Nepal Travel Guide 2026: Visa, Safety, Best Places, Trekking & Money for USA Travellers
Nepal Travel Guide 2026 for USA Travellers: Visas, Safety, Best Places
If you're planning a trip to Nepal from the USA, you’re probably searching for quick answers about visas, safety, the best places to visit, trekking, money, and travel insurance. This guide keeps everything simple and straight to the point so you can plan your journey with confidence.
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
Yes, most American travellers need a visa, but the good news is that Nepal offers an easy Visa on Arrival system.
- 15 days: USD 30
- 30 days: USD 50
- 90 days: USD 125
You need:
- Passport valid 6 months
- One photo (optional)
- Cash or card
You can also apply through Nepal’s online immigration portal if you want to skip airport queues.
Is Nepal safe for tourists and solo travellers?
Nepal is considered one of the safest destinations in Asia. Crime rates are low, people are friendly, and most travellers have smooth trips.
Solo travellers
USA travellers walking around Kathmandu, Pokhara, and trekking regions usually feel safe at all hours.
Solo female travellers
Nepal is generally welcoming. Stick to trusted trekking companies like Footprint Adventure, Kandoo Adventures, or Discovery World Trekking when booking longer hikes.
Health & wildlife
- Altitude sickness is the biggest risk.
- Avoid tap water.
- Carry basic medication.
Best places to visit in Nepal
Nepal blends culture, mountains, wildlife, and spiritual history. Here are the places most American travellers visit first.
Kathmandu Valley
A cultural hub filled with temples, market streets, ancient squares, and heritage sites.
Pokhara
Peaceful lakeside city known for mountain views, adventures, cafés, and trekking gateways.
Chitwan National Park
Rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, jungle safaris, and river canoe trips.
Everest Region
You don’t need to climb Everest to enjoy this region; the Base Camp trail is bucket-list worthy.
Annapurna Region
Perfect for beginners and experienced hikers looking for views without extreme altitude.
How to plan a trekking trip in Nepal
Nepal has hikes for every level—from short scenic walks to advanced Himalayan expeditions. Agencies like Kandoo Adventures, visithimalayastrek.com, and Discovery World Trekking can help arrange safe, guided routes.
Trek difficulty
- Beginner: Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Langtang
- Moderate: Annapurna Base Camp, Everest View
- Advanced: Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit
Permits
Most treks require TIMS and conservation area permits. Your guide usually handles this.
Essentials to pack
- Layered clothing
- Warm down jacket
- Good boots
- First-aid with altitude meds
When is the best time to visit Nepal?
Autumn and spring offer the best weather for trekking and sightseeing.
- September–November: Clear skies, best mountain views
- March–May: Blooming forests, warmer weather
- December–February: Great for cities and low-altitude treks
- June–August: Rainy but good for Mustang and cultural trips
Money in Nepal: ATM, cash, cards, and currency
The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the local currency. Cash is more widely used than cards outside big cities for Tourist if Available Master or Visa Card not available but the Master or Visa can be widely used on the touristic places with POS machines.
- ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Not reliable in remote trekking areas
- Carry small bills for taxis & markets
- Some hotels add 3–4% on card payments
Do I need travel insurance and vaccinations?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Americans visiting Nepal, especially for trekking above 3,000 meters.
Insurance tips
- Must include high-altitude coverage
- Helicopter evacuation is essential
Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Tetanus booster
What are typical Nepal itineraries?
7 days
Kathmandu + Pokhara + short hike
14 days
Kathmandu + Pokhara + ABC trek or Langtang + Chitwan
21 days
Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit with acclimatization
Culture and etiquette you should know
- Dress modestly around temples
- Remove shoes when entering homes or shrines
- Ask before taking photos of locals
- Use your right hand to give or receive items
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