Nepal

Nepal recently enshrined LGBT protections in its constitution, making it a leading supporter of LGBT rights in Asia. An impressive step considering the country’s first gay bar only opened in 2018.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Ambiguous
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Single Only
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal in some contexts
Equal Age of Consent: Equal

As mentioned, the country’s first LGBT Bar (PINK Tiffany Restaurant) only opened its doors in 2018. Despite the lack of ‘Gay’ marketed spaces, there are many gay-owned businesses and establishments, and we strive to support them through our tours. Despite legal protections, PDA are likely to earn inquistive (potentially uncomfortable) looks from locals, especially in rural areas. Use your own discretion when travelling as a gay couple in Nepal.

Gay Villages

There are no gay villages in Nepal.

Pride Festivals

Kathmandu Gay Pride: Annually in August

Best Gay Bars

Kathmandu Suburb: PINK Tiffany Restaurant

Best Lesbian Bars

There are no Lesbian specific bars in Nepal.

5. Lumbini
In 563BC, Queen Maya Devi birthed Buddha in this sacred space. A small pond on the property is where she bathed before conception. Only meters away, a bullet proof glass box protects the exact birthplace.

4. Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is 932 sq km of World Heritage reserve and famously home to the elusive bengal tiger. While tiger sightings are extremely rare, watch for the one-horned rhinos, leopards, deer, monkeys or 500 species of birds.

3. Swayambhunath
Deep in Kathmandu Valley sits iconic Swayambhunath, a white dome topped with an impressive spire and the iconic four faces of Buddha. While the dome represents earth, the 13-tiered peak represents the 13 stages to reach nirvana.

2. Kathmandu 
Old Kathmandu is a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Rickshaws clutter the ancient streets, prayer flags are strung the window sills, and on-the-go locals haggle at the bazaars. This intoxicating city is an ancient space with a modern buzz. It’s also a city in rebirth after the devastating effects of the 2015 earthquake.

1. Everest Base Camp
Only the most audacious travellers venture to Everest Base Camp, the kick-off point for mountaineers looking to truly surmount Mt. Everest. Arriving at base camp is a memorable – if not spiritual – experience and travellers should cherish this moment, for they’ll have few like it again in their life. We recommend every trekker take at least five minutes to themselves at Base Camp and breath in the views, the experience and the sense of accomplishment they no doubt have. Congratulations.

Best Time to Visit: We find the best time to visit Nepal is in the shoulder season, right before or after winter. Kathmandu temperatures average around 22C/72F, and there’s always a chance of rain. In the Everest Region, you can expect clear skies, with occasional rain (or snow at higher elevations). Here, daytime highs will be about 15C/60F, with evening temperatures around 0C/32F.

2015 Earthquake Update: Nepal experienced a devastating Earthquake on April 25th, 2015, with severe damage caused throughout the country. However, reconstruction was quick, and most sites have re-opened for business. The mountains haven’t moved, trails have been repaired and checked for safety, and the locals remain as welcoming as ever.

Electricty: C-, D- and M-type sockets.

Time Zone: (GMT+05:45) Kathmandu

Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Nepal, there are no vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic.

Visas: All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal, which can be obtained from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan airport.