Nepal has all sorts of landscapes--plains that you can farm on, forested hills, and many of the tallest mountains in the world.

One of these mountains is Mount Everest, also known as the highest point on the planet. This is an amazing tourist spot to visit if you are feeling up for an adventure. You can either climb the mountain or merely trek there if you want something less challenging.

Picturesque landscapes are also all around you, even if you choose not to hike up the mountains. There are plenty of fertile plains and valleys you can enjoy exploring.

Nepalese food is a melting pot of cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, and Tibetian. There are options for both vegans and meat-eaters due to the presence of both Buddhist and Hindu religions.

Here are some of the foods you must try:

Momo - Momo is Nepal's version of dumplings. They are veggie or meat-filled little balls, held together in a dough wrapping. Dip it in spicy sauce and you have got your appetizer!

Pulao - If you are a vegan, this dish is for you. You can find this in any Nepalese meal as it is considered to be a staple. Pulao is basically fried rice and it is eaten by many locals.

Dal Baht - Dal Baht is a full meal. You will get lentil soup, rice, and vegetables with curry. This is considered to be Nepal’s unofficial national dish.

The country is heavily influenced by its Buddhist and Hindu beliefs and traditions. These beliefs affect their food, the way the act, and even their form of government.

In total, there are nine religions practised in Nepal. Aside from Buddhism and Hinduism, there are also Islam, Christianity, Jainist, Sikhism, Bon, ancestor worship, and animism. These religions influence local customs, too. For example, arranged marriages are still widely practised there.

Their food is also affected by traditional beliefs. For example, people from Nepal tend to not eat beef because cows are considered sacred in Hinduism.

There are a few things you must remember when planning your trip to Nepal.

Respect Their Culture

Since Nepal's culture is heavily traditional, it is important to respect it. There are certain customs you must learn and abide by. In general, it would be smart to ask a local or your tour guide to let you know what you can and cannot do, especially in their temples.

Pricing

In Nepal, you are charged more if you are a tourist. The reason for this is for the locals to maintain their livelihood. So, make sure to read the signs properly so you will not be surprised by the pricing.

Blackouts

Power outages are fairly common in Nepal. Make sure to bring a battery-operated fan and a flashlight if needed. However, most hotels now have generators, so opt to stay in one as much as possible.

Patience

There are a lot of locals in Nepal as well as tourists. This makes the country a crowded place. You may experience crowds frequently and traffic as well. Do not worry and take this as an opportunity to experience a part of local culture.

Currency and Banking

The Nepali use the Nepalese Rupee or NPR as their main form of currency. You will find that in Kathmandu, there are a lot of ATMs. But, on the outskirts of the city, there may not be a lot anymore, or they may not be working.

It would be better to withdraw what you need for your trip beforehand as the ATMs in the trekking locations are unreliable. Because they experience routine blackouts, expect these power outages to affect the machines as well.

Also, it would be better to use cash because only well-established places accept credit card payments.

Tipping

Unlike in Western countries, you do not need to tip in Nepal. The tip is already incorporated in the VAT or service charge.

The best time to visit Nepal is after the monsoon season. To get clear, beautiful, picturesque skies, time your visit during the months of October and November.

In these months, the weather is dry. This makes it convenient if you wish to go trekking all day. These months are also clear, so you will have good visibility of the amazing mountain ranges. For photographers, it is advised to take photos after the rain for the best shots.

These months are also the days where there are a lot of tourists in the country, so make sure to book your flights and accommodations early on to avoid the extra charges.