You’ve secured your flight, booked your stay here at Hotel Blue Horizon, and you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Now what? Here we have included “7 Essential Nepal Tips Every Beginner Must Know Before Landing in Kathmandu”.
So, the initial excitement is great, but as experienced hosts, we know that successful travel requires the right knowledge. Nepal is a truly welcoming place, but it operates on its own rhythm, which can surprise first-time visitors.
Forget the generic advice. We put together these seven must-know tips to help you smoothly transition from traveler to confident explorer the moment you step off the plane. Read these carefully—they will save you time, money, and hassle on your first few days.
Master the Visa On Arrival (VOA) Process:
Many first-time travelers unnecessarily stress about the visa. The truth is, the Visa On Arrival (VOA) system at TIA is exceptionally straightforward. You simply need to fill out the digital application at the self-service kiosks inside the arrival hall, pay the fee (cash or card accepted at the official counter), and present your passport.
Pro-Tip: Bring crisp, clean USD (or other major currencies like Euros). The VOA desk prefers cash for the fastest processing, helping you clear customs and baggage claim much quicker.
Never Drink the Tap Water—Always Filter:
This is non-negotiable for every traveler, from budget backpacker to luxury resort guest. Never drink tap water in Kathmandu. Although bottled water is readily available, the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles is immense.
Instead, invest in a quality filtered water bottle (like a Lifestraw or similar filter system) or purification tablets. Therefore, you both protect your health and actively reduce plastic waste while traveling.
Carry Plenty of Small Cash (NPR):
While major hotels (like ours!) and large restaurants accept cards, most small shops, local eateries, street vendors, and public transport (like buses or meter taxis) only accept cash. Large bills (NPR 1000) are often hard to break.
Action: After exchanging your initial currency at the airport (see our TIA arrival guide!), break those large bills immediately into NPR 100 or 50 denominations. This ensures transactions are fast and hassle-free, keeping you moving.
The Power Bank is Your Best Friend:
Power cuts, known locally as “load shedding,” are far less common now than they were years ago, but they absolutely still happen. When the power unexpectedly goes out, your reliance shifts completely to your phone.
Always keep a fully charged power bank with you. This simple accessory guarantees your ability to navigate, use your local SIM, and communicate with us at Hotel Blue Horizon, even when the lights go dark across the city.
Master the Art of Polite Haggling:
In tourist-centric areas like Thamel and Patan, vendors expect you to haggle for souvenirs, pashminas, and small trinkets. Do not accept the first price you hear.
Remember, this is a friendly negotiation, not a confrontation. Start your offer at 50% of the asking price and slowly negotiate toward a final price that satisfies both you and the vendor. Keep a smile on your face and always remain respectful.
Dress with Cultural Respect and Comfort:
Nepal is a socially conservative country, especially around holy sites. When you visit temples, stupas, or monasteries, you must cover your shoulders and knees. Even outside these sites, modesty is appreciated.
Furthermore, wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. The streets of Kathmandu are historic, uneven, and often dusty. Flip-flops just won’t cut it for a day of exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Adopt the Pace: Take It Slow (And Stay Longer!):
Many first-time visitors rush through Kathmandu, seeing it only as a stopover before trekking. We urge you to pause. The traffic is intense, the noise is enveloping, and acclimatizing to the pace takes time.
Schedule buffer time into your first few days. Enjoy a long coffee, watch life unfold from a rooftop, and truly absorb the incredible atmosphere. You will find your enjoyment dramatically increases once you stop fighting the tempo and start living in the moment.
Your Nepal adventure starts with preparation, and these seven tips give you a huge advantage. They ensure your arrival is seamless and your first days are focused entirely on discovery.
You’ve mastered the pre-arrival phase; now, let’s turn that knowledge into action. Check availability at Hotel Blue Horizon and confirm your peaceful, budget-friendly launchpad for exploring all of Nepal.