Nepal

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Nepal due to the potential for isolated political violence.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

+977 1 423-4000, +977 1 400-7272; US Embassy in Kathmandu, Embassy of the United States of America, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal; usembktm@state.gov; https://np.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

977

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 228094; Fire: local number; Police: 100

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Nepal: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south

Currency (Code)

Nepalese rupees (NPR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, M

Plug Type CPlug Type DPlug Type M

Major Languages

Nepali, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Bajjika, Magar, Doteli, Urdu, Avadhi, Limbu, Gurung, Baitadeli; note: 123 languages reported as mother tongue

Major Religions

Hindu 81.3%, Buddhist 9%, Muslim 4.4%, Kirant 3.1%, Christian 1.4%

Time Difference

UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

An IDP is required, and after 15 days, a local license is required.

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Kathmandu (includes Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Square); Bhaktapur; Pokhara; Annapurna Circuit trek; Chitwan National Park; Lumbini (Buddha Birthplace)

Major Sports

Soccer, cricket, swimming, volleyball, tennis, martial arts

Cultural Practices

Avoid eating with your left hand and beef is strictly prohibited among Hindus. Do not offer food from your plate, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.

Tipping Guidelines

At restaurants, if a service charge has not been included, 10% of the bill is an acceptable tip. Porters may be tipped $2-4 (USD) per day, guides $3-5 (USD) per day.

Souvenirs

Knotted/woven carpets and hemp items, wool pashminas, sheepskin slippers, woven caps, kukri knives, precious metal and turquoise jewelry, sacred scroll paintings, wood instruments, lokta bark paper, tea, kitchen spices

Traditional Cuisine

Dal Bhaath/Bhat — rice served with lentil soup and vegetable or meat curry


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2024