Hotels in Nepal

Nepal Hotel Tips - Hot to Save On Accommodation

An approximate daily budget for backpacking in Nepal should not exceed EUR 25. This covers public transport costs, staying in guesthouses or teahouses or hotels (with private rooms), as well as taking part in multi-day trekking tours.

Tipping in Nepal isn't required, but any extra generosity would certainly be welcomed and appreciated by service staff. As with any gift-giving situation, a tip should always be presented discretely so as not to embarrass or offend the recipient of it.

1. Book early

One of the best Nepal travel tips is to book everything early - this will ensure that you get the best rates and won't experience any unexpected disappointments at the last minute.

Tipping in Nepal isn't required, though many hotels will include a 10% service charge in your final bill. Some hotels also provide tip boxes where extra tips may be left for cleaning staff and staff who might go unnoticed by you.

Avoid visiting Nepal during its high season (October-November) to save money on flights, accommodation and tours; instead visit during its shoulder season in March or April instead and save even more on costs while still experiencing perfect trekking weather and seeing wildlife sightings with less crowds around!

2. Don’t tip

Tipping may be common practice in other cultures, but Nepal does not traditionally follow this practice and therefore it can be challenging to know what the appropriate tip amount should be.

Nepal hotels typically include service charges in their final bill, eliminating the need to add any additional tips. If a tipping box is offered, however, it would be good to drop some money in it as an act of good will.

As most workers at teahouses and homestays do not earn living wages, their main source of income comes from tips. It is recommended to tip porters and guides a minimum of $10 daily as they will often go out of their way to ensure you have an amazing trip experience.

3. Avoid night buses

An expensive trip to Nepal could quickly drain your budget if you are not careful with how you travel and stay overnight. One way to save on accommodation costs and avoid night buses altogether would be avoiding these perilous road vehicles which have a reputation for fatal road accidents and should be avoided at all costs.

Tipp your homestays and teahouses a small amount for their services. Staff in such establishments often do not receive adequate pay; therefore a tip will go a long way toward helping them. If there are no service charges added directly onto the final bill, find an appropriate gratuity box and drop in an amount that will be evenly divided among staff members.

Engaging locals or friends for price information on items is also recommended, to give yourself an accurate picture and prevent you from being overcharged.

4. Choose a local guesthouse

Though Nepal boasts several hotels, guest houses offer the best experience of Nepalese culture and life. By staying there you can truly soak in its traditions and embrace all it has to offer.

Homestay and teahouse accommodations can be found across the country, but before selecting one make sure it is clean and safe as well as an ideal match with your budget.

Tipping can also be a significant consideration in Nepal. Adventure guides and porters rely on tips from tourists as a source of income; therefore it's up to tourists to decide how much of an amount should be tipped them; generally 10-15% should suffice; but always check first if there is already a service charge on your bill before making your decision.

5. Stay in hostels

Hostels provide an affordable yet comfortable accommodation solution that fits young backpackers' budget and allows them to feel right at home. Some of Nepal's finest hostels include Kathmandu Village House and Jomsom Guesthouse - great choices for solo travellers!

Dance bars in Kathmandu and Pokhara should also be avoided, as these tend to overcharge for drinks and food while sometimes intimidating tourists. Also avoid the new crop of "community homestays", which have recently come up since 2016 - they're simply commercial schemes; family run guest houses offer better hospitality; though price changes due to seasonal factors could make haggling worthwhile.