Asia
Nepal travel guide for backpackers
Nepal: quick facts, a map and notes from my own trips in 2022, 2024.
My route in Nepal
My experience
Nepal was my first stop in Asia on the 2022 trip. I planned two months of travel, flew in with hand luggage only and bought clothes and mountain gear in Kathmandu. My plan to fly to Everest Base Camp ended when the Lukla flight was cancelled after six hours of waiting, so I took a local bus north to the Langtang Valley instead.
I got ill on that first trek and turned back after five days at a family teahouse. Afterwards I travelled south to Chitwan National Park for a guided jungle walk with rhinos and returned to Kathmandu by night bus. In 2024 I came back to the mountains and reached about 4,500 m in Langtang.
Nepal rewards flexibility. Buses leave when they are full, roads close after landslides and mountain flights are often cancelled, but locals are quick to help and dal bhat is cheap fuel on every trek.
Places I went in Nepal
- Kathmandu
- Syabru Besi
- Langtang Valley
- Chitwan
Guides for Nepal
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Nepal?
The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu.
What currency is used in Nepal?
Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee (NPR).
When is the best time to visit Nepal?
October to November and March to April for trekking. This is general guidance, so check current conditions before you travel.
When did Francis travel in Nepal?
Francis travelled in Nepal in 2022, 2024.