Exploring Bhutan

Nepal Stopover Essentials

Get an overview of stopover essentials for Nepal. Learn valuable visa and practical information about Nepal before your trip. When booking with Fleewinter, we’ll provide more details and answers to frequently asked questions in a personalised mobile app.

To see some of our favourite hotels and things to do in the Kathmandu Valley, have a look at this page.

Flights & Visas

Return flights from London to Kathmandu require a change of plane with the most direct routes through Doha and Dubai. You can also fly via Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, or Delhi although these options add many hours to the journey. If you don’t mind two changes of plane, fares can be found from as low as £700. As part of your holiday, we can book flights for you although a booking fee may apply.

UK visitors to Nepal need a visa which can be obtained in advance through the embassy, on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu, or you can apply online within 15 days before your arrival then pay for it and collect it on arrival in Kathmandu. You can find more advice about this on the FCO’s page about entry requirements. When booking with Fleewinter, we’ll give you more detail and our advice on the best option for your holiday. In our experience, it’s a very easy process.

Language, Culture & Clothing

Namaste! You’ll hear this Nepali greeting throughout your time in Nepal. While Nepali is the national language, many people speak English and when booking with us, we’ll ensure you have English-speaking guides.
With Hindu and Buddhist influences and a rich history of kingdoms and conquest, you’ll find plenty of temples and royal residences to admire, legends to learn, and mouth-watering cuisine to try. Keep an eye out for intricate carvings of Newari design, Buddhist thangka paintings, pottery, woolen handicrafts, and the welcoming arms of Nepalese hosts.
Layers are the key to packing well for Nepal. Altitude variation means you may be sweltering in Kathmandu and shivering in Nagarkot. People tend to dress conservatively so long trousers, skirts, and dresses and tops with at least short sleeves are recommended. For entering temples and some historic sights, you’ll need knees and shoulders covered. If you’ll be trekking, you’ll want protection from both sun and cold so lightweight, breathable layers are advised.

Money Matters

The Nepalese Rupee cannot be obtained outside of Nepal. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and can be used to pay for a visa on arrival. British Pounds can be exchanged at the airport and exchange offices throughout Kathmandu. There are ATMs in most towns although outside of Kathmandu and Pokhara, they should not be relied upon as many do not accept international cards. While many hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards, cash is preferred and necessary for many purchases.

Tipping is always appreciated and based on how happy you are with the service provided. Many restaurants will include a service fee and if they do not, adding 5-10% is customary. With taxi drivers, it’s best to round up or provide a small amount on top of the fare. When travelling with Fleewinter, we’ll provide more recommendations on tipping before your holiday.

Insurance & Health

Upon entering Nepal, you may be asked to provide proof of medical insurance. If you’ll be trekking outside the Kathmandu valley, we highly recommend that you include cover for emergency evacuation by helicopter and provision for repatriation. Please visit our page on travel insurance for general guidance on obtaining a policy.
As no member of our team is a medical doctor, we advise you to make a travel appointment with your local medical team for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Malaria is not generally a risk and for most travellers, and for most, having your normal jabs up-to-date will suffice. The NHS Fit for Travel page is an excellent resource on suggested vaccines and other health advice for travel to Nepal.
Tap water is not safe to drink and we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle so that your hotel can refill it to minimize the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.
If you’ll be leaving the Kathmandu valley, it’s imperative that you understand the risks of high altitude travel. Again, the NHS is a good place to begin.

Electricity, Internet, Other Bits & Bobs

Round two-pin and three-pin power outlets are standard in Nepal, similar to European plugs, and electricity runs on 230 volts.
WiFi is readily available in hotels, at least in the main areas although speeds and reliability vary greatly throughout the country. International e-SIM cards work although as in any mountainous country, you’ll find coverage varies. You can also pick up a local SIM card at the airport.
Nepal is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT and has only one time zone with no change for the summer or daylight savings.
Whether it’s Tibetan Buddhist New Year, Hindu Holi, the women’s festival of Teej, the 15-day Dashain, the Festival of Lights, or another, there are festivals many months of the year. Some of these are amazing to witness and others are best avoided so speak with your Fleewinter expert about your preferred travel dates.

Paro

Home to the country's only international airport and the well-known cliffside Paro Taktsang or Tiger's Nest monastery, your holiday will almost certainly start and end here.

Thimphu

This capital city is the largest in the nation and although it's becoming more modern, it maintains its historic character and charm. Home to many museums and other sights that provide insight into Bhutanese culture, Thimphu is worth at least two nights on your holiday.

Punakha

Generally considered the most beautiful fortress in a country full of stunning buildings, Punakha Dzong alone makes it worth visiting this small city in a subtropical valley. The drive over mountain passes is memorable and on a clear day, the views are spectacular.

Gangtey

If you're hoping to see black-necked cranes, the Gangtey region will be on your itinerary. Late October is typically the best month to see these rare birds coming through although you may see them all the way into February.

Bumthang

Many call this the cultural heart of the country, and if time allows for a visit to Bumthang, you'll be well rewarded. Bring good walking shoes as some of the best sights are seen on foot.