What I Wish to Know Before Visiting Nepal – A Complete Travel Guide by Robinson Crusoe Holidays

Everything first-time travelers wish they knew – from altitude and trekking rules to Kathmandu life, currency, culture, food, safety, and the true soul of Nepal.

Introduction: Nepal Is Not What You Expect — It’s More

Most travelers arrive in Nepal dreaming about Everest, Annapurna, or the Himalayas. But what they discover is something far deeper:
a living museum of culture, a land of warm people, chaotic cities, sacred spaces, spiritual energy, and landscapes that change every hour.

At Robinson Crusoe Holidays, we welcome guests from around the world—and almost every traveler tells us the same thing:

“I wish I knew this before coming to Nepal…”

So we put everything together in one powerful, honest, and practical guide to help you travel smarter, safer, deeper, and truly experience Nepal like a local.

Let’s begin.

🏔️ Altitude Will Hit You (Even If You’re Fit)

Altitude sickness does not discriminate based on age, fitness level, or trekking experience. Even ultra-athletes feel the symptoms at 3,000m+.

Important: Nepal’s famous treks begin at high elevation.
– Manaslu Circuit
– Langtang Valley
– Everest Base Camp
– Annapurna Circuit
– Upper Mustang

Tips from Robinson Crusoe Holidays

  • Ascend slowly (300–500m per day above 3,000m).

  • Hydrate well.

  • Avoid alcohol during the ascent.

  • Know AMS symptoms: headache, dizziness, breathlessness.

  • Do not ignore signs—altitude sickness is serious.

  • Carry Diamox (easily available in Kathmandu pharmacies).

🎫 Trekking Rules, Permits & Regulations You Must Know

Nepal updated its trekking rules in 2023:

➡️ Solo trekking without a registered guide is NOT allowed

This applies to most trekking regions except a few urban/permitted trails.

Essential Permits

Depending on the region, you may need:

  • TIMS Card

  • National Park Entry Permit

  • Restricted Area Permits (RAP): Manaslu, Mustang, Dolpo, Nar-Phu

  • Local Municipality Permits (Khumbu region)

Robinson Crusoe Holidays handles all permits, guides, porters, insurance, and logistics for your trek.

🏙️ Kathmandu: A City of Newars, Narrow Lanes & Non-Stop Energy

Kathmandu is not just Nepal’s capital—it is a Newar cultural valley, a living heritage with thousands of years of history.

Expect:

  • Sacred temples on every street

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • Honking traffic mixed with chanting bells

  • Rooftop restaurants

  • Tea stalls and spice markets

  • A mix of chaos and charm

Must-Visit Highlights

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square

  • Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

  • Pashupatinath Temple

  • Boudhanath Stupa

  • Patan Durbar Square

  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Kathmandu overwhelms you at first—but then it becomes unforgettable.

🥾 Never Go Trekking Without Proper Preparation

This is where many travelers go wrong.

Even “easy” treks involve:

  • long walking days

  • steep sections

  • unpredictable weather

  • simple tea-house facilities

  • high altitude

Prepare Your Body

  • Start walking 5–10 km daily before your trip.

  • Practice stairs with a loaded backpack.

  • Train your legs, cardio, and endurance.

Prepare Your Gear

You need:

  • Proper trekking boots

  • Layers (base, fleece, down, waterproofs)

  • Gloves, hat, sunglasses

  • Reusable water bottle + purification tablets

Never rely only on last-minute shopping. Thamel sells everything, but quality varies.

Robinson Crusoe Holidays provides complete packing lists for every trek.

💸 Nepal Currency, Exchange Rates & Cash Tips

Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the only accepted currency.

You should know:

  • ATMs often don’t work in rural areas, including villages.

  • Many charge high withdrawal fees.

  • Street money changers offer poor rates.

Best Exchange Method

Exchange at:

  • Authorized money exchange counters (Thamel, Pokhara)

  • Banks

  • Airport (acceptable, but not the best rate)

Always carry small notes (Rs. 100, 50, 20) for taxis, shops, and tea houses.

🚌 Avoid Travelling on Night Buses

Night buses in Nepal are not recommended due to:

  • road conditions

  • poor lighting

  • landslide-prone highways (especially monsoon)

  • tired drivers

Choose:

  • Tourist buses

  • Daytime private Jeep transfers

  • Domestic flights (for remote regions)

Safety first.

🙏 Cultural Respect: What Not to Do

Nepal is deeply spiritual. Respect goes a long way.

Do NOT:

  • Touch someone’s head

  • Point your feet at people or religious sites

  • Enter temples without permission

  • Take photos of cremation ceremonies

  • Wear revealing clothes in rural areas

  • Offer items with your left hand

DO:

  • Say “Namaste” respectfully

  • Remove shoes before entering homes/temples

  • Respect monks and elderly people

🍛 Nepali Food: Dal Bhat, Momos & Beyond

Dal Bhat isn’t just a meal—it’s a lifestyle.
Rice + lentils + vegetables + pickles.

Guides joke: “Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hour!”

Other foods you’ll love:

  • Momos (Tibetan dumplings)

  • Thukpa (noodle soup)

  • Sel Roti

  • Chatamari

  • Newari feasts (Bara, Yomari)

Try local food at least once daily for the real Nepal experience.

🌄 Nepal Is Mostly Mountains — But Also So Much More

Yes, Nepal has:

  • 8 out of the 14 highest peaks

  • 3 major trekking regions

  • endless Himalayan views

But Nepal is also:

  • jungles

  • plains

  • rivers

  • lakes

  • ancient cities

  • diverse ethnic cultures

  • spiritual communities

You can experience:

  • wildlife safaris in Chitwan

  • boating in Pokhara

  • meditation retreats

  • village homestays

  • paragliding

  • rafting

Nepal is not only for trekkers.

🔌 Prepare for Power Outages & Connectivity Gaps

Although Nepal now has better electricity supply, power cuts still happen occasionally.

Tea houses in the mountains may charge for:

  • phone charging

  • hot showers

  • Wi-Fi

Bring:

  • power bank

  • offline maps

  • universal adapter

💰 Adventure in Nepal Is Cost-Efficient

Compared to Europe, the US, Australia, or Japan:

  • Trekking is affordable

  • Food is affordable

  • Hotels are affordable

  • Transport is affordable

Nepal offers world-class adventure at a fraction of the cost.

🛂 Visa Requirements You Should Know

Nepal offers Visa on Arrival for most nationalities:

  • 15 days

  • 30 days

  • 90 days

Available at:

  • Tribhuvan International Airport

  • Major land borders

Bring a passport-sized photo or use the digital kiosks.

🧻 Always Carry Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitizer

Public toilets rarely provide toilet paper.
Tea houses sometimes sell it, sometimes don’t.

Always carry your own.

🚖 Taxis Don’t Use Meters—Here’s How to Ride Smart

Taxi meters in Kathmandu exist.
But… drivers rarely use them.

Tips:

  • Negotiate a price before getting in

  • Use ride apps like Pathao or InDrive

  • Ask your hotel for approximate rates

📱 SIM Cards Are Cheap & Internet Is Everywhere

You can buy a SIM at the airport or in town.

Best networks:

  • Ncell

  • NTC

4G works in most cities.
In mountains, expect weak or no signals.

🛏️ Budget Doesn’t Mean Bad in Nepal

Nepal’s budget hotels and teahouses are:

  • clean

  • simple

  • welcoming

  • safe

  • perfect for cultural immersion

Even luxury travelers enjoy staying in local tea houses for the atmosphere.

🌦️ The Weather Changes Fast (Pack Layers)

In one day, you may experience:
sun → wind → rain → snow → sun again.

Prepare layers:

  • base

  • fleece

  • down

  • waterproof jacket

Do NOT underestimate Himalayan weather.

Final Thoughts: Nepal Teaches You to Slow Down

No matter why you come—trekking, culture, spirituality, or adventure—Nepal changes you.

It teaches you to:

  • slow down

  • breathe deeper

  • appreciate the little things

  • welcome the unexpected

  • connect with people

  • travel with purpose

At Robinson Crusoe Holidays, our mission is to show you the real Nepal—not just the mountains, but the people, culture, spirituality, and soul of the country.

We’re here to guide you from arrival to departure with safety, comfort, and unforgettable experiences.

FAQ — Quick Answers for First-Time Travelers

Is Nepal safe for solo travelers?

Yes—Nepal is one of the safest countries in South Asia.

Do I need a guide for trekking?

Yes, for most regions. It’s safer and is now required by law.

What is the best trekking season?

  • Autumn (Sept–Nov) – Best weather

  • Spring (Mar–May) – Flowers, warmer

  • Winter (Dec–Feb) – Cold but quiet

  • Monsoon (Jun–Aug) – Avoid most regions

How much should I budget?

Depends on style:

  • Budget: $25–40/day

  • Mid-range: $50–80/day

  • Trekking: $30–50/day (plus permits/guide/transport)

Can vegetarians eat easily in Nepal?

Absolutely. Nepali cuisine is naturally vegetarian-friendly.