Welcome to Nepal

Nepal is a country that breaks every boundary — both literally and figuratively. Between the Indian lowlands and the highest point on earth lies a state as large as Switzerland and Austria combined, offering more superlatives than any other country of its size:

• 8 of the 14 eight-thousanders — No other country has nearly as many of the world's highest mountains. Mount Everest (8,849 m), Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna — they all stand in Nepal
• Legendary trekking tours — The Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit are among the most famous hikes in the world. From leisurely walks to week-long high-altitude expeditions, everything is possible
• Vibrant temple culture — Kathmandu's Durbar Squares, the golden pagoda of Swayambhunath, the massive Boudhanath Stupa, the cremation ghat of Pashupatinath — Nepal is a spiritual powerhouse where Hinduism and Buddhism have coexisted peacefully for centuries
• Incredible biodiversity — From snow leopards and red pandas in the Himalayas to one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers in the Terai jungle, to over 850 bird species in a compact area
• The best value for money in Asia — Nepal is one of the cheapest travel countries in the world. With €25–35 per day, you live comfortably, trekking accommodations in tea houses cost €3–8, Dal Bhat (rice with lentils) is available for €2–4
• Warm-hearted people — The Nepali are among the most hospitable people in Asia. The ubiquitous "Namaste" (I greet the divine in you) with folded hands is not a cliché but an expression of a deeply rooted culture of welcome
• Adventure paradise — Paragliding over Phewa Lake, white-water rafting on the Trisuli, bungee jumping over the Bhote-Koshi Gorge, jungle safari in Chitwan National Park — Nepal delivers adrenaline at every altitude

What makes Nepal unique: In the morning, you stand on the rooftop terrace of your guesthouse in Kathmandu and see the snow-capped Himalayan range glowing on the horizon. At noon, you wander through medieval temple districts. In the evening, you sit on a rooftop in Thamel with an Everest beer and plan your trek. And in a week, you'll be standing at 5,364 meters at the foot of the highest mountain in the world. No other country on earth compresses so many experiences into such a small space.

Nepal can be divided into three geographical zones and four travel regions:

The Three Geographical Zones

• Terai (Lowland): The subtropical jungle strip in the south (60–300 m). Here lie the Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, the birthplace of Buddha (Lumbini), and the most agriculturally productive region
• Midland (Hill Zone): The densely populated hilly landscape (300–3,000 m) with the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and most historical cities. The majority of the population lives here
• Himalaya (High Mountains): The massive mountain ranges (3,000–8,849 m) with the legendary trekking routes, glaciers, high pastures, and remote Sherpa villages

Kathmandu Valley

For whom: Culture lovers, temple enthusiasts, first-time visitors
The heart of Nepal: Three former royal cities (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur) with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 130 temples and pagodas, the massive stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and the tourist center Thamel.

Trekking Regions

For whom: Trekkers, mountaineers, nature lovers
The legendary trekking routes: Everest Base Camp in Khumbu, the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Route, the quiet Langtang Valley north of Kathmandu, and the beginner-friendly Poon Hill Trek.

Pokhara & Surroundings

For whom: Adventurers, peace seekers, families
The relaxed lakeside town at the foot of the Annapurna range with Phewa Lake, paragliding, the Sarangkot viewpoint, and the starting point for Annapurna treks.

Terai (Lowland)

For whom: Wildlife fans, pilgrims, history enthusiasts
The Chitwan National Park (UNESCO) with one-horned rhinos and tigers, Lumbini — the birthplace of Buddha (UNESCO) — and the remote Bardia National Park for real wilderness adventures.

1. Stand at Everest Base Camp — After 12 days of trekking through the Khumbu Valley, finally standing at 5,364 m at the foot of the highest mountain in the world, surrounded by ice giants and prayer flags. Unforgettable. → Chap. Trekking
2. Sunrise over the Himalayas at Poon Hill — When the first rays bathe the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri in pink and gold, it takes your breath away. The most beautiful sunrise in Nepal. → Chap. Trekking
3. Circle the Boudhanath Stupa at dusk — The largest stupa in Nepal, surrounded by Tibetan monasteries, while hundreds of devotees turn their prayer wheels and butter lamps flicker. → Chap. Kathmandu
4. Paraglide over Phewa Lake — Glide over the lake from Sarangkot with the Annapurna range as a backdrop. Nepal's most spectacular adrenaline experience. → Chap. Pokhara
5. Wander through Bhaktapur's medieval alleys — The best-preserved of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley: brick palaces, wood carvings, pottery squares, and little traffic. → Chap. Kathmandu
6. Order Dal Bhat a second time — "Dal Bhat power, 24 hour!" say the Nepali. Rice with lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickles, and papadams — endlessly refillable and infinitely satisfying. → Chap. Food & Drink
7. Spot rhinos in Chitwan National Park — By jeep or canoe through the subtropical jungle, where one-horned rhinos graze in the grass and Bengal tigers roam the underbrush. → Chap. Pokhara
8. Experience the cremation ceremonies at Pashupatinath — At Nepal's holiest Hindu temple, the dead are cremated on the banks of the Bagmati. Touching, disturbing, unforgettable — and a deep insight into Hindu spirituality. → Chap. Kathmandu
9. Climb Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — 365 steep steps up to the golden stupa with the all-seeing Buddha eyes and a panorama over the entire Kathmandu Valley. → Chap. Kathmandu
10. Stay in a tea house at Annapurna — Simple wooden huts at 3,000–4,000 m altitude, a stove in the middle, steaming Masala Chai, other trekkers from around the world, and the mountains outside in the moonlight. → Chap. Trekking
11. Visit Lumbini — Buddha's birthplace — The holiest site of Buddhism: the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and a park with monasteries from around the world. Deep peace at a place of world history. → Chap. Pokhara
12. Eat momos on the street — The Nepalese dumplings, filled with buffalo meat or vegetables, steamed and served with fiery tomato sauce — Nepal's most popular snack and absolutely addictive. → Chap. Food & Drink
13. Sunrise over the Himalayas from Sarangkot — At 5 a.m. at the viewpoint over Pokhara, when the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri slowly emerge from the darkness. → Chap. Pokhara
14. Stroll through Thamel — Kathmandu's legendary tourist district: A labyrinth of outdoor shops, rooftop bars, trekking agencies, hippie cafés, and the controlled chaos of Nepalese streets. → Chap. Kathmandu
15. Complete the Annapurna Circuit — 14–21 days, from subtropical valleys over the Thorong-La Pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath and Jomsom. The most diverse trekking route in the world. → Chap. Trekking

Nepal has four distinct seasons, which vary greatly depending on altitude. Choosing the right travel time is crucial — especially for trekking.

Autumn (October–November) — BEST TRAVEL TIME

The undisputed peak season and for good reason: Clear mountain views after the monsoon, dry weather, pleasant temperatures. Trekking routes are in the best condition, visibility is the clearest. Downside: crowded, more expensive, tea houses can be fully booked.

Spring (March–May) — SECOND BEST TRAVEL TIME

Rhododendrons bloom in the mountains (Nepal's national flower!), warm temperatures, good visibility (a bit hazy towards May). Second trekking peak season. In May, it gets very hot in the lowlands (35–40°C).

Summer/Monsoon (June–September)

Rainy season! Daily rainfall, landslides, leeches on trekking routes, obscured mountains. Humid and hot in the lowlands. Not the best travel time, but: Upper Mustang and Dolpo are in the rain shadow and remain dry even during the monsoon. The landscape is lush green. Few tourists, low prices.

Winter (December–February)

Cold in the highlands (passes above 4,000 m can be closed), but perfect for lowland safaris (Chitwan, Bardia) and culture in the Kathmandu Valley. Clear distant views of the mountains. Lower treks (Poon Hill, lower Annapurna) are possible.

Climate Table: Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Nepal is one of the cheapest travel countries in the world. Even with a small budget, you will experience unforgettable adventures. However, trekking permits and domestic flights can be costly.

Daily budget per person

Important Individual Costs (Guidelines 2025)

3–6 months before

• Check passport: At least 6 months validity remaining and 2 blank pages. If necessary: apply for a new one (takes 4–8 weeks)
• Start vaccinations: Rabies requires 3 doses over 21–28 days. Hepatitis A/B as well. Make an appointment with a travel medicine specialist (tropical institute or travel medicine-qualified GP)
• Book flights: In peak season (October/November), good connections are quickly booked out. Search via comparison portals, but book directly with the airline (better support for rebooking)
• Travel health insurance: A policy with helicopter evacuation and coverage up to 6,000 m altitude is mandatory for Nepal. Check: emergency evacuation, mountain rescue, repatriation. Recommended: Allianz Global Assistance, World Nomads, DAV insurance (particularly affordable for club members)
• Set trekking date: And possibly pre-book a guide/porter through an agency, especially in peak season

1–2 months before

• Fill out visa form online: At nepaliport.immigration.gov.np (saves 30–60 min at the airport)
• Get a travel credit card: DKB Visa, ING Visa, or Revolut — no foreign transaction fees, free worldwide cash withdrawals. Apply for and test the card in time!
• Inform the bank: Notify your bank that you are traveling to Nepal — otherwise, the card will be blocked for security reasons
• Build fitness: For treks over 3,500 m: endurance training (running, cycling, stair climbing). You should be able to walk 6–8 hours a day with a 5–8 kg backpack
• Assemble a travel pharmacy: Imodium, electrolytes (ORS), ibuprofen, plasters, blister plasters, sunscreen (SPF 50+ for altitude!), lip balm with UV protection, hand sanitizer, possibly Diamox (get a prescription from a doctor), broad-spectrum antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin, prescription), mosquito repellent (DEET for Chitwan)

1–2 weeks before

• ELEFAND registration: Register with the Foreign Office's crisis preparedness list (elefand.diplo.de) — the embassy can contact you in an emergency (earthquake, political unrest)
• Passport photos: Bring 4 recent passport photos (for SIM card, trekking permits, visa backup)
• Make copies: Passport, insurance policy, flight tickets — store digitally in the cloud AND bring paper copies
• Get USD cash: $50–100 in small bills for the visa ($30–50), plus backup cash
• Create a Nepal playlist: Download "Resham Firiri" (Nepalese folk song classic) and "Nepali ho" — you'll hear and sing them a thousand times on the trek!

Packing List — Essentials

For Kathmandu/Pokhara/Chitwan (Non-Trekking):

• Light, modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees in temples)
• Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy sandals
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Water filter bottle or SteriPEN
• Universal adapter, power bank
• Flashlight/headlamp (for power outages)
• Travel pharmacy (see above)
• Earplugs (Kathmandu is LOUD)

Additionally for Trekking:

• Sleeping bag: Comfort temperature -10 to -15°C for EBC/Annapurna Circuit. Rent in Thamel from 100 NPR/day
• Down jacket: Lightweight, packable, warm. Available in Thamel from 2,000 NPR
• Trekking shoes: Broken in! At least ankle-high, waterproof. Bring from home
• Trekking poles: Essential for the descent (knees!). Available in Thamel from 800 NPR
• Rain jacket: It can rain even outside the monsoon
• Thermal underwear: Merino wool is ideal (lightweight, odor-resistant, quick-drying)
• Gloves, hat, buff/scarf: Needed even during the day from 3,500 m
• Power bank: 20,000–30,000 mAh — charging on the trek costs 200–500 NPR and outlets are scarce
• Zip-lock bags: For electronics, documents, dirty laundry — the most underrated packing aid
• Toilet paper: Not always available on the trek!
• High-altitude snacks: Energy bars, nuts, chocolate — buy in Kathmandu (Thamel has everything)