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: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.070816
AAVE 0.000073
ADA 0.025778
AED 0.023802
AFN 0.405125
AKT 0.008040
ALGO 0.060356
ALL 0.531907
AMD 2.385256
AMP 7.746152
ANG 0.011677
AOA 5.953372
APE 0.044941
APT 0.006865
AR 0.003034
ARB 0.055453
ARS 9.048210
ATOM 0.003150
ATS 0.076609
AUD 0.009081
AVAX 0.000702
AWG 0.011601
AXS 0.005519
AZM 55.089533
AZN 0.011018
BAKE 8.765776
BAM 0.010889
BAT 0.066896
BBD 0.012962
BCH 0.000017
BDT 0.796422
BEF 0.224587
BGN 0.010889
BHD 0.002437
BIF 19.307665
BMD 0.006481
BNB 0.000010
BND 0.008296
BOB 0.044919
BRL 0.032469
BSD 0.006481
BSV 0.000431
BSW 7.571989
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.016848
BTN 0.624707
BTT 20,144.751488
BUSD 0.006484
BWP 0.088111
BYN 0.017823
BYR 178.229479
BZD 0.013045
CAD 0.008910
CAKE 0.004585
CDF 14.873793
CELO 0.080542
CFX 0.110064
CHF 0.005093
CHZ 0.131816
CLP 5.839638
CNH 0.044097
CNY 0.044082
COMP 0.000294
COP 24.622590
CRC 2.934098
CRO 0.092744
CRV 0.027470
CSPR 2.193956
CUC 0.006481
CUP 0.155514
CVE 0.613913
CVX 0.003734
CYP 0.003258
CZK 0.135346
DAI 0.006484
DASH 0.000151
DCR 0.000385
DEM 0.010889
DFI 6.600092
DJF 1.153239
DKK 0.041604
DOGE 0.062139
DOP 0.383654
DOT 0.005190
DYDX 0.044808
DZD 0.860418
EEK 0.087110
EGLD 0.001654
EGP 0.345588
ENJ 0.150899
EOS 0.080119
ERN 0.097216
ESP 0.926331
ETB 1.020548
ETC 0.000728
ETH 0.000003
EUR 0.005567
EURC 0.005563
FEI 0.006506
FIL 0.006716
FIM 0.033102
FJD 0.014291
FKP 0.004832
FLOW 0.179608
FLR 0.775872
FRAX 0.006527
FRF 0.036519
FTT 0.020059
GALA 1.927571
GBP 0.004832
GEL 0.017314
GGP 0.004832
GHC 741.432097
GHS 0.074143
GIP 0.004832
GMD 0.478781
GMX 0.000980
GNF 56.850789
GNO 0.000055
GRD 1.897078
GRT 0.257688
GT 0.000914
GTQ 0.049408
GUSD 0.006496
GYD 1.355499
HBAR 0.072001
HKD 0.050755
HNL 0.172412
HNT 0.007870
HOT 16.334630
HRK 0.041947
HT 0.044694
HTG 0.848295
HUF 2.007557
ICP 0.002509
IDR 114.878207
IEP 0.004385
ILS 0.018810
IMP 0.004832
IMX 0.038073
INJ 0.001243
INR 0.624707
IQD 8.491925
IRR 8,543.126465
ISK 0.798354
ITL 10.779911
JEP 0.004832
JMD 1.024835
JOD 0.004595
JPY 1.030066
KAS 0.187543
KAVA 0.112535
KCS 0.000809
KDA 0.779158
KES 0.838125
KGS 0.566945
KHR 25.993701
KLAY 0.124599
KMF 2.738961
KNC 0.045140
KPW 5.832860
KRW 9.755190
KSM 0.001302
KWD 0.001995
KYD 0.005391
KZT 3.041127
LAK 142.159610
LBP 581.016811
LDO 0.018198
LEO 0.000642
LINK 0.000669
LKR 2.158454
LRC 0.399906
LRD 1.187847
LSL 0.107906
LTC 0.000119
LTL 0.019223
LUF 0.224587
LUNA 0.102399
LUNC 82.457612
LVL 0.003913
LYD 0.041154
MAD 0.059645
MANA 0.073539
MBX 0.165513
MDL 0.112156
MGA 27.119142
MGF 135.595709
MINA 0.113454
MKD 0.343084
MKR 0.000004
MMK 13.605412
MNT 23.195712
MOP 0.052278
MRO 2.591299
MRU 0.259130
MTL 0.002390
MUR 0.306446
MVR 0.100098
MWK 11.280071
MXN 0.112154
MXV 0.012691
MYR 0.025758
MZM 413.950285
MZN 0.413950
NAD 0.107906
NEAR 0.004017
NEO 0.002242
NEXO 0.007287
NFT 22,915.164458
NGN 8.885993
NIO 0.238230
NLG 0.012269
NOK 0.060103
NZD 0.011070
OKB 0.000079
OMR 0.002493
ONE 3.161844
OP 0.050481
ORDI 0.001557
PAB 0.006481
PAXG 0.000001
PEN 0.022180
PEPE 1,759.913580
PGK 0.028634
PHP 0.399956
PI 0.042698
PKR 1.805673
PLN 0.023619
POL 0.071299
PTE 1.116155
PYG 39.446823
QAR 0.023591
QNT 0.000087
QTUM 0.007178
ROL 290.028976
RON 0.029003
RPL 0.003734
RSD 0.653438
RUB 0.469717
RUNE 0.014482
RVN 1.172690
RWF 9.476101
SAND 0.089996
SAR 0.024304
SBD 0.051889
SCR 0.095146
SDD 389.015451
SDG 3.890155
SEK 0.060981
SGD 0.008296
SHIB 1,124.412388
SHP 0.004832
SIT 1.334162
SKK 0.167722
SLE 0.148449
SLL 148.448677
SNX 0.020923
SOL 0.000076
SOS 3.703532
SPL 0.001080
SRD 0.241258
SRG 241.257543
SSP 30.555964
STD 137.870730
STN 0.137871
STX 0.027131
SUI 0.006125
SVC 0.056710
SYP 0.716392
SZL 0.107906
THB 0.211415
THETA 0.032828
TJS 0.060328
TMM 113.653209
TMT 0.022731
TND 0.018822
TON 0.003221
TOP 0.015418
TRL 295,430.925294
TRX 0.018171
TRY 0.295431
TTD 0.043962
TUSD 0.006489
TVD 0.009081
TWD 0.205047
TWT 0.013564
TZS 16.863947
UAH 0.286086
UGX 24.425288
UNI 0.001836
USD 0.006481
USDC 0.006483
USDD 0.006488
USDP 0.006490
USDT 0.006487
UYU 0.259786
UZS 77.980726
VAL 10.779911
VEB 335,284,051.841360
VED 3.352691
VEF 335,269.093727
VES 3.352691
VET 0.962143
VND 170.649910
VUV 0.769526
WAVES 0.017052
WEMIX 0.023992
WOO 0.383767
WST 0.017467
XAF 3.651949
XAG 0.000085
XAU 0.000001
XAUT 0.000001
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.017547
XCG 0.011677
XCH 0.002335
XDC 0.208490
XDR 0.004741
XEC 883.538024
XEM 9.738174
XLM 0.044147
XMR 0.000017
XOF 3.651949
XPD 0.000005
XPF 0.664363
XPT 0.000003
XRP 0.004689
XTZ 0.018955
YER 1.546519
ZAR 0.107906
ZEC 0.000011
ZIL 1.648476
ZMK 122.492706
ZMW 0.122493
ZWD 2.345509
ZWG 0.167927
ZWL 419.602371

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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.