Travel Prices In Nepal: What Will It Cost?
Are you planning to explore the cultural legacies and natural beauty of Nepal? And when you think of traveling, you might wonder about the travel prices in Nepal. Be at ease, you have come to the right place.
Nepal experiences a lot of visitors from around the world every year. The presence of majestic mountains, cultures, architecture, and a lot of other things make the nation alluring.
So, like every travel planning, budgeting is the first priority. Various factors such as visa fees, meals, lodgings, etc. affect the travel prices in Nepal. Therefore to make your travel more convenient and hassle-free, we’ve covered the necessary cost breakdown on every aspect.
Table of Contents
Is It Expensive to Travel to Nepal?
In terms of cost, visiting Nepal is an incredibly economical experience. It’s a very affordable place because you can travel here for less money than in other nations.
Everything in Nepal, including food, lodging, and transportation, is budget-friendly. This is an excellent opportunity to discover Nepal’s breathtaking scenery, rich cultural legacy, and exciting adventure activities.
Additionally, you might participate in a group trip that offers reasonably priced amenities including lodging, transportation, and guided activities. Thus, if you visit to Nepal with careful planning, you can have an easy and affordable trip.
Detailed Cost Breakdown for a Nepal Travel
Fees for Visas and Permits in Nepal
In order to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa, you can apply from the embassy of your home country. On top of that, Nepal also provides an ON Arrival Visa.
For an ON Arrival Visa, you need to fill up a form at the immigration desk at the Tribhuvan International Airport after your arrival. Instead, you can fill out the form online avoiding the long queue during tourist season.
[Note: Nepal Tourist Visa can also be obtained from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions situated out of the country before your arrival.]
In addition, citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan are not eligible for an ON Arrival Visa.
As for those entering via entry and exit points at the border, foreign nationals can obtain an ON Arrival Visa.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) |
| Tourist Visa | 15 days (multiple entry) | 30 |
| 30 days (multiple entry) | 50 | |
| 90 days (multiple entry) | 125 | |
| Visa Extension | For extending the validity period of an existing visa | 3 per day |
| SAARC Countries Visa | 30 days (multiple entry) | 25 |
| Indian Nationals | – | No visa required |
| There are no visa fees for children under the age of ten. | ||
Please note that the visa rules and fees may change over time. It’s always advisable to check on the latest updates.
Currency and Everyday Expenses in Nepal
Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the official currency of Nepal. The exchange rate of 1 USD is equivalent to NPR 145 (June 2024), however, the exchange rate can alter at any time.
In regard to everyday expenses in Nepal, the cost can range from budget-friendly to expensive rates. Compared to Western countries, the expenses of groceries, local transportation, and others are very economic experiences in Nepal.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of daily expenses in Nepal.
| Category | Cost Range | Details |
| Groceries | 2,000 – 3,000 NPR ($16 – $25) | For a week’s worth of groceries, depending on dietary needs |
| Eating Out | Inexpensive: 250 – 500 NPR($2 – $4) | For a meal at an inexpensive restaurant |
| Mid-range: 1,000 – 2,000 NPR ($8 – $17) | For a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | |
| Local Transport | Bus: 20 – 30 NPR ($0.17 – $0.25) | For a one-way local bus ticket |
| Taxi: 200 – 500 NPR ($1.5 – $4) | For a short taxi ride within the city | |
| Utilities | 3,000 – 6,000 NPR ($25 – $50) | Monthly cost for utilities like water, electricity, and internet (for a longer stay) |
| Leisure Activities | 500 – 1,500 NPR ($4 – $12.5) | For gym memberships, movie tickets, and similar leisure activities |
| Clothing and Personal Items | Jeans: 2,000 – 4,000 NPR ($16 – $33) | For a pair of jeans |
| Running Shoes: 3,000 – 6,000 NPR ($25 – $50) | For a good pair of running shoes |
Lodging Options in Nepal
Nepal offers a wide range of accommodation options from local guesthouses to luxury hotels. You can choose based on your preferences and budget.
Similarly, the cost of accommodation in Nepal may vary depending on location, season, and other factors. Therefore, it is best to check on the accommodation provider for the most up-to-date cost and availability.
The following breakdown outlines the accommodation expenses in Nepal.
| Accommodation Type | Price Range per Night | Description |
| Hostels | 700 – 1,200 NPR ($6 – $10) | Shared dormitories, some offer private rooms. |
| Budget Hotels | 1,500 – 3,000 NPR ($12.5 – $25) | Private rooms, and basic amenities, often include breakfast. |
| Mid-range Hotels | 3,000 – 6,000 NPR ($25 – $50) | More spacious rooms, air conditioning, and better service. |
| Luxury Hotels and Resorts | Starting from 15,000 NPR ($125) | High-quality service, amenities like spas, gyms, restaurants. |
| Homestays and Guesthouses | 1,000 – 3,000 NPR ($8 – $25) | Authentic experience often includes meals. |
| Airbnb | Starting from around 1,500 NPR ($12.5) | In the home-like setting, prices vary. |
Booking Tips and Recommendations
- Book well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Compare prices and amenities across different accommodation types.
- Consider booking through reputable online platforms or local travel agencies.
- Read genuine reviews and ratings across dependable platforms such as TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
- Inquire about any additional fees or taxes that may apply to your booking.
Getting Around in Nepal – Transportation
Nepal is a small country yet consists of diverse terrain from plain lands to hilly landscapes. So, traveling within the locations is also an adventure.
For ground transportation, you can choose to travel either privately or on a shared basis. Local buses or hiaces are the best choices for traveling within cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you prefer to travel privately for short distances, you can choose taxis.
Furthermore, airplanes are a modest option for traveling longer distances in a short period of time. So, whatever mode of transportation you choose, traveling around Nepal itself is an exciting journey.
| Mode of Transport | Cost | Description |
| Local Buses | 20 – 50 NPR ($0.16 – $0.42) | A one-way trip within cities, crowded but the cheapest option |
| Taxis | 200 – 500 NPR ($1.5 – $4) for short rides | More comfortable than buses, negotiate fares beforehand |
| Long-Distance Buses | 500 – 1,200 NPR ($4 – $10) | For intercity travel, deluxe buses with AC/WiFi at higher-end |
| Domestic Flights | 8,000 – 12,000 NPR ($66 – $100) one-way | Faster but more expensive, the only option for remote areas |
| Car Rentals | Around 5,000 NPR ($42) per day + fuel | Convenient for groups, fuel costs 100-110 NPR/liter |
| Rideshares | Often cheaper than taxis | Services like Pathao and Tootle in major cities |
| Bicycles | 500 – 800 NPR ($4 – $7) per day | For shorter distances within cities |
| Motorbikes | 700 – 1,000 NPR ($6 – $8) per day + fuel | For longer distances, fuel costs extra |
Food and Beverages in Nepal
When you travel to Nepal, you don’t want to miss out on trying different food cuisines. Since Nepal is a country enriched with different cultures and territories, you can find a variety of food choices.
From Newari cuisine to street foods like momos, you can sample different delicacies. Whether you’re visiting the bustling streets of Kathmandu or trekking along the routes to Everest Base Camp, you have a lot to discover.
Regarding drinks, you can sample chiya (tea), lassi, local beers, raksi (alcohol), and a lot more.
So, when you sample food in Nepal irrespective of location you are sure to relate to the local culture. If not the unique taste and style found in the nation is a lovely experience.
| Category | Price Range | Description |
| Street Food | 200 – 400 NPR ($1.5 – $3.5) | Popular street foods like momos, samosas, dal bhat |
| Casual Dining | 500 – 1,000 NPR ($4 – $8) | Meals at local restaurants, regional thalis, curries, Tibetan dishes |
| Mid-Range Restaurants | 1,000 – 2,000 NPR ($8 – $17) per person | A formal dining experience featuring a fusion of Indian, Western, and Nepalese cuisines |
| High-End Restaurants | 3,000 – 5,000 NPR ($25 – $42) or more per person | Premium restaurants with an international menu that are frequently found in hotels |
| Drinks | Tea: 20 – 50 NPR ($0.17 – $0.42) | Prices for local tea (chiya) |
| Beer: 300 – 500 NPR ($2.5 – $4) | Prices for local beer in restaurants | |
| Water: 20 – 30 NPR ($0.17 – $0.25) | Price for a bottle of water, or refill at water stations | |
| Snacks | 50 – 100 NPR ($0.42 – $0.83) | Nepalese snacks like sel roti, chatamari, or sweets |
Costs of Trekking in Nepal
For adventure enthusiasts, Nepal is without a doubt among the best destinations around the world. With its magnificent Himalayas, fast-flowing rivers, glaciers, lush valleys, and many more make Nepal one of the favorites.
When it comes to trekking, Nepal has various popular treks such as Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and more.
So, if you are preparing to trek in Nepal, you need to plan on different aspects one of which is the budget. Here’s a detailed cost breakdown of trekking in Nepal.
| Expense Category | Cost Range | Description |
| Trekking Permits | TIMS Card: 1,000 NPR ($8.33) for foreign national and NPR 300 for SAARC Nationals Trek Permit: 3,000 NPR ($25) each (can vary) | Mandatory permits required for most treks, and costs vary |
| Guides & Porters | Guide: 2,500 – 4,000 NPR ($20 – $33) per day Porter: 2,000 – 2,500 NPR ($16 – $20) per day | Hiring experienced guides and porters can enhance safety and experience |
| Accommodation & Meals | Teahouse Lodge: 500 – 1,500 NPR ($4 – $12.5) per night Meals: 500 – 1,000 NPR ($4 – $8) per day | Basic lodging and meals on trekking routes, prices increase with altitude |
| Trekking Gear | Upwards of 20,000 NPR ($166) for a basic new set | Essential items like hiking boots, warm clothing, backpack, and sleeping bag |
| Travel Insurance | Approximately $100 for a month’s coverage | Covers emergency evacuations and other unforeseen situations |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | Around 1,000 NPR ($8) per day | Snacks, drinks, device charging, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and other incidentals |
Money-Saving Tips for Visiting Nepal
- Consider traveling during the off-season (spring and fall) when prices are generally lower.
- Opt for budget-friendly accommodation options.
- Eat like a local by trying street food and dining at local eateries.
- Use public transportation, such as local buses or minivans.
- Negotiate prices for activities, tours, and transportation.
- Purchase a local SIM card for your phone to avoid high roaming charges.
- Look for package deals or discounts that combine accommodation, transportation, and activities.
- Travel with a group or join organized tours.
- Avoid unnecessary costs by researching and planning your itinerary carefully.
