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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.091473
AAVE 0.000074
ADA 0.034929
AED 0.024080
AFN 0.416880
AGIX 0.084041
AKT 0.010454
ALGO 0.073247
ALL 0.537479
AMD 2.412742
AMP 14.700207
ANG 0.011824
AOA 6.021815
APE 0.046774
APT 0.010484
AR 0.003285
ARB 0.081977
ARS 9.786587
ATOM 0.004147
ATS 0.078919
AUD 0.009465
AVAX 0.000950
AWG 0.011737
AXS 0.006493
AZM 55.733603
AZN 0.011147
BAKE 8.726281
BAM 0.011217
BAT 0.074451
BBD 0.013114
BCH 0.000027
BDT 0.808291
BEF 0.231359
BGN 0.011217
BHD 0.002465
BIF 19.519922
BMD 0.006557
BNB 0.000011
BND 0.008475
BOB 0.045421
BRL 0.033887
BSD 0.006557
BSV 0.000444
BSW 19.590668
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.123729
BTG 0.022723
BTN 0.624707
BTT 24,723.312485
BUSD 0.006551
BWP 0.088497
BYN 0.019041
BYR 128.527565
BZD 0.013206
CAD 0.009317
CAKE 0.004528
CDF 15.128351
CELO 0.097596
CFX 0.146558
CHF 0.005275
CHZ 0.363195
CLP 6.040210
CNH 0.044530
CNY 0.044513
COMP 0.000391
COP 21.916622
CRC 2.987890
CRO 0.109698
CRV 0.030672
CSPR 3.376148
CUC 0.006558
CUP 0.173775
CVE 0.632424
CVX 0.005452
CYP 0.003357
CZK 0.138714
DAI 0.006560
DASH 0.000186
DCR 0.000591
DEM 0.011217
DFI 7.892154
DJF 1.167736
DKK 0.042870
DOGE 0.084848
DOP 0.388603
DOT 0.007516
DYDX 0.049650
DZD 0.872027
EEK 0.089737
EGLD 0.002372
EGP 0.322088
ENJ 0.226564
EOS 0.090525
ERN 0.098353
ESP 0.954262
ETB 1.048812
ETC 0.000923
ETH 0.000004
EUR 0.005735
EURC 0.005739
FEI 0.006559
FIL 0.008304
FIM 0.034100
FJD 0.014724
FKP 0.004914
FLOW 0.233972
FLR 0.943314
FRAX 0.006628
FRF 0.037621
FTT 0.027527
GALA 2.862128
GBP 0.004914
GEL 0.017222
GGP 0.004914
GHC 744.927394
GHS 0.074493
GIP 0.004914
GMD 0.483534
GMX 0.001106
GNF 57.487834
GNO 0.000062
GRD 1.954280
GRT 0.345599
GT 0.000967
GTQ 0.050049
GUSD 0.006566
GYD 1.372459
HBAR 0.086835
HKD 0.051426
HNL 0.175543
HNT 0.027362
HOT 18.170096
HRK 0.043212
HT 0.183006
HTG 0.858263
HUF 2.027996
ICP 0.002974
IDR 117.974921
IEP 0.004517
ILS 0.019695
IMP 0.004914
IMX 0.047458
INJ 0.001342
INR 0.624707
IQD 8.597361
IRR 9,022.831756
ISK 0.825882
ITL 11.104957
JEP 0.004914
JMD 1.038760
JOD 0.004649
JPY 1.061232
KAS 0.213751
KAVA 0.145325
KCS 0.000908
KDA 1.124982
KES 0.847746
KGS 0.573494
KHR 26.292045
KMF 2.821549
KNC 0.058823
KPW 5.901778
KRW 10.050802
KSM 0.001861
KWD 0.002035
KYD 0.005455
KZT 3.099727
LAK 148.245152
LBP 588.831583
LDO 0.024273
LEO 0.000701
LINK 0.000821
LKR 2.195872
LRC 0.533664
LRD 1.190889
LSL 0.106574
LTC 0.000145
LTL 0.019803
LUF 0.231359
LUNA 0.133517
LUNC 106.798232
LVL 0.004031
LYD 0.042058
MAD 0.061396
MANA 0.094232
MBX 0.260716
MDL 0.115409
MGA 27.824364
MGF 139.121821
MINA 0.138306
MKD 0.353300
MKR 0.000005
MMK 13.765065
MNT 23.500821
MOP 0.052969
MRO 2.618629
MRU 0.261863
MTL 0.002462
MUR 0.308218
MVR 0.101366
MWK 11.373829
MXN 0.114610
MXV 0.012996
MYR 0.026734
MZM 418.765987
MZN 0.418766
NAD 0.106574
NEAR 0.003291
NEO 0.003315
NEXO 0.008523
NFT 24,741.109281
NGN 8.984778
NIO 0.241365
NLG 0.012639
NOK 0.064496
NZD 0.011525
OKB 0.000082
OMR 0.002524
ONE 5.245857
OP 0.060990
ORDI 0.002020
PAB 0.006557
PAXG 0.000002
PEN 0.022328
PEPE 2,403.944305
PGK 0.028846
PHP 0.403334
PI 0.057962
PKR 1.824192
PLN 0.024619
POL 0.089158
PTE 1.149811
PYG 39.883152
QAR 0.023867
QNT 0.000098
QTUM 0.009224
ROL 299.723767
RON 0.029972
RPL 0.003238
RSD 0.672697
RUB 0.505259
RUNE 0.015855
RVN 1.720469
RWF 9.611562
SAND 0.131418
SAR 0.024588
SBD 0.053059
SCR 0.093697
SDD 393.574509
SDG 3.935745
SEK 0.063293
SGD 0.008475
SHIB 1,497.595819
SHP 0.004914
SIT 1.374391
SKK 0.172780
SLE 0.149759
SLL 149.759165
SNX 0.028634
SOL 0.000081
SOS 3.744254
SPL 0.001093
SRD 0.246832
SRG 246.831821
SSP 31.139915
STD 141.555855
STN 0.141556
STX 0.038345
SUI 0.008777
SVC 0.057373
SYP 0.724817
SZL 0.106574
THB 0.217953
THETA 0.046740
TJS 0.060778
TMM 115.046969
TMT 0.023009
TND 0.019329
TOP 0.015791
TRL 306,963.986914
TRX 0.019966
TRY 0.306964
TTD 0.044429
TUSD 0.006571
TVD 0.009465
TWD 0.210412
TWT 0.019073
TZS 17.228957
UAH 0.292212
UGX 23.962276
UNI 0.002075
USD 0.006557
USDC 0.006559
USDD 0.006564
USDP 0.006577
USDT 0.006564
UYU 0.263909
UZS 78.471596
VAL 11.104957
VEB 422,551,603.727173
VED 4.225140
VEF 422,513.984060
VES 4.225140
VET 1.389919
VND 172.447731
VUV 0.788086
WAVES 0.024675
WEMIX 0.025326
WOO 0.553764
WST 0.018135
XAF 3.762065
XAG 0.000106
XAU 0.000002
XAUT 0.000002
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.017749
XCG 0.011824
XCH 0.004160
XDC 0.233354
XDR 0.004836
XEC 1,234.376496
XEM 15.316562
XLM 0.032844
XMR 0.000020
XOF 3.762065
XPD 0.000005
XPF 0.684395
XPT 0.000004
XRP 0.005728
XTZ 0.026351
YER 1.553941
ZAR 0.106574
ZEC 0.000014
ZIL 2.125549
ZMK 120.314503
ZMW 0.120315
ZWD 2.372940
ZWG 0.175879
ZWL 439.474103

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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.