Practical A–Z

Visa on Arrival

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss receive a Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (Tribhuvan International Airport). The process is straightforward but can take 1–2 hours during peak season arrivals:

1. Fill out the electronic visa form at the machine before passport control (or online in advance at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np — saves a lot of time!)
2. Passport control with visa fee (in USD cash or by credit card)
3. Collect luggage

Visa Fees

Payment in USD (cash!) or by credit card. Passport photos are taken digitally at the machine (no passport photo needed, but bring 2 just in case). The passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages.

Extension

Visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan) or Pokhara. Maximum 150 days per calendar year. Cost: 3 USD per day extension (minimum 15 days). Process takes 1–3 hours, go in the morning.

Important

• Children under 10 years: free visa!
• The visa is valid from the day of entry (not from the issue date)
• Overstay is penalized with 5 USD/day fine — plus possible difficulties with future entries
• Indian Rupees (notes over 100 INR) are NOT accepted as currency in Nepal
• Land border India: Visa on Arrival also available at border crossings (Birgunj/Raxaul, Bhairahawa/Sunauli, Kakarbhitta, Nepalgunj). Bring USD cash!

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

1 Rupee = 100 Paisa (Paisa coins are practically no longer in circulation). Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 NPR. The 1,000 notes are relatively new and are sometimes not accepted in small shops or on the trek — always keep small notes (100s and 500s) ready.

Exchange rate (indicative 2025): 1 EUR ≈ 145 NPR / 1 USD ≈ 135 NPR / 1 CHF ≈ 150 NPR

The Nepalese Rupee is pegged to the Indian Rupee (1 INR = 1.6 NPR fixed).

Withdrawing & Exchanging Money

• ATMs: Sufficiently available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and larger cities. Maximum withdrawal: usually 35,000–50,000 NPR per transaction (some allow 100,000 NPR). Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered, Himalayan Bank, and Global IME Bank are the most reliable. On the trek: NO ATMs above a certain altitude! The last ATMs can be found in Namche Bazaar (EBC) and Chame (Annapurna) — after that, only cash
• Fees: 500 NPR per withdrawal at most Nepalese banks + fees from your home bank. Tip: Use a travel credit card without foreign transaction fees (e.g., DKB, ING, Revolut)
• Exchange offices: In Thamel and at the airport. The rate at the airport is fair (hardly worse than in the city). In Thamel, compare 2–3 exchange offices — the rates vary slightly. Keep the exchange receipt! You need it for re-exchange upon departure (max. 15% of the exchanged amount)
• Credit cards: Accepted only in upscale hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the trek and in small towns: CASH ONLY!

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations for Nepal (except yellow fever when entering from an endemic area). Recommended:

• Standard: Tetanus, diphtheria, polio (refresh!)
• Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended — the risk is high in Nepal (contaminated water and food)
• Hepatitis B: For longer stays or medical contact
• Typhoid: Recommended — especially for backpackers and trekkers who eat street food
• Rabies: Strongly recommended! Nepal has many stray dogs (estimated 3 million!) and monkeys (Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath). Rabies is 100% fatal after symptoms begin, and the vaccine is not available on the trek. The vaccination requires 3 doses over 3–4 weeks — start well before the trip. Even after a bite, see a doctor immediately (booster doses needed)
• Japanese Encephalitis: For stays in the Terai during monsoon season (June–October)
• Cholera: Oral vaccination optional for sensitive stomachs and street food plans

Water — The Alpha and Omega

NEVER drink tap water in Nepal! Not even for brushing teeth. Also, no ice cubes in drinks (unless the restaurant makes them from filtered water). Options:

• UV water purifier (SteriPEN): The best solution for trekkers — 90 seconds of UV light kills 99.9% of all pathogens. Costs from 80€, pays for itself within a few trek days (no need to buy expensive "boiled water"). Requires batteries/charging — bring a power bank!
• Water filter bottle (LifeStraw, Grayl): Compact, no energy needed, filters bacteria and protozoa. From 30€
• Boiled water: Always available in tea houses. Prices rise with altitude: 50 NPR in the valley, 200–400 NPR at 4,000 m
• Water purification tablets: Micropur or chlorine tablets — cheap (2€ for 100 tablets in Kathmandu), lightweight, but taste suffers
• Bottled water: Available in cities. On the trek: please do NOT buy plastic! Waste disposal at altitude is a huge environmental problem — thousands of plastic bottles litter the trekking routes

Gastrointestinal Issues — Nepal's Most Common Tourist Illness

"Delhi Belly" also exists in Nepal: diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps affect 30–50% of all travelers at least once. Prevention:

• Wash or sanitize hands regularly (especially before eating)
• Eat only peeled fruit, no raw vegetables in cheap restaurants
• Street food only from stalls that are well frequented (high turnover = fresher ingredients)
• Bring: Imodium (acute stopper), electrolytes (ORS powder, available in any pharmacy in Kathmandu for 10 NPR), possibly a broad-spectrum antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin — discuss with travel doctor)

Medical Care

There are good private clinics in Kathmandu:

• CIWEC Hospital: Specializes in travel diseases, western doctors, expensive but good. Lazimpat, Kathmandu
• Nepal International Clinic: Also specializes in travelers. Lal Durbar, Kathmandu

On the trek: only basic Health Posts and the HRA stations (Himalayan Rescue Association) in Manang (Annapurna) and Pheriche (EBC). Travel health insurance with helicopter evacuation is MANDATORY! A heli rescue from the Khumbu costs 5,000–10,000 USD. Check your policy carefully: coverage for altitudes over 4,000 m? Helicopter evacuation included? Recommended insurers: Allianz Global Assistance, World Nomads, DAV (for club members).

Sun Protection — An Underestimated Risk

The UV radiation in Nepal is significantly more intense than in Central Europe — for every 1,000 meters of altitude, UV exposure increases by about 10–12%. At 4,000 m, UV radiation is 40% stronger than at sea level, and snow reflects up to 80% of the radiation. Snow blindness, severe sunburn, and long-term skin damage are real dangers that many trekkers underestimate.

• Sunscreen: At least SPF 50+, waterproof, apply generously and reapply every 2 hours — even on cloudy days (UV penetrates clouds). Protect lips with lip balm SPF 30+ (chapped, burned lips on the trek are extremely uncomfortable)
• Sunglasses: Category 3 or 4 with side shields. At altitudes above 3,500 m and especially on snowfields, glacier-compatible glasses with side protection are recommended. Snow blindness (UV keratitis) feels like sand in the eyes, is extremely painful, and can last 24–48 hours — a serious problem on the trek that can make continuing impossible
• Headgear: Wide-brimmed hat or cap with neck protection. Essential on the trek — even in wind and clouds

Travel Pharmacy — What to Bring?

In Kathmandu, there are pharmacies on every street corner that sell most medications over-the-counter and cheaply. Nevertheless, you should bring a basic kit, as the quality is not always guaranteed and there are no pharmacies on the trek:

• Diarrhea & Stomach: Imodium (Loperamide), electrolyte powder (ORS), Ciprofloxacin (discuss with doctor), Buscopan for cramps
• Pain & Fever: Ibuprofen 400mg (also works better against altitude headache than Paracetamol), Paracetamol as a reserve
• Altitude Sickness: Diamox (Acetazolamide) 250mg — prophylactically 125mg morning and evening from 3,000 m, or therapeutically for symptoms. Test beforehand! Side effects: tingling in fingers/toes, frequent urination, taste changes with carbonated drinks. Prescription required in Germany, available over-the-counter in Nepal for about 50 NPR per tablet
• Cold: Nasal spray, throat lozenges, cough suppressants — dry, cold air at altitude makes the airways vulnerable. The infamous "Khumbu Cough" (dry irritating cough due to cold, thin air) can last for weeks
• Wound Care: Disinfectant spray (Octenisept), plasters, blister plasters (Compeed — absolutely ESSENTIAL on the trek!), sterile compresses, elastic bandage for sprains
• Eyes: Eye drops for dry eyes (dust!), possibly antibiotic eye drops for conjunctivitis
• Miscellaneous: Antihistamine (allergies, insect bites), sunscreen SPF 50+, DEET mosquito spray (30–50% for Terai/Chitwan), charcoal tablets, tweezers for ticks/splinters

Tip: Have your family doctor put together an emergency kit with prescriptions — many travel medicine practices offer this as a package. The consultation costs about 30–50€ and is the best money spent before a trip to Nepal.

Power Outages (Load Shedding)

Nepal had a massive power problem for years with daily, hours-long outages. Since the expansion of hydropower plants (2018+), the situation in cities has significantly improved, but occasional outages still occur — especially in the dry season (February–April) when rivers carry little water. On the trek: Power in tea houses usually comes from solar panels — sockets are worth their weight in gold and charging costs 200–500 NPR per device!

• Bring a power bank! At least 20,000 mAh for the trek, better 30,000 mAh. Available in Kathmandu from 2,000 NPR
• Universal adapter: Nepal uses various plug types (C, D, M) — often adventurous combinations. A universal adapter is the simplest solution
• 230V, 50Hz — like in Europe, but the voltage fluctuates (200–240V). Use a voltage protector for sensitive devices if necessary

Internet & SIM Card

• SIM card: Buy at Kathmandu Airport or in Thamel. Ncell (best network coverage, also lasts longest on the trek) or NTC (state-owned, slightly cheaper). Price: 200–500 NPR + data package (e.g., 5 GB for 500 NPR, 30 GB for 1,000 NPR). Passport + passport photo required!
• Network coverage: 4G in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the trek: Up to Namche Bazaar (EBC) and Manang (Annapurna) mostly 3G/4G reception, beyond that often nothing. On Poon Hill: surprisingly good reception (3G)
• Wi-Fi: Available in hotels and restaurants in cities (free or ask for password). On the trek: Wi-Fi available in tea houses (200–500 NPR), but slow and unreliable — do not expect to stream Netflix. WhatsApp messages and photos usually work

Roads & Transport Infrastructure

Nepal's roads are... an adventure. The main connections (Kathmandu–Pokhara, Kathmandu–Chitwan) are paved and in acceptable condition. The new Pokhara-Kathmandu Expressway (under construction) is expected to reduce travel time from 7 to 3.5 hours. Off the main roads: unpaved tracks, landslides in monsoon, hours of waiting at construction sites.

Important to know: Nepal has no railway (a short stretch in the Terai exists but is hardly usable). There is only one international airport (Tribhuvan, Kathmandu) — the new Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and the Pokhara International Airport are completed but have hardly any international connections yet.

General Safety

Nepal is one of the safest countries in Asia for tourists. Violent crime against travelers is extremely rare. The Nepali are a peaceful, hospitable people, and even in the poorest areas, you will be respected and welcomed as a guest. The main risks:

• Pickpocketing: In Thamel, on tourist routes, and in crowded buses — keep valuables close to your body, wear your backpack in front in crowds
• Road Traffic: Nepal's roads are DANGEROUS! Chaotic traffic, no sidewalks, buses racing on serpentine roads over cliffs, motorcycles in the opposite direction. As a pedestrian: extreme caution, always walk in the direction of traffic, make eye contact with drivers. Bus rides in Nepal are among the statistically most dangerous in the world
• Trek Safety: Altitude sickness is the biggest risk (→ own chapter). Other risks: getting lost in fog/snow, landslides in monsoon, avalanches in winter, cold at altitude

Bandhs (Strikes) — Nepal's Political Tradition

Bandhs (general strikes) are a Nepalese political tradition: parties, unions, or ethnic groups call for strikes where everything comes to a standstill — shops close, buses don't run, taxis stop. Sometimes there are roadblocks and occasional riots. Bandhs are rarely violent against tourists, but they can completely disrupt your travel plans.

What to do during a Bandh:

• Check with your hotel or trekking agency in the morning
• Stay in the hotel/guesthouse — it's not dangerous, but transport is unavailable
• Tourist buses sometimes run despite the Bandh (especially Greenline)
• Flights are NOT affected
• Use the day for nearby attractions — the old town is often emptier than usual!

Earthquakes — Be Prepared

Nepal is in one of the most seismically active zones in the world. The 2015 earthquake (magnitude 7.8, nearly 9,000 dead) was a traumatic reminder. What you need to know:

• During an earthquake: Get under a sturdy table, door frame, or load-bearing wall. Stay away from windows, shelves, and heavy objects. Outside: Stay away from buildings, power poles, and walls. In the mountains: Beware of rockfalls and avalanches
• After the quake: Aftershocks are likely. Check buildings for cracks. Contact the embassy
• German Embassy Kathmandu: +977 1 4412786, Gyaneshwor
• Austrian Embassy: +977 1 4410891, Hattisar
• Swiss Embassy: +977 1 4449225, Jawalakhel

Bargaining — The Art of Negotiation

In Nepal, almost everything is negotiable — in souvenir shops, markets, taxi rides, even some hotels. Fixed prices exist only in supermarkets and upscale restaurants. Basic rules:

• Start at 50–60% of the asking price and work your way up to 60–75%
• Negotiate friendly and with humor — never aggressively or insultingly
• Smile and be ready to walk away — this often lowers the price immediately
• Trekking gear in Thamel: Prices are often twice as high as necessary. Compare 3+ stores!
• Taxi: ALWAYS negotiate the price before getting in. Meters exist but are almost never used. Guidelines: Airport → Thamel: 600–800 NPR; Thamel → Boudhanath: 300–500 NPR; Thamel → Bhaktapur: 800–1,200 NPR
• No bargaining: In restaurants with printed menus, at entrance fees, in supermarkets, for trek permits

The Namaste Culture — Rules of Conduct

Nepal is a deeply polite and respectful country. Some basic rules, the observance of which opens doors:

• Namaste (hands together, slight bow) is the universal greeting — and opens every door. Use it generously, it is ALWAYS appreciated
• Right hand: Always use the right hand for eating and giving/receiving. The left is considered unclean (used for body cleaning)
• Remove shoes: Before temples, monasteries, prayer rooms, and often before homes. Watch what others do
• Do not touch the head: The head is considered sacred — never touch a Nepali's head, not even children's (even if they are cute!)
• Clockwise: Always circle Buddhist stupas, chortens, and mani stones clockwise. Always pass mani walls on the left
• Modesty: Cover shoulders and knees in temples. Public displays of affection between couples are uncommon and considered impolite
• Photography: Always ask for permission before photographing people. At cremation ghats (Pashupatinath) with utmost respect — they are real mourning ceremonies
• Soles: Never show the soles of your feet to people or religious objects — sit cross-legged, not with legs stretched out towards an altar
• Jutha: Anything that has touched your lips is considered "jutha" (ritually contaminated). Never share your drinking bottle directly (pour without touching the mouth) and never offer bitten food