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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.061287
AAVE 0.000036
ADA 0.024045
AED 0.023795
AFN 0.418626
AKT 0.008466
ALGO 0.050450
ALL 0.531447
AMD 2.344006
AMP 10.104447
ANG 0.011651
AOA 5.934985
APE 0.040440
APT 0.007892
AR 0.001437
ARB 0.031782
ARS 9.847802
ATOM 0.003559
ATS 0.079497
AUD 0.009297
AVAX 0.000571
AWG 0.011598
AXS 0.004947
AZM 55.073540
AZN 0.011015
BAKE 25.242779
BAM 0.011299
BAT 0.061424
BBD 0.012958
BCH 0.000021
BDT 0.796482
BEF 0.233055
BGN 0.011299
BHD 0.002436
BIF 19.466103
BMD 0.006479
BNB 0.000008
BND 0.008290
BOB 0.077723
BRL 0.032387
BSD 0.006479
BSV 0.000324
BSW 15.745279
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.092732
BTG 0.009821
BTN 0.624707
BTT 17,427.913233
BUSD 0.006478
BWP 0.089174
BYN 0.019766
BYR 127.008937
BZD 0.013030
CAD 0.009245
CAKE 0.002649
CDF 14.973292
CELO 0.062300
CFX 0.118080
CHF 0.005389
CHZ 0.387333
CLP 6.304403
CNH 0.043430
CNY 0.043444
COMP 0.000264
COP 20.724467
CRC 2.964775
CRO 0.095411
CRV 0.017576
CSPR 2.540041
CUC 0.006480
CUP 0.155200
CVE 0.637062
CVX 0.002927
CYP 0.003381
CZK 0.141335
DAI 0.006482
DASH 0.000114
DCR 0.000351
DEM 0.011299
DFI 7.089173
DJF 1.152647
DKK 0.043180
DOGE 0.068333
DOP 0.388303
DOT 0.005237
DYDX 0.044345
DZD 0.870969
EEK 0.090395
EGLD 0.001450
EGP 0.339689
ENJ 0.195716
EOS 0.063757
ERN 0.097187
ESP 0.961260
ETB 1.053911
ETC 0.000730
ETH 0.000002
EUR 0.005777
EURC 0.005777
FEI 0.006482
FIL 0.005428
FIM 0.034350
FJD 0.014579
FKP 0.004903
FLOW 0.204780
FLR 0.898870
FRAX 0.006545
FRF 0.037897
FTT 0.025082
GALA 2.674202
GBP 0.004903
GEL 0.016817
GGP 0.004903
GHC 761.731532
GHS 0.076173
GIP 0.004903
GMD 0.479529
GMX 0.000738
GNF 56.965790
GNO 0.000053
GRD 1.968611
GRT 0.222519
GT 0.000579
GTQ 0.049445
GUSD 0.006493
GYD 1.352519
HBAR 0.064362
HKD 0.050845
HNL 0.173731
HNT 0.012486
HOT 14.147864
HRK 0.043529
HT 0.177639
HTG 0.846644
HUF 2.122304
ICP 0.001858
IDR 116.075551
IEP 0.004550
ILS 0.019814
IMP 0.004903
IMX 0.035335
INJ 0.000855
INR 0.624707
IQD 8.470444
IRR 11,652.924187
ISK 0.791092
ITL 11.186389
JEP 0.004903
JMD 1.025297
JOD 0.004594
JPY 1.024428
KAS 0.151026
KAVA 0.093460
KCS 0.000853
KDA 0.663632
KES 0.841052
KGS 0.566658
KHR 26.247715
KLAY 0.155568
KMF 2.842239
KNC 0.045234
KPW 5.832045
KRW 8.698027
KSM 0.001265
KWD 0.002003
KYD 0.005386
KZT 2.949821
LAK 145.383928
LBP 584.306777
LDO 0.014144
LEO 0.000729
LINK 0.000468
LKR 2.137034
LRC 0.631077
LRD 1.105660
LSL 0.107871
LTC 0.000093
LTL 0.019948
LUF 0.233055
LUNA 0.126878
LUNC 122.535315
LVL 0.004060
LYD 0.041571
MAD 0.064666
MANA 0.062654
MBX 0.219070
MDL 0.116120
MGA 28.692552
MGF 143.462760
MINA 0.048090
MKD 0.355456
MKR 0.000003
MMK 13.600870
MNT 23.293687
MOP 0.052370
MRO 2.594055
MRU 0.259405
MTL 0.002480
MUR 0.307126
MVR 0.100166
MWK 11.214306
MXN 0.117112
MXV 0.013313
MYR 0.026472
MZM 413.559346
MZN 0.413559
NAD 0.107871
NEAR 0.001240
NEO 0.002556
NEXO 0.007619
NFT 27,151.944552
NGN 8.565728
NIO 0.238194
NLG 0.012731
NOK 0.062186
NZD 0.011576
OKB 0.000050
OMR 0.002494
ONE 0.044237
OP 0.048198
ORDI 0.001424
PAB 0.006479
PAXG 0.000002
PEN 0.022309
PEPE 1,498.127384
PGK 0.029190
PHP 0.407191
PI 0.074223
PKR 1.791487
PLN 0.025308
POL 0.059249
PTE 1.158242
PYG 37.851132
QAR 0.023584
QNT 0.000025
QTUM 0.006610
ROL 308.816191
RON 0.030882
RPL 0.003388
RSD 0.678568
RUB 0.549690
RUNE 0.008345
RVN 2.640756
RWF 9.550080
SAND 0.098530
SAR 0.024297
SBD 0.052278
SCR 0.091769
SDD 388.866121
SDG 3.888661
SEK 0.065081
SGD 0.008290
SHIB 1,106.837051
SHP 0.004903
SIT 1.384469
SKK 0.174047
SLE 0.149376
SLL 149.376121
SNX 0.025878
SOL 0.000054
SOS 3.686329
SPL 0.001080
SRD 0.244302
SRG 244.301699
SSP 37.103740
STD 142.546622
STN 0.142547
STX 0.017290
SUI 0.005429
SVC 0.056693
SYP 84.253583
SZL 0.107871
THB 0.218086
THETA 0.027981
TJS 0.059632
TMM 113.688950
TMT 0.022738
TND 0.019391
TOP 0.015605
TRL 318,616.098099
TRX 0.019281
TRY 0.318616
TTD 0.043869
TUSD 0.006484
TVD 0.009297
TWD 0.205919
TWT 0.011350
TZS 17.094511
UAH 0.291816
UGX 26.047132
UNI 0.000731
USD 0.006479
USDC 0.006481
USDD 0.006484
USDP 0.006518
USDT 0.006482
UYU 0.261732
UZS 76.214938
VAL 11.186389
VEB 564,155,612.817385
VED 5.641556
VEF 564,155.612817
VES 5.641556
VET 0.742460
VND 168.427922
VUV 0.778872
WAVES 0.021718
WEMIX 0.033833
WOO 0.473333
WST 0.018033
XAF 3.789652
XAG 0.000107
XAU 0.000002
XAUT 0.000002
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.017539
XCG 0.011651
XCH 0.004140
XDC 0.192803
XDR 0.004789
XEC 812.492703
XEM 10.319932
XLM 0.030021
XMR 0.000012
XOF 3.789652
XPD 0.000006
XPF 0.689414
XPT 0.000004
XRP 0.004312
XTZ 0.019392
YER 1.530361
ZAR 0.107871
ZEC 0.000005
ZIL 1.775554
ZMK 128.095094
ZMW 0.128095
ZWD 2.344805
ZWG 0.173457
ZWL 433.420662

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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.