You've decided Nepal is where you want to go for your treatment. You know the costs are dramatically lower, the clinics are excellent, and the country is extraordinary. Now comes the practical question: how do you actually get there, what do you need, and what should you expect on the ground?

This guide covers everything you need to plan a smooth, stress-free medical trip to Nepal — from visa applications and flight routes to the best neighbourhoods to stay in, how to get around Kathmandu, and how to make the most of your recovery time. MediTour Nepal handles the medical coordination — this guide helps you handle the rest.

Visas: What You Need to Enter Nepal

For most international medical tourists, entering Nepal is straightforward. Nepal operates a visa-on-arrival system at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, making it significantly easier to enter than many other Asian medical destinations.

Visa on arrival — UK, US, Australia & Europe

Citizens of the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and most European countries can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. There is no separate medical visa required for elective treatments — your tourist visa covers everything.

Getting to Nepal: Flights from the UK, US & Australia

Kathmandu is served by Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Nepal's only international airport. While there are no direct flights from Western countries, the connections are well-established and manageable.

From the UK (London)

Flight time is approximately 10–12 hours with one stop. The most popular and cost-effective routes connect through Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates/flydubai), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), or Delhi (Air India/IndiGo). Return fares from London typically range from £400–£750 depending on season and how far in advance you book. Booking 6–8 weeks ahead usually gets the best prices.

From the USA

Most US patients connect through the Gulf hubs (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi) or via Asian hubs including Delhi, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur. Flight time from New York is approximately 17–19 hours total. Fares typically range from $700–$1,400 return.

From Australia

Australia has excellent connections to Kathmandu, with flights commonly routing through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Delhi. Flight time from Sydney or Melbourne is approximately 12–15 hours. Return fares typically range from AUD$900–$1,600. This makes Nepal particularly cost-competitive for Australian patients compared to travelling to Europe for treatment.

Best Time to Visit Nepal for Medical Treatment

Nepal has distinct seasons. While medical treatment can be done year-round, some times of year are significantly more comfortable than others for travel and recovery:

For most medical tourists, October–November is the sweet spot: clear mountain views, comfortable temperatures (15–25°C in Kathmandu), and a lively cultural calendar including the Tihar festival.

Kathmandu: Where to Stay

Kathmandu is a surprisingly compact and navigable city. Most international clinics are located in or near the central districts, and there are excellent accommodation options at every budget level within easy reach.

Getting Around Kathmandu

Kathmandu is compact but its streets can be chaotic — especially in rush hour. Here's what you need to know:

Money, Connectivity & Practical Essentials

Currency & payments

Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). As of 2025, £1 ≈ NPR 170, $1 ≈ NPR 135. ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and accept Visa and Mastercard. Most hotels and restaurants in tourist areas accept cards, but carry some cash for smaller purchases and local transport. Exchange currency at banks or official money changers — avoid unofficial changers.

Mobile data & WiFi

Kathmandu has excellent 4G coverage. Pick up a local SIM card from Ncell or Nepal Telecom at the airport on arrival — a 30-day data SIM costs around £5–£8 and gives you reliable connectivity throughout your stay. Hotel WiFi is generally good at mid-range and above properties.

Travel insurance

Standard travel insurance policies typically exclude pre-planned elective medical procedures. Purchase specialist medical travel insurance that explicitly covers your procedure and any potential complications. Your MediTour Nepal coordinator can advise on suitable providers for your country. Do not travel for medical treatment without appropriate insurance.

What to pack

• Comfortable loose clothing — especially important post-surgery when fitted clothing can irritate healing areas
• Your existing medical records, prescriptions, and any pre-operative test results
• A small supply of any regular medications you take (with prescriptions)
• Sunscreen and a hat — the Kathmandu sun is strong, especially at altitude
• USD cash for your visa fee on arrival (exact amount depends on duration)
• A portable charger — useful during clinic waits and city exploration

Recovery in Kathmandu: Making the Most of Your Time

One of the unexpected pleasures of choosing Nepal for medical treatment is the quality of the recovery environment. Kathmandu is calm, culturally rich, and genuinely restorative — very different from recovering in a busy Western city.

On days when you're not at the clinic, here's what to explore (gently, and always guided by your surgeon's advice):

Food & Eating Well in Kathmandu

Kathmandu has an excellent and varied food scene — from traditional Nepali dal bhat to international restaurants serving Italian, Japanese, Israeli, and continental cuisine. For patients recovering from procedures, there are a few practical notes:

• Drink bottled water only — tap water in Kathmandu is not safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap and widely available.
• Eat at established restaurants — in the early days of recovery, stick to reputable hotel restaurants or well-reviewed establishments in Thamel or Lazimpat.
• Follow your surgeon's dietary advice — some procedures (especially dental) come with specific food restrictions in the first few days.
• Try the local food — Nepali dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and thukpa (noodle soup) are nourishing, gentle, and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions