What Pokhara costs: a budget guide

How the costs break down

Roughly, from cheapest to dearest:

1. Food and drink. Dal bhat, momo and tea are very cheap; Western food on Lakeside costs more but is still modest by Western standards.
2. Rooms. A huge mid-range band; see where to stay.
3. Transport. Taxis are the main daily spend; local buses cost almost nothing.
4. Entry fees. Small foreigner fees at the caves, falls, museum, Sarangkot tower.
5. Activities. Paragliding, ultralight, zipline and bungee are the big-ticket items — each comparable to several nights' accommodation.
6. Trekking. Permits (ACAP NPR 3,000, TIMS NPR 2,000 for foreigners — TODO confirm), plus guide, porter, gear hire and teahouse costs.

TODO: add a table of indicative daily budgets (backpacker / mid-range / comfortable) in NPR and USD once current prices are checked.

Cash, cards and ATMs

The currency is the Nepali rupee (NPR). ATMs are everywhere on Lakeside; most charge a fee per withdrawal and set a per-transaction limit, so take out larger amounts less often. Cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, often with a surcharge. Small restaurants, taxis, boat hire and shops are cash. Money changers on Lakeside give fair rates for USD, EUR and GBP; count the notes.

Foreigner pricing

Domestic flights, entry fees and permits have official higher rates for foreign nationals — this is policy, not a scam. SAARC nationals have their own tier. Taxi fares are negotiated; the first price to a tourist is a starting point.

Tipping

Not expected in local restaurants. Tourist restaurants often add 10% service. Trekking guides and porters are tipped at the end of a trek — typically a day's wage per week of work, more for exceptional service. Round up taxi fares if you like.