Nepal Solo Female Travel: A Quick Weekend Guide for 3D2N

Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, rich history and culture, warm and accommodating locals, and a perfect view of the ice-capped Himalayas mountain range. 

If that sounds appealing to you, then a visit to Nepal is just what you need. It is a beautiful country with much to offer, and its charms deserve to be explored further. 

In this guide, I will show you my visit to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Boudanath Stupa, Pashupatinath (The Temple of Life and Death), and an overnight stay in a cozy cottage overlooking the idyllic countryside and the mountains, near the spot where I witnessed the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan range in Nagarkot. 

Just so you know, Nepal is where I’ve decided to go for my first ever solo travel and couchsurfing experience.

What are you waiting for? Let’s go!

Kathmandu at a Glance

Nepal offers different types of experiences for everyone. And where is a better way to start than the capital? 

Many attractions in Kathmandu are within walking distance from Thamel. It’s a great way to explore the city’s streets and alleys.

As a historical crossroad, Kathmandu boasts numerous monuments and structures significant for Hinduism and Buddhism. With a history as rich as this, we couldn’t miss going and seeing the valley with our own eyes. 

I began my exploration of this fascinating country with the guidance of a local recommended by my host. Our first stop was the Swayambhunath, popularly known as the Monkey Temple.

Monkey Temple

Kathmandu is known as the “City of Temples” and just 30 minutes away from Thamel, the “Monkey Temple”, also called Swayambhunath is perched atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of Kathmandu. Legend says that it is the birthplace of Kathmandu Valley, and is an important religious site for Buddhist Newars and Tibetan Buddhists. 

This temple is unique because the eyes of Buddha are painted on the stupa. But make sure to also walk around (clockwise, as it is in Buddhist traditions) the main stupa. This practice is believed to cultivate mindfulness, reverence, and a sense of spiritual connection.

While walking, you will find smaller stupas, various shrines, and gravestones. I also saw a lot of monkeys running around, swinging, and some just relaxing and grooming each other.

The temple offers lovely views of the Kathmandu Valley, especially from various viewpoints. There are two ways that you can reach these viewpoints. First is to climb up the stone stairway which consists of 365 steps, and the other is to walk to the western side of the stupa.

I chose the latter, and I was greeted with lots of monkeys swinging around the trees and an amazing view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Did you know? The Monkey Temple is one of the historical structures that suffered from the 2015 earthquake, but it has been restored since then.

Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple

In Hinduism, Kaal Bhairav, also known as Bhairava, is one of the avatars of Shiva. It is considered a fierce form and an unforgiving one. 

According to the legends, Shiva was angered because Lord Brahma had said demeaning things about him, and in his anger, he decapitated one of Lord Brahma’s five heads. 

In the shrine, Kaal Bhairav is seen holding a decapitated head in one hand and stepping over a dead body. This statue is known as the protector of Kathmandu, and the giver of justice in life and death.

The temple was established by King Pratap Malla in the 18th century. As for the 12-foot tall sculpture, it is believed to be carved from a single block of stone and is said to be more than a thousand years old. 

This place is just around Durbar Square, fairly accessible to all visitors. Its proximity ensures us to reach the temple conveniently while exploring other nearby landmarks.

Patan Durbar Square

Do you want to know what ancient Nepal was like? Then you should not miss going to Patan Durbar Square.

Located at the center of the city of Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square is a stunning display of Newari architecture. It contains seven Buddhist and Hindu monuments, and it also has residential houses.

Nepal’s most important attraction is the Vishveshvara Temple, and you can find it inside Patan Durbar Square. Some of the attractions that can be found inside the Patan Durbar Square too are:

• Patan Museum
• Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
• Golden Window
• Mahabouddha Temple
• Golden Temple
• Krishna Temple

During my visit there, I felt like I was transported back to the ancient times. I loved the intricate carvings of the majestic temples and the importance they hold for Buddhists. I also found it amusing to gently shoo away the pigeons in the area.

This is a must-visit whenever you come to Nepal. This historically significant place is important to understanding the culture and way of life of ancient Nepal.

Just remember that it can be quite busy and bustling with people if you are not used to crowds.

Thamel Shops

Thamel is an area in Kathmandu where you can find anything you need. This place is bustling with hotels, amazing restaurants, and various book shops and stalls that sell knick-knacks.

Here are examples of what you can find in the Thamel area, especially on Mandala Street:

• Souvenirs for your trip, such as magnets and keychains
• Something to send your loved ones at home, such as posters and postcards
• Something to add to your collections, such as calendars and stamps for all countries
• And if you’re planning to hike or trek in the beautiful mountain ranges of Nepal, you can also find trekking maps and winter clothes.

When you visit Kathmandu, make sure to swing by the Thamel area and visit the local bookshops as well. 

During my trip, I discovered that there are multiple genres available and a wide selection of books. It really is a haven for bookworms!

Garden of Dreams

Located in the middle of Kathmandu is a magnificent neoclassical garden. With 6,895 square meters of space, you will find three pavilions, an amphitheater, ponds, pergolas (outdoor, shaded walkways), and urns.

 If you like walking around surrounded by a beautiful landscape, make sure to add the Garden of Dreams to your itinerary.

What I liked most about the Garden of Dreams is its well-maintained lawns, lush gardens, and elegant pavilions which provide visitors with a tranquil environment to relax, stroll, or simply enjoy the surroundings.

When you visit this place, you can check out The Barkha Bar for a selection of ice cream and cakes, and the Tea Salon offers Himalayan teas. Kaiser Cafe, managed by Basera Boutique Hotel, has a great view of the sprawling gardens as well.

The Garden of Dreams is indeed the best place to wind down after a long day of sightseeing and walking around.

Boudanath

Boudanath Stupa is one of the most famous and prominent landmarks in the whole of Nepal. This Buddhist temple was built in the 5th century when the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo converted to Buddhism.

Stupas are built as places to keep holy relics, and it is said that the Boudanath Stupa holds the relics of the past Buddha – Kashyapa. Others say that it contains a piece of bone of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha.

This structure, rich in both history and religious significance to Buddhists, is one of the largest stupas in the world. It has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.

It has a unique design, standing at 36 meters high. Its construction is symbolic as well, with the plinth representing earth, the dome representing water, and the square tower representing fire. The spire has 13 levels, depicting the 13 levels that a human being must go through and overcome to achieve nirvana.

This temple is the center of Tibetan culture and is also a well-known pilgrimage site. Unfortunately, the 2015 earthquake in Nepal did not spare the temple. The renovation cost approximately $2.1 million and around 30 kg of gold. This was funded by Buddhist groups and volunteers around the world.

Just a little tip, if you want to have a raised viewpoint or reach the upper level of the plinth, there is a gateway at the north end of the stupa you can pass through. You will find it beside a small shrine of the goddess Hariti (Ajima).

🎞️ You can watch my visit to the Boudanath Stupa here.

Pashupatinath (The Temple of Life and Death)

Have you ever seen a human body being cremated? Never in my entire life have I dreamed of witnessing this unique ceremony, let alone imagining I would see it in Nepal. 

Located near the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath Temple is another prominent landmark in Nepal. This Hindu temple is dedicated to Pashupati, which is an incarnation of the Hindu god Shiva.

Known as another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple has 518 mini-temples and a main pagoda house. It is the oldest Hindu temple in the whole Kathmandu Valley.

When you enter this place, you will notice that many animals are free to roam. I saw monkeys, dogs, cows, and pigeons around the area. This is because, in Hinduism, Pashupati is the protector or lord of animals. This is why it is common for devotees to worship these animals.

In the middle of the complex, you will see a two-story gilt-roofed pagoda. This is the main temple and it is so sacred that only Hindus can enter it.

The Hindu Way of Cremation

The Pashupatinath Temple has an area called Pandra Shivalaya, which is a line of votive shrines. Right beside this, you will find the Bagmati River.

The river is known for purifying people spiritually, and it is also where the cremation is held. There is also a place where tourists can watch from the adjacent side of the river, East of the main temple.

Before we proceed to the cremation site, a ritual and offering are done first. When I visited, I witnessed a cremation that was taking place. Hindus are cremated on the banks of this holy river.

First, the body gets washed. This is done to purify it before it is placed in its ghat, which is a series of steps leading to a body of water. 

After that, the body is carried and placed on a pyre, with its feet facing the north. The body is then covered with a white cloth and draped with a shiny orange satin cloth. 

According to tradition, the eldest son is usually the chief mourner, and they are the one who gives fire when a man dies, but it is the youngest son who will give the fire when a woman dies.

During the ceremony, I also noticed that things that are related to cows and nature are used in burning the body, such as butter, sugar, and straw.

🎞️ You can see my experience visiting the Temple of Life and Death here.

The Himalayan Range

A trip to Nepal would not be complete without seeing the famous Himalayan mountain range, and of course, Mt. Everest.

During my trip towards Nagarkot, I had a very local experience riding the buses with the locals. We rode two buses, one from Kathmandu (Ratna Bus Stand) to Bakhtapur and from Bakhtapur (Kamalbinayak Bus Park) to Nagarkot.

The drivers of the buses were very fast, and it was also on bad roads. It was such a crazy experience for me, but I hope they have fixed the road now. For first-time travellers, this would be an extreme ride, but a local experience all the same.

After that, we had lunch at Sherpa Alpine Cottage, and it was my first time trying poppadoms and dhal. We also have to eat very fast or our food will get cold really quickly because of the cold weather. I found dhal spicy, but nevertheless, I enjoyed the overall experience. 

On the way to the Lookout Tower viewpoint, we passed by children who were playing marble games. I joined them for a bit and I realized that they play it almost the same way Filipino children do. It was a nostalgic experience for me.

The walk towards the tower point was worth it. During my visit, I was rewarded with a sea of clouds and the ice-capped mountains of the Himalayan mountain range were really visible.

We stayed in a cottage for a night. The rates are very affordable and it comes with a free breakfast as well. It was a cozy cottage, but the water was very cold, especially during the time I visited.

However, the view the next morning more than made up for it. We were able to witness the best sunrise, as Sherpa Alpine Cottage has the best sunrise view and it is just walkable to the sunset spot as well.

We also ventured to the Peaceful Cottage and Café du Mont perched atop the mountain, and we enjoyed breathtaking views of the Himalayas as well.

🎞️ This is surely one of the highlights of my trip to Nepal. If you want to see my experience, you can watch it here.

Food Culture in Nepal

Before we visited the Thamel area, we stopped by the store of a relative of my Nepali host. There, I tried some fried and steamed momos and Nepali tea.

Momos are steamed-filled dumplings that are usually made with a variety of meat and vegetables. They are a staple food in Nepal and you can find them made by small street vendors to fancy restaurants. When you visit, make sure to try it, especially the buffalo momos!

Of course, we would not miss trying out other cuisines, too. We found a cute Japanese restaurant named “Nagomi Japanese Restaurant” which was referred to me by a friend who visited it once. I guess the only drawback I found is that we had a hard time looking for this place.

At Sherpa Alpine Cottage, we made sure to try their Nepali set meal and Tibetan breakfast. Their black tea, poppadoms, and spicy dhal stood out to me.

Before heading back from the airport, I took my chance to try Nepal’s famous buffalo momos. 70% of the meat sold in Nepalese markets are buffalos, which is why this is a must-try for me.

3D2N Sample Itinerary

If you are planning a trip to Nepal and do not know where to start, this sample itinerary will give you some ideas.
One could easily spend weeks or even a whole month exploring Nepal, but for people who only have a weekend to spare, you can still see the best that Nepal has to offer!

Top 10 Tips for Solo Travelers

Solo travelling can be a fun experience, but there are also things that you have to remember to stay safe. Safety is still our top priority, especially when exploring a foreign country with a different culture and practices than us. 

Here are my top 10 tips to remember for solo travellers planning a trip to Nepal.

1. Respect Local Customs And Culture

Nepal boasts a rich cultural heritage, being an important place for both Buddhism and Hinduism. It has traditions deeply cherished by locals, and it is our responsibility as tourists to familiarize ourselves with customs.

Some examples would be greeting with a “Namaste”, or dressing modestly. It is important to dress appropriately when you are visiting temples and religious sites. Your shoulders and knees must be covered as a sign of respect.

Cannabis use in Nepal is culturally ingrained in certain religious practices, particularly among followers of the Hindu god Shiva. Attitudes and outlooks about cannabis use can vary among different communities and regions. 

Here, I first witnessed how people use cannabis and what its smell is like.

As a visitor, it is essential to do some research, educate yourself, and make informed decisions regarding cannabis use during your stay. Ensure that you read about recent and relevant laws about it as well, as you do not want to get into legal trouble in a foreign country.

2. Practice Responsible Tourism

As tourists, it is important that we also respect the natural beauty of Nepal and our role in keeping it. 

During our trip, I encourage you to dispose of waste properly in the trash bins, minimize your plastic usage, and support eco-friendly businesses and accommodations.

Let us help keep Nepal’s beauty for future generations to come!

3. Money Matters

Before your trip, make sure to notify your bank that you are travelling to Nepal and the duration of your trip. This will prevent your card from possibly being blocked.

ATMs are available in major cities of Nepal, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. However, they can be scarce and hard-to-find in rural areas.

It is important to carry a mix of cash (Nepali Rupees) and cards for transactions and to not put all your cards and cash in one place. 

4. Stay Vigilant

Nepal is a generally safe country, but like in all countries, we do not know who is good or bad. Especially for solo travellers, one should exercise caution in crowded areas and at night.

Beware of scams, pickpockets, or those claiming that they can offer a free tour or that they will bring you to a secret tourist spot.

Avoid walking alone in isolated places, especially after dark, and always keep your belongings secure and in front of you.

5. Get a Travel Insurance

Having travel insurance is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself, especially if you are going to an unfamiliar country, or you are planning to do activities that put you at risk for injuries, such as hiking.

Before buying insurance, check that it has coverage for medical emergencies, medication, hospitalization, and evacuation. 

You never know what could happen during a trip, and it is better to have a safety net than nothing. This way, you can enjoy your trip to the fullest, while also knowing that you are covered, just in case.

💡 You can check out Insuremytrip to compare quotes from multiple travel insurance providers. But as for my experience, I’ve used Safetywing. 

6. Hire A Guide or Join a Trekking Group

There are a lot of trekking or hiking opportunities in Nepal, especially since it has the world-renowned Himalayan mountain range.

However, as a solo traveler, I recommend that you join a trekking group or personally hire a licensed guide to help you with your trek/hike. This will ensure your safety, especially when navigating unfamiliar terrain.

If you are an experienced or professional mountaineer, you can still go alone. But, it is best that you inform authorities or your accommodation about your route, and your estimated return time. 

7. Plan Your Packing

Another important piece of advice for solo travelling is to pack wisely. Since you are going solo, you are fully responsible for yourself, that is why it is best to ensure that you have what you need.

Pack according to the season and the activities you have planned. If you are going trekking, make sure to bring sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing and jackets, as it can get very cold during the evening or during the winter season. Don’t be like me who didn’t bring winter clothes like I should have, but luckily I still enjoyed their winter season.

Also bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit containing your prescribed medications and medications for colds, coughs, allergies, diarrhea, and common travel ailments. When you are going to remote areas, pack bottled water and snacks, too.

8. Stay Connected With Loved Ones

If it is your first-time solo travelling, your parents and loved ones may be worried about you and your safety. This is completely normal, but it is also our responsibility as solo travelers to assure them.

I went on this trip without relying on data plans. I mainly used offline maps, but if you are a traveler who can’t live without a data connection, consider buying a SIM card online before your trip, or when you get to the airport. 

The local sim card will allow you to access the Internet, maps, and translation apps, and reach your contacts when needed. ESIM technology also works in Nepal.

💡 You can use Knowroaming, or Holafly as your international eSIM providers.

Let your loved ones know about your plans, too. Tell them how many days you plan to stay in Nepal, your route, and your accommodations.

9. Pay Attention To Your Body

When we’re travelling, it is easy to be excited and let our adrenaline carry us throughout the day. However, it is important to listen to how your body really feels, especially when partaking in strenuous activities such as hiking.

If you are planning to visit high-altitude areas like the Himalayas, remember to slowly acclimate to avoid altitude sickness. Ascend gradually if you are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, headaches, or nausea. 

Inform your tour guide, as they are well-trained in these matters. Do not push yourself for the sake of “not falling behind”. Again, your health is still your number one priority, especially since you are travelling alone.

10. Relish The Experience

Solo travelling in Nepal offers unique opportunities for self-discovery and cultural immersion. Because of its beautiful nature and sceneries, it is a perfect place for some self-reflection and a break from the hustle and bustle of life.

Stay open-minded, make connections with locals, and embrace the adventure Nepal has to offer. But don’t forget to still be respectful and keep yourself safe.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Nepal?

All foreign nationals, aside from Indian nationals, are required to have a visa before visiting Nepal. This means that UAE residents, as long as they have Indian passports, enjoy a visa-free entry to Nepal.

GCC residents, including citizens of countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), can obtain a visa on arrival. Expatriates who are living in Dubai are also eligible for a visa on arrival.

For Filipino citizens or those who hold a Philippine passport, you are also eligible for a visa on arrival, but you can also apply for a tourist visa before flying to Nepal. You can find all the details and requirements on the website of the Consulate of Nepal in the Philippines here.

Visa on arrival can be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or certain land border crossings. However, it is important to verify current requirements with the Nepali embassy, consulate, or official sources like the Department of Immigration of Nepal.
Before travelling, it is important to research recent and updated visa policies. This could be different for nationalities and status (such as expatriates). It would save you a lot of hassle and trouble to be informed before booking your flight to Nepal.

Dhanyabad Nepal!

Travelling to Nepal was one of the most memorable trips that I made, especially since this was when I started to discover my love for solo travel. 

Nepal has given me beautiful scenery, amazing sunsets and sunrises, unique cultural discoveries, delicious food, and the chance to meet awesome people. I am grateful that I decided to go on this trip and see the beauty of this country with my very own eyes.

I hope my trip has been a glimpse of what Nepal can offer you too.

🎞️ Check out my First Couchsurfing Nepal travel story here

Thank you for reading, and see you on my next travels!