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A land with the highest mountains in the world, the birthplace of the Buddha, national parks with a diverse array of flora and fauna, and some of the most delicious food you can find in Asia—Nepal is a paradise for trekkers, adventure seekers, religious pilgrims, and those simply looking for an immersive experience. While Nepal may at first seem familiar for Indians because of cultural similarities, it is offers a completely novel experience.
This multiethnic and multilingual nation relies heavily on tourism, and Indian travellers are its biggest market. It helps that INR 1 is equivalent to about NPR 1.60. This means that you will get the most bang for your buck as you explore this landlocked country from top to bottom.
Kathmandu will keep you busy with a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durbar Square, populated with over 50 temples and stupas with intricate wood carvings. Elsewhere in the country, the Annapurna Sanctuary, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley routes are the most popular hiking trails. The trek to the base of Kanchenjunga is worth undertaking for the sheer beauty of the landscape. Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site famous for the diversity of its fauna. Do not miss out on a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. This World Heritage Site is filled with temples built in a variety of architectural styles by Buddhist communities from around the world. Other must-visit places are Bhaktapur, the former capital of a Newar kingdom, and Nagarkot in the Kathmandu Valley, where you can catch a stunning sight of eight Himalayan ranges, including Mount Everest.
Indian nationals don’t need to apply for a visa to enter Nepal. However, they have to carry a valid Indian passport, voter identification card, or an emergency certificate issued by the Embassy of India in Nepal to move inside the country.
The designated currency in Nepal is the rupee. As per the current exchange rates, INR 1 equals NPR 1.60.
There are direct flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. A round-trip fare would cost you approximately INR 13,000.
Where you stay depends on the vibe you want. Thamel is the tourist and nightlife hub of Kathmandu, Naya Bazaar favours those on a budget, and Lazimpat is best for families. A two-night stay at the Fairfield by Marriott Hotel in Thamel starts from INR 4,916, while a room at the Hotel Le Himalaya in Lazimpat starts from INR 3,464. For hostels, consider WanderThirst, Alobar1000, and the Thamel Hostel and Spa.
The mountainous terrain of Nepal means buses are the cheapest and most popular way to travel. Bear in mind they can be slow and uncomfortable, too. Tourist buses ply the route between popular destinations. They are faster but more expensive. For instance, a trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara starts from INR 749 on a tourist bus, but a local bus will cost about INR 249. Check nepaltouristbus.com for more information. Hop onto a motorbike or hire a car with a local driver to get around the country at your own pace.
Travellers can sample authentic Nepali cuisine in bhojanalayas, food joints which cater to local residents, and roadside stalls. Dinner for two people starts from INR 333, while Nepal's famous chiya (tea) is roughly INR 83. Make sure to try gorkhali lamb, dal bhaat, momos, thukpa, sel roti, and gundruk.
Thamel and Asan Market in Kathmandu, Mahendrapul Bazaar in Pokhara, and the Pottery Square of Bhaktapur are the places to go shopping for souvenirs to take home. Bargaining will seal you a good price for souvenirs like hand-carved singing bowls, khukris, ethnic jewellery, wooden sculptures, thangkas, pottery, Nepalese tea, a bagh-chal board game set, lokta paper, and Tibetan prayer flags called dar cho.
October to November is a popular time to visit Nepal due to the warm and dry weather. The shoulder season of March to April is the best time to see wildlife and blooming rhododendrons. The off-season of June to September and December to February is good for cheap deals, but the monsoon rains during the former window and the chilly winters of the latter period can put a spanner in your itinerary.
