Nepal

πŸ‡³πŸ‡΅

Phone Code

+977

Capital

Kathmandu

Population

30 Million

Native Name

ΰ€¨ΰ€ͺΰ€²

Region

Asia

Southern Asia

Timezone

Nepal Time

UTC+05:45

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Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan country between India (south, east, west) and China/Tibet (north), home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains including Mount Everest (8,849m, world's tallest). A small nation (similar size to Bangladesh but with mountains), Nepal packs extraordinary geographical diversity from tropical Terai lowlands (60m elevation) to Everest's peak - the greatest elevation change on Earth over such short distance. Kathmandu, the capital, sits in valley surrounded by terraced hills and ancient temples. Nepal is only Hindu-majority nation (though large Buddhist minority), with unique cultural blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Birthplace of Buddha (Lumbini, southern Nepal, 563 BCE). Former Kingdom until 2008 when monarchy was abolished after Maoist civil war (1996-2006). Visitors are drawn to Everest Base Camp trekking (classic 12-14 day trek), Annapurna Circuit and ABC treks, Kathmandu Valley temples (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath 'Monkey Temple'), Pokhara lakeside town and Himalayan views, Chitwan National Park jungle safaris (rhinos, tigers, elephants), Lumbini Buddhist pilgrimage site, and Nepali hospitality. Nepal offers world's best trekking, authentic Himalayan culture, spiritual sites, and adventure sports at budget prices.

Visa Requirements for Nepal

Nepal offers visa on arrival for citizens of most countries at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and land borders with India and China/Tibet. Very few nationalities require advance visas (primarily Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Syria). Visa on arrival is straightforward: fill out form (online pre-registration recommended at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np), pay fee in USD cash or credit card, receive 15, 30, or 90-day visa. Costs: 15 days $30 USD, 30 days $50 USD, 90 days $125 USD. Multiple entries included. Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond intended stay with one blank page. FREE visa on arrival for Indian citizens (reciprocal agreement). Chinese citizens need advance visa. Visa can be extended in Kathmandu for up to 150 days total per visa year (mid-January to mid-January), making Nepal popular with long-term travelers and trekkers. Extensions $40-50 per month. Nepal has very liberal and simple visa policies to encourage tourism (tourism accounts for 7%+ of GDP). Trekking permits (TIMS card, national park permits) are separate from visa and arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Common Visa Types

Visa on Arrival

15 days ($30), 30 days ($50), or 90 days ($125 USD); multiple entries included; available at Kathmandu airport, Pokhara airport, and land borders (India, Tibet); online pre-registration recommended (nepaliport.immigration.gov.np) to speed process; payment in USD cash or major credit cards; passport photo required (available at airport if forgotten); simple process taking 15-30 minutes at airport.

For tourism for citizens of most countries, obtained at airport or land borders.

Visa Extension

Can extend up to 150 days total per visa year (year runs mid-January to mid-January); extension costs $3/day for up to 30 days, then $40-50 per month; apply at Immigration Office in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan) or Pokhara; requires passport, extension fee, passport photo; popular with trekkers doing multiple routes; relatively easy process.

For travelers wishing to extend stay beyond initial visa for trekking, volunteering, or travel.

Free Visa (Indian Citizens)

Unlimited stay for Indian citizens (and vice versa for Nepalis in India); no visa required; open border policy; can work and live; results in large Indian population in Nepal; unique arrangement based on historical, cultural, religious ties; Indian rupee widely accepted in Nepal alongside Nepali rupee.

Special reciprocal agreement between India and Nepal for visa-free travel.

Trekking Permits (Separate from Visa)

TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System) required for most treks ($20); ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) $30; Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Permit $30; restricted area permits (Mustang $500, Upper Dolpo $500) much more expensive; arranged through trekking agencies or tourism offices in Kathmandu/Pokhara; different from visa but necessary for trekking.

Required permits for trekking in national parks and restricted areas - separate from visa.

Important Travel Information

Mount Everest & trekking mecca: Nepal is world's premier trekking destination. Everest Base Camp trek (12-14 days, altitude 5,364m) is bucket-list trek passing through Sherpa villages, with Everest views. Annapurna Circuit (15-21 days, crosses Thorong La Pass 5,416m) offers incredible diversity. Annapurna Base Camp shorter (7-10 days). Langtang Valley (7 days) less crowded. Peak trekking seasons: March-May (spring, rhododendron blooms) and October-November (autumn, clearest views). Winter too cold, monsoon July-August muddy. Trekking permits and guides required for some areas.

Altitude sickness real risk: Many treks go above 3,000m where altitude sickness (AMS) becomes serious risk. Symptoms: headache, nausiness, fatigue. Severe AMS (HACE/HAPE) can be fatal. Acclimatize properly - don't ascend too fast ('climb high, sleep low'). Diamox medication helps. Everest Base Camp averages 1-2 deaths per trekking season from altitude sickness. Take seriously. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Travel insurance must cover helicopter evacuation (costs $5,000-10,000+). Many insurance policies exclude trekking above 4,000m - check coverage.

Unique timezone: Nepal uses UTC+5:45 timezone - only country with 45-minute offset (shared with Chatham Islands, New Zealand). Why? When Nepal set time zone (1986), wanted to be distinct from India (UTC+5:30). Symbol of independence. Adds to quirky charm but confusing for travelers. Clocks always show unusual times.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Kathmandu
States & Regions in Nepal

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Nepal

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Nepal
United States in Nepal

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