Curated by Vinod Kumar Jain & Amit Jain · All Frontier Global · free, no login · reviewed 2026-07-05
Himalayan peaks meet spiritual serenity
Nepal's headline export to India is now electricity: under a 2024 pact targeting 10,000 MW of hydropower sales over ten years, monsoon surpluses flow south — and onward to Bangladesh via India's grid in South Asia's first trilateral power trade. The open border, the 1.6-to-1 currency peg and treaty-based access make this the most frictionless India corridor anywhere. The politics are less settled: a Gen-Z uprising toppled the government in September 2025 and pushed the country to fresh elections in March 2026.
Prayer flags snap in thin Himalayan wind as teahouse trails climb toward Everest and Kathmandu's stupas watch with painted eyes.
Trade agreements (4): Limited free-trade agreements; bilateral relations focus on South Asia.
Passport strength: visa-free/VOA to ~42 destinations. Nepali passport provides visa-free access to approximately 42 destinations.
India × Nepal hub ↗ All countries factsheet
Typically 15–90 days; varies by nationality
e-Visa: no · Visa on arrival: Yes, for most at airport/border
Domestic flights and trekking on foot in the mountains; taxis and buses in cities.
Car vs taxi: Hire a car with driver for mountain roads; taxis/apps suffice in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Money: Cash outside Kathmandu/Pokhara; cards at city hotels; ATMs scarce on treks.
SIM & data: Cheap local SIMs (Ncell, NTC) at the airport; mountain coverage is patchy.
Tipping: Tip trekking guides/porters $5–10/day; 10% in restaurants appreciated.
Etiquette: Remove shoes at temples/homes, use the right hand, and walk clockwise around stupas.
Food: Try dal bhat, momos and thukpa; drink bottled, boiled or filtered water.
Say hello: Nepali — “Namaste (नमस्ते)” · thanks “Dhanyabaad (धन्यवाद)” · how much? “Yo kati ho? (यो कति हो?)”
Generally safe; main risks are altitude sickness and mountain road conditions.
For nomads: Emerging nomad presence in Kathmandu and Pokhara with budget-friendly accommodations, guesthouses with coworking areas, and backpacker community.
Education: Very affordable schools and universities for all levels.
Healthcare: Basic care affordable; quality care available in Kathmandu.
Typically 15–90 days; varies by nationality
Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Capital: Kathmandu.
Limited free-trade agreements; bilateral relations focus on South Asia.
Generally safe; main risks are altitude sickness and mountain road conditions.