Asia · Southern Asia

Nepal

Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

Flag of Nepal
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+05:45
🏛️ Capital
Kathmandu
👥 Population
29,911,840
📐 Area
147,181 km²
💱 Currency
Nepalese rupee (₨)
🗣️ Languages
Nepali
📞 Calling Code
+977
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+05:45
🌐 Region
Asia / Southern Asia

About Nepal

Nepal is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where the world's highest mountains tower above lush subtropical forests and ancient temples shimmer in golden light. Tucked between India and China, this Himalayan kingdom invites you into a world where spirituality feels woven into the landscape itself. The moment you land in Kathmandu and spot the Boudhanath Stupa rising against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks, you sense that Nepal is unlike anywhere else on earth.

For trekkers and mountaineers, Nepal is unrivaled. The Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley routes offer routes for every fitness level, rewarding you with vistas that border on the surreal. Even if you never lace up hiking boots, Pokhara's lakeside serenity, Chitwan's wildlife-rich jungles, and Lumbini's sacred birthplace of the Buddha provide rich alternatives that will leave you equally captivated.

Beyond adventure, Nepal enchants through its warm-hearted people, vibrant festivals, and centuries-old traditions still practiced daily. Hindu and Buddhist cultures intertwine seamlessly here, filling the air with incense, the ringing of temple bells, and the bright swirl of prayer flags. Whether you come to conquer a peak, seek inner peace, or simply wander bazaars piled high with spice and marigold garlands, Nepal promises an experience that reshapes how you see the world.

History & Background

Nepal's recorded history stretches back over two thousand years to the ancient Licchavi dynasty, whose rulers laid the foundations of Kathmandu Valley's remarkable temple architecture. The medieval Malla kingdoms that followed transformed the valley into a treasure trove of pagoda-style temples and intricately carved palaces, many of which still stand today in Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu's Durbar Squares. The unification of Nepal under Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1768 created the modern state and preserved its independence during an era when neighboring regions fell to colonial powers.

Nepal's sovereignty endured through the British colonial era — a source of immense national pride — though the country endured long periods of Rana oligarchic rule that kept it largely isolated from the outside world until 1951. The latter half of the twentieth century brought democratic experiments, a brutal Maoist insurgency from 1996 to 2006, and finally the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, when Nepal became a federal democratic republic. The devastating 2015 earthquake tested national resilience but also sparked remarkable reconstruction efforts that continue to restore the valley's irreplaceable heritage sites.

Culture & People

Nepal's culture is a rich tapestry woven from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, reflecting centuries of coexistence between diverse ethnic groups including the Newars, Sherpas, Tharus, and Gurungs. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Indra Jatra punctuate the calendar with color, music, and communal celebration. Sacred spaces such as Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath Stupa are living centers of worship where monks, sadhus, and pilgrims create an atmosphere of profound devotion.

Family and community form the bedrock of Nepali society. Respect for elders is paramount, and hospitality — offering tea or dal bhat to a guest — is not merely courtesy but a deeply held value. Traditional arts like Thangka painting, wood carving, and metalwork thrive in Kathmandu Valley, passed down through artisan families for generations. Music and dance form part of everyday life, and witnessing a local Newari festival procession reveals a culture that cherishes its heritage while embracing the modern world with open arms.

Food & Cuisine

Dal bhat — steamed rice served with lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, and often a small portion of meat or pickle — is Nepal's national dish and the daily sustenance of millions. Eaten twice a day with a spoon or by hand, it is simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Trekking lodges pride themselves on generous servings, and the Nepali saying "dal bhat power, 24 hour" captures the dish's legendary reputation for sustaining long mountain days. Momos, steamed or fried dumplings filled with buffalo, chicken, or vegetables, are another beloved staple devoured at teahouses and street stalls across the country.

Beyond the classics, Nepal's diverse ethnic communities contribute distinctive flavors. Newari cuisine offers chatamari (rice pancakes), yomari (sweet steamed dumplings), and bara (lentil patties), best enjoyed during festivals in the valley. In the mountains, Tibetan-influenced dishes like thukpa (noodle soup) and tsampa (roasted barley flour) fuel high-altitude adventures. For drinks, sweet masala tea, locally brewed tongba (millet beer sipped through a straw), and raksi (grain spirit) provide warming accompaniment to cool evenings.

Top Attractions

  • Everest Base Camp Trek — The iconic 12–14-day journey through the Khumbu Valley rewards you with up-close views of the world's highest peak and vibrant Sherpa culture.
  • Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu — One of the largest stupas in the world, this UNESCO-listed monument is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, ringed by monasteries and prayer-wheel pilgrims.
  • Chitwan National Park — A UNESCO World Heritage jungle reserve offering elephant safaris, canoe rides, and rare sightings of one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers.
  • Pokhara & Phewa Lake — Nepal's adventure capital offers paragliding, kayaking, and sunset views of the Annapurna range reflected perfectly in the lake's still waters.
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square — A remarkably preserved medieval city where 55-Window Palace and towering pagoda temples transport you straight into Nepal's Malla dynasty past.
  • Lumbini — The sacred birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, features the Mayadevi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and tranquil monastic gardens from nations worldwide.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or apply in advance online; have USD cash ready as fees must be paid in foreign currency.
  • Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,000 m — acclimatize slowly, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol at altitude, and descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
  • Carry small denomination Nepali rupees for teahouses, local transport, and temple entry fees, as change can be difficult to obtain in remote areas.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and remove shoes before entering any sacred space; leather items may be prohibited at some Hindu shrines.
  • Book trekking permits (TIMS card and national park permits) in advance or through a registered agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • Tap water is not safe to drink; use water purification tablets, a SteriPen, or buy sealed bottled water to reduce plastic waste on trails.
  • Power cuts (load shedding) can still occur in some areas; carry a power bank and a headlamp for evenings in mountain lodges.

Visa Overview

Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and at several land border crossings. A 15-day visa costs USD 30, a 30-day visa USD 50, and a 90-day visa USD 125. Indian citizens do not require a visa. You must bring passport photos and payment in USD cash or major foreign currencies. Visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Always check the latest requirements with your country's embassy before travel.

Getting Around

Domestic flights connect Kathmandu to Pokhara, Lukla (gateway to Everest treks), and other regional hubs, though mountain weather causes frequent delays. Tourist buses link major cities comfortably and cheaply. Within Kathmandu, taxis are widely available — agree on a fare before boarding or insist the meter is used. Ride-hailing apps such as Pathao and inDrive operate in the capital. For remote trekking areas, local jeeps and porter services are essential. Roads outside cities can be rough, especially after monsoon season.

Safety Notes

Nepal is generally safe for tourists, but petty theft and scams targeting travelers occur in busy Kathmandu areas like Thamel. Keep copies of important documents, use hotel safes, and book tours through reputable agencies. Trek with a licensed guide in remote areas and register your route with local authorities. Emergency rescue services exist but response times at altitude can be slow; comprehensive travel insurance including helicopter evacuation cover is strongly recommended.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Nepal.

Nepalese rupee (NPR) ₨
Updated: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.075492
AAVE 0.000068
ADA 0.035094
AED 0.023993
AFN 0.427599
AGIX 0.114815
AKT 0.012708
ALGO 0.079361
ALL 0.518367
AMD 2.371492
AMP 17.030587
ANG 0.011702
AOA 5.999928
APE 0.050802
APT 0.011679
AR 0.003515
ARB 0.074695
ARS 9.780624
ATOM 0.004378
ATS 0.076958
AUD 0.009191
AVAX 0.000964
AWG 0.011694
AXS 0.007248
AZM 55.530314
AZN 0.011106
BAKE 9.392055
BAM 0.010939
BAT 0.104484
BBD 0.013066
BCH 0.000031
BDT 0.794933
BEF 0.225612
BGN 0.010939
BHD 0.002456
BIF 19.431673
BMD 0.006533
BNB 0.000010
BND 0.008307
BOB 0.075039
BRL 0.033832
BSD 0.006533
BSV 0.000408
BSW 18.026956
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.110376
BTG 0.014889
BTN 0.624707
BTT 24,013.322541
BUSD 0.006529
BWP 0.087876
BYN 0.019753
BYR 128.030445
BZD 0.013123
CAD 0.009017
CAKE 0.004054
CDF 14.976612
CELO 0.104393
CFX 0.149162
CHF 0.005218
CHZ 0.511067
CLP 6.020806
CNH 0.043938
CNY 0.043940
COMP 0.000355
COP 19.944263
CRC 2.941286
CRO 0.131112
CRV 0.025040
CSPR 2.446145
CUC 0.006532
CUP 0.173102
CVE 0.616715
CVX 0.004039
CYP 0.003273
CZK 0.135175
DAI 0.006532
DASH 0.000206
DCR 0.000553
DEM 0.010939
DFI 6.565634
DJF 1.160359
DKK 0.041810
DOGE 0.087020
DOP 0.381552
DOT 0.008254
DYDX 0.059390
DZD 0.867038
EEK 0.087508
EGLD 0.002300
EGP 0.330913
ENJ 0.258185
EOS 0.098989
ERN 0.097997
ESP 0.930559
ETB 1.061738
ETC 0.000990
ETH 0.000003
EUR 0.005593
EURC 0.005632
FEI 0.006525
FIL 0.009705
FIM 0.033253
FJD 0.014375
FKP 0.004801
FLOW 0.225959
FLR 1.016092
FRAX 0.006589
FRF 0.036686
FTT 0.031476
GALA 4.533950
GBP 0.004801
GEL 0.017021
GGP 0.004801
GHC 722.911194
GHS 0.072291
GIP 0.004801
GMD 0.484131
GMX 0.000960
GNF 57.332755
GNO 0.000054
GRD 1.905738
GRT 0.466920
GT 0.000939
GTQ 0.049727
GUSD 0.006544
GYD 1.358926
HBAR 0.092183
HKD 0.051233
HNL 0.174658
HNT 0.037692
HOT 19.346153
HRK 0.042139
HT 0.057526
HTG 0.849715
HUF 2.035278
ICP 0.002817
IDR 116.302453
IEP 0.004405
ILS 0.019458
IMP 0.004801
IMX 0.062448
INJ 0.001407
INR 0.624707
IQD 8.509030
IRR 8,979.114789
ISK 0.795353
ITL 10.829120
JEP 0.004801
JMD 1.026311
JOD 0.004632
JPY 1.034561
KAS 0.245006
KAVA 0.158723
KCS 0.000896
KDA 1.391347
KES 0.845662
KGS 0.571938
KHR 26.311461
KLAY 0.265792
KMF 2.751464
KNC 0.061735
KPW 5.878951
KRW 9.104609
KSM 0.002122
KWD 0.002014
KYD 0.005427
KZT 3.013555
LAK 146.467613
LBP 583.953862
LDO 0.019281
LEO 0.000703
LINK 0.000623
LKR 2.149681
LRC 0.821206
LRD 1.182899
LSL 0.105188
LTC 0.000139
LTL 0.019311
LUF 0.225612
LUNA 0.147758
LUNC 129.313217
LVL 0.003931
LYD 0.041340
MAD 0.060462
MANA 0.097451
MBX 0.315922
MDL 0.111991
MGA 27.982565
MGF 139.912827
MINA 0.152877
MKD 0.344931
MKR 0.000004
MMK 13.716017
MNT 23.502408
MOP 0.052770
MRO 2.602028
MRU 0.260203
MTL 0.002401
MUR 0.306861
MVR 0.100994
MWK 11.276532
MXN 0.110721
MXV 0.012639
MYR 0.026412
MZM 416.907526
MZN 0.416908
NAD 0.105188
NEAR 0.003747
NEO 0.003589
NEXO 0.008749
NFT 23,197.199515
NGN 8.798173
NIO 0.239714
NLG 0.012325
NOK 0.060941
NZD 0.010991
OKB 0.000064
OMR 0.002515
ONE 9.055295
OP 0.073557
ORDI 0.001775
PAB 0.006533
PAXG 0.000001
PEN 0.021891
PEPE 2,255.306498
PGK 0.029330
PHP 0.402563
PI 0.072699
PKR 1.806067
PLN 0.024154
POL 0.080034
PTE 1.121250
PYG 39.091731
QAR 0.023781
QNT 0.000111
QTUM 0.009051
ROL 293.418200
RON 0.029342
RPL 0.004201
RSD 0.656299
RUB 0.548721
RUNE 0.015318
RVN 2.506123
RWF 9.579973
SAND 0.158170
SAR 0.024499
SBD 0.052267
SCR 0.094767
SDD 392.094179
SDG 3.920942
SEK 0.061655
SGD 0.008307
SHIB 1,378.821663
SHP 0.004801
SIT 1.340252
SKK 0.168488
SLE 0.149690
SLL 149.689980
SNX 0.031872
SOL 0.000077
SOS 3.705135
SPL 0.001089
SRD 0.246988
SRG 246.988358
SSP 37.036094
STD 137.916850
STN 0.137917
STX 0.050084
SUI 0.009257
SVC 0.057165
SYP 84.931216
SZL 0.105188
THB 0.214508
THETA 0.043467
TJS 0.059925
TMM 114.305963
TMT 0.022861
TND 0.018934
TOP 0.015563
TRL 313,293.241731
TRX 0.019559
TRY 0.313293
TTD 0.044162
TUSD 0.006543
TVD 0.009191
TWD 0.207994
TWT 0.016336
TZS 17.291551
UAH 0.291788
UGX 24.274050
UNI 0.001784
USD 0.006533
USDC 0.006532
USDD 0.006536
USDP 0.006540
USDT 0.006536
UYU 0.261393
UZS 76.733799
VAL 10.829120
VEB 507,147,469.963863
VED 5.060116
VEF 506,011.584361
VES 5.060116
VET 1.345957
VND 170.662080
VUV 0.772734
WAVES 0.033129
WEMIX 0.033758
WOO 0.592276
WST 0.017595
XAF 3.668619
XAG 0.000098
XAU 0.000001
XAUT 0.000001
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.017685
XCG 0.011702
XCH 0.004611
XDC 0.234862
XDR 0.004771
XEC 931.755902
XEM 13.954141
XLM 0.038038
XMR 0.000015
XOF 3.668619
XPD 0.000005
XPF 0.667395
XPT 0.000004
XRP 0.005888
XTZ 0.029990
YER 1.548817
ZAR 0.105188
ZEC 0.000012
ZIL 2.687681
ZMK 122.384874
ZMW 0.122385
ZWD 2.364341
ZWG 0.174241
ZWL 435.379500

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Cities in Nepal 287
Browse all cities and towns
Amargadhi Amargadhi Amraiya Babathan Babiyachaur Baglung Balach Banepa Bangesimal Bardaghat Bardibas Beni Besisahar Bestada Bhadrapur Bhaktapur Bhakunde Besi Bharatpur Bhimeshwar Bidur Bidur Biratnagar Birendranagar Birganj Birtamod Bishalter Borang Boudhamode Brahmapuri Budhi Butwal Byas Chainpur Chakchake Chandragiri Chandranigahapur Changunarayan Chhireshwarnath Chitwan Dakshinkali Damak Danaiphant Dasharathchand Dashrathchand Deepnagar Dhading Besi Dhalkebar Dhangadi Dhankuta Dhanusadham Dharan Dharka Dhulachaur Dhulikhel Dipayal Ekdara Ganeshman Charnath Gaur Gaur Gauriganj Gaushala Bazar Gitanagar Godawari Gokuleshwar Gulariya Gulariya Hariaun Krisnachok Hetauda Ila Village Ilam Inaruwa Itahari Jagatpur Jaleshwar Jaleshwar Jamunapur Janakpur Jiri Jumla Jumla Main Bazar Kachorwa Kalaiya Kalaiya Kalika Bajar Kamalamai Kapilavastu Kapilwastu Karmaiya Katari Kathmandu Kawasoti Khairahani Khairenitar Khalanga Khandbari Kirtipur Kotre Kurintar Kusma Kuwakot Lahan Lahan Laksmipur Lalbandi Lalitpur Lamki Chuha Leknath Lo Manthang Madhyapur Thimi Madhyapur Thimi Mahendranagar Malangwa Malangwa Malekhu Manahari Manebhanjyang Mangalpur Mangalsen Manma Manthali Matihani Mechinagar Meghauli Milan Tole Mugling Narayan Naubise Nele Bazar Nepalganj Nijgadh Okhaldhunga Padampur Kalika Municipality Panauti Panauti Pari Badhu Phaliyagaon Phidim Pipra Pokhara Pradipnagar Prithivinarayan Putalibazar Putalibazar Rajbiraj Rakam Ramechhap Ramgram Ramgram Rampur Ratnanagar Ratnanagar Sahaji Salleri Salyan Sambhunath Sanphebagar Sarpallo Shahidnagar Shankharapur Shivapur Shivnagar Chowk Shuklagandaki Siddhartanagar Sidharthanagar Simara Sindhulimadi Sinduli Marhi Siraha Surkhet Suryabinayak Syabru Bensi Syauli Tamghas Tansen Tansen Tatopani Thuibheri Tikapur Tikapur Tilottama Tribuvannagar Triyuga Triyuga Tulsipur Urlabari City Wahadurganj Waling Wāling Wana Weni अगैया अत्तेरिया अमिलिया आबूखैरेनी बजार इटहरी इनरुवा इलाम उरहरी कपुरकोट कमलामाई कागेश्वरी मनोहरा काठमाडौं कालिका केर्खा बजार कोहलपुर खैरा गढवा गल्छी गुरुधाम गैंडाकोट गोरखा घर्तीगाउँ घोराही चतरा चन्द्रौटा चाराली चाैदण्डीगढी चैनपुर जनकपुर जाजरकोट जिरीखिम्ती जुगेडी टोखा डुम्रे ताप्लेजुङ तारकेश्वर तुलसीपुर दमक दमौली दिक्तेल दिपायल दुल्लु दुहबि धनकुटा धनगढी धरान धुन्चे धुलिखेल ( शिखलापुर) नयाँ नैकाप नागार्जुन नारायण नारायणपुर नेपालगन्ज पर्सेनी पालुङटार बजार पोखरा पौडेगाउँ प्युठान प्रगतिनगर बागलुङ बिजौरी बिरगंज बिराटनगर बिर्तामोड बुटवल बुधबारे बूढानीलकण्ठ बेलझुण्डी बेलडाँडी भद्रपुर भरतपुर भालुबाङ्ग भिङ्री बजार भिमदत्त भिमेश्वर महालक्ष्मी मियाटोल मिर्चैया मेचीनगर मेलम्ची राजबिराज रामपुर रिम्ना बजार लक्ष्मी बजार लमही ललितपुर लिवाङ् लुहाम वीरेन्द्रनगर सन्धिखर्क सर्रा सल्यान खलङ्‍गा सिमिकोट सिलगढी सुरुङ्गा हेटौडा होलेरि

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Nepal needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Nepal?
The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu.
What currency does Nepal use?
Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee (₨) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Nepal?
The official language(s) of Nepal include Nepali.
What is the population of Nepal?
Nepal has a population of approximately 29,911,840 people.
What region is Nepal in?
Nepal is located in Asia, specifically in the Southern Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Nepal?
The international dialing code for Nepal is +977.
What time zones does Nepal observe?
Nepal observes the following time zone(s): UTC+05:45.
What is the current time in Nepal?
The local time in Nepal is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Nepal?
Nepal covers a total area of 147,181 km².
How many states or provinces does Nepal have?
Nepal is divided into 20 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Nepal in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Nepal in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Nepal?
Visa requirements for citizens of Nepal vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.