Nepal
Nepal on a Budget
Backpacking Nepal cheaply — budget hostels and hotels, a money-saving itinerary, trekking costs and daily budgets, gathered in one place.
Nepal is a backpacker's dream: rock-bottom prices, a sociable hostel and teahouse scene, and big experiences — temples, jungle safaris, Himalayan treks — that don't need a big budget. The main cost to plan for is trekking. This hub gathers the cheap stays, money-saving itinerary and realistic cost guides in one place.
Travelling Nepal cheaply
Stack the savings: budget stays (hostels and guesthouses), local food and buses, and a money-saving itinerary, then budget separately for any trek using the cost guide. Each guide below has the detail; this page brings it together for budget travellers.
Cheap places to stay
Plan a budget trip
Frequently asked questions
Is Nepal cheap to travel?+
Very — Nepal is one of the most affordable countries in Asia. Dorm beds, local dal bhat and public buses keep daily costs low, and even mid-range comfort is inexpensive by Western standards. The biggest variable cost is trekking (permits, guide and lodges). The budget-itinerary and cost guides below give realistic numbers.
How much does a trip to Nepal cost?+
Backpackers can travel comfortably on a low daily budget using hostels, local food and buses; trekking adds a per-day cost for permits, a guide and teahouse lodging. See the trekking-cost and budget-itinerary guides below for current figures.
How can I save money trekking in Nepal?+
Walk the teahouse routes (no camping gear needed), travel in a small group to share the guide cost, go in shoulder season, and carry a refillable water bottle with purification rather than buying bottled water. The trekking-cost guide breaks down where the money goes.
