Travel is synonymous with exploration, adventure, and self-discovery. However, the misconception that traveling is expensive often dissuades people from exploring the world. This is not the truth, as wandering around the globe doesn’t necessarily drain your bank account. All you need to do is draw up a well-organized trip plan, including budget-friendly activities and accommodation.
When searching for cheap South Asian countries to travel to, the name Nepal often pops up. It is a beautiful landlocked country with many tourist attractions, scenic beauty, and rich cultural heritage. But how do you visit Nepal on a budget? No worries; here, we have several savvy travel tips to help you cruise through Nepal without denting your wallet.
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Avoid Visiting in Tourist Peak Season
Yes, folks, although it might sound bizarre, tourist peak seasons are not the best time to travel in Nepal. For starters, major tourist attractions are crowded with visitors during this period. Your chances of finding accommodation are slim. Also, let’s not forget their expensive prices.
Nepal’s tourist peak season is from September to November. As hard as it is to tell, many Nepali people rely on tourism to run their households. They don’t have much work on off-seasons and rely on tourist seasons to make money. So, everything from travel and trekking to accommodation will cost more.
Visitors should travel to Nepal between June to September to save money. This is the cheapest time to visit the country. However, your travel won’t be easy as it’s monsoon season. Many remote areas experience floods and landslides, so travelers should practice caution and tread carefully.
Nonetheless, travelers can enjoy pleasant rainy days and experience a moist atmosphere. The city areas are less polluted at this time of the year. Moreover, visitors can experience rice plantations and other monsoon activities with locals. Your trip will be like an adventure, where you must hunt for accommodation and activities under harsh weather.
- Most Expensive Tourist Season: October – November
- Cheapest Tourist Season: June – August, December – February
- Travel Tips: Avoid traveling in the hilly region; Explore City Areas
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Rice Plantation Experience in Bhaktapur
- 3-Day Guided Tour in Nagarkot with Ropain Festival Experience
- 3 Days Ropain Festival at Kirtipur
Search for Cheap Travel Routes
Generally speaking, traveling in Nepal is fairly affordable compared to other countries. Still, it won’t hurt to reduce travel costs and save money. Speaking of which, the travel route is another factor integral to managing a budget. You have to search for cheaper routes carefully to avoid excessive expenses.
Most tourists fly to Kathmandu and then go to other destinations. While planes are convenient, they are expensive compared to other travel mediums. So, why not choose a different travel route? Say, a road journey.
Visitors can travel on the road from Delhi, India, to Nepal. They can also cross borders from Sunauli or Raxaul. There are also open borders from Banbasa and Panitanki, where you can take buses or vans to arrive in Nepal.
Traveling from the Sunauli border, you can sign up for a 10-hour bus journey through Varanasi. You will travel through Chitwan and Pokhara before reaching Kathmandu. On the other hand, the Raxual to Kathmandu trip will take eleven hours by bus. Although hasslesome, these are budget-friendly travel routes.
However, I must warn travelers of tourist scams around the India-Nepal borders. Be aware of third parties who try to sell you tickets and only buy bus tickets from reliable agencies. A friend of mine was nearly scammed thrice the original amount when traveling from India. Hence, visitors have to be wary and not trust everyone they meet.
Look at available India-Nepal routes, opening-closing times, and traveling hours.
- Sunauli-Kathmandu Route: 6 AM – 10 PM, 10 Traveling Hours
- Raxaul-Kathmandu Route: 6 AM – 10 PM, 10-11 Traveling Hours
- Panitanki-Kathmandu Route: 7 AM – 10 PM, 9 Traveling Hours
- Banbasa-Kathmandu Route: 10-11 Traveling Hours
Check These Handpicked Travel Options:
Choose Public Transportation Over Cabs
In Nepal, do as Nepalese do, including traveling in Nepali style. Visitors will see many buses, vans, tempos, and other public vehicles nationwide. That’s because most people rely on public transportation to travel from one place to another. One, it is cheap, and secondly, there are hardly any other options if you don’t have a private vehicle.
You will be surprised to see the difference between a public bus and a private taxi’s fare. The latter charges triple the amount of a bus fare. So, you have to bear with traveling on public transportation in your budget trip.
Squeeze in with Passengers on a Bus
Buses are the primary public transportation medium in Nepal. You will find them everywhere, whether riding for a short distance or going on long tours. Furthermore, buses charge lower fares compared to private taxis. For instance, it costs Rs. 20 ($0.15) for a 5 km distance.
Just like buses, mini-buses, tempos, micro vans, and city buses are available for your disposal. They charge similarly so that you can pick based on your comfort. But, I must warn our readers that Nepali buses are crowded, making it almost impossible to find a seat. You have to travel by squeezing in with other passengers.
If you want a more comfortable ride, you can book tickets for Tourist Buses. They are safer, convenient, AC-equipped, and perfect for long-distance travel. You can find deluxe, super deluxe, and VIP tourist bus options while traveling to Pokhara and Chitwan.
Check Out Some Of These Bus Tickets:
- Kathmandu to Pokhara bus ticket
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Tourist Bus Tickets reservation (Normal)
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Vip Sofa Bus Transport
- Kathmandu to Chitwan Tour by Tourist Bus – A Convenient and Affordable Way
Choose Your Ride
(Source: Tootle Facebook)
The traditional ways of travel have long gone; now, it’s time to travel comfortably and conveniently. Earlier, we mentioned how private vehicles cost more than public transportation. But another affordable way exists if you want to travel by cab.
That is choosing your ride via ride-sharing apps like Pathao, Tootle, and inDrive. All you have to do is sign up and choose pickup and drop-off locations. The app will mention available drivers and their fares; you can choose one that fits your budget.
Although ridesharing apps cost more than public vehicles, it is far from hailing a private car alone. In the latter case, drivers will try to scam you. But, with ridesharing applications, you will choose your fare and ride comfortably.
- Tootle: Google Play, App Store
- Pathao: Google Play, App Store
- inDrive: Google Play, App Store
Forget About Expensive Hotels; Stay in Cheap Homestays
After traveling through long roadways and navigating through streets via public transportation, you would have saved enough money already. But, let’s save some more by choosing cheap accommodation.
Nepal has many budget-friendly accommodation options, including homestays, guest houses, lodges, and hotels. You say it; we have it. But you must be mindful when choosing hotels with a fixed budget. Don’t squander your money by booking luxurious rooms.
Lodges, hostels, and homestays provide the most affordable accommodation. Their rooms are clean, cheap, and will fit right into your budget. What’s more, you can find a hotel room for $5 a night. Lodges’ prices also range from $5 onwards.
There are various travel sites for finding and booking a room in Nepal. I suggest you visit Booking.com and Agoda. Also, check this list of top lodges by Booking.com. Or, if you want to explore luxurious hotels in Kathmandu, head over here.
- Cheap Accommodation Options: Lodges, Homestays, and Hostels
- Average Price: $8 per night
- Recommended Destinations: Gurkha Lodge, Nanohana Lodge, Panorama Lodge & Restaurant
Eat Like Local: Cut Food Expenses
Traveling also includes exploring that country’s food culture. In Nepal, you will be exposed to diverse food options that vary from region to region, culture to culture, and ethnicity to ethnicity.
Even Nepal’s street food combines traditional and foreign food cultures. You will have a field trip exploring this country’s culinary offerings.
Visitors will find Nepali dishes cheap compared to foreign cuisines in local restaurants. Many Nepalese people enjoy authentic home cooking at local eateries and diners, where you can enjoy a full meal for a few bucks. I recommend Dhal Bhat, which is filling, nutritious, and tasty.
Furthermore, travelers can explore vendor shops, tea houses, and stalls during mornings or evenings. Local eateries serve delicious foods such as Dhindo, Gundruk, Sel Roti, Bara, Lakhamari, and more. You can also try street delicacies like Momos, Laphing, Chow Mein, Sekuwa, and Choila.
- Where To Eat At: Local Restaurants, Vendors, Stalls
- Average Price Range: $4 – $8.5
- Recommended Destinations: Yangling Tibetan Restaurant, Norling Tibetan Restaurant, OR2K
Check These Handpicked Activities:
Explore Cheaper Trekking Packages
Nepal’s popular tourist activity is trekking. This country boasts numerous hiking and trekking routes that are fun yet challenging. Of course, this activity is optional, but your trip won’t feel complete if you don’t go on at least one trek.
However, trekking is expensive in some parts of Nepal. For instance, remote area trek packages are costly due to their difficult routes. Some places don’t have roads, so trekkers must pay for porters or mules to carry their baggage. Accommodation and food are high-priced, too.
If you are on a tight budget, you must first explore all available trek options in Nepal. A simple Google search will generate many results. Or, you can check and compare prices at Viator. Furthermore, visitors can opt for short treks to cut the travel cost. They can also go on hikes that are shorter than treks.
Check These Handpicked Trekking Packages:
- Annapurna Poon Hill Trek Package in Nepal Himalayas
- Mt Everest Base CampTrek | Budget Package
- Shortest Poonhill trek from Kathmandu
Search for Free Things to do in Nepal
Not only is Nepal an affordable tourism destination, but many tourist activities won’t cost you a dime. These include sightseeing, visiting free attractions, window shopping, and more.
Stroll Around Thamel Streets
Located at the heart of Kathmandu city, Thamel is the place that never sleeps. Its streets are full of local vendors, stores, and shops, all waiting for visitors to explore. You don’t have to pay to look around; window shopping is a fun activity.
Explore hidden and unfamiliar alleys of Thamel and get lost in them. It will be like an adventure, where you try to find your way back. You can enjoy strolling in these streets during the daytime or evening. I do recommend the latter.
- Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Best Time To Visit: Mornings, Day, Evening and Night
- Recommended Activities: Long/Short Walks, Sightseeing, Window Shopping
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Kathmandu Rickshaw Tour Of Thamel And Durbar Square
- Garden of Dreams Tour and Thamel Shopping
- Kathmandu Evening Tour by Rickshaw, Including Durbar Square Visit
Experience Festive Atmosphere in Kathmandu
Nepal is a multilingual, multiethnic, and multicultural country. We celebrate more festivals than you can imagine. Moreover, Kathmandu residents organize jatras and street festivals every other month. They are fun to watch and won’t cost you money.
Tourists can participate in local traditions and enjoy with locals. Kathmandu’s cultural tour involves seeing traditional dances, songs, and celebrations. These all happen in open streets so anyone can watch and partake in the festivities.
- Best Places To Explore: Thamel, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Indra Chowk
- Best Time To Visit: Day, Evening
- Recommended Activities: Indulge In Local Festivities, participate, and watch the excitement
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu
- Nepal Cultural Highlights Tour in 10 Days
- Cultural tour around Kathmandu with authentic Nepali lunch
Enjoy the Cool Breeze at Siddha Pokhari
Another fun, free thing to do in Nepal is visit Siddha Pokhari in Bhaktapur. They don’t require any entrance fee; you can enter freely and stay as long as you want. It is also renowned as a dating spot and is a perfect place to take your other half.
You can stroll around Siddha Pokhari and enjoy its scenic beauty. Doesn’t basking under the sun while dipping your toes in the pond’s water sound good? You can feed fish while you are at it. Also, if it fits your budget, try boating.
- Location: Dudhpati, Bhaktapur
- Best Time To Visit: Day, Evening Before 7 PM
- Recommended Activities: Sightseeing, Sitting by the pond, Fish feeding, and Boating
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Bhaktapur Heritage City and Nagarkot Viewpoint Tour
- Bhaktapur UNESCO Site and Namo Buddha Full day Tour
- Bhaktapur Old City and Durbar Square Half-Day Tour
Bargain, Bargain, and Bargain
Almost every Nepali establishment is open to bargaining unless their prices are fixed. You don’t have to hesitate to negotiate rates during your trip. This helps you save money and secure fantastic deals at lower costs.
Travelers can bargain for transportation, shopping, and accommodation. You must negotiate prices before purchasing souvenirs like woodcrafts, handicrafts, traditional dresses, etc. Sellers often raise their prices twice or thrice than the original amount, so bargaining is necessary.
But fussing over prices and haggling with sellers won’t do you any good. You should try to bargain with them politely and in a friendly way. Try the following tips for securing a deal with Nepali shopkeepers:
- State your price, keeping it more than half the sellers’ offered price. This helps both to come to a middle ground.
- Be ready to pay as soon as the shopkeeper agrees to avoid him changing his mind.
- Don’t be fooled by sellers’ words; they can trick you.
- Finally, never be angry and keep smiling throughout your purchase. Maintain a friendly approach.
Shopping in Nepal is fairly easy and won’t be much of a hassle. However, you must fix prices before purchasing to avoid any misunderstandings that could happen later.
Check These Handpicked Shopping Activities:
- Shopping with a local guide
- Thanka Shopping and Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu
- Private Shopping Tour in Kathmandu
- Thanka Shopping in Kathmandu
All in all, Nepal is a budget-friendly country where travelers can pursue their wanderlust wholeheartedly. Here, visitors can explore, discover, and navigate through the country’s mountainous ways, lush jungles, and challenging terrains. Financial issues won’t restrain them.
So, pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and embark on a Nepal tour, where the limit is only your imagination, not your wallet.
