If you plan to hike, you cannot simply walk onto the trails. You will need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and a specific National Park or Conservation Area permit (like ACAP for the Annapurnas).

Altitude Sickness: This is a very real threat in Nepal. Any itinerary taking you above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) must include built-in acclimatization days. Never ascend more than 300-500 meters in sleeping elevation per day once you are in the high mountains, and drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily.

Getting around Nepal requires patience. The highway connecting Kathmandu and Pokhara is often under heavy construction or affected by monsoon landslides; what looks like a 200km drive can easily take 7 to 9 hours.

Tourist Buses vs Flights: For comfort on the road, always book a "VIP Tourist Bus" (like Greenline) which features air conditioning and safer driving standards. Alternatively, domestic flights (Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines) are spectacular but are frequently delayed or canceled due to poor mountain visibility. Always leave a 1-2 day buffer in Kathmandu before your international flight home.

Nepal is a deeply conservative and religious society, blending Hinduism and Buddhism.

• Greet locals with "Namaste" while pressing your palms together at your chest.
• When walking around Buddhist stupas (like Swayambhunath or Boudhanath) or prayer wheels, always walk clockwise.
• Never use your left hand for eating or handing money to a vendor, as it is traditionally considered unclean.
• Dress modestly (cover knees and shoulders) when entering temples, and always remove your shoes before stepping inside religious buildings or a local's home.