Is Nepal Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Nepal generally displays a welcoming and friendly environment. However, solo female travelers need to take standard precautions. While day-time touring is usually safe, it's not advised to travel alone at night. Stay in reputable accommodations and avoid secluded areas. Keep your personal belongings close and secure, and always inform someone about your itinerary. Check for local customs as well, to respect them and avoid any unintentional infractions.

Safety rating

3.9 /5

Based on 17 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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How safe is Nepal?

Safety at night:Moderate

Nepal is generally considered safe with a friendly and welcoming culture. However, it's advisable to avoid walking alone at night, especially in quieter and less illuminated areas. Even in the generally safer cities, exercise caution after dark, choosing well-lit, populated areas and using reliable transport services when possible.

Public transportation:Unsafe

Public transportation in Nepal can be a challenging experience due to overcrowded vehicles, unreliable schedules, and safety norms aren't always strictly enforced. It's not unusual to see passengers hanging outside the doors due to lack of space. Women should be aware that harassment can occur, particularly on crowded vehicles. During night hours, it's usually recommended to avoid public transportation or travel with a group for safety reasons.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Nepal, instances of street harassment are moderate. While it's not prevalent or aggressive like in some other countries, it's recommended to be cautious. The local people are generally respectful, especially towards tourists. However, occasionally there could be some forms of subtle verbal harassment or unsolicited comments, particularly in crowded areas. It’s more of an annoyance than a threat, but it’s still worthy of note.

Petty crimes:Low

Petty crimes in Nepal are relatively low in comparison to other nations. While you may occasionally come across instances of pickpocketing or bag snatching, particularly in crowded markets or tourist areas, these are not rampant. Always exercise caution and keep an eye on your belongings, just as you would anywhere else.

Is Nepal worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 17 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Nepal, Solo travel

It was amazing. I had such a great time. Nepal is so peaceful and everything is super cheap, people are friendly. I would go there anytime anyday if you ask me. Best for hiking, solo trips etc. Internet is very bad though.

Posted: November 7, 2024

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Andrea

Australia

Kathmandu, Solo travel

I spent a week in Kathmandu. I felt super safe the whole time I was there. One of my favourite activities was to walk through the streets just enjoying being one of the crowd. The city was very dusty but the people were very friendly. One fantastic experience I had was in my search for a kushti I stopped in this little shop which was about as big as a cupboard. The young man tending the store was super helpful - he unwrapped everyone one of the mountains of packages to find me a kushti that was suitable before introducing me to his sister and sharing tea. My only regret from Kathmandu was not taking advantage of an App that enables you to hire a motorbike to take you around. A wonderful place to visit

Posted: August 14, 2024

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Everest Region, Solo travel

Everest Base Camp - Cho La pass - Gokyo Ri 16.05 - 31.05 The Everest Base Camp trek has a bit of a bad rep, with concerns about rubbish, overcrowding, sherpa/porter conditions. I had the same concerns, but I think it’s important to experience things ourselves where possible. I can wholly recommend going solo, the trails are well marked and offline maps work well. The end of the season has led to empty guesthouses, giving my money to local families, many whomn have been inspirational mountaineers & have summited many of these incredible Himilayan mountains. I have been so encouraged to see rubbish initiatives, @sagarmathanext & picking up rubbish as I walk with places to deposit on the way as well as initiatives to take kilos back after walking. I had a 5am start to summit Gokyo Ri at 5357m. Going without a tour/guide/porter meant I was able to afford this experience (£650, which included a £165 flight to Lukla, it cost 2 days and £24 on the way back down with a 7 hour jeep & 14 hour bus). I felt confident walking solo, with experience of the Annapurna & walking in Japan; but I wasn’t without doubts or fears. There’s a fine line between encouraging everyone to equally being responsible in the mountains & at altitude. But do all the research to overcome barriers, if it feels scary - try, keep breathing, be slow, get good insurance

Posted: June 22, 2024Experienced: April, 2024

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Pokhara, Solo travel

Best place to chill and have quality time with your friends or whatsoever. Pokhara is always amazing to visit. So many places to visit and food to try. Goddddd, a cold beer in hand and sitting beside the lake watching the lights and lakes at night is the best part of Pokhara for me.😊

Posted: May 31, 2024Experienced: April, 2023

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Holly

United Kingdom

Nepal, Group travel

I traveled to Nepal with a group of 30 people I’d never met before, we spent 2 weeks’ together sightseeing seeing for the 1st week, then 2nd week trekking through the Himalayan Mountains. I felt very safe, it was the most amazing experience and I would highly recommend going to Nepal as well as traveling with new people. I’ve made friends for life!

Posted: April 8, 2024

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Pokhara, Group travel

The place is relaxing and very touristy. Its not expensive but also depends on how you want to stay. There's a lot to do, from sightseeing to trekking and much more. The people are really kind and you can have a good time!

Posted: March 26, 2024Experienced: September, 2023

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Nepal, Solo travel

It was crazy! A magical country that one must absolutely visit for its mountains. The cities and the population are just incredible and so kind. We loved it, I highly recommend it. And lots of flags and monks who explain everything to you!

Posted: March 20, 2024

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Marina

France

Kathmandu, Solo travel

Good experience in Kathmandu ! The city is safe, really cheap for a solo traveler. The hostel were about 3e per night with a breakfast included sometimes. The city is a bit busy, crowded and with a lot of animations so it can feel a bit weird when arriving for the first time there. It is a good place to connect to Pokhara or other cities in Nepal to go trekking or go on a safari.

Posted: February 21, 2024Experienced: October, 2023

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Pokhara, Solo travel

I stayed at an backpackers hostel internet middle of the tourist area, you meet a lot of people to spent time and travel further with, there is a lot of nature around the city, you can go for a hike, spend time at the lake and eat good food. There is also a party area if you are into the night life and many hanging bridges connecting you to the smaller villages to get to know the local people.

Posted: February 16, 2024

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Anneke

Netherlands

Nepal, Solo travel

I am traveling in Nepal at the moment for more than a week. There has not been a moment that i felt unsafe. People are friendly and helpfull. I dont deel stared at. Eating alone is easy. I have been walking a lot in Kathmandu, hopping on local buses for transport and finding my way by asking (and Google)

Posted: January 23, 2024

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Is Nepal safe for women?

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is pretty safe for a woman traveling solo. The people are really kind and helpful. However, after dark, it might be risky to travel in a few places so I would suggest taking caution. However during day, it’s pretty safe all over Kathmandu, the people don’t make you uncomfortable.

Posted: October 21, 2024

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Kathmandu

It is safe during day time but few cancelling can happen but at night in quiet areas it's a bit worrisome but I do feel safe walking alone and using the transport alone as well Nepal is a conservative country so helps when you dress more modestly

Posted: February 22, 2024

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