Orientation briefing in Nepal

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the principality of Gorkha united many of the other principalities and states of the sub-Himalayan region into a Nepali Kingdom. Nepal retained its independence after the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16, and the subsequent peace treaty laid the foundations for two centuries of amicable relations between Britain and Nepal. In 1951, the Nepali monarch ended the century-old system of hereditary rule and instituted a cabinet system that brought political parties into the government. That arrangement lasted until 1960, when political parties were again banned, but it was reinstated in 1990 with the establishment of a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy.

A Maoist-led insurgency broke out in 1996. During the ensuing 10-year civil war between Maoist and government forces, the monarchy dissolved the cabinet and parliament. In 2001, Crown Prince DIPENDRA first massacred the royal family and then shot himself. His uncle GYANENDRA became king, and the monarchy reassumed absolute power the next year. A peace accord in 2006 led to the promulgation of an interim constitution in 2007. After a nationwide Constituent Assembly (CA) election in 2008, the newly formed CA declared Nepal a federal democratic republic, abolished the monarchy, and elected the country's first president.

When the CA failed to draft a Supreme Court-mandated constitution, then-Prime Minister Baburam BHATTARAI dissolved the CA. An interim government held elections in 2013, in which the Nepali Congress (NC) won the largest share of seats. In 2014, NC formed a coalition government with the second-place Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (UML). Nepal's new constitution came into effect in 2015, at which point the CA became the Parliament and Khagda Prasad Sharma OLI the first post-constitution prime minister (2015-16). He resigned ahead of a no-confidence motion, and Parliament elected Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) leader Pushpa Kamal DAHAL as prime minister.

The parties headed by OLI and DAHAL ran in coalition and swept the parliamentary elections in 2017, and OLI was sworn in as prime minister in 2018. OLI's efforts to dissolve parliament and hold elections were declared unconstitutional in 2021, and the opposition-supported NC leader Sher Bahadur DEUBA was named prime minister. The NC won a majority of seats in the parliamentary elections in 2022, but DAHAL then broke with the ruling coalition and partnered with OLI and the CPN-UML to become prime minister. DAHAL's first cabinet lasted about two months, until OLI withdrew his support over disagreements about ministerial assignments. In early 2023, DAHAL survived a vote of confidence and formed a coalition with the NC to remain prime minister.

Flash flood in the Rasuwa district and the Nepal-China border area

On 26 August 2026, major flooding in Rasuwa district and the Nepal-China border area caused widespread damage. Buildings, roads, other transport and communications infrastructure have been severely damaged. Other areas in Nepal, including Gorkha, Nuwakot and Dhading, have also been affected.

The Nepalese authorities and emergency services are responding. The authorities have warned of the risk of further flooding. Areas affected by flooding and landslides may remain unstable. Further heavy rainfall or an earthquake could trigger additional landslides, rockfalls and other hazards, particularly in mountainous areas. The situation may change rapidly.

If you are travelling in the region, follow the advice of the Nepalese government and local authorities, be alert to the changing situation and monitor local media for updates. The Nepalese government has established a toll-free emergency Nepalese language number, 1234, and a dedicated hotline 1144 accessible in Nepal.

Consular assistance remains available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone affected who requires support from the UK Government.

If you are affected and need assistance from the UK Government call:

• from Nepal +977 (0)14237100
• from India +91 11 2419 2100
• from the UK +44 (0) 207 008 5000

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. See the ‘Getting Help’ page for further information.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. 

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator  
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage 
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Nepal

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Nepal, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Be vigilant in public places and take local advice.

Civil disorder

Political protests, demonstrations and strikes are fairly common in Nepal.

These can start at short notice and may lead to violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Protests cause disruption to transport and the authorities may increase the police presence or impose a curfew.

You should:

• avoid any demonstrations
• check local media for updates
• follow the direction of local authorities

Crime

There’s a low rate of serious crime in Nepal but take precautions.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Watch out for pickpockets and bag-snatchers, particularly in airports, on buses and in areas popular with foreign nationals like Thamel, Sanepa and Kupondol in Kathmandu.

Take care when walking around at night. Assaults and robberies are more likely in the evening in poorly lit areas. Avoid walking on your own and do not carry large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible.

Sexual assault

Women have been sexually assaulted in tourist areas such as Thamel and Sanepa in Kathmandu. Be cautious, especially when alone after dark. See Advice for women travelling abroad.

Drink spiking

Be wary of accepting drinks from strangers and do not leave drinks unattended.

Methanol poisoning 

There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.  

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks. 

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

Scams

There have been isolated reports of some trekking guides taking inexperienced trekkers to high altitudes too quickly, and then calling in expensive helicopter medivacs from which the guides take a cut. Be wary of trekking deals that look very cheap and may be scams.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You should carry your passport with you. Leave a copy in a safe place or with friends and family in the UK.

Visiting holy places

Avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops in temples and other holy places. Remove shoes before entering certain holy places. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside certain parts of Hindu temples.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Penalties for drugs related offences are severe. If you are caught with even small amounts of marijuana, you can go to prison for over 5 years, usually after a long and expensive legal process.

Some skincare products and e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in Nepal such as cannabidiol (CBD). If the police find you with products containing CBD, they may seize them and charge you with drug possession.

LGBT+ travellers

Nepal is generally open and tolerant to LGBT+ issues, and same-sex relations are not illegal. However, showing affection in public, irrespective of sexuality or gender, is viewed by Nepalis as inappropriate.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Nepal is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which bans trade of wildlife products without a permit. If you are caught buying or trafficking such goods, or knowingly assisting anyone to do so, you will get a fine or a prison sentence.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Trekking in Nepal

You need a valid permit and a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card to enter Nepal’s main trekking regions. See the Nepal Tourism Board TIMS card requirement for more information.

Do not trek alone. All foreign independent trekkers (FITs) must use a local guide or porter while trekking in Nepal’s national parks and protected areas. Always observe national park regulations and follow your guide’s instructions.

If you ignore the requirements, you may be fined or removed from protected areas. Check the Nepal Tourism Board website for further information or updates.

Be aware of hazards all year round, especially above 3,000m. There could be:

• sudden weather changes and potential storms
• avalanches and snow drifts
• landslides, rockfalls and flooding
• glacial crevasses and hollows
• altitude sickness
• sun exposure

To reduce your risk:

• use a reputable trekking agency or guide
• take note of weather forecasts and conditions
• make sure you’re physically fit and have not overestimated your abilities
• take warm clothes and wet weather gear
• use sun block (SPF20 or higher) and sunglasses

Make sure your insurance includes cover for mountain rescue services and helicopter costs.

You can get live updates on trekking conditions in Nepal. You can also follow national weather forecasts.

Internal flights in high mountain areas can be delayed by poor weather conditions and cancellations are common. Carry enough funds in case of delays, particularly in remote areas, where ATMs may not be available and credit cards not accepted.

In remote areas, including long stretches of the Annapurna Circuit trek, mobile phone coverage is limited. Consider renting a satellite phone and make sure your friends and family know you will be out of contact.

Volunteering and adventure travel

Research any organisation or company you’re planning to use before committing yourself. See Volunteering and adventure travel.

Nepal’s Social Welfare Council has a list of registered volunteer organisations. You can ask for a copy by sending an email to: [email protected].

The British Embassy has received reports of volunteer opportunities at orphanages which are profit-orientated organisations rather than charities. If you’re volunteering at this type of organisation, you could be contributing to child exploitation. Contact the Nepali Central Child Welfare Board on +977 1-5010045 and 5010046 to check before signing up to volunteer for one of these organisations.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you’re planning to drive in Nepal, see information on driving abroad and read the International Drivers Association Nepal driving guide.

You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Nepal. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Always carry your IDP when driving, as well as your vehicle registration documents.

Road accidents are a major cause of death and disability in Nepal. The causes include:

• overloading vehicles
• negligence of drivers
• mechanical failure
• speeding
• poor road conditions
• an increasing number of unregulated private vehicles

Road conditions are poor, especially during the monsoon season or in mountain areas.  

By law only the driver of a vehicle is required to wear a seatbelt, or a helmet when driving a motorbike. You can still use seatbelts for passengers, which are fitted in some taxis. Motorbike rentals will always provide helmets for passengers if requested.

Bus travel

Bus accidents are common in Nepal and there are a number of accidents resulting in fatalities every year. Buses are often overcrowded, poorly regulated and poorly maintained. Speeding, low driving standards and poor road conditions contribute to the risk of accidents. Do not travel on overloaded or overcrowded buses, or at night. Tourist buses usually offer a higher standard of comfort and safety.

Air travel

Air crashes can have a variety of causes and are not necessarily linked with poor safety standards or non-compliance with international safety standards. However, there have been a number of fatal accidents and air crashes across Nepal in the commercial air transport sector, involving planes and helicopters. Over the last 5 years, this includes a number of separate incidents and at least 100 deaths.

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Nepal that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to or from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering whether to fly and which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Currently no Nepali airline meets the international safety standards and so all are listed on the ASL. This means they are all banned from operating commercial air services to or from the UK.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Monsoon

Travel during the monsoon season (normally June to October) can be hazardous. Flooding and landslides can lead to impassable roads, delays to journeys, or cut off towns and villages for days at a time. If you travel by road during monsoon season you should:

• check the road is open
• be prepared to change or cancel your plans at short notice
• take equipment, medication and enough supplies to cover any emergencies or possible delays

The Nepal government Meteorological Forecasting Division provides weather updates (in English) and flood forecasts during the monsoon. You can also access the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology flood monitoring service.

Earthquakes

Earth tremors are common across Nepal. The lack of emergency equipment and poorly resourced medical facilities is likely to worsen an earthquake’s impact. British Embassy assistance will be slow to reach you if you are in a remote area.

The National Society of Earthquake Technology (NSET) gives advice on what to do in an earthquake, including ‘Ten tips on earthquake safety’. Check with your tour operator to find out what contingency plans they have for an earthquake.

Following a significant earthquake you should expect transport, accommodation and basic services in affected areas to be disrupted. Relief efforts are likely to be a priority for the authorities. Check with your tour company or hotel for further information on whether travel to an area is possible or appropriate.

Building safety 

Building, fire and electrical protection standards in Nepal are not always the same as in the UK. You should:

• be aware of electrocution risks, for example, exposed wiring
• check fire precautions, including access to fire exits
• check whether your accommodation has a working fire alarm

Be aware of the risks of exposure to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that is impossible to detect without an alarm. It can be produced by fires, charcoal grills or incorrectly installed gas equipment, and a lack of appropriate ventilation is dangerous. Find out more about how to stay safe and the symptoms to look out for.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

There is no central public ambulance service. Some private providers operate in the main cities. In an emergency, call the nearest hospital. FCDO has a list of some of the hospitals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Nepal
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Nepal, including:

• dengue
• air pollution

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Nepal, particularly in tourist and trekking areas. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Nepal

Medical treatment is expensive at western travellers’ clinics in Nepal. Healthcare is poor in most places outside the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. It may be difficult to get rapid helicopter evacuation if you fall ill or suffer a serious accident in a remote area of the country. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, repatriation and evacuation by helicopter. This usually costs between £1,000 and £2,000 or more per flying hour.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Kathmandu and Pokhara where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.