A BROKE GIRLS GUIDE TO NEPAL
Namaste and welcome in Nepal!
One of my favorite movies as a kid was The Jungle Book, and arriving in Nepal honestly felt like stepping into that kind of story. It’s one of those places that feels a little unreal at first, with huge mountains everywhere, dense jungles you can explore on foot, and colorful temples and religious sites around almost every corner. Nepal is perfect if you love being outdoors. You can spend your days hiking through incredible landscapes, spotting wildlife, or just wandering without much of a plan. The chaos of Kathmandu somehow pairs perfectly with the slower, laid-back vibe of Chitwan. Nepal has a special place in my heart. Before I even boarded my flight home, I was already looking for a way to come back as soon as possible. This blog is a little bit long but that is only because I wanted to give you ALL the info you need for your adventure in Nepal. This guide will include a packing list, itinerary´s, activities advice, transport advice, budget hostel advice and a budget breakdown.
Let’s explore Nepal with Broke Girls World!
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What To Expect
Money
Nepal is very budget-friendly compared to many other destinations. You pay in Nepalese rupees, and cash is still king, especially outside the bigger cities, so it’s smart to carry enough with you when traveling or hiking. ATMs are available in places like Kathmandu and Pokhara, but they can be unreliable, so don’t wait until the last minute to withdraw.
Plugs
Nepal uses plug types C, D, and M, and the voltage is 230V. European plugs usually work, but it’s still a good idea to bring a universal adapter, especially if you’re carrying multiple devices.
Safety
Nepal is generally a safe country, and most people you meet are kind and helpful. I do want to share my honest experience though. When hiking alone you are often quite exposed, and while 99 out of 100 people mean well, it only takes one bad encounter. I ran into a group of men and one of them crossed a line. I’m sharing this not to scare you, but to remind you to stay aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and stand your ground, especially in isolated areas. The local police took the situation very seriously and supported me well, which made me feel much safer afterwards. Stay alert, look out for yourself, and keep enjoying this incredible country.
Where to stay
Our Mission
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Our Team
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How To Get Around
Bus
Nepal is a relativly smll country. For only a few euros you can get a bus to just about anywhere. There are two types ofbusses. The tourist busses and the local busses. Tourist busses are better for long distance. You pay about ten euros. The local busses are better for short distance. You pay about tree euros.
Tuktuk
Especially handy is citys like Pokhara and Kathmandu. Tuktuks are cheap and can bring you across town easily. Tuktuk drivers also have a lot of information. If you need a hotel, ATM or hospital, a tuktuk driver always knows. Expect to pay about 3 euros for a short trip.
On Foot
If you plan on visiting villages in the Himalaya area you will have to go on foot. Prepare by bringing good shoes,a rain coat, a map and warm clothes. You have to take a local guide for most of the treks but for the Gorempani Poonhill trek (3210m) you can go alone like I did! Walk around 6 hours day and in 4 days you will reach Poonhill. Sleep at local teahouses wich offer free stay if you eat breakfast and dinner with them.
What To Pack For Nepal
Documents
Passport
Copy of passport
Visum
Insurance policy
Flight ticket
Credit card
List of emergency contacts
Drivers license
International drivers license
Essentials
Large backpack
Day bag
Packing cubes
Hand sanitizer
Painkiller
ORS
Plasters
Sunglasses
Sleep mask
Earplugs
Travel pillow
Books/magazine
Reuseable botte
Clothes
Underwear
Socks
Pajamas
Swimwear
Long pants
T-shirts
Longsleeve
Dress
Sweater/hoodie
Sneakers
Scarf
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Hairbrush
Sunscreen
Shaver
Shower gel
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body lotion
Microfiber towel
Electronics
Phone + charger
Travel plud adapter
Headphones + charger
Powerbank
Headlamp
Laptop + charger
Camera + charger
Kathmandu
Kathmandu was my first stop in Nepal, and it wastes no time throwing you right into the action. As your taxi crawls toward the center, the noise builds, streets get busier, and suddenly you’re surrounded by markets, monkeys, monks, and traffic all happening at once. Originally called Kantipur, the city once sat on the main trading route between Tibet and India, which explains why it still feels like a crossroads of cultures. It can be overwhelming at first, with the honking, crowds, and constant movement, but if you push past that first impression you’ll discover a city full of history, religion, and mesmerizing beauty.
What To Do
Thamel Neighboorhoud
Thamel is a nice neighboorhood full of shops, restautants and hostels. Even if you don´t stay here it is nice to spend an afternoon here.
Buddha Stupa
Monkey Temple
Pashupatinath
POKHARA
After the chaos in Kathmandu it will be nice to relax a little in the city of Pokhara. Most travellers go here to start a mountain trek but there is plenty to do in the city as well. Visit the Bat Cave, one of the many tempels or visit a market
What To Do
Mountain Trekking
Pokhara is the best base for a lot of different treks in the himayala area. I did the gorempahni poonhill trek wich you can complete in between 3 and 5 days. You can do it with a guide or alone like I did!
Bat Cave
Mahendra Cave
World Peace Pagoda
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
My solo multi-day hike trough the mountains of Nepal
Hiking alone through the mountains of Nepal was one of the most life-changing things I’ve ever done, and something I can truly recommend if you enjoy being outdoors and stepping a little outside your comfort zone. It’s peaceful, challenging, and incredibly rewarding, but you do need to prepare properly before heading out.
First, you’ll need to arrange your permit at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project office. Fill in the form, bring your passport, and don’t forget to take a piture copy with you. Before leaving Pokhara, buy a physical paper map and plan your route, as you can’t rely on signal everywhere. Also make sure to carry enough cash because there are no ATMs once you’re on the trail.
Pack smart. Good hiking shoes with grip are essential, and bring enough layers because temperatures can change quickly, especially higher up. A headlamp, refillable water bottle, and snacks like dark chocolate or energy bars are great to have. You can buy clothes and food along the way, but prices go up the higher you get.
To reach the starting point, go to Baglung Bus Station in Pokhara and take a bus to Naya Pul. From there you can either begin hiking straight away or take a shared taxi a little further to the actual trailhead. Once you start walking, the noise fades, the air gets clearer, and you quickly understand why this experience stays with people long after they leave.
Day 1
A little bit of what you fancy.
Day 2
Fresh seasonal flavors.
Day 3
Start with something delicious.
Day 4
Fine produce, freshly prepared.
CHITWAN
After a long and bumpy ride you will finally arrive on Chitwan. This is the place where you have the change to spot a Rhino, and Elephant or even en Bengal Tiger! Stay in one of the treehouses next to the jungle borderand don´t be surprised if one of the animals come to visit you at night...
What To Do
Jungle Walk
Chiwan is famous for it´s lush jungle full of wildlife. Take a walk with a jungle guide to spot animals on food and take a canou deep into the jungle. Expect no luxury, this is for the real outdoors lovers!
Animal Spotting
Even from the village of Chitwan you can spot a lot of wildlife. I saw a elephant, a crocodile and a snake.Bring your bioculairs and set up camp at your treehouse.