A short guide to Nepal for budget travellers

Precious Rongmei, TRAVEL TRENDS, NEPAL Created : Apr 22, 2022, 19:00 IST

Credit: iStock

A short guide to Nepal for budget travellers

Nepal, home to Mount Everest – the highest mountain in the world, may be a landlocked nation, but in terms of beauty, it is one of the most beautiful countries in South Asia if not in the world. Nepal shares its borders with Tibet in the North, India in the South, East and West, separated from Bhutan by Sikkim, and from Bangladesh by Siliguri in West Bengal. In Nepal, one can easily find social, cultural and traditional influences from all these neighbouring countries. Nepal is a popular destination among adventure lovers. Mainly because of the Everest Base Camp and the majestic Himalayan ranges that are challenging and irresistable at the same time. Due to this, Nepal always has a good number of backpacking tourists.

Keep in mind, the capital city of Kathmandu is one of the most expensive places in the world. So, we bring to you some budget-friendly ways you can explore and enjoy Nepal.

Credit: iStock

How to reach Nepal?

Instead of taking a flight to Kathmandu, Nepal’s only functioning airport, do the road journey. The most convenient route for travellers travelling from Delhi and nearby places is via Sunauli border crossing near Bhairawa, Raxaul border via Patna, Panitanki crossing via Gangtok, and Banbasa via Delhi-Uttarakhand. There are daily direct overnight buses to various places in Nepal.

Credit: iStock

Where to stay?

Once you reach Kathmandu or other nearby towns and cities, you will need to look for an accommodation. If you are travelling on a fixed budget, opt for one of the many hostels, homestays and budget hotels. Saving up on accommodation will give you even more chances to explore other attractions near you.

Note: Some of the hotels do give free shuttle service to and from the airport, so if you have your room booked with them, you might as well avail that.

Credit: iStock

When to visit?

Off-season is always good. And by off-season, we mean winter and monsoon. Winter is the best time to visit Nepal. You can take a trip to the lower Terai region (for wildlife) at a very affordable price.

Credit: iStock

What and where to eat?

When in Nepal, eat like a local. And eat where locals eat. Go for the delicious Nepali thali for some wholesome and healthy food. One can get to know about a place and its beautiful culture through food. Local food will be a lot cheaper than most restaurants with an international menu. Ask around for Bhojanalayas—local food joints.

Credit: iStock

How to travel locally and what to do?

Take the local bus to reach from point A to B. These public buses cover almost every part of Nepal and are inexpensive. If you are not in a hurry, buses will save you a lot of money. Treks in Langtang, Annapurna region and Everest Base Camp are easy treks and can be done independently too, meaning without hiring a guide. Trekking solo is not advisable if you are not familiar with the places (even if you are). You will find plenty of other like-minded budget travellers like yourself, in search of a trekking partner.