WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE VISITING NEPAL

11 DEC 2024 • 10 MIN READ

Our top tips for visiting Nepal, from the sensory-overload of Kathmandu to dal bhat, wi-fi and wobbly bus journeys...

Nepal is a country that conjures up images of soaring peaks, fluttering prayer flags and intrepid expeditions. It is what many people think of when they think of adventure. Eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks are situated in Nepal, including the revered highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, but as I would find out - there’s so much more to this country than its 8,000m peaks.

There’s a saying amongst the guides and the porters - 24 hour, dal bhat power!

Know some story from our recent visitors

: I visited Nepal for the first time back in March 2023. During the next month, we would spend our time exploring the chaotic urban sprawl of Kathmandu and the chilled lakeside tourist mecca of Pokhara. We’d trek the Manaslu circuit and dive into the remote rural Tsum Valley, which typically sees only 300 tourists a year.

I've still only scratched the surface of this remarkable country, but if, like me, you're hoping to head out and sample the culture, the trekking and explore the remarkable outdoors, I have a few hints and travel tips which might be useful.

KATHMANDU IS A SENSORY OVERLOAD

Don't expect to move quickly on the roads of Kathmandu.

I didn’t really know what to expect when I landed in Kathmandu, but even stepping out of the airport was a shock. As Nepal’s most populated city, home to vibrant Buddhist and Hindu communities (and the jumping off point for most tourists), I probably shouldn’t have been so surprised at how chaotic the city was.

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Walking through the crowded streets while dodging mopeds and cows was a sensory overload - blaring horns, delicious street food smells, less pleasant animal smells and music everywhere. Nepal will certainly make your senses come alive. It’s intense but you do pretty quickly appreciate it for its vibrancy. As a travel photographer, I really wanted some solo time just exploring with my camera, but it took me time to feel comfortable.

I started by spending a few hours in a western-style coffee shop in the Thamel area of the city, then ventured out with my partner to get the lay of the land. After that, I explored on my own, camera in hand, and had a fantastic time. Take your time to acclimatise, but also make sure you push yourself out of your comfort zone because you’ll be richly rewarded.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT TRIPS ARE AN EVENT IN THEMSELVES

Having planned to do the 15-day Manaslu Circuit trek, our primary method of transport in Nepal was going to be our feet. But we also knew that getting to the start and the end of the trail was going to involve some public transport which, let me tell you, is quite an adventure in itself!

From the incense gently wafting from the dashboard of the bus to the door remaining open for the entire journey, to extra seats being fashioned out of planks that neatly slotted over the handbrake and the musicians who got on for a few stops to lighten the mood, this was a journey unlike another other.

At one point, one of our back wheels actually went off the side of the cliffside dirt track we were on.

This wasn’t a trip for the fainthearted. There are plenty of articles that warn of the dangers of the bus journeys, and ours was no exception. At one point, one of our back wheels actually went off the side of the cliffside dirt track we were on. Luckily I had the seat furthest away from the edge, and so wasn’t aware of what had happened until all four wheels were safely back on the track, but it definitely felt a million miles away from a National Express coach on the M6.

If you do need to do any kind of long distance travelling by bus in Nepal, expect it to take the entire day (at least). Our bus to the trailhead took 10 hours. I have no idea how long it was supposed to take, but make sure you allow plenty of buffer time for the bus to make as many stops as it needs to, for it to pick up passengers, animals and navigate the interesting roads. Pack enough snacks and water - although the buses stop do make stops along the way - grab a window seat so you can watch the landscape unfold and soak up the atmosphere.

YOU CAN ORGANISE EVERYTHING IN KATHMANDU

Thamel. The markets of Kathmandu are wellstocked for hikers.

I used to be a pretty organised traveller, booking everything months in advance. Lately though, I’ve become more spontaneous - and Nepal is perfect for that.

You can do the first essential things before you’ve even left Tribhuvan Airport. For example, getting a tourist visa is easy to do at the arrivals area if you didn’t do it online beforehand, although be prepared for long queues. Similarly, SIM cards are easily available inside the arrivals gate, where the companies will set everything up for you if you don’t have an e-sim.

For further information, please contact us 

📧 Email: info@karmanepal.org
📍 Address: Gairidhara-1, Kathmandu, Nepal 44600
🇳🇵 Nepal: +977-9814127396
🇦🇺 Australia: +61-406783014
🇳🇿 New Zealand: +64 22 461 5509