Monsoon season
The monsoon season is from June to September.
Expect travel disruptions and be prepared to change your plans.
Road travel can be dangerous, especially in the low-lying Terai (plains) where the risk of flooding is higher.
Landslides are common in mountainous areas, including the Kathmandu valley.
Airports may close. Air travel disruptions are common.
Monitor Nepal weather information for up-to-date information on conditions. Contact your travel provider about possible disruptions to your travel plans.
Travel from Nepal to India
Nepal has closed its land borders to foreign nationals. For information on the entry requirements for India please refer to the Smartraveller India specific travel advice.
Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of India for up-to-date information.
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Travel from Nepal to Tibet
Generally, only travellers in organised tour groups get visas and permits for the Tibetan region of China.
If you’re planning to travel to Tibet:
If you’re in Nepal, contact the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kathmandu.
Driving permit
To drive in Nepal, you need both:
- a valid Australian driver’s licence
- an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Your travel and vehicle insurance could be void if you drive without an IDP.
If you stay for longer than 6 months, you need a Nepali driver’s licence.
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
Road travel
You’re 3 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Nepal than in Australia.
Driving can be dangerous due to:
- crowded and poorly maintained roads
- poor driving standards
- aggressive drivers who ignore traffic laws
Road travel is dangerous at night, especially in rural areas.
Landslides and flooding can damage or block rural roads. This is common during the monsoon season from June to September. Towns or areas are often cut off for days at a time.
Landslides and other disruptions can occur on the Mugling-Narayanghat highway. This is a section of the road between Kathmandu and Chitwan National Park.
Road travel can be disrupted due to:
- demonstrations and strikes
- roadworks and infrastructure projects
Significant delays on major roads within cities and towns, as well as on highways, are common.
Open drains and uncovered manholes are a risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
Locals often assume foreigners are at fault in car accidents, regardless of the situation. They may demand money. Crowds of onlookers can gather quickly after an accident and may turn hostile.
Car accidents resulting in injuries often lead to confrontations and road closures. Violence against drivers also happens.
If you plan to drive in Nepal:
- learn local traffic laws and practices
- monitor the media for road closures
- always keep your car windows up and doors locked
- avoid travel between cities after dark
If you’re involved in a traffic accident and are worried about your safety:
- stay in your locked vehicle
- phone 103 for the Traffic Police
- wait for the police
More information:
Motorcycles
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet. Helmets bought in Nepal may not meet Australian safety standards.
Taxis
Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines. Arrange them through your hotel or resort.
Taxi drivers often refuse to use meters and overcharge travellers. Negotiate a fare with the driver before the trip.
Fuel shortages can make it hard to get local taxis and other forms of transport.
Public transport
Long-haul public transport is operational but with conditions to control the transmission of COVID-19. For updates on your departure domestic transfers, check with your airline or tour operator.
Travel on public buses and vans is dangerous. These vehicles are overcrowded and poorly maintained.
There are frequent accidents with multiple deaths involving intercity buses.
Accidents involving private hire cars and jeeps travelling between cities regularly occur and can cause injuries or death. If you are concerned, ask your driver to slow down and drive safely.
Women are often harassed, including sexually, on public buses.
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Air travel
Check with your airline or tour operator for updates on your flight.
Domestic flight cancellations and delays are common, especially during:
- tourist seasons when the airport is crowded
- rough weather
Travellers may miss international connections or be stranded.
In the past, travellers have been stranded for up to 10 days due to bad weather, including in Lukla.
Heavy fog in southern Nepal’s Terai (plains) during winter can disrupt flights. Always check flights with your airline or tour operator.
In recent years, several small passenger aircraft have crashed, resulting in deaths, particularly during the monsoon season.
Due to safety concerns, all airlines certified by Nepali regulatory authorities are banned from operating in Europe.
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Nepal’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information: