Nepal is a cheap destination. The low-cost accommodations are spartan but by paying a little more the comfort becomes correct. The standing is below the usual standards, so with great luxury we will have above all a better comfort, not a palace. The currency is the Nepalese rupee. Exchange offices are easily found and credit cards are accepted in tourist areas; however, plan to bring cash in case of trekking. Service is not included and tips are to be expected.
What budget for activities and outings in Nepal?
Organizing your trek on site in Nepal through a local agency is a less expensive solution than booking from France. You can choose an all-inclusive package (food, accommodation and transport), or a formula including equipment and paying for food and accommodation yourself.
Please note that since March 1, 2023, a guide is mandatory for any trek in Nepal. A major revolution that will generate the employment of 40,000 new guides. Remember to include it in your budget.
In Nepal, in tourist areas, changing your euros into Nepalese rupees is not a problem, there are quite a few exchange offices (every day, often until 9pm) and banks (Sunday to Friday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4pm). Prefer the latter because they offer more attractive rates.
What budget for eating in Nepal?
In Nepal. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will be spoilt for choice as the range of dishes from around the world is so wide: Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian specialties… Make the most of it because variety is far from being the norm in the provinces and on the treks where dhal bat reigns supreme!
In Bhutan. For those who end up getting tired of hotel restaurant buffets (a bit monotonous after a few days, it’s true!), you can try a local establishment. Bhutanese restaurants are generally very affordable. However, be aware that the wait can be long, and especially beware of the chili, because if the Bhutanese are used to it, our Western palates are more fragile!
In Nepal. Taking a break in a café is a good way to connect to the Internet: most have free Wi-Fi access. Between 5pm and 8pm, happy hour is de rigueur in the big cities.
In Bhutan. Outside of Thimphu and Paro, coffee shops are still rare in Bhutan.
What budget for accommodation in Nepal?
In Nepal. The somewhat hectic and polluted atmosphere of Kathmandu can bother some travelers. For those who value their peace and quiet, a good option is to stay in Patan, which is quieter, and to radiate from there to discover Kathmandu and the surrounding area. For those who want to stay in the city center of the capital, avoid Freak Street and prefer Thamel which offers a plethora of addresses. A word of advice: compare establishments because there is something for all budgets, from 5-star to small shacks! Generally speaking, hotels are often clean and cheap.
In Bhutan. The development of tourism leads to the proliferation of luxury hotel establishments. Keep in mind, however, that Bhutanese standards are not comparable to European standards.
Nepal Travel Budget and Cost of Living
In Nepal . Nepal is an inexpensive destination. You can easily get by with €30/day/person for comfortable accommodation (from Rs 2,500 for a bed), world cuisine meals, visits, and transportation by high-end tourist bus (from US$20) or taxi. You can also visit Nepal by making the most of the luxury hotels (from €100/night), luxury restaurants and above all, favor domestic transportation by plane rather than by bus. Yes, although Nepal is primarily a backpacker destination, you can also find real luxury oases throughout the country!
Tipping is a growing practice. It is usually included in the 10% tax, known as “service tax”. For trekkers, it is considered good form to tip your porters and your guide (to be given separately) at the end of the trek. Expect, if you are satisfied with the service, around 300 Rs/day.
Haggling is a very common practice (so, be careful of the prices announced by taxi drivers or souvenir sellers at first glance!). To get an idea of the real price of a product, do not hesitate to go to several stores and discuss the prices to get a price that seems fairest to you. Remember that a difference of a few rupees does not represent much for you, but it can be very appreciable for the seller in question.
Taxes : all establishments will include at the end of your bill a 10% tax for “service” and luxury establishments an additional so-called government tax of 13%.
In Bhutan . The Kingdom of Bhutan is an expensive destination due to its visa policy, now accessible only to the wealthiest. Before 2023, it was necessary to count 200 to 250 US$/day/person depending on the season for a “visa”, in fact a package including everything: the visa itself, hotels, meals, transport and visit. But since 2023, you have to pay 200 US$/day/person for a visa simply to breathe in Bhutan. You will have to pay for the flight (450 US$ return), meals, transport and visits in addition, which is about double. However, Bhutan has backtracked a little since then because it now offers promotions from 4 days of visa purchased, 4 days free.
