Is Nepal safe for solo women travellers?

Nepal is generally considered safe for women travellers. It is much more safer than in India told by many. Nepal might have a conservative society but the people are open to every kind of cultures which helps to stay true. There  haven’t been many serious crimes against tourists since few years. However one should keep few things in mind while  she is here to be surely safe.

Role of women in Nepal

Women have a very important role in the Nepalese society. One should be culturally understand that Nepal consists of numerous cultures. There are majority of Hindu population along with Buddhists and some ethinic groups. Caste system in Nepal is strongly followed and this decides how certain families and their women are treated here.

If you dress provocatively you might be catcalled or whistled in public. Very short shorts, hotpants and sleeveless tops are considered to be provocative and disrespectful here.

Nepali women are friendly and will strike up friendships with female solo travellers  once you get formally introduced to them. For the most part women travellers are more welcomed in to the family compared to men travellers.

Cases of sexual harassment of women in Nepal

It is very unlikely for a solo woman traveller to encounter any physical sexual harassment in Nepal. Nonetheless, women travellers in Nepal have been accused to fall in charms of local guides and trekking guides.

Many Nepalese men are known for their “Lothario” or “Casanova” qualities. While it is the choice of a woman if she wants to engage in such relationships, things might not be what they look like. Since unemployment in high in Nepal, Nepalese men could use romance as a wild card to get out of the country.

A female trekking alone

If it’s the first time you are coming Nepal for trekking its very important you don’t get lured into a false sense of security. It is always advisable for a solo trekker, man or woman, to take a guide with you in your first trek.

Even if you are used to trek solo in Nepal or somewhere else, it is very important for you to have in mind that many solo trekkers go missing every year. There have been murders and attacks on solo women travellers in Nepal  in the past even though those cases are taken as exceptions. But that doesnot mean one should not use their presence of mind and travel carelessly especially when they are travelling solo.

It is crucial for solo female travellers to choose the right trekking guide. If you have time we recommend you to meet different guides from different agencies before you are very comfortable with one of them to travel with.

Feel free to ask for background checks, and references for the guides you want to hire to the trekking agencies.

You could ask your guide and take his picture along with the picture of his licence and send it to your family or your friend for safety. You can do this politely and make your guide understand why you need to do this. Also make sure you have been insured for your trekking travel at the right place.

Meeting other women in Nepal

If you are wanting to converse with other female travellers or Nepali women you have to be a little outgoing. Its better if you stay in the right accommodation with a lively social scene. Finding one could be quite challenging as Nepal has a huge number of accommodation for tourists and trekkers. But you could still walk around to find a busy hotel or a guest house as per your liking.

Clubs and bars are youth oriented and it would probably be better for you oif you go there with some company.

Cafes and restaurants are good places to meet other travelling women. But you will probably need to start the conversation first.

You will probably find it easier to meet other Nepali women in family run guest houses or homestays. If you manage to strike up a conversation with one of the ladies in the place she will probably help you increase your women friendship circle.

Safe Accommodation for Solo Women Travelers in Nepal

You can find accommodation fairly easily if you are in  one of the tourist districts in Nepal. If you are in here for the first time you probably would want to book in a mid or higher range hotels. And its better if they have good reviews and are recommended. Reviews help you a lot to feel comfortable with the location. There are many hotels who offer free pickups from the Airport.

Recommendations to where for solo female tourists

If you are coming as a solo trekker in Nepal for the first time  you could accommodate in Thamel area in Kathmandu. Paknajol is also probably easier for solo women travellers to accmmodate in. If you are in Pokhara Lakeside is very convenient whereas in Chitwan best place to stay in is Sauraha.

Some tips:

• Always carry a handy flashlights as Nepal frequently faces power cuts.
• Never stay in a place where you don’t feel comfortable
• Avoid walking alone during late night in an isolated place.
• Sign in at a hotel with your title and your last name only
• Make sure your room locks properly.
• Don’t leave your valuables in the room ask the hotel reception to provide you a safe instead.