Nepal | Asia

Nepal is a landlocked nation in Southern Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Its geography is defined by the Himalayan mountain range, containing eight of the world's ten highest peaks, with the Capital City being Kathmandu.

History & Culture

Nepal was never colonized; it transitioned from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic following the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord and the formal abolition of the monarchy in 2008. Hinduism is the primary religious affiliation (81%), followed by Buddhism (9%). Dashain is the most significant national holiday, celebrating the victory of good over evil. Social etiquette dictates using the right hand for giving or receiving items and removing shoes before entering homes or religious sites.

Language & Communication

The official language is Nepali. English proficiency is medium in urban centers and major trekking hubs but low in rural areas. Dominant local dialects include Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Tharu.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 29.6 million, with 25% residing in urban areas and 75% in rural regions. Top export commodities are palm oil, soybean oil, and synthetic filament yarn. The GDP per capita is approximately 1,300 USD. Agriculture remains the primary industry driving the labor market, employing over 65% of the workforce.

Visa & Entry Policy

Major passport holders (EU/US/UK) are eligible for a Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and certain land borders. An E-Visa/Online Pre-registration system is available and recommended to expedite entry. The policy is considered moderate in strictness; a passport must be valid for six months beyond the entry date.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Cash is the primary payment method outside Kathmandu and Pokhara. While card acceptance is increasing in urban hotels and upscale restaurants, card machines often face connectivity issues. ATMs are sparse in rural and trekking regions.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel relies on long-distance buses and domestic flights. There is no significant passenger train network. Major domestic airlines include Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines. Private tourist buses (e.g., Jagadamba, Baba Adventure) serve the Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lumbini routes.

Digital Infrastructure

The primary mobile network providers are Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell. 4G coverage is stable in major cities and along main highways but becomes highly unreliable or nonexistent in high-altitude trekking zones. 5G deployment is currently limited to specific urban test sites.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate varies by altitude: the southern Terai is subtropical, the central hills are temperate, and the northern mountains are alpine/arctic. The wet season (Monsoon) runs from June to August. The dry season occurs from October to May, with the clearest skies in October and November.

Health & Safety

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry unless traveling from a Yellow Fever-endemic zone. Recommended precautions include Hepatitis A and Typhoid. High altitude sickness is a risk above 2,500 meters, and Malaria is present in the Terai lowlands. The emergency number is 100 for Police and 102 for Ambulance.

Top Major Regions & Cities

Kathmandu Valley: Hub for culture and history; visit Kathmandu.

Annapurna Region: Hub for trekking and adventure; visit Pokhara.

Khumbu (Everest) Region: Hub for high-altitude expeditions; visit Namche Bazaar.

Terai Lowlands: Hub for wildlife and pilgrimage; visit Bharatpur (for Chitwan) or Lumbini.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 35 NPR (0.26 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (650ml): 450 NPR (3.35 USD)

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): 500 NPR (3.72 USD)

Facts & Legends

Nepal uses a unique official calendar called Bikram Sambat (BS), which is approximately 56 years and 8 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar. According to local legend, the Kathmandu Valley was once a massive lake until the bodhisattva Manjushri cut a gorge at Chobhar with his sword of wisdom, draining the water to allow human settlement.