🇳🇵 eSIM plans for Nepal

Nepal offers experiences that range from quiet temple courtyards to high-altitude trails. In Kathmandu, spend a morning walking the narrow alleys around the Bagmati River, then climb the steps of a small hillside shrine for a view of the city.

For Himalayan scenery, fly into Lukla and trek toward Everest Base Camp, or take a gentler route in the Annapurna region. Pokhara is the base for both. You can also watch sunrise over the peaks from Nagarkot or Sarangkot without a multiday trek.

If you prefer culture over climbing, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Whether you stay in a teahouse or a city hotel, allow time to adjust to the altitude before any strenuous activity.

Nepal’s attractions fall into two categories: natural wonders and sacred sites. Here are the ones worth planning around.

• Mount Everest - You do not have to climb it. The Everest Base Camp Trek gives you close views of the mountain and the Khumbu Icefall.
• Boudhanath Stupa - A massive Buddhist monument in Kathmandu. Go at dusk when the butter lamps are lit.
• Pokhara - Lakeside town with views of the Annapurna range. Rent a boat on Phewa Lake or paraglide from Sarangkot.
• Pashupatinath Temple - A Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River. Observe cremation rituals from the far bank.
• Chitwan National Park - One of the best places in Asia for rhino and tiger sightings. Take a jeep safari or a canoe trip.

Nepalese food blends Indian and Tibetan influences. Stick to these five dishes for a reliable introduction.

• Dal Bhat - Lentil soup with rice, often served with vegetable curry and pickles. It is the daily staple and filling.
• Momos - Steamed dumplings stuffed with buffalo, chicken, or vegetables. Dip them in tomato chutney.
• Chow Mein - Stir-fried noodles adapted from Tibetan cooking. Street stalls serve it spicy and cheap.
• Sel Roti - A ring-shaped rice doughnut, crisp outside and soft inside. Often eaten during festivals.
• Thukpa - Hearty noodle soup with vegetables or meat. Best after a cold day on the trail.

Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw salads unless you know the source.

Nepal has two main travel seasons. The most reliable window is September to November. The monsoon has cleared, skies are clear, and the Himalayan views are sharp. Temperatures are mild in Kathmandu and Pokhara, though nights can be cold at altitude.

February to May brings warmer weather and blooming rhododendrons. March and April are busy with trekkers. Lower elevations can feel hot and dusty by May.

Winter, December to January, is cold but quiet. High passes may be snowed in. June to August is the monsoon season. Lowland trekking is muddy and leeches are common. Experienced hikers sometimes go to rain-shadow areas like Upper Mustang during this time.

Nepal’s weather varies by altitude and season. Pack for layering and for unexpected rain or sun.

• Layered clothing - A base layer, a fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof shell. Temperatures can swing 20°C in a day.
• Sturdy hiking boots - Essential for trekking. Even city walks benefit from ankle support on uneven stone streets.
• Sun protection - Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. UV is strong at high altitudes.
• Altitude sickness medication - Carry acetazolamide (Diamox) if you plan to go above 3,000 metres. Know the symptoms before you go.
• Water purification tablets or bottle - Tap water is not safe. A filter bottle or tablets save money and plastic waste.

Do not forget any prescription medication. Carry a printed copy of your itinerary and emergency contacts.