Nepal is one of the most affordable destinations in Asia for tourists, making it easier to travel there on a tight budget. There are many affordable places to stay and dine. Public transportation is quite cost-effective, entry fees at tourist attractions are reasonable by international standards, and, ofcourse, the breathtaking mountain scenery is completely free.
However prices in the Kathmandu Valley are rising. So, it's easy to spend more money than you intended on attractions like trekking, mountain biking, and wildlife safaris, as well as on lodging and tourist-oriented transportation.
Here are some tips for lowering your expenses when exploring Nepal on a tight budget.
Plan your journey for the right season: Nepal's busiest travel months are March through May and September through November. Prices for lodging, travel, and activities are at their greatest during these months. Yet, you can save a lot of money if you're willing to travel in the shoulder season. Budget-friendly travel is encouraged during the months of December and February and June and August.
Check for local hotels and homestays: You can stay in guest houses or homestays. The homestay program is ideal as they provide you comfortable accommodation cheaply. Not only do you have a place to stay, but you get to make new friends. On top of that, you get to experience authentic Nepali living. Also, you will find many two and three star hotels that are relatively cheaper.
Eat like a local: Restaurants providing meals from around the world are abundant in tourist areas like Pokhara and Kathmandu. Prices, while reasonable by international standards, are often higher than at local restaurants serving regional cuisine to a local clientele. If you're on a tight budget, eating out can quickly add up in prices.
Instead, go to the neighbourhood bhojanalayas, which are modest eateries catering to local Nepali customers and offering cheap regional specialties like daal-bhaat-tarkari (dal, rice and vegetable curry). Samosas and momos (meat or veg. dumplings), two delicious and affordable street foods from Nepal, paired perfectly with a cup of sweet chiya (tea).
Never Quit Haggling: Don't get me wrong. Nepalis are great people, but it is still Asia. If you don't know how to haggle well, you'll be taken advantage of in the market. Nobody is going to give you the local pricing up front!
Don't go on tailored Chitwan safaris offered by travel agencies or hotels: Numerous tour operators in Kathmandu and Pokhara provide "cheap" two-night and three-day safari packages to Chitwan National Park, but despite how alluring they may actually seem, these all-inclusive offers provide a false sense of savings even though they might endorse it as budget-friendly. You only have a day and a half to spend at the park, there aren't many options for things to do, and the lodging and meals are frequently subpar.
You'll save money and have a much better time if you travel to Chitwan on your own and make the necessary arrangements. There are numerous low-cost resorts in Sauraha, which is on the edge of the park and is accessible by bus from Kathmandu.
Hitchhike: Take a respite from the congested taxis and crowded buses by hitchhiking. Wave down that truck and get in! In Nepal, hitchhiking is a surefire way to meet new people and have an experience. It's by far my favourite method of exploring Nepal, and it's also free!
Use local transportation: All main destinations are connected by a comprehensive network of local buses, jeeps, and microbuses in Nepal. They are not only more reasonably priced than private taxis but also a fantastic opportunity to explore the local way of life. If you get lost, the friendly and helpful Nepalese are always ready to show you the way.
Bon Voyage!
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