) sites such as Mai Pokhari. Adventurers and outdoorsmen can trek through exotic forests or travel along many of the famous routes of previous expeditions in one of Nepal’s popular valleys or famous mountain peaks. There are also many excursions or safaris to choose where visitors can marvel at wildlife species such as elephants, snow leopards, or the chital deer. For visitors wishing to explore cities and towns, Nepal has a variety of charming historical landmarks, attractions, and national treasures. Some of the most popular visitor spots include museums such as the National Museum, palaces such as the Hanuman Dhoka; temples, monasteries and religious sites like the Changu Narayan Temple, Centers for Performing Arts, and art galleries such as the NAFA Gallery in the Naxal Palace.
When is the best time of year to travel to Nepal?
Nepal has eight climatic zones with weather divided into a wet season in summer (June to September) and a dry season between (October – June). Although Nepal has four distinct seasons most travelers agree that late August through the end of October are the best times to visit. With its diverse and unique geography, spanning from lowlands and plains to mountains and rainforests, the climate can often vary significantly. April to May are the hottest and driest months as temperatures can often exceed 40°C (103°F). Summer monsoons arrive between mid to late June so be prepared for varying weather and climatic conditions.
What are some of the “must see” places in Nepal?
Visitors can choose among many companies that can arrange guided tours or help you create a customized itinerary. Some popular places to see in Nepal could include a tour of the Gorkha Royal Palace established in 1560 and home to dynasties and past rulers; the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel which houses more than 800 animals and a dozen endangered species, and a UNESCO Heritage Site located at Patan Durbar Square. For more information about destinations and travel ideas see our map and area guides.
How expensive is Nepal?
Youth hostels and accommodations are plentiful with season prices ranging between USD$10 and USD$15 a night. In the capital of Kathmandu, two to three-star hotel prices can range from $25 to $60 a night. Luxury, four star rated hotels and resort accommodations can be priced in the range of USD$150 to USD$400 per night. Depending on your country of origin cost of international flights from cities of origin in North America, the United Kingdom and Europe (excluding budget airlines) can range between USD$700 (low season) to USD$1,250 (high season). Advanced purchase gains superior pricing and discounts. Car rentals are available but can be expensive with daily rates between USD$35–$100, and weekly rates for economy often exceeding USD$399 and USD$435, respectively. Travel budgets should reflect the cost of dining out (good meals at nice restaurants can be priced at $5 to $10 dollars each). Guided tours can be pricey but anticipate paying between USD$25 to USD$500 a day, with weekly tour options also available. Prices can also vary significantly between regions. A good budget will also allocate funds for fees and costs to enter national parks, museums, galleries as well as wildlife reserves like Koshi Tappu.
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
Unlike many other countries, Nepal’s visa policy is exceptionally welcoming to foreign visitors. All foreign visitors, except from India, are required to secure a visa. In many cases, a visa is issued upon arrival at certain designated places (border crossings and the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu) but there are a number of limitations. Members of SAARC countries can receive a free (no cost) 30-day tourist visa. The maximum stay for many visitors is 150 days in each calendar year. All visitors must hold a valid passport for 6 months from the date of arrival and may be asked to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds. It is strongly recommended that all visitors determine and secure the required documentation before attempting to enter Nepal.
Selected resources
Practical visitor and cultural resources accumulated over thirty years of editorial coverage on Nepal.com.
Visitors and Travelers
Culture and Society
Nepal.com is not only Nepal’s oldest independent English-language travel and cultural guide — it is the country’s independent commercial intelligence platform. Nepal’s economically feasible hydropower capacity stands at approximately 42,000 MW per the Government of Nepal Water and Energy Commission Secretariat — one of the largest untapped clean-energy positions in South Asia. The India–Nepal Long-Term Power Trade Agreement, signed in January 2024, commits Nepal to 10,000 MW of electricity export to India over the agreement’s first decade under a 25-year bilateral framework. Worker remittances reached approximately 28.2% of GDP in FY 2024/25 per Nepal Rastra Bank; foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 17.6 billion in June 2025 per IMF Country Report 25/285. The Government of Nepal raised the Mt Everest spring royalty to $15,000 in September 2025 — the first increase in a decade. Nepal.com covers all six commercial sectors in depth — hydropower and energy export, adventure and trekking, digital infrastructure, cultural heritage tourism, agriculture and tea, and financial services. Explore Nepal’s Economy →
- Hydropower & Energy Export
- Adventure & Trekking
- Digital Infrastructure
- Cultural Heritage Tourism
- Agriculture & Tea
- Financial Services
Eight macro-regions — Himalayas to the Terai
Kathmandu Valley — Capital Region
Nepal’s federal capital and the cultural and commercial centre of the country, with metropolitan population approximately 1.4 million. The Kathmandu Valley UNESCO inscription (1979) encompasses seven monument zones: Pashupatinath Temple (in continuous worship since approximately 400 AD), Boudhanath Stupa (built circa 5th century, one of the largest stupas in the world at 36 m tall), Swayambhunath Stupa (over 2,500 years old), and the three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhaktapur from the Malla era, plus Changu Narayan Temple (4th century, with a 464 CE stone pillar). Tribhuvan International Airport is the country’s primary international gateway.
Pokhara & The Annapurna Gateway
Pokhara — capital of Gandaki Province — sits on the shore of Phewa Lake at the foot of the Annapurna massif. Most visitors stage their treks here, whether for the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, or the Mustang trans-Himalayan route. The Sarangkot viewpoint above the city is reached by a six-mile round-trip excursion popular for sunrise views over the Himalayas, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (the unclimbed “Fish Tail”), and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) on a clear morning. The Annapurna Conservation Area, established in 1986, is the largest protected area in Nepal and one of the most-visited trekking regions in the world.
The Himalayan Trekking Corridor
The high Himalayan zone — including the Sagarmatha (Everest) region, the Langtang corridor, Manaslu, and Upper Mustang — is Nepal’s signature international destination. Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO 1979) protects Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Ama Dablam. Everest Base Camp sits at 5,380 m (17,650 ft) and is reached by ten- to fourteen-day treks from Lukla via Namche Bazaar, the principal Sherpa town and gateway. Tengboche Monastery at 3,600 m is the spiritual centre of the Khumbu region. The Government of Nepal raised the Mt Everest spring climbing royalty to $15,000 effective September 2025, the first increase in a decade.
The Terai Lowlands
The southern lowland belt — flat, fertile, and subtropical — occupies approximately 17% of Nepal’s land area and contains a disproportionate share of its agricultural production. Lumbini, in the southwestern Terai, is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in 623 BCE per the Ashoka Pillar inscription; UNESCO inscribed Lumbini in 1997. Chitwan National Park (UNESCO 1984, established 1973 as Nepal’s first national park) protects 932 km² of subtropical jungle and is recognised internationally for its populations of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asian one-horned rhinoceros. Chitwan is approximately ten hours by bus from Kathmandu.
Eastern Nepal — Koshi & Madhesh
Koshi Province (capital Biratnagar) contains three of the world’s six highest peaks — Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), and Makalu (8,485 m) — along with Sagarmatha and Makalu Barun National Parks. The Ilam district produces orthodox tea grades whose growing conditions match Darjeeling’s at a fraction of the brand premium; cardamom from Ilam, Panchthar, and Terhathum is a significant Nepali export. Biratnagar is the country’s historic industrial centre — site of Nepal’s first large-scale industry. Madhesh Province (capital Janakpur) covers the densely populated eastern Terai plains; Janakpur is a major Hindu pilgrimage site associated with the Ramayana.
Western Nepal — Lumbini Province
Lumbini Province (capital Butwal/Deukhuri) contains the Buddha’s birthplace at Lumbini, the Bardiya and Banke National Parks — both important Royal Bengal Tiger habitats — and the Dang Valley, reported to be one of the largest valleys in Asia. Tilaurakot, the archaeological remains of ancient Kapilavastu where Siddhartha Gautama is believed to have lived as a prince, lies in this region. Major cities include Butwal, Bhairahawa (gateway to Lumbini), Tansen, and Sandhikharka.
Karnali — The Far Mid-West
Karnali Province is Nepal’s largest province by area at 27,984 km² and the most sparsely populated; the provincial capital is Birendranagar (Surkhet). Karnali contains Rara Lake — Nepal’s largest lake at 10.8 km² surface area, length 5.2 km, width 2 km — and Shey-Phoksundo Lake at 167 m depth, the deepest in Nepal. Shey-Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park in Nepal at 3,555 km². The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, established 1987, is Nepal’s only designated hunting reserve. The Jumli Marsi rice strain from Jumla district is among the highest-altitude rice cultivars in the world.
Sudurpashchim — Far Western Nepal
Sudurpashchim Province (capital Dhangadhi) is Nepal’s westernmost province with a population of approximately 2.5 million. The Mahakali River forms the western border with India. The province contains Khaptad National Park (a sacred meditation site at 3,300 m elevation) and Shuklaphanta National Park, an important habitat for the endangered swamp deer. Api (7,132 m) and Saipal (7,031 m) in the Gurans Himal range are the province’s principal high peaks. Doteli is the dominant regional language alongside Nepali.
Named sources informing this page
This profile of Nepal draws on a combination of Nepal.com’s thirty years of editorial coverage and the authoritative public sources listed below. Specific figures and treaty references are attributed inline to their named source.
Government of Nepal
- Department of Tourism
Mt Everest royalty schedule effective September 2025; Tribhuvan International Airport visa-on-arrival policy - Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS)
42,000 MW economically feasible hydropower capacity - Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
FY 2024/25 Macroeconomic Report; 28.2% worker remittance share of GDP - Nepal Tourism Board
UNESCO World Heritage Sites listings; visitor arrival data - Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)
April 2025 NEA / PowerGrid cross-border 400 kV MoU - National Statistics Office of Nepal
2021 Population and Housing Census; ethnic and linguistic data - Constitution of Nepal, 2015
Schedule 4 — seven federal provinces and 77 districts - Investment Board Nepal (IBN)
Foreign investment framework for projects >NPR 6 billion
International Bodies
- UNESCO World Heritage Convention
Four Nepal sites: Kathmandu Valley (1979), Sagarmatha NP (1979), Chitwan NP (1984), Lumbini (1997) - IMF Country Report 25/285
June 2025 — foreign exchange reserves USD 17.6 billion; active Extended Credit Facility programme - World Bank
Nepal country portfolio data, fiscal year programmes, and macroeconomic statistics - Asian Development Bank
USD 9.3 billion cumulative portfolio data and Nepal country strategy - FAO — Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Agricultural land use and food security statistics for Nepal - SAARC — South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
30-day visa-free arrangement for SAARC nationals
Treaties & Editorial Sources
- India–Nepal Long-Term Power Trade Agreement
Signed January 2024 — 25-year framework, 10,000 MW first-decade target - Encyclopædia Britannica
Modern history of Nepal — Prithvi Narayan Shah, Rana dynasty, monarchy - Nepal Mountaineering Association
Eight of the world’s ten highest mountains located in Nepal; climbing record-keeping - Nepal.com editorial archive
Thirty years of original content covering travel, culture, and commercial subjects (1995–2026)
All sources are publicly available and were reviewed at the time of this page’s preparation. Specific figures and dates are subject to change; consult primary sources for the most current data. For platform partnership enquiries regarding Nepal.com, see Partner With Us.