Is Nepal Expensive To Visit?

Nepal is a beautiful mountainous country seated between two giant nations; India and China. Despite being a landlocked country, Nepal is easy to access, and the democracy that prevails here lets you enjoy the adventures you want in a full-fledged way.

Nepal can be the destination of any traveler during their holiday or vacation. Whether you plan to celebrate any function or event outside the country with a touch of natural beauty or want to chill with the thrill of varied culture and tradition, Nepal offers you both options.

You’re considering a trip to Nepal and you’re wondering how much it’s going to cost. Between flights, hotels, food, and activities, how expensive is this going to be? Well, the simple answer to that is the cost depends on your tour categories; it means the expense of your stay in Nepal varies on what activities you will be doing here or which destinations you will be choosing. Many travelers find Nepal one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia since the country offers several facilities and tour destinations at a reasonable price.

And in the meantime, the price of your stay might skyrocket if you participate in some luxurious activities, such as hunting in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and Climbing Everest or other peaks. Your holiday will be expensive if you want to enjoy a full-fledged luxury stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, if you are okay with the local culture, food, and accommodation, you can relish your vacation at a low price.

In this article, we’ll break down the costs of traveling in Nepal so you can plan your trip accordingly. We’ll also give you tips on keeping your costs down without sacrificing any of the fun. So, is Nepal expensive to visit? Let’s take a look.

Currency and Exchange Rates in Nepal

When it comes to currency and exchange rates, Nepal is less expensive than some other countries in the region. The Nepalese rupee is pegged to the Indian rupee, so the exchange rate is relatively stable. 1 USD is worth about NPR 131 (Nepalese rupees).

Nepal has plenty of affordable adventures, from trekking in the Himalayas to exploring medieval temples and monasteries. However, there are also a few costly activities that can quickly add up. If you’re looking to do a safari in Chitwan National Park, that’s going to be one of the more expensive options.

But with a little bit of know-how and some careful planning, you can enjoy all that Nepal has to offer without breaking the bank.

Accommodation Costs in Nepal

Accommodation is the most significant expense when traveling in Nepal. A bed in a dorm can cost anywhere from 500-1,000 NPR per night, and a double room will be at least 3,000 NPR. There are a few cheaper options—a shared room in a house will generally cost around 300 NPR per night, and a few guesthouses around Kathmandu charge as little as 200 NPR for a double room—but by and large, accommodation is not cheap in Nepal.

Large and luxurious accommodation can cost you more than 5,000 Nepalese Rupees and above. Several lavish hotels and lodges in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other parts of Nepal are well-furnished and cover all the facilities and services of your choice. From surfing high-speed internet to enjoying a cozy meal and from a hospitable environment to the best deals for your stay, hotels and lodges are always there for you to help with their utmost service.

Sophisticated hotels like Hyatt, Yak, And Yeti, Dwarika Hotel, and Hotel Marriot are some of the accommodation options you should try if you are okay with the expensive expenses.

Food and Drinks Costs in Nepal

Eating out in Nepal is relatively cheap, with most meals costing between 100 and 500 NPR. This covers a large variety of food, from Nepali thalis and momos to pizza and burgers. Westernized restaurants are more expensive but reasonable at around 400 NPR for a main course.

Alcoholic drinks might be exceptionally pricey, on the other hand, with a bottle of beer costing you around 400 NPR. But if you are okay with the local beverages, it’s cheap, which will cost you around 100 NPR. If you’re looking for a more authentic drinking experience, local hard liquor will set you back around 100-120 NPR per glass.

Western alcoholic products are expensive in Nepal in comparison to other countries in the world. It’s due to the TAX and VAT rate that adds up in liquor while importing in the country. So if you are looking for drinks from a genuine brand, have at least 5000 NPR with you.

Transportation Costs in Nepal

Do you want to take a walk or choose a vehicle for your transportation service? Well, reaching a nearby destination can be done if you walk – it will let you experience the lifestyle of people in Nepal. But if you are going somewhere far, you can opt for either a public bus or a rented taxi.

Public buses are relatively cheap in Nepal – if you allocate a budget of around 1000 NPR, you can travel anywhere inside a city by bus. But be known of the rate they charge you while you travel in a public vehicle since you do not want to get over-charged.

The price can be a little hefty if you are looking for a rented taxi. Depending on the distance you are traveling, you are likely to be charged between 500 and 1000 per ride, which can be costly.

Don’t worry; you can haggle for prices here. In fact, it’s expected. Start at about half the price the driver quotes you and go from there.

Taxis are everywhere and are relatively more pricey than local vehicles. You can hail one down on the street or book one in advance. Like Uber service, Pathao and In-Driver also operate in Kathmandu, and it’s cheaper than regular taxis.

The best way to get around the city is by walking, but if you’re going to be doing a lot of sightseeing, you should consider renting a bicycle or motorbike. Just be careful; the traffic can be chaotic.

If you are hiking to the suburbs of Kathmandu, you can rent a bicycle and go cycling. Cycling can be adventurous if you are willing to stay in destinations like Pokhara and Kulekhani. You can hire bikes at a reasonable price for a whole day and cherish your trip.

Activities and Sightseeing Expenses in Nepal

Next, you need to consider the activities and sightseeing expenses in Nepal. A lot of the popular activities, such as visiting temples and going on safaris, are affordable.

However, there are a few activities that can add up quickly. For example, Everest Base Camp Trekking can be considered your next go-to trekking plan – it is one of the most popular things to do in Nepal. But it’s also one of the more expensive things to do, with prices ranging from $500 to USD 1,500.

If you’re looking for something a little more cheaper and affordable, there are plenty of other trekking options available. The Annapurna Circuit Trek, for example, starts at around USD 250. And if you want to save some money, you can always go on a day hike instead of a multi-day trek.

Other Tips for Budgeting Your Trip to Nepal

Here are a few more tips to help keep your costs down while you’re in Nepal:

– Stick to local restaurants rather than tourist traps. You’ll get a better sense of the culture, and the food will be more authentic (and cheaper).

– Take public transportation instead of taxis or hired cars. It’s a great way to see more of the country and meet locals.

– Avoid shopping in tourist areas. You’ll find better prices (and better quality goods) if you wander off the beaten path a bit.

– bargaining is expected in many situations, so feel free to haggle for a better price on souvenirs, accommodations, etc.

In conclusion, Nepal is a very affordable country to visit, especially if you plan your trip wisely. There are many affordable adventures to be had in this beautiful country, and by planning your trip wisely, you can enjoy all that Nepal has to offer without breaking the bank.