Nepal Gay Travel

Nepal recently enshrined LGBT protections in its constitution, making it a leading supporter of LGBT rights in Asia. This is an impressive step, considering the country’s first gay bar only opened in 2018.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Ambiguous
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Single Only
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal in some contexts
Equal Age of Consent: Equal

As mentioned, the country’s first LGBT Bar (PINK Tiffany Restaurant) only opened its doors in 2018. Despite the lack of ‘Gay’ marketed spaces, there are many gay-owned businesses and establishments, and we strive to support them through our tours. Despite legal protections, PDAs are likely to earn inquisitive (potentially uncomfortable) looks from locals, especially in rural areas. Use your discretion when travelling as a gay couple in Nepal.

Gay Villages in Nepal

There are no gay villages in Nepal.

Pride Festivals in Nepal

Kathmandu Gay Pride: Annually in August

Best Gay Bars in Nepal

Kathmandu Suburb: PINK Tiffany Restaurant

Best Lesbian Bars in Nepal

There are no Lesbian specific bars in Nepal.

5. Lumbini

In 563BC, Queen Maya Devi birthed Buddha in this sacred space. A small pond on the property is where she bathed before conception. Only meters away, a bullet proof glass box protects the exact birthplace.

4. Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is 932 sq km of World Heritage reserve and famously home to the elusive bengal tiger. While tiger sightings are extremely rare, watch for the one-horned rhinos, leopards, deer, monkeys or 500 species of birds.

3. Swayambhunath

Deep in Kathmandu Valley sits iconic Swayambhunath, a white dome topped with an impressive spire and the iconic four faces of Buddha. While the dome represents earth, the 13-tiered peak represents the 13 stages to reach nirvana.

2. Kathmandu

Old Kathmandu is a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Rickshaws clutter the ancient streets, prayer flags are strung the window sills, and on-the-go locals haggle at the bazaars. This intoxicating city is an ancient space with a modern buzz. It’s also a city in rebirth after the devastating effects of the 2015 earthquake.

1. Everest Base Camp

Only the most audacious travellers venture to Everest Base Camp, the kick-off point for mountaineers looking to truly surmount Mt. Everest. Arriving at base camp is a memorable – if not spiritual – experience and travellers should cherish this moment, for they’ll have few like it again in their life. We recommend every trekker take at least five minutes to themselves at Base Camp and breath in the views, the experience and the sense of accomplishment they no doubt have. Congratulations.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Nepal is in the shoulder season, right before or after winter. Kathmandu temperatures average around 22C/72F, and there’s always a chance of rain. In the Everest Region, you can expect clear skies, with occasional rain (or snow at higher elevations). Daytime highs will be about 15C/60F, with evening temperatures around 0C/32F.

Electricity: C-, D- and M-type sockets.

Time Zone: (GMT+05:45) Kathmandu

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Nepal, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Visas: All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal, which can be obtained from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan airport.