Setting out on a personal trip can be very powerful, especially for women. It includes both excitement and tension. Should you visit Nepal, you’ll see its lofty peaks, the kindness of its people and experience its ancient forms of faith.
Yet, when you consider that solo travel in Nepal even on accent is still something that leads to questions. Is it a risk-free experience? Where are people made to feel welcome? How can risks be balanced so you stay safe to enjoy adventures? This article tells you everything you need to know and gives you practical suggestions to enjoy your visit to Nepal hassle free and enjoy stunning vistas through out stunning heli trips.
Can Solo Female Travelers Feel Secure In Nepal?
The country of Nepal is considered safe for solo female tourists. In fact, lots of women who visit alone mention that they found the locals to be helpful, encountered many kind strangers and felt a real calm while in the mountains. Violent incidents with tourists almost never happen and criminal activities are infrequent. Even so, as with many countries still developing, Nepal deals with power failures, limited infrastructure in rural regions and at times gives excessive attention to foreign women.
Be alert, but do not turn into a paranoid individual. Stay in highly rated places, avoid travelling alone at night to new spots and cover up, especially when visiting village and temple areas. When something feels odd to you, leave the situation for your safety. Uphold the customs of the country you’re visiting, remain humble and you’re likely to be safe and welcomed.
Top 10 Destinations In Nepal For Solo Female Travelers
1. Kathmandu
Kathmandu will welcome you and send you on a journey to see everything Nepal has to offer, including its lively, messy and wonderful culture. Despite being noisy and crowded, you’ll also discover many old temples here such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Pashupatinath, plus busy shopping areas in Thamel and comfortable places to relax. Access to thousands of hostels, tour services and friendly backpackers is a great thing for someone traveling alone. Kathmandu is a very happening city, so be sure to take proper care of your belongings but worry less, the local momo is world renowned and definitely a cuisine to make your day!
2. Pokhara
Pokhara is far most the most foreign looking place in Nepal with the roots of Nepalese heritage. A perfect blend for solo travelers to feel both at home and in Nepal. What a combo, isn’t it? The Lakeside Pokhara offers peaceful surrounding, cozy hotels and unique restaurants with decor like you’ve never seen before. Phewa Lake offers paddleboat rentals, yoga and meditation sessions and lots of places to relax with food and massage. You can also rent bicycles and bikes throughout the day in a very cheap rate and travel the city. For all you female mountain lovers, it is also possible to trek to Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara. Pokhara is definately a city, you wouldn’t want to leave soon, best for solo female travel in Nepal.
3. Bhaktapur
Festivals and celebrations termed as Jatras ringing everywhere? Well you’re in Bhaktapur. The site’s cobbled lanes, old red buildings and fancy temples are perfect for people who love culture. Bhaktapur is more peaceful than Kathmandu and simpler to move around walking. Locals are hospitable, traditional Newari items are beautifully made and the atmosphere welcomes anyone exploring by themselves. If you visit Bhaktapur, be sure to glup a full bowl of “Juju Dhau” (curd) acclaimed as the best in the entire nation.
4. Patan (Lalitpur)
Even though Kathmandu gets more attention, Patan is rich in history and deserves attention on its own. There are fewer visitors in Patan’s Durbar Square than in Kathmandu’s, but both places are equally impressive. The area is also famous for its art, metalwork and temples. For women who travel alone, Patan gives a peaceful, interesting experience near Kathmandu, without the big crowds. It suits those who want to relax over coffee, view artworks or feel the peaceful atmosphere where many pilgrims come.
5. Nagarkot
If peace and beautiful mountain views are what you want, but not long hikes, Nagarkot is the right place. About one and a half hours outside Kathmandu, this hilltop place provides beautiful views of sunrise and the Himalayas and on clear days, Mount Everest. This location is both secure and beautiful, ideal for one person who loves fresh air, peaceful paths and mountain atmosphere. Hike to enjoy the peaceful nature or stay inside a mountain lodge as you enjoy Nepali tea.
6. Bandipur
Bandipur seems like something hidden, so lovely that it can’t hide a clue of its existence. Between Kathmandu and Pokhara lies this lovely village which features Newari buildings, no cars and spectacular views of the Himalayas. You can spend some time there to think and appreciate the environment. Activities aren’t plentiful which is precisely what makes it special. People visiting Bandipur as solo explorers will find peace and old-fashioned charm everywhere.
7. Chitwan National Park
For something totally different and an adventure unseen, head south to the jungles of Chitwan. Here, you can go on a safari (by jeep or canoe), spot rhinos, deer, crocodiles, and if luck favors you heavily, even a tiger may lock in eyes with you. Chitwan is fantastic for solo travelers seeking thrilling wildlife and adventure along a pristine touch of comfort. Many eco-resorts have a fine establishment of all-inclusive packages having guided tours, making planning a part of their expertise, while you relax and chill in the moment. As the sun sets, you might think, is this all that Chitwan has to offer? Well, slow down my friend as your night will definitely amplify in Chitwan. The Tharu cultural villages nearby are your local hotels, almost free of cost where you will be invited with the most courteous and friendly gestures. You can socialize with the locals, share a laugh, enjoy the freshness at night and get some quality rest.
8. Lumbini
Lumbini is famous as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). A fair advice! Lumbini isn’t your arena for a modern lifestyle and rough party experience like Kathmandu. But if you’re committed on a spiritual journey and want to find peace and freshness, Look nowhere else as this is your sanctuary. Lumbini has monasteries from around the world scattered across peaceful gardens showring a legacy of peaceful existence as guided in the teaching of lord Buddha. As a solo female travel in Nepal, your feminine aura and energy is sure to enrich in Lumbini. It’s best enjoyed slowly, without an agenda.
9. Ghorepani – Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani isn’t a big town with luxurious hotels and attractions to rest your tired body in ecstasy. Instead, this place is a center for relaxation and interacting with the natural beauty. Starting off with an itinerary, the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek is a fun 4–5 day trek starting from Nayapul near Pokhara. This trek is certified as one of the easiest and simple to indulge, short treks for beginners and solo travelers. If your legs are somewhat familiar with such healthy walking, we highly recommend you to participate in this Poon Hill Trek. As you pave your path, your journey meet teahouses that are welcoming, nature whistling, especially the sunrise from Poon Hill is a view you wouldn’t want to miss in Nepal. A small piece of how vast Nepal’s beauty actually is! This trek is ideally a safe path nourished even further with the accompany you might receive from other fellow travelers and trekkers!
10. Tansen (Palpa)
Tansen is one of those offbeat destinations that solo travelers fall in love with. Located in the hills of western Nepal, it’s a fusion of history, culture, and raw beauty. The streets in Tansen are a true reflection on how picturesque Nepal actually is! These streets are filled with colorful buildings, artisan workshops, and soul nourishing hilltop views. Tansen is your escape from your monotonous noisy life into a serene existence. Adding icing to the cake, people here are very warm and welcoming, and solo travelers often describe it as a “hidden treasure”.
Packing List For Solo Female Travelers In Nepal : What To Bring And Why
Packing the right way can influence whether your trip in Nepal is good or bad. During a single trip, Kathmandu can be sunny when you arrive, Pokhara cooler and the Himalayas quite icy, all at different times. Regardless, packing well is mandatory for solo female travel in Nepal.
Dress simply in light clothing in the daytime and add warm things at night. Make sure you bring a solid waterproof jacket and comfy hiking shoes, as trekking needs them. A scarf or shawl is good for temples, helps keep dust away and keeps you cozy when the weather is cool in the mornings. Bring your own reusable bottle and a portable purifier to help you get safe water and cut down on buying plastic water bottles.
It’s important to bring tampons or a menstrual cup ahead of time because they are hard to source outside the city of Kathmandu. Bringing a headlamp or flashlight, sunscreen, a power bank and your medications is important too. Nepal has rough mountainous areas, so supplies may not be there when you are travelling, but try to keep your belongings light.
Getting to Know Local Culture: The Experience for Women
Being sensitive to Nepalese culture matters strongly there. Modesty is important in villages and there is a strong sense of community. Try to dress in a conservative way, like wearing clothing that hides your shoulders, avoids wearing short, tight shorts and looks well-kept, especially at temples or in areas outside the city.
Most Nepali people are nice and respectful, though traveling through the country as a solo woman may mean you’ll get some attention. Some people might look at you out of honest curiosity, not to be rude. Starting by saying “Namaste” and smiling usually helps you feel at ease. It’s common for women to develop connections with local women, get invited into homes and get treated kindly by families and shopkeepers here.
Transport Tips for Travelers Going Around Nepal Alone
Getting around Nepal may be exciting or sometimes tests your patience. You can fly on a domestic flight quickly, but the trip might be affected by weather. Many people use buses as they are affordable and safe and they provide routes from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Regular buses cost less but may be very crowded with not much comfort.
You can hail taxis in big cities, but check the price first, because meters are normally turned off. Instead of hailing taxis, you can use Pathao or InDrive in Pokhara and Kathmandu. A road bike or scooter will help you travel around places comfortably.
Best Trips for Women Organizing Their First Independent Journey
Helicopter rides are thrilling, aren’t they? Especially with bunch of natural beauty everywhere. Missing out on a helicopter ride while in Nepal is like visiting a movie theatre without the intention of watching a movie. Simply absurd! Therefore, Dailyheli is here to give an experience of a lifetime!
You can easily visit, dailyheli’s website and get your booking’s done. As a solo female travel in Nepal, a shared trip would most likely be your forte around the majestic places of Nepal, guided by experienced aviation crew, travel guides, landing on spots humans can rarely reach by foot and so much more. Here are some popular helicopter destinations for you to pick your ideal one from:
Even though trekking is what Nepal is famous for, some routes are manageable for those who aren’t simply built for the Himalayas. First-timers should try the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek for some comfortable teahouses and spectacular views over a 4–5 day hike. Many people choose this short trek and it’s good for solo hikers because you will often meet others.
The Langtang Valley trek is another excellent pick, since it’s less crowded and very beautiful. If feeling safe on your own is a concern, getting a female guide is a good choice. Companies like 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking give opportunities to local women and make sure you are safe.
Useful Health, Food & Hygiene Advice For Women
The food in Nepal is especially tasty and momos, dal bhat and spicy pickles are a must, but you have to take things slow. Pick places with lots of customers to guarantee a good level of cleanliness. It is important to boil or purify water or get bottled water, because the tap water is not safe to drink.
Always pack meds to help with minor stomach problems, high altitudes and pain. When you travel far from cities or on roads, you must carry hand sanitizer, wet wipes and toilet paper. During a trek, don’t rush and give your body time to get comfortable at the new altitude. If possible, take your medications or needed products with you from home, they may be hard to get locally.
Handling Your Money And Planning
Nepal is affordable, but you can wind up spending too much if you are not careful. Cities have lots of ATMs, but cash becomes the top currency in local towns and during trekking. A day’s budget for travel varies between $25 and $50 for basic or mid-range travel which covers food, a place to stay and getting around.
Check the amount you are given in change, look over bills at restaurants and try to bargain in local markets, but be respectful at all times. Put your emergency money in a different spot and make sure your passport is kept somewhere safely. The majority of people are kind and honest, but close watch helps prevent small theft or being charged too much. We are sure that your solo female travel in Nepal is sure to exhibit the best of experiences with our detailed guide in this blog.
