Dashain (Sep/Oct) and Tihar (Oct/Nov) are the biggest celebrations. Holi paints the streets in March, Indra Jatra fills Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Buddha Jayanti illuminates Lumbini and Boudhanath.

Nepali Rupee (NPR). ATMs are common in cities, rare on treks — carry cash for the mountains. Cards work in bigger hotels. Tipping ~10% is appreciated for guides and porters.

Ncell and NTC tourist SIMs at the airport are cheap (bring a passport photo). Coverage is good in cities, patchy in the high mountains — teahouses sell Wi-Fi cards on major trek routes.

Greet with namaste, remove shoes at temples and homes, walk clockwise around stupas, use your right hand for giving and receiving, and ask before photographing people.

Police 100 · Ambulance 102 · Tourist Police (Kathmandu) 1144. For treks, ensure your insurance covers helicopter evacuation above 4,000m.

Dal bhat — lentils, rice, curry and pickles with free refills — powers the nation. Try momo dumplings, Newari khaja sets, thakali thali, sel roti, and juju dhau yogurt in Bhaktapur.

Do acclimatise slowly above 3,000m and drink treated water. Don't point feet at people or shrines, touch heads, or display affection at religious sites. Bargain politely — with a smile.