The Solo travel Guide to Nepal; What You Should Know Before Landing in Kathmandu

Are you wondering what it’s like to travel solo in Nepal? In this post, our friend and fellow blogger Hailey will share her experience after spending 7 months living in Nepal.

If you’re planning your trip, whether it’s for a long-term journey or just a couple of weeks, this read will provide you with all the information you need. So grab a coffee and sit back, because you’re in for an armchair journey to Nepal.

Not only did I solo travel in Nepal, but I also moved there from across the globe for 7 months! During that time, I traveled around the entire country, trekking in the Himalayas, taking a safari in Chitwan, riding motorcycles in bustling Kathmandu, and discovering my spiritual side at Buddhist and Hindu temples and monasteries.

In this guide, I will share everything I’ve learned over the past 7 months to help you travel to Nepal safely and successfully. We’ll cover everything, from scams to avoid and specific tips for women, trekking alone, navigating the local scene, culture and etiquette, connectivity, and much more!

Visa Requirements and Arriving in Nepal

Almost every international flight arriving in Nepal lands at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. You can purchase a multiple-entry tourist visa for 15, 30, or 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you can extend your stay close to the end of your 90 days to stay for a total of 150 days.

You can find the updated fees for each tourist visa here.

Step 1: You can complete the visa form in two ways.

Online Pre-Arrival – If you want to land and breeze through, you can complete the form on the Immigration Dept website within 15 days of arrival. You’ll have to upload a passport photo, print or screenshot the barcode, and bring it.

At the Airport – When you arrive, there are airport kiosks where you can fill out the visa form. They’ll take your photo and print out your barcoded receipt. The lines for this can get long in peak season around October–November and March–April–May.

Step 2: Pay the fee

With your barcode, head to the “Bank” counter beside the kiosks to pay the visa fee. You can pay in USD. Make sure your bills aren’t ripped or crinkled because sometimes they won’t accept them. They do have a card machine, but they often go offline without warning, so bring cash.

After you pay, you’ll get a printed receipt stapled to your form.

Step 3: Immigration Desk and Stamp

After you pay for the visa, head to the immigration desk to enter the country. They’ll make sure you have your visa form and receipt. Keep your entry card stub in case you need it, especially if you plan to extend your visa later.

To stay past the 90 days, you need to visit the Immigration HQ in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Is Nepal Safe for Solo Travellers?

After 7 months of living in Nepal as a solo female, I can say with confidence that I never felt scared for my safety. There are some things to look out for when solo traveling so you don’t get taken advantage of and be extra cautious, but as long as you know them in advance, you shouldn’t have a problem.

Street-Level Safety

Nepal gets a “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution,” according to the 2024 US Travel Advisory. It’s on the same level as France or the UK and stems from occasional political protests rather than violent crime. When I lived in Kathmandu, there were a couple of small, non-violent protests, and we were advised to avoid getting involved and stay away.

The biggest risk I experienced was getting pickpocketed, especially in tourist hubs like Thamel and the Durbar Squares. I would often walk around my neighborhood alone at night after work, and never had any issues. Although, of course, this is something to be cautious of anywhere.

Taxis and Common Scams to Avoid

Don’t get into taxis without agreeing on a price first. They will 100% hike up the prices for tourists, so be sure to haggle to avoid getting ripped off. Most of the time, you can almost cut the proposed price in half as a starting point.

There aren’t too many common scams. However, you will likely be approached in tourist areas to purchase tours or products. If someone offers a free tour, it is almost never actually free—they’ll try to get money at the end.

Street Dogs and Monkeys

There are street dogs everywhere in Nepal. They mostly keep to themselves, but some can get aggressive if confronted. Best to give them space and avoid eye contact.

Monkeys aren’t as common in the cities but are everywhere at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Pashupatinath. They’re not usually aggressive, but they’re known to steal food, phones, and water bottles.

Don’t carry food where they can spot it, and avoid close interactions. Monkey bites do happen occasionally—one girl I met at the tourist hospital was being treated for rabies after a bite.

Also, speak with a travel doctor about recommended vaccines, especially if you’ll travel elsewhere in Asia after.

Local Buses Between Towns in Nepal

One of the only things I’d call potentially unsafe is taking local buses between towns. Roads can be dangerous—windy, full of cliff drop-offs, and buses are often overcrowded.

While I lived there, a bus fell off a cliff about once a month somewhere in the countryside. After the second time, I stopped taking them.

This doesn’t apply to tourist buses like the ones between Kathmandu and Pokhara, which follow safety limits and are more regulated.

Travelling Solo as a Female

Nepal is pretty safe for women. Cat-calling is rare, and I never felt unsafe. The biggest issue is just curiosity—lots of questions about marriage and family.

I usually just said I had a boyfriend back home to skip the awkward “Why aren’t you married yet?” chat.

To avoid stares, try to dress modestly—cover shoulders, wear longer shorts, and if visiting temples cover to the ankles.

Is it Easy to Travel Solo in Nepal?

Language Barriers

Most young people and people in tourism speak some English. Taxi drivers are hit or miss. Outside of Kathmandu, English gets rarer, but Google Translate helps.

Meeting People

It’s really easy to meet people, especially other trekkers. There’s great community in hostels and trekking teahouses. Also, check out the “Kathmandu Expat” Facebook group for meetups.

Locals are very friendly—I even made a friend by bumping into her at the bathroom of my favorite bar.

Can You Trek Solo in Nepal?

Technically not anymore. As of 2023, the government requires foreign trekkers to hire a local guide—for safety and to support the local economy.

It’s affordable to hire a guide one-on-one, and you’ll still get the peace and freedom of solo hiking with someone there in case something goes wrong.

Trekking permits

In addition to a guide, you also need a trekking permit for whichever conservation area you are entering. There are three types of trekking paperwork. Most treks only require two of them. There are some restricted regions, like the Upper Mustang and Humla treks, that require all three. They are:

Conservation Area or National Park permit

Examples: ACAP for the Annapurna region, Sagarmatha National Park for Everest, Langtang National Park for Langtang.

You can purchase it at the Nepal Tourism Board counters in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. You need to carry cash because the card terminals don’t work most of the time. The permit is valid for one entry and one calendar month.

• TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

Since the 2023 “mandatory guide” rule, independent hikers can’t get a TIMS card on their own. If you hire a licensed guide, the agency supplies the card as part of the package.

• Restricted-Area Permit (RAP)

Only for routes like Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar-Phu, and Upper Dolpo. This must be arranged through a trekking agency. They are issued in Kathmandu’s Department of Immigration, so they require an extra day to deal with before trekking.

Wifi and Cell Service in Nepal

You can find pretty decent wifi in some cafes, hostels, and hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Outside of those cities, like at teahouses on trekking routes, it is harder to find and not reliable.

Kathmandu and Pokhara’s cell service makes up for any gaps in Wifi speed. You can get an e-SIM if you’re staying in Nepal for a short period of time. If you plan to stay for more than a couple of weeks, I recommend getting a SIM card. There are two cell providers, Ncell and Nepal Telecom NTC. Their data prices are super cheap, and the data is fast.

How to Get Around Nepal

Getting Around Locally

The best way to get around locally within cities is by taxi. They do have public buses, but they don’t follow schedules, and everything happens really fast in Nepali. I’d only recommend trying if you have a lot of time and flexibility and are up for a challenge. When in doubt, try to ask a local.

Taxis are really affordable in Nepal. If you want to save even more money as a solo traveler, you can use the app Pathao. It’s basically Uber, but for catching a ride on the back of someone’s motorcycle. Keep in mind that they won’t usually have a helmet for you.

Getting Between Cities

There are tourist buses and domestic flights to get between popular places in the country.

• Kathmandu to Pokhara: You can book a direct tourist bus that takes about 8 hours, a private vehicle if you want extra comfort or a domestic flight. Tourist buses and private transfers can be booked through travel agencies in person in Thamel. You can book domestic flights through Buddha Air.
• Kathmandu to Chitwan: The best way is to take a direct tourist bus or private transfer. You can book them in person at travel agencies in Thamel. The drive takes about 6 hours.
• Kathmandu to Langtang Region: Direct bus or private jeep.
• Kathmandu to Everest Region: Domestic flight into Lukla Airport. Most people traveling to this region do so with a guided tour for treks like Everest Basecamp. They will arrange transport for you. However, if you need to book your own flight, you can book with Tara Air, Summit Air, or Sita Air.

Things To Do As a Solo Traveller in Nepal

1. Join a Guided Group Trek

Trekking is the #1 reason many people travel to Nepal. Home to the Himalayas, there are literally hundreds of trekking routes and mountains to traverse. Some of the best treks in the country include Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit or Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Langtang Valley, and Manaslu Circuit.

I joined a group tour to hike Annapurna Base Camp. Two others joined, plus my dad came out to visit too. We ended up becoming really close with our fellow hikers because of the physical challenge we faced each of the seven days together. You could hire a guide to trek one-on-one, but if you want to meet people, go for the group option.

Typical groups range from 4 – 12 people. In peak season, it definitely gets closer to the full 12. I hiked in winter, which is why there were only 4 of us.

2. Take a Tour of Kathmandu

Kathmandu is one of the most beautifully chaotic and truly alive cities you might ever visit. The valley has 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, ranging from Buddhist Stupas to active Hindu temples and ancient squares.

This massive city, with its endless number of things to do, can feel overwhelming to tackle all on your own. Luckily, there are a lot of day tours and excursions you can take to help you cover a lot of ground without worrying about the logistics alone.

You can take a regular walking tour that visits some of Kathmandu’s best sights, venture on a day trip to Bhaktapur (part of the seven heritage sites), or try out a more unique way to see the city, like:

• Photography tours – Hit sunrise at Swayambhunath, then dive into the back alleys of Patan.
• Food tours – A great way to blend sightseeing with your love of trying local cuisines.
• Nature-Focused tours – Some take you to nearby towns like Nagarkot in the rural hills or on a cable car to the top of Chandragiri mountain just outside of town.

For an in-depth look at other activities and how to spend your days in Kathmandu, please refer to my dedicated post.

3. Go Tandem Paragliding in Pokhara

One of my favorite experiences in Nepal was going paragliding after returning from a trek. Pokhara is a charming lakeside town surrounded by some of the world’s tallest snow-capped mountains. As you can imagine, it makes for some incredible views flying high above it all.

Tons of people embark on this tour daily, and it is considered really safe! Additionally, if you wish, the guides will perform aerial tricks with you in the air. We got lots of great GoPro photos of us in the sky with Fish Tail Mountain and the Annapurna Range.

There are so many other adventurous activities to do in Pokhara, like boat rides and sunset mountain viewpoints, so I highly recommend spending a couple of extra days there.

4. Go On a Meditation/Yoga Retreat

Nepal has a deep spiritual vibe in the air. The country blends Buddhism and Hinduism, creating a really unique social environment. As a result, one of the best things to do there is to embrace your spiritual side at a yoga or meditation retreat. There are several in and around Kathmandu, or you can venture a bit rural by booking a package.

Some of the best places to go for a retreat include:

1. Kopan Monastery (Tibetan Buddhism) – This monastery is in the hills above Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu. It is one of the most respected spiritual centres in Nepal.
2. Nagarkot Yoga Homestay –  Nagarkot is a rural town about 45 minutes away from Kathmandu. This retreat has daily yoga classes, guided hikes to waterfalls, and organic meals.
3. Kathmandu Meditation Homes –  In the foothills of Shivapuri Mountain in Kathmandu, this course is for beginners to learn foundational meditation techniques.

5. Bar Hop in Thamel

Thamel is the tourist hub in Kathmandu, jammed with bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, handicraft stores, and other vendors.

The bar scene in Thamel is really fun, with a huge focus on live music. My favorite bar, which I’ve visited during all my travels, is located in Thamel and is called Purple Haze. It has a large stage where the best bands in Nepal play live every weekend.

Other good ones include Sam’s Bar (classic rock and filled with writing on the walls), Reggae Bar (as the name suggests), and Gorkha Brewery Taproom for craft beer.

Covers at a lot of bars are often free for foreigners. It’s really easy to meet people as you go, especially locals who are curious about foreign people. Or you can easily enjoy the music and vibe on your own.

6. Take a Safari Tour in Chitwan

Chitwan is part of Nepal’s southern jungle with tigers, rhinos, crocodiles, sloth bears, and more. You can take safari tours there where you search for animals through the dense rainforest by jeep or dugout canoe on the water. Chitwan also has deep Indigenous roots, which is fascinating to learn about in different cultural displays.

I didn’t have the luck of seeing a tiger or rhino during my 3 days in Chitwan, but still found it 100% worth the trip. The jungle was stunning, I loved watching Indigenous dances and plays, and the rustic-style safari lodges felt luxurious compared to the rest of Nepal.

7. Take an Everest Scenic Flight

If you don’t plan to hike in the Everest Region, the best way to check off one of the seven natural wonders of the world is by taking a scenic flight. There are several companies offering these one-hour flights that are entirely focused on getting you as close to Everest with as little effort as possible.

8. Take a Cooking Class With a Local

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture is in a cooking class. Classes in Kathmandu often include shopping trips to the nearby market and then cooking in a family’s home. You’ll learn how to make momos and other traditional Nepali dishes like Dhal Bat.

You can find a complete list of unique activities in Nepal here.

Where to Stay in Nepal

Hostels For Meeting People:

I cannot endorse hostel stays enough for solo travelers looking to meet people. I’m one of the most socially shy people, and I always end up having great chats and making friends in hostel dorms. Stick to Thamel in Kathmandu if you want to be in the center of it all, and Lakeside in Pokhara.

Some of the best hostels in Kathmandu:

• Flock Hostel – One of the most modern and hip hostels near Thamel. They have a cocktail bar and restaurant on-site, as well as a rooftop hangout space, live music, and a travel desk to book tours.
• Elbrus Home – One of the highest-rated hostels in Kathmandu, Elbrus is right in the heart of Thamel and has a super hospitable host. The rooms are clean, there is free breakfast, and it has a peaceful outdoor garden space.
• WanderThirst Hostel – This hostel places a huge focus on their community and being a space where people can connect. They run tours regularly to join and have a co-working space, restaurant/bar on-site, game room, open garden movie theatre, and even a tattoo studio.

Some of the best hostels in Pokhara:

• Kiwi Backpackers Hostel Pokhara – This hostel is on the lakeside and has one of the nicest rooftop hangout spots in Pokhara (think hammocks you can lounge in with Fishtail Mountain towering over you). The rooms are clean and comfortable, and they also offer yoga, free breakfast, bicycles, gear swaps, community meals, and more.
• Pokhara Backpackers’ Hostel – Right in the city center, this hostel is simple but clean and full of community. They plan regular events, have free breakfast, and have spacious private dorms for really cheap.
• Forest Lake Hostel – A bit more of a walk from the city center, this hostel has a stunning outdoor terrace with hammocks overlooking sparkling Phewa Lake. The rooms are incredibly clean and have comfortable beds.

Homestays for Cultural Immersion

After staying at several homestays throughout rural parts of Nepal, I highly recommend trying a homestay if you have the time.

The ones I stayed at were through connections with my local volunteer job, but there are several community-run homestays, like in Panauti, Patlekhet, and the Terai. They give you a spare bedroom in a family house, home-cooked meals, and a deeper look into everyday life in Nepal.

Teahouses for Mountain Treks

If you plan to trek, you will stay in teahouses along the hiking routes. The teahouses form small communities in the mountains and offer dorm-style accommodation for trekkers.

The rooms are extremely basic, a standard single bed with a pillow in a bare cement room. However, the best part of staying in a teahouse is the communal spaces that foster a sense of community among happy hikers.

There will be a larger dining area where people spend their time sharing stories, eating, playing cards, and socializing.

You need to bring your own sleeping bag on treks because they don’t provide enough bedding. There is no central heating at all, so whatever the temperature is outside is what you can expect to sleep in.

When to Travel to Nepal

The best time to travel to Nepal is between September and May. This is the dry season, so you won’t have to deal with muggy conditions or heavy rain.

If you are going specifically to trek, the peak time to go is between late September – early December and then again in March-May. These shoulder seasons have the mildest temperatures in the mountains.

You can still trek between December – February, but the winter conditions bring impassable sections due to avalanches or snow, so you’d have to stick to shorter and lower-altitude treks like Poon Hill.

Packing and Gear Tips for Nepal

• Bring your normal comfortable clothes, with modesty in mind. You don’t need to dress completely differently and cover up head to toe, though.
• Bring warm clothes if you are traveling to Nepal from November to March. There is no central heating in Nepal, except in the newest and most luxurious hotels. You’ll need to wear layers indoors.
• You can rent most of your gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara—even sleeping bags. The only thing I’d recommend is bringing your own day pack and hiking shoes that are well broken in. You can also purchase a wide range of gear at a low cost in Kathmandu. It’s not dirt cheap per se, but if you don’t have something at home yet, consider buying it in Kathmandu.
• Rent crampons and trekking poles if hiking in winter. I made the mistake of not renting these, and it took us almost double the time to get between destinations.
• Bring plug adaptors and check the electrical input on your chargers. Nepal uses types C, D & M and 220V.
• Bring hand sanitizer. Public bathrooms don’t always have soap.
• Bring feminine products. You can find these in Nepal, but not as easily or with as much variety.
• Make sure you pack sunscreen when trekking. The UV is higher in the mountains.
• If you have a drone, check the location of your planned visit, as Nepal has strict regulations on where drones are permitted. They are mostly not allowed.

Culture and Etiquette

Some cultural norms are good to know before traveling to Nepal.

1. Locals find it polite when foreigners try to learn a little bit of their language. This can be as simple as greeting with the word “Namaste.”
2. When passing money, pouring tea, or handing over your passport, try to remember to use your right hand (or both hands). The left hand is culturally considered unclean for use in communal exchanges. I sometimes make the mistake of forgetting, and people can be understanding, but it’s better to try!
3. You’ll need to cover up your shoulders and down to your ankles when visiting temples. Some of the more touristy spots might let you get away with it, but often, you won’t be allowed to enter without covering yourself. You also want to take your shoes off at the doorway to some smaller temples (you’ll see other shoes around if that’s the case) and hats off too.
4. Walk clockwise around shrines and keep your voice low when around practicing monks.

FAQ About Travelling Solo in Nepal

Can I store excess luggage while I trek?

Yes, the majority of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer luggage storage. I wouldn’t bring anything too valuable if you plan to store your luggage though.

Will I feel lonely?

If you take the right steps to stay in hostels, join group tours, and be open-minded, then no!  I really believe you’d have to be trying hard not to make friends in a teahouse dining hall.

Are there coworking spaces with backup power?”

Yes, especially in Kathmandu’s Patan district and Pokhara’s Lakeside. Cell coverage is also reliable in these cities, so you can use data as a backup.

Can I trek if I’m vegan/gluten-free?

Dal bhat is vegan and gluten-free by default. I’d bring GF snacks for high-altitude villages. Oreos are in high abundance as a snack for sale, which are vegan.

Do I need to tip guides/porters?

You really should. 10-15 % of the total is standard.

Is it okay to haggle?

Yes, and you should! Unless you are in a chain store like The North Face or Mammut, haggling is expected. You should especially haggle with shop owners and taxi drivers.

Final Thoughts on Travelling to Nepal Solo

If you are up for a bit of chaos and culture shock, then Nepal is a dream solo travel destination. It is incredibly easy to join group tours and meet friends at hostels and teahouses. Or alternatively, it’s a spiritual place to reconnect with yourself.

Some final tips:

• Plan the non-negotiables: visa, permits, insurance, and a weather buffer for flights or road closures. Then, keep the rest loose enough to join last-minute invites.
• Pack lighter than you think, dress more modestly than at home, and carry more small bills than feel necessary.
• Say “Namaste,” smile often, and use your right hand. The little gestures go a long way.
• Treat altitude, monkeys, and traffic with respect. For everything else, just use your common sense.
• If you’re a solo female and want to avoid lengthy questioning, just tell people you have a partner at home. This is kind of a joke, but also something I definitely did.

Happy adventuring!