7 common misconceptions about Nepal

Nepal is a budget-friendly backpacking destination. Nepal is not suitable for travelling with children. Sound familiar? In reality, neither of these things is true. This blog addresses seven common misconceptions about travelling to Nepal and sets the record straight. Curious? Read on.

Travel is back, and you’re ready for something meaningful. The children are a little older, and you’re looking for an authentic experience, something different from the well-trodden Thailand route. You’re in the right place. In the next few minutes, we hope to put your doubts about Nepal to rest.

Nepal is a backpacking destination

Backpacking is generally associated with low-budget, independent travel, getting around by local bus, trekking without a guide, and making do with basic accommodation. But there is another way to experience Nepal. Did you know that more than one million people in Nepal depend on tourism for their livelihoods? Choosing an organised tour means your money goes further, towards a quality experience that genuinely supports the local population.

Every penny spent on an organised tour with Nepal Inside Out stays within Nepal. We work with local partners who receive a fair fee for their services, and our guides and porters are properly paid and insured. Throughout your trip, we are always there in the background, so that if anything were to happen, you are never on your own. Your wellbeing is our priority.

The guesthouses, lodges, and homestays we work with deliver real quality and often offer wonderful activities for children. At the lodge in Chitwan, for example, elephants roam the grounds freely. At the guesthouse in Begnas, you can see firsthand how coffee from the surrounding farms is roasted. And travelling by private car brings its own advantages, the flexibility to visit quieter, less-visited areas, the chance to get to know your driver and see a different side of Nepal, and the option to make an extra stop if one of the children needs a break.

Have a look at our trips to get a feel for what is possible.

In Nepal, there are only mountains

The country is incredibly diverse and offers so much for a memorable family trip. Think of a rich mix of culture, nature, festivals, and warm encounters with local people. Nepal is so much more than just the Himalayas.

Besides the Himalayas, Nepal is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a wonderful destination for anyone interested in culture and history. With the exception of Lumbini, all of these sites can be visited on a day trip from Kathmandu.

• Durbar Square: the King’s Square and Palace in Kathmandu
• Bhaktapur: the former Royal City, known for its potters and medieval architecture
• Boudhanath: one of the largest stupas in the world
• Pashupatinath: a vast Hindu temple complex where sadhus gather and ritual cremations take place along the river Changu
• Narayan: the oldest temple in Nepal
• Lumbini: a peaceful park honouring the birthplace of Buddha, with more than 30 temples
• Swayambhunath: a hilltop temple complex home to a colony of monkeys, with sweeping views over the entire city

Nepal also has a number of national parks where you can discover remarkable wildlife and stunning natural landscapes. The options are varied: jeep safaris, walking trails, canoe trips, overnight stays near the jungle, and much more. Have a look at our trip to South Nepal for some inspiration.

Nepali people are known the world over for their warmth and hospitality. If you travel with children, you will find that encounters with local people are often among the most memorable parts of the trip. Nepal has a way of offering families a moment to slow down and take stock to soak up the authenticity of daily life at a different pace. The country also celebrates more than 1,000 festivals each year, each one a burst of colour, music, and tradition. If you would like to time your trip around a particular festival, just let us know and we will do our best to make it happen!

Nepal is not suitable for travelling with children

Anything but. As you read above, Nepal is so much more than just the Himalayas. The mix of culture, nature, and some of the warmest, most welcoming people in the world offers wonderful possibilities for young and old alike. Here are some examples of activities and attractions that children tend to love.

Monkey spotting at the Swayambhu Temple in Kathmandu

One of the capital’s most popular attractions, the Swayambhunath Temple is also known as the “Monkey Temple” thanks to the many monkeys that live around the complex. It is one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists across the region. Here you can watch the monks going about their daily routines and enjoy a beautiful view over the city. If you walk down the back side of the hill and turn right, you will find the lovely Amideva Buddha Park, where three large gold-plated statues of Buddha incarnations catch the light beautifully. On your way back, follow the path past the prayer wheels at the foot of the hill.

Phewa, Rupa & Begnas Lakes

These three lakes sit in the lush Pokhara Valley and are perfect for a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge. You can also rent a boat or kayak for a relaxing paddle. On the shores of Phewa Lake, it is worth attending an Aarti ceremony in the evening, where Brahmin priests pay tribute to the gods with fire. Rupa and Begnas Lakes are quieter and less visited than Phewa, ideal if you are looking for a more peaceful and unhurried experience.

In the jungles of Chitwan or Bardia National Park

During your stay near Chitwan or Bardia, there is plenty to explore in and around the national park. You can venture into the jungle by jeep, by boat, or on foot, always accompanied by an experienced park ranger and guide. Did you know that Nepal is one of the few countries in the world where you can go on a jungle safari on foot? Rhinos, tigers, leopards, bears, and crocodiles are just some of the wildlife you might spot along the way.

Getting to know the locals

Hands-on workshops such as cooking or pottery, particularly in places like Bhaktapur, are a wonderful way to connect with local life and the people who live it. You might try your hand at wood carving, kite making, or crafting a small prayer wheel. And if you can, do include an overnight stay with a local family in your itinerary, it often turns out to be one of the highlights of the trip.

A tailor-made family trek

We have developed several themed treks that are especially engaging for children and teenagers. Each one weaves in playful elements, such as a treasure hunt along the trail, to make the experience even more enjoyable for younger travellers. The routes themselves are ones we know well and feel confident recommending for families. This is, of course, just a glimpse of what is possible. We specialise in tailor-made family trips, so do get in touch and we will be happy to put together something that suits your family perfectly.

It’s always cold in Nepal.

A common misconception. The snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, often called “the roof of the world”, play a major role in shaping the country’s climate, but they do not mean that Nepal is always cold. In fact, Nepal experiences the same four seasons as Europe, with the addition of a rainy season (the monsoon) in summer.

Nepal is a destination you can visit year-round, though of course some periods are more popular than others. The average temperatures throughout the year remain above freezing, and the country’s varied altitude and landscape mean that conditions differ considerably from one region to the next. The Himalayas act as a barrier against cold air during the winter months, keeping the south of the country pleasantly warm. In Kathmandu and southern Nepal, for example, temperatures rarely drop below freezing.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
Max.	18	19	24	27	29	28	28	28	28	26	23	19
Min.	1	3	7	11	19	19	19	19	18	13	7	2

It is also worth noting that Nepal is not a sun, sea, and sand destination and there is no sea in Nepal at all. Depending on what you have planned, a cooler temperature can actually work in your favour. On a hot summer’s day, for instance, animals tend to seek shade, making them harder to spot on a safari. In cooler weather, an active city tour becomes all the more enjoyable.

Southern Nepal: The Lower Region

The south has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, and mild, dry winters with average temperatures of between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius.

The Central Region

The mountains and valleys of the central region enjoy a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach 24 degrees Celsius, with pleasant evenings. In winter, the average daytime temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius, cooling down considerably after dark.

In the High Mountains

At altitudes above 4,000 metres, temperatures are consistently below freezing. This is a region you would only visit if you are planning a longer high-altitude trek, and it requires proper preparation and equipment.

Have a look at our blog post “Best time to visit Nepal” for more detail on the different seasons.

Nepal is dangerous

Is Nepal safe? Can you bring your children? Nepal has unfortunately developed a reputation for being unsafe and it is a reputation that does not tell the full story. The 2015 earthquakes were a devastating event, but major earthquakes of that scale are unusual and typically occur only once every 50 years or so. It is also worth remembering that earthquakes, floods, and severe storms occur in many parts of the world, including popular holiday destinations.

Serious crime is relatively rare in Nepal. Even in tourist areas, street crime is not common. That said, as with anywhere in the world, it is wise to stay alert in large crowds and on public transport, and to keep an eye on your belongings. It is also advisable for women to avoid walking alone in Kathmandu late at night.

Nepal also has a dedicated tourist police unit, set up by the government to ensure that visitors feel safe and well supported during their stay. You can contact them at any time for advice or assistance.

Top 100 Most Dangerous Countries in 2020

• Egypt 28
• Philippines 30
• United States 36
• Thailand 47
• Nepal 87
• Greece 97
• Italy 123
• Spain 130
• Netherlands 145

(Based on a total of 23 factors.)

As this list shows, Nepal ranks 87^th, only ten places behind Greece, a destination that most travellers would never think twice about visiting. And Thailand, a destination mentioned earlier as a mainstream choice, ranks a full 40 places higher.

Nepal also took 4th place in a global ranking of the world’s friendliest countries, something that will come as no surprise to anyone who has spent time there.

Safety is something we take seriously at Nepal Inside Out. With Belgian-Nepalese management, we understand the importance of safety from both a Western and a local perspective. We offer trained staff, in-depth local knowledge, and trusted connections on the ground.

So, to answer the question: yes, Nepal is safe. And yes, your children are very welcome to come along.

No one speaks English.

Not quite true. English is indeed spoken in Nepal, though it does come with a distinctive local accent that can take a little getting used to at first.

The use of English has grown steadily across the world, and Nepal is no exception. Around 35.8% of the population speaks English, for approximately 20,000 people it is their first language, and for a further 876,720 it is their second. English is also the main language of instruction in private schools, which means that interactions between travelling children and their local peers are rarely a problem. Nepali children are often genuinely enthusiastic about practising their English.

It is also well worth learning a few words of Nepali before you travel. Locals appreciate the effort enormously, and even a simple greeting can go a long way towards making you feel welcome!

Nepal is inaccessible during the monsoon.

Not so. The monsoon, or rainy season, does not mean it rains all day, heavy showers tend to fall in the late afternoon or early evening, and it does not rain every day. This period simply sees more rainfall than the rest of the year.

During the monsoon, Nepal is lush and green, and very much open for exploration. Trekking is entirely possible, for example on the well-maintained trails in the Annapurna region, and a tour is equally feasible. This time of year is particularly well suited to travellers who enjoy immersing themselves in nature, culture, and the warmth of the local people. And with fewer visitors around, the experience feels all the more authentic.

The families who have travelled with us during the monsoon have been unanimous: the season has a magic of its own. Watching the mountains emerge suddenly from between the clouds is one of those moments that stays with you.

If you would like to know more about the best times to visit, have a look at our blog post on the seasons in Nepal.

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