Nepal, a land of soaring peaks and vibrant culture, offers some of the most rewarding and affordable backpacking opportunities in the world. From the chaotic streets of Kathmandu to the serene trails of the Annapurna Sanctuary, this small Himalayan nation is bursting with adventure.
Kathmandu: A Capital of Culture and Chaos
Begin your Nepalese odyssey in Kathmandu, the capital city. Here, amidst the cacophony of horns and the aroma of spicy street food, you'll find a city rich in history and culture. Thamel, the tourist hub, is where you'll likely spend most of your time. It's a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with budget guesthouses, gear shops, and bustling restaurants. A bed in a basic hostel dormitory will set you back around £3-5 per night.
Exploring Kathmandu
Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a worth the trip. Entry costs around 1,000 Nepalese Rupees (NRs), about £6.50. The square is home to numerous temples and palaces, including the Kumari Bahal, where the Kumari Devi, a living goddess, resides. Be sure to explore the narrow streets surrounding the square, where you'll find local markets selling everything from spices to prayer flags.
For a taste of Kathmandu's spiritual side, visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath (entry 1,000 NRs) or the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath (entry 200 NRs). Both are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Eating in Kathmandu
Kathmandu offers a wide range of dining options, from local street food to international cuisine. A meal at a basic local restaurant will cost around 200-300 NRs (£1.30-£2). For a taste of Nepal's national dish, Dal Bhat, head to one of the many Newari restaurants in the city. This hearty meal, consisting of rice, lentil soup, and a variety of vegetable curries, will set you back around 300-500 NRs (£2-£3.25).
The Annapurna Sanctuary: A Trekker's Paradise
No visit to Nepal would be complete without a trek in the Annapurna Sanctuary. This popular trek offers handsome mountain views, charming villages, and a diverse range of landscapes. The trek starts from Pokhara, a lakeside town about a 9-hour bus ride from Kathmandu (350 NRs, £2.30).
Planning Your Trek
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek typically takes 7-10 days, depending on your pace and the number of side trips you take. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but it can be strenuous at times, with several steep ascents and descents. The total distance covered is around 110km.
You'll need a TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System) to trek in the Annapurna region. These can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara for 2,000 NRs (£13). You'll also need to pay the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee, which costs 3,000 NRs (£20).
Accommodation and Food on the Trail
Along the trail, you'll find numerous teahouses offering basic accommodation and meals. A bed in a dormitory costs around 200-300 NRs (£1.30-£2) per night, while a meal will set you back around 300-500 NRs (£2-£3.25). The further you ascend, the more expensive things become.
What flights LON to KTM actually cost
Prices below are live fares from Aviasales. We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Cheapest dates to fly
| Departure | Price | Airline | Stops | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Oct 2026 | €675 | PC | 3 stop | Check |
| 1 Nov 2026 | €678 | AL | 4 stop | Check |
| 6 Sept 2026 | €684 | RR | 4 stop | Check |
| 10 Oct 2026 | €807 | VF | 2 stop | Check |
| 15 Dec 2026 | €844 | W9 | 4 stop | Check |
Live fares, checked 16 Aug 2026. Prices change daily.
Booking in Kathmandu: where to look
We may earn a commission from the links below, at no extra cost to you. We only list services we would use ourselves.
- Airalo — eSIM data the moment you land, no SIM swap
- Saily — Travel eSIM with per-country plans
- Yesim — eSIM covering multiple countries on one plan
Practical Tips for Backpacking Nepal
- The best time to visit Nepal is from October to December or from March to May, when the weather is generally dry and temperatures are moderate.
- Nepal's currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NRs). At the time of writing, 1 GBP is roughly equivalent to 160 NRs.
- Tap water in Nepal is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available, but it's more environmentally friendly and cheaper to use a water purifier.
- Nepal is a culturally conservative country. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Always ask permission before taking photographs of people, especially in rural areas.
- Nepal's electrical system is 230V/50Hz, with Type C, D, and M plugs in use. It's a good idea to bring a universal travel adapter.
Backpacking Nepal is an adventure that offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, it's a trip that can be done on a shoestring budget.
