Nepal expat guide

Indoor smoking is still present in some casual settings. Law vibe is formal in institutions, while day-to-day life often feels flexible.

Minimum budget: rural $300/mo, urban $400/mo. Medical insurance: $350/yr.

Auto: Do not rely on a Russian domestic license alone; use an IDP and expect many visitors to choose a driver instead of self-drive. Self-drive car rental is limited, roughly $45-90/day when available; jeeps with driver for mountain roads are more normal. India, China borders are not practical rental-car crossings, and road closures, landslides are a bigger friction than formal borders.

Smoking: Indoor smoking is still present in some casual settings.

Police / rules: Police and public-order vibe is variable: institutions can be formal, while daily life often runs through local judgment, negotiation, and context.

Zones

• Kathmandu Valley: Historic valley cities, temple squares, artisan lanes, café pockets and mild hills. Mild mountain city climate around 10–28°C depending on season. Monsoon rains bring humidity and lush green valleys.
• Himalayan Highlands: Lakeside trekking gateways, Newari hill towns, high trails and mountain guesthouses. Climate varies widely across the zone. Pokhara is subtropical and warm at 18–30°C with heavy monsoon rainfall in summer. Tansen is cooler and forested at mid-altitude. Jomsom sits above 2700m with cold winters and thin air. Each has a distinct best season; spring and autumn work well for all three.