11 tips for budget-friendly adventures in Nepal

Nepal offers excellent value for travelers of all budgets.

Whether you're an independent backpacker trekking Annapurna or enjoying luxury tented safaris in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, you'll find that Nepal delivers more for your money than many popular tourist spots. Since the 1970s, Kathmandu has been a hub for budget travelers, a trend that has since spread to various cities and trekking routes throughout the country.

Though prices aren't as low as in the '70s, Nepal remains affordable, offering great value for visitors who adhere to these budget tips.

Curious about the best experiences in Nepal? Discover the country's top attractions

Overview of daily expenses in Nepal

• Hostel accommodation: starting at Rs 400

• Basic double room: starting at Rs 1500

• Public bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara: starting at Rs 800

• Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara: starting at Rs 1300

• Espresso-based coffee: starting at Rs 200

• Plate of momos (dumplings): starting at Rs 130

• Nice dinner for two: between Rs 3300 and Rs 6500

• Daal bhaat at a mountain lodge: between Rs 400 and Rs 850

• Craft beer at a bar in Kathmandu: starting at Rs 400

Estimated daily cost: between Rs 2000 and Rs 6700

Estimated travel cost for a 2-week trip to Nepal: Rs 28,000–94,000

Plan your visit during the shoulder seasons: February/March and September/October

The peak tourist seasons in Nepal run from mid-October to late November and late March through April, during which accommodation prices rise nationwide. Popular trekking routes can get crowded, making it hard to find lodging as many places may be fully booked. If you choose to travel just before or after these peaks, you’ll encounter fewer tourists and more affordable rates—expect discounts of 20–30% on mid-range hotels and guesthouses, while mountain lodges might offer free charging or Wi-Fi as part of your stay. Just be prepared for the occasional rainy day, which can also provide a much-needed rest for your legs.

Excited to organize your trip to Nepal? Check out our seasonal guide

Walk away from Kathmandu's airport

You came to Nepal for trekking, right? Taxis at Kathmandu airport frequently offer exorbitant rates to new arrivals. Instead, walk about 80 meters (260 feet) down to Ring Road, where you'll find more reasonable taxi fares—around Rs 600 to reach the popular Thamel area—or take public transport to your destination. If that doesn’t sound appealing, reach out to your hotel ahead of time; many provide fixed-rate or complimentary transfers for guests staying multiple nights.

Navigate the city with Pathao and InDrive

For a better experience than hailing a taxi off the street, download the Pathao or InDrive ride-hailing apps to access local fare prices. Pathao is effective in Kathmandu, while InDrive is the more reliable option outside the valley.

Venture beyond Thamel for dining and accommodations

Thamel is often the most convenient spot in Kathmandu for travelers prepping for long treks, arranging tours, or seeking restaurants with international cuisine. However, this convenience comes with higher prices compared to similar places elsewhere in the city. The outskirts of Thamel are great areas to find reasonably priced lodging—often up to 20% cheaper than central spots—and for dining, you can discover better value (though with less variety) throughout the city.

Think about Boudhanath as an alternative base

While it remains a tourist-friendly area, the neighborhood around Boudhanath Stupa serves as an excellent alternative to Thamel, offering affordable lodging and dining in a much more tranquil atmosphere. Here, you’ll navigate through groups of pilgrims instead of rickshaws, and awaken to Buddhist chants more often than the sounds of traffic. Its proximity to the airport makes it a great spot for a few restful days in the city at the end of your journey.

Broaden your tickets to include major tourist attractions in the Kathmandu Valley

Boudhanath, Patan Durbar, Kathmandu Durbar, and historic Bhaktapur are rightly some of Nepal's most sought-after cultural sites. Ticket prices vary from $3 at Boudhanath to $15 for Bhaktapur, but many visitors overlook the option to extend these tickets on-site for reuse (usually for one week, although Kathmandu Durbar tickets remain valid until your tourist visa expires). You’ll need your passport for the extension, and passport photos for Kathmandu Durbar as well.

Planning to travel beyond Kathmandu? Check out our public transportation guide for Nepal

Opt for local cuisine – especially while trekking

There’s a significant price difference between Nepali and international dishes, not just in restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but also within high-altitude trekking lodges. In the mountains, daal bhaat (a mixed plate of lentil soup, rice, and curried vegetables) offers the best value – with unlimited refills of lentils and rice, it’s perfect for replenishing energy after a long day of hiking.

Choose the tourist bus over the local one

Although not the most budget-friendly choice, the various tourist buses that leave each morning for Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini provide significantly more comfort and speed for just a few extra dollars compared to local buses. By the sixth or seventh hour, you might regret not opting for a domestic flight, but when you think of the money saved for indulging in momos, it will all feel worthwhile.

Choose a trek suited to your abilities and go without a guide

The most popular treks in Nepal are on well-marked and frequently traveled routes, making it feasible for trekkers with a solid understanding of basic mountain trekking skills to undertake the journey without a guide. This doesn't mean solo trekking is advisable for everyone – it can be risky at any level – but be aware of your limits in nature and select a trek that aligns with those capabilities.

If you choose to go with a guide, arrange it after arriving in Nepal.

Many travelers opt to hike with a local guide in Nepal for safety, cultural insights, or simply for convenience. If you’re among them and have some flexibility in your schedule, consider waiting until you get there to make your arrangements. Tour agencies in the cities can suggest appropriate trekking routes based on your experience and preferences, and independent guides can also provide insights (just remember to ask about their qualifications). This approach will help you save a substantial amount by bypassing middlemen. If you find a guide you connect with, keep their contact details for future reference or to share with friends, as many work freelance and can organize trips without going through booking agencies.

There are numerous fantastic trekking routes in Nepal. Here are the top options

Consider renting gear for shorter treks

If you're planning a short trek as part of a larger journey and don’t want to carry a full load of trekking equipment, or if you don't trek often and lack the necessary gear, think about renting equipment for your hike once you arrive in Nepal.

Plan to spend about Rs 100 daily for a jacket or bag, which are most reliably found in the tourist areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara.