To travel to Nepal as a Canadian, you can obtain a tourist visa valid for up to 90 days. You have several options: apply in advance through a Nepalese embassy or consulate, or simply get it on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport or at certain land border crossings. On arrival, you will need a recent passport photo and should be prepared to pay in cash (Canadian or US dollars are generally accepted). This is a simple and widely used option among travelers.

You can also apply online before your departure via the official website here.

Since September 16, 2025, all foreign travelers must also register upon arrival through the NepaliPort platform or mobile app Here.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of exit from Nepal.

In Nepal, the monsoon season generally runs from June to September. During this period, heavy rainfall can make travel more difficult: roads may be blocked by landslides, there can be local flooding, and infrastructure can sometimes be disrupted.

The best time to travel, especially if you want to go trekking, is usually between October and November, as well as in spring (March to May). During these periods, conditions are more stable, trails are accessible, and mountain views are often clear. These are truly the ideal times to fully enjoy the Himalayan landscapes and trekking in the best conditions.

Nepal is one of the most affordable countries I have visited.

As a backpacker, you can easily travel on about 15 to 40 CAD per day, which covers basic accommodation, local food, and transportation.

For a more comfortable style of travel, expect around 40 to 80 CAD per day, depending on your travel style and activities.

Even trekking remains relatively affordable compared to many other destinations.

The local currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR).

In Nepal, accommodation is very affordable and easy to book through platforms like Booking or Hostelworld.

In Kathmandu, in the Thamel district, I really loved Big Tree Hostel: very cheap, perfectly located, and ideal for exploring the city on foot. The atmosphere is extremely friendly, the people are lovely, and the rooftop is definitely a major highlight — one of the best places to meet other travelers and easily make connections.

In Pokhara, I also recommend Paila Hostel, which is more chill and relaxed, perfect for slowing down after a few days of trekking, with a calm vibe and a good balance between rest and social life. It is inexpensive and includes breakfast!

In Nepal, getting around is fairly easy, but it requires some flexibility. For intercity travel, you can use apps like 12Go Asia or BusSewa, which allow you to book tourist or local buses in advance. It is convenient for connecting Kathmandu, Pokhara, or other regions without stress.

For taxis in the city, Pathao, inDrive, and Taximandu in Kathmandu are the most commonly used: fast, affordable, and practical for avoiding negotiation on every ride.

The local transport network mainly consists of buses (local and tourist). Local buses are very cheap, often crowded and a bit chaotic, while tourist buses are more comfortable for long-distance travel.

Road conditions can be winding and sometimes poor, especially in mountainous areas, so trips often take longer than expected.

If you want to drive yourself, an international driving permit is required, but driving can be quite intense in Nepal.

ATMs in Nepal are generally reliable in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, especially in banks and tourist areas. Most accept international Visa and Mastercard cards without any issues.

However, fees can add up (bank + ATM charges), and some machines have relatively low withdrawal limits, so you may need to make multiple withdrawals.

In more rural or mountainous areas, ATMs are rarer or even nonexistent, so it is better to withdraw cash before heading out on a trek or to remote regions.

In Nepal, like everywhere, there are a few small scams to be aware of in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

In tourist areas such as Thamel in Kathmandu, be careful of fake guides or overly pushy “good deals” for treks or excursions. It is always better to book through reputable agencies or your hostel.

Another point: taxis without meters may sometimes inflate prices.

Finally, for treks, some people try to sell permits or services at higher-than-normal prices, so always compare before paying, and make sure the agency is legitimate and recognized.

For travel to Nepal, no vaccines are mandatory, but it is generally recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus.

No risk of yellow fever. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country, even in transit, where the disease is present. To see the list of countries at risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring yellow fever vaccination Here.

Regarding malaria, there is a risk in certain areas of Nepal and at certain times of the year. Malaria is a serious mosquito-borne disease. Preventive medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and travel period. It is advised to consult a pharmacist or a travel clinic before departure to check whether medication is necessary in your case.

In Nepal, it is advisable to stay vigilant in certain tourist areas of Kathmandu such as Thamel, Sanepa, and Kupandol, where pickpocketing can occur.

Political demonstrations are quite frequent and can sometimes become unpredictable or violent. Local strikes (bandhs) can block transportation, including to and from the airport, so it is best to avoid traveling during these periods. Even peaceful gatherings can quickly disrupt traffic and services. It is recommended to follow authorities’ instructions and stay informed through local media.

It is also important to know that planned power outages can occur in the country, often of short duration, as part of energy management.

In Nepal, women traveling alone generally feel safe, especially in tourist areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Locals are often respectful and used to travelers. That said, as everywhere, it is advised to stay aware, especially in the evening.

From my own experience, I never felt unsafe in Nepal. I walked alone late at night without any issues. However, this is only my experience, and it does not mean it will be the same for everyone — it is still important to remain cautious and attentive.

In Nepal, it is easy to get a local SIM card upon arrival, directly at the airport or in the stores of providers such as Ncell or Nepal Telecom. You usually only need a passport and a passport-sized photo.

Plans are very affordable and often include mobile data plus local calls. Internet coverage is good in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, but can become more limited in the mountains or during treks.

In more remote areas, the network can be weak or nonexistent, so it is best to download maps and information offline before leaving.

eSIM is a great option if you want to avoid on-site procedures: you arrive and are connected immediately. 

In Nepal, it is important to adopt a respectful attitude toward local traditions. Clothing should remain modest, especially for women in public and even more so when visiting temples or religious sites: short shorts and sleeveless tops should be avoided.

Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, so it is better to remain discreet.

It is also illegal to engage in proselytizing or attempt to convert someone to another religion.

Other important points: shoes are removed before entering temples, permission should always be asked before taking photos of people or religious sites, and it is appreciated to greet others with a “Namaste” as a sign of respect. In temples and religious places, it is also important to walk clockwise around sacred areas and remain discreet in behavior. Loud or disrespectful gestures are poorly perceived.

The right hand is commonly used to give or receive things, as the left hand is considered impolite in some contexts. Touching someone’s head is also frowned upon, as it is considered a sacred part of the body.

Finally, patience and politeness are highly valued: things may be slower or less organized than in Western countries, but maintaining a calm and respectful attitude makes a real difference in interactions.

In Nepal, it is very easy to travel on a small budget if you make a few simple choices.

Prioritize local restaurants (dal bhat is often the cheapest and most filling meal).

Local buses are also much cheaper than taxis or tourist buses, even if they are a bit slower. Using apps like Pathao or inDrive can also help you avoid overpaying for city rides.

For accommodation, hostels are the best option: prices are low and you can often negotiate during the low season.

Avoid withdrawing money too often from ATMs to reduce banking fees, and try to combine your expenses.

Walking as much as possible in cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara helps you save money while also discovering the places better.

In Nepal, you can also save money by booking treks directly on site instead of in advance online, as prices are often negotiable in Kathmandu or Pokhara. For equipment, you can rent almost everything locally, which is much more convenient than buying it. There are also Facebook groups where travelers resell or give away their gear before leaving the country.

In Nepal, same-sex relationships are not illegal. However, society remains generally conservative, especially outside major cities.

2ELGBTQI+ individuals may sometimes face discriminatory attitudes or a lack of acceptance depending on the region, sexual orientation, or gender expression. In tourist areas like Kathmandu, the atmosphere is generally more open, but discretion may still be preferable in certain contexts.

Nepal is an incredible trekking destination, with landscapes ranging from lush valleys to the peaks of the Himalayas.

Many popular treks reach altitudes above 5,500 meters, especially in the Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang regions. Conditions can be demanding and change very quickly in the mountains: extreme cold, snowstorms, and avalanches can occur at any time of the year.

Accidents do happen, especially when people underestimate altitude or go without proper preparation. It is therefore essential to be well informed, physically fit, and properly equipped. Good travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation is also essential.

For official treks, an entry permit is required. You can apply online Here or at certain park entry points.

It is strongly recommended never to go alone and to use a reputable agency with an experienced guide.

You should also prepare properly: carry enough water, monitor symptoms of altitude sickness, and inform someone of your itinerary.

Rescue in remote areas does exist, but it can be complicated or delayed due to limited access, lack of network coverage, or insurance and payment issues.

Most importantly: avoid overly cheap offers, choose reliable agencies, and always prioritize safety above all else.

For intercity travel in Nepal, I alternated between using the 12Go Asia app and buying tickets directly at bus stations. Both options work well, so you can really choose depending on how flexible you want to be.

In Kathmandu, I used local buses a lot: they are extremely cheap and honestly a real experience in themselves. It’s a bit chaotic, but very authentic, and I loved it.

For treks, there are agencies everywhere, so you can easily compare on the ground. The same goes for equipment.

For accommodation, I mainly used Booking, which is simple and reliable for finding hostels and hotels at good prices.