The Offline Backpacking Travel Guide for Mongolia

Discover 89 must-see places in Mongolia, routes, costs and safety tips. All highlights plotted on a map. Verified for 2026 travel. Registered Dutch Business (KvK: 99855925).

Ride vast steppes, mountains, and rivers, experiencing nomadic culture and wide-open landscapes for adventurous, nature-focused travelers.

In Mongolia, your first choice is blunt: buy time with a 4x4 and driver, or pay in days of dust, delays, and bone-rattle roads. Distances are vast, buses thin, timetables aspirational. The country rewards those who move at the speed of hooves and weather.

What pulls you here is the bigness of everything: sky, silence, hospitality. Mornings start with stove smoke and salty milk tea in a ger; by noon you’re riding past marmots and wildflowers toward a horizon that refuses to sit still. The Gobi rolls from camel grass to towering dunes at Khongoryn Els; Bayanzag’s red cliffs crumble fossils into your palms; Khuvsgul Lake lies cold and glassy, a mirror for migrating clouds; the Altai cut a sawtooth line where eagle hunters ride under snow. Monasteries like Erdene Zuu hum with low chants, blue ovoo ribbons snap on ridgelines, and Naadam thumps with wrestling, archery, and ponies that eat distance for breakfast. Challenges exist: corrugated tracks sandpaper your spine, wind stings your face raw, meals default to mutton, and your bathroom is the horizon. But those hardships burnish the payoff. I’ve patched three flats in a day, shared airag with a herder, then crested a ridge right as the Gobi went copper and the first cold beer in the next soum tasted like victory.

Compared with China’s density or Russia’s taiga, Mongolia is pure spaciousness and horse culture you don’t visit so much as join for a while. Kyrgyzstan gives alpine drama; Mongolia gives scale and quiet that rewires your sense of distance. Go if you value time over convenience, motion over comfort, and stories that start with wind and end with stars.

Ulaanbaatar

Monastery courtyards, traffic chaos, modern towers

Kharkhorin

ancient capital site, Erdene Zuu monastery, Orkhon Valley

Olgii

Kazakh culture, eagle hunters, western mountains

Erdenet

Copper mine, Soviet-era blocks, steppe outskirts

Dalanzadgad

Gobi access point, desert airstrip, supply town

Murun

gateway to Khuvsgul, provincial hub, local museums

Terelj

granite formations, forested valleys, ger camps

Gobi Desert

sand dunes, fossil sites, camel herding

Erdene Zuu Monastery

walled monastery, Buddhist relics, temple courtyards

Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall

volcanic gorge, plunging cascade, basalt canyon

Khorgo Volcano

extinct crater, lava fields, alpine forest

Tsagaan Suvarga

striped cliffs, desert escarpment, fossil beds

Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

sand dunes, ice canyon, wild argali sheep

Khovsgol Nuur National Park

deep freshwater lake, taiga forest, reindeer herders

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

glaciated peaks, petroglyphs, Kazakh eagle hunters

Terelj National Park

granite formations, alpine meadows, nomad camps

Hustai National Park

wild horses, rolling hills, steppe flora

Altai Tavan Bogd Trek

glacial valleys, alpine lakes, Kazakh eagle culture, border peaks

Kharkhiraa Turgen Mountains Trek

boulder fields, wildflower meadows, glacial rivers, Uvs province

Khangai Mountain Range Trek

rolling hills, forested valleys, hot springs, nomad camps

Yolyn Am

deep gorge, ice field, Gobi wildlife, narrow canyon

Gandantegchinlen Monastery

Active monastery, giant Buddha statue, daily rituals

Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan

Royal residence, personal artifacts, 19th-century interiors

National Museum of Mongolia

Ethnographic displays, ancient artifacts, nomadic heritage

Choijin Lama Temple Museum

Buddhist relics, temple complex, tantric art

Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts

Religious paintings, bronze sculptures, Mongolian masters

Naadam

wrestling, horse racing, archery

Golden Eagle Festival

eagle falconry, Kazakh traditions, rugged mountains

Tsagaan Sar

lunar new year, family gatherings, traditional foods

Khovsgol Ice Festival

frozen lake, ice sports, northern Mongolia

Thousand Camel Festival

camel races, Gobi herders, Bactrian camels

Orkhon Valley

Steppe grasslands, ancient ruins, nomadic camps

Bayan-Ulgii

Kazakh traditions, eagle hunting, Altai peaks

Uvs Nuur Basin

Salt lake, desert edges, migratory birds

Khentii Mountains

Forest wilderness, sacred sites, Genghis Khan legacy

Mongolia rewards sweat and patience. Roads turn to tracks, tracks to faint wheel ruts, and the wind claws at you all day. I’ve eaten dust on a UAZ bench for ten hours, then stepped out to a sky so wide it resets your head. Horses mean wooden saddles and bruised thighs, but a herder lifts the felt door, the stove pops, and salty milk tea warms you from the inside out. Climb Khongoryn Els before sunrise—calves burn, sand hisses, and the whole desert tips into pink. In Bayan-Ölgii I took a backseat to an eagle hunter’s day; the bird came back heavy and electric. Pro tip: carry a scarf for dust and time your moves to wells and shops. Reward comes simple: a cold beer yanked from a humming soum fridge, and silence that feels earned.

Mongolia rewards frugal grit. Distances are huge, but shared vans and jeep splits keep the per‑kilometer hit tiny; hitchhiking with a small cash contribution is normal outside cities. You eat like a ranch hand on market canteen staples—buuz, khuushuur, tsuivan—and you won’t feel hollow two hours later. Ger homestays run lean, and the steppe is one of the easiest places on earth to wild camp; bring a filter and the land provides water. Most travelers survive comfortably on a daily average in the low-to-mid double digits, less if you camp and share rides, a touch more if you want beds and beers nightly. Pro tip: in Ulaanbaatar, check guesthouse cork boards for ride shares; split fuel four ways and watch your costs slide. Roll into a dusty soum, crack a cold beer, and know your wallet barely flinched.

Mongolia makes you earn your views. Dust in your teeth on the steppe, wind slapping your jacket, long valleys that refuse to end—and then the land pays out. You crest Khongoryn Els and the dunes start to sing; your calves burn, the horizon burns brighter. You grind up Khorgo’s crater rim and the whole lava field opens around Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur. In Khuvsgul, a horse chews distance beside larch forest and the lake throws back sky like glass. Yolyn Am keeps ice in summer; Bayanzag glows at dusk; caves near Khovd bite cold even in July.

Pro tip: start pre-dawn and chase light—golden hour here lasts, but storms move fast. I stash a scarf for grit and a headlamp for caves, then reward the effort with a warm ger, salty milk tea, and a cold Chinggis beer from the soum shop.

Whether you need a visa to visit Mongolia depends on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries can enter Mongolia visa-free for up to 30 days. If a visa is required, apply through the Mongolian embassy or consulate in your country; you may need to fill out an application form, provide a passport photo, and pay a fee.

Late June and early September are the sweet spot. Roads have baked dry, river crossings drop, and mountain passes finally open without the July thunderstorm mud that strands vans to their axles. Ger camps are staffed but not crammed, drivers cut fairer deals once Naadam fever cools, and you still get long, workable daylight without the Gobi’s noon furnace. UB stops price-gouging on beds, mosquitoes back off around Khövsgöl, and trails in the Khangai and Altai hold firm underfoot. You hike in a T‑shirt by day, pull on a fleece at night, and wake to air that smells like dust and sage—then watch the first horseman crest the ridge while you brew tea.

Peak Summer (July–August): You pay more, wait longer, and sweat through midday—Naadam fills UB, Land Cruisers stack at dune viewpoints, and a single storm can turn tracks to pudding. But the payoff hits hard: snow-free passes in the Altai, thunderheads firing over a horizon the size of an ocean, and a cold Chinggis beer after kicking down Khongoryn Els at sunset while camels grunt below.
Shoulder Shift (May–June, Sept–early Oct): The country wakes, then exhales. Tracks firm, shops unlatch shutters, herds stream across valleys, and the dust literally settles. June throws wildflowers and skittish foals; September flips the north to gold and cools the Gobi to human. Drivers answer the phone, not just the tour agencies. Slot in early October for the Bayan-Ölgii Golden Eagle scenes if you want raw pageantry before winter takes the stage.
Deep Cold (Nov–March): Mongolia goes interior—hard light, blue smoke in UB, and silence so loud your ears ring. Travel is slower, but the solitude is clean. Survival hack: sleep with a hot water bottle in your bag and wear a windproof shell over down; the steppe wind, not the air temp, steals your heat. Aim for early March if you want Khövsgöl’s ice festival—the lake turns into a glass highway and horse sleds sing.

Personal tip: For late June or early September, lock a UB bed and your first long hop (domestic flight or Gobi jeep) about a month out; leave everything else to walk-up bargaining once your boots hit the dust.

Khongoryn Els (Singing Dunes), Gobi: The slope tilts like a giant ramp and your calves scream by halfway, sand running under each step like ball bearings while the wind hisses over the ridge. Then the dune “sings,” a bass note that thrums through your ribs as the grains avalanche. You earn the view—camel lines moving like ants, ger smoke smudging a horizon that glows copper. Slide down on your heels and chew grit with a mouthful of warm Chinggis beer; it still tastes perfect.

Khuvsgul Lake: The water looks tame until you dunk a hand and it knifes your fingers to the bone, clear as glass and cold enough to bite. Larch forests lean in, resin thick in the air, while waves slap the shingle with a percussive patience. I walked the shore until my boots rang on driftwood and shared dried fish and a shot of harsh, clean vodka with a herder; my teeth ached from the lake wind and I didn’t mind.

Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin: White walls studded with stupas hold a square of history that hasn’t smoothed its edges for visitors. Prayer wheels thud under your palms and leave a brass smell, monks chant behind timber that creaks like a saddle, and sparrows pick at crumbs near carved turtles left from the old capital. Late light washes the courtyards gold, and the first plate of greasy-hot khuushuur from a roadside grill across the gate seals the day the way it should.

Hustai National Park (Takhi): Dusk drops and the steppe starts moving—marmots dive, skylarks quit, and a line of stocky horses crests a ridge, manes standing like brush. Dust rides the breeze with the clean funk of animals; you steady shaking binoculars on a knee and try not to cough. Rangers idle Ladas on the track and pour milk tea that tastes like smoke and salt; you sip with chapped lips while the takhi graze with their heads down, stubborn and real.

Narantuul “Black Market,” Ulaanbaatar: The aisles grind like a river at flood, rubber boots to silk deels in one glance, and stallholders bark prices while a kid threads a handcart through your knees. It smells like sheepskin, tire dust, and frying dough; if you don’t zip everything, it walks. I sweated through a bargain for felt boots, then hid from the sun beside a buuz steamer, burning my tongue on broth and washing it down with a plastic cup of ice-cold kvass. For quieter detours, chase the chalk cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga, the granite gullies of Baga Gazriin Chuluu, or the far-west Khurgan–Khoton lakes—my pick when I want to feel very small and very awake.

New Year’s Day — Jan 1–2. Government offices and many businesses are closed; expect reduced public transport and limited services around these dates.

Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) — variable (late Jan or Feb), typically 2–3 days off. Major family holiday with widespread shop and service closures; book trains, buses and accommodation well in advance and plan for heavy intercity travel.

International Women’s Day — Mar 8. Public holiday with many offices and some shops closed; budget for fewer government services and altered opening hours.

Labour Day — May 1. Banks and state services close or run limited hours; expect local closures and smaller event-driven disruptions.

State Flag Day — Jul 10. Official ceremonies and some public closures; this falls directly before Naadam and adds to holiday crowds and restricted traffic.

Naadam Festival — Jul 11–13. Mongolia’s biggest national festival; expect full hotels in Ulaanbaatar and provincial centers, road closures, and crowded domestic transport—book months ahead for mid‑July travel.

Constitution Day — Nov 26. Government and financial services close; travel is typically smoother than summer holidays but expect official offices to be unavailable.

Days 1–3: Ulaanbaatar & Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Start in Ulaanbaatar, then head to Terelj for hiking, horseback riding, and a gentle introduction to ger life. The granite formations and river valleys here are Mongolia’s wild playground, close enough to the city to ease you in.
Days 4–7: Kharkhorin & Orkhon Valley
Travel west to Kharkhorin, the former imperial capital, and the Orkhon Valley. Explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, ride horses along the river, and spend nights in family-run ger camps. The valley’s waterfalls and archaeological sites are a living museum of Mongolian history.
Days 8–11: Tsenkher Hot Springs & Tsetserleg
Soak in Tsenkher’s thermal pools, then detour to Tsetserleg, a provincial town with a lively market and a monastery perched above the valley. This is where you’ll see everyday Mongolian life, far from the tourist circuit.
Days 12–15: The Gobi Desert (Dalanzadgad, Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els, Bayanzag)
Fly or drive south to the Gobi. Hike the ice-filled Yolyn Am gorge, climb the towering Khongoryn Els dunes, and wander the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, where dinosaur fossils still turn up. The Gobi is Mongolia’s big-sky country at its most surreal—camels, canyons, and silence.
Days 16–18: Khustai National Park & Elsen Tasarkhai
Return north for wild horses in Khustai and the sand-meets-steppe drama of Elsen Tasarkhai. Camel rides, eagle encounters, and the chance to see how Mongolia’s ecosystems collide.
Days 19–21: Lake Khövsgöl & Khatgal (Lesser-Known Highlight)
Fly or take a long drive north to Lake Khövsgöl, Mongolia’s ‘Blue Pearl.’ This alpine lake is ringed by forest and mountains, home to reindeer herders and shamanic traditions. Kayak, hike, or just breathe in the pine-scented air. This is the Mongolia that locals escape to, and it’s worth every mile. If you do one thing on this route, make it a sunrise paddle on Khövsgöl—when the mist lifts and the water mirrors the sky, you’ll understand why Mongolians call this place sacred.

Question: Get your own 2025 guide book for Mongolia

Answer: The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.

Question: How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Mongolia?

Answer: Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.

Question: Do I need vaccinations to visit Mongolia?

Answer: Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for Mongolia. Consider typhoid if you’re planning to eat street food or stay in rural areas. For some travelers, rabies and Japanese encephalitis might be relevant, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors or in rural regions. Ensure your routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria) are up to date. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Question: What are the best SIM cards and internet options in Mongolia?

Answer:
When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.

These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Mongolia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.

There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.

Question: What are the cultural norms and etiquette in Mongolia for travelers?

Answer: Respect nomadic culture by accepting food and drink when offered; refusing can be seen as rude. Remove your shoes before entering a ger (yurt). When receiving or giving something, use your right hand or both hands. Avoid touching another person’s hat; it’s considered disrespectful. When seated, don’t point your feet at anyone or the altar. LGBTQ+ travelers may face limited acceptance, especially in rural areas, so discretion is advised. Women travelers should be aware that traditional gender roles are more prevalent, but they generally receive respect as guests. Be mindful of livestock, especially during the Naadam festival—it’s a big deal.

Question: What food should I try in Mongolia?

Answer:
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Mongolia.

Bansh: Small steamed dumplings filled with mutton or beef. They’re a staple during cold winters and often served in soups.

Buuz: Similar to bansh but larger, these steamed dumplings are filled with meat and occasionally herbs. Popular during the Lunar New Year and national festivals.

Khorkhog: A traditional Mongolian barbecue involving mutton cooked with hot stones inside a sealed container. It’s a communal dish often served at gatherings.

Khuushuur: Deep-fried dumplings stuffed with minced meat and onions. They’re a favorite at summer festivals and are perfect for a quick snack on the go.

Airag: Fermented mare’s milk, slightly alcoholic. It’s more of a drink than a dish but is culturally significant, especially during celebrations and hospitality rituals.

Question: Is the tap water safe to drink in Mongolia?

Answer: Locals might drink tap water, but it’s not recommended for tourists due to the risk of contamination. Opt for bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Make sure to check the seal on bottled water to ensure it’s legit.

Question: Can you get by with English in Mongolia?

Answer:
The main language in Mongolia is Mongolian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Mongolian skills have become a bit rusty.

In Mongolia, English proficiency varies significantly depending on the region and the demographic. In urban areas, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, English is more commonly spoken, especially among younger generations and professionals in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Many hotels, restaurants, and tour companies cater to English-speaking tourists, making communication easier for travelers.

However, in rural areas and among older populations, English proficiency tends to be lower. Many locals may understand basic phrases or greetings, but conversations can be challenging without a translator or knowledge of Mongolian. Therefore, it’s advisable for travelers to learn a few basic Mongolian phrases or carry a translation app to enhance their experience.

Overall, while English is increasingly spoken in Mongolia, especially in tourist hotspots, travelers should be prepared for varying levels of proficiency and consider alternative communication methods when venturing off the beaten path.

Question: What is the local currency in Mongolia?

Answer: The local currency of Mongolia is MNT₮.

Question: How do I get cash or use cards in Mongolia?

Answer:
ATMs: You’ll find ATMs in Ulaanbaatar and larger towns, but they can be scarce in rural areas. It’s a good idea to withdraw cash before leaving the city. Most ATMs in Mongolia accept international cards, but check for transaction fees.

Cash: Carry cash, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. The local currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT). Having a mix of small denominations helps as many places might not have change for larger bills.

Currency Exchange: Ulaanbaatar has several exchange offices that handle USD and EUR. Rates can vary, so shop around a bit. Steer clear of exchanging money in the airport for the best rates.

Card Acceptance: Credit and debit card acceptance is improving but still limited outside major cities. Always have cash as a backup, especially for local eateries and small vendors.

Dollars or Euros: USD is more widely accepted than EUR if you need to carry some foreign currency. Always check the bills you’re exchanging; they should be in good condition, as damaged or marked notes might be rejected.

Question: What is the tipping culture in Mongolia?

Answer: Tipping in Mongolia isn’t customary, but it’s appreciated in tourist areas. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is a nice gesture. For tour guides or drivers, a small tip of about 5,000-10,000 MNT can show appreciation for good service.


The Offline Backpacking Travel Guide for Myanmar

Discover 89 must-see places in Myanmar, routes, costs and safety tips. All highlights plotted on a map. Verified for 2026 travel. Registered Dutch Business (KvK: 99855925).

Drift temples, rivers, and villages, experiencing ancient culture, landscapes, and local life for travelers seeking immersive, adventurous journeys.

Johan Kruseman (90+ countries since 1996)

Culture and river travelers drifting through temples

Off-the-beaten-path backpacking budget-friendly adventure culture nature hiking beaches cities towns villages transport costs scams history phrases

Start in Myanmar (previously Burma) by riding Yangon’s circular train at dawn. It’s cheap, boards from downtown platforms, and puts you shoulder-to-shoulder with market sellers and schoolkids, not tour groups. That unhurried loop is the country in miniature—ordinary, devotional, and quietly social.

Tea shops run like living rooms, monks move through the streets at first light, and the gold of Shwedagon sets the day’s pace. Then it stretches wide: the brick plain of Bagan at sunset, the Irrawaddy by slow boat, Inle’s leg-rowers and stilt villages, Shan hills made for a two-day trek, and the karst and caves around Hpa-An. Add a rattling ride over the Goteik Viaduct and bowls of mohinga that taste better at 6 a.m. than they have any right to. Yes, transport is slow, plans can change, ATMs hiccup, and some areas are off-limits; dress modestly and expect to take your shoes off—a lot. But patience pays: I’ve swapped a broken minibus for tea, shade, and stories with strangers, and left richer than any schedule.

Where Thailand smooths the edges, Vietnam sprints, and Laos drifts, Myanmar asks you to slow down and pay attention. Go if you prize eye-level encounters over checklists and want your budget to buy time and trust, not just miles.

Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda, teahouses, colonial downtown

Mandalay

royal palace, artisan quarters, Irrawaddy views

Kengtung

Golden Triangle, hill tribe villages, lakeside town

Hpa-An

limestone caves, karst peaks, Thanlwin River

Mawlamyine

colonial architecture, hilltop pagodas, Mon heritage

Bagan

temple plains, sunrise views, horse carts

Kalaw

pine forests, trekking hub, hill tribe markets

Kawthoung

Mergui archipelago, border crossing, Andaman coast

Nyaungshwe

canal town, Inle Lake access, floating markets

Hsipaw

Shan hills, riverside villages, colonial relics

Bagan Temples

ancient stupas, sunrise vistas, temple plains

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)

balancing boulder, mountain pilgrimage, sacred site

Pindaya Caves

limestone caverns, Buddha statues, Shan plateau

Kakku Pagodas

clustered stupas, Shan hills, remote pilgrimage

Mandalay Hill

panoramic lookout, stairway shrines, sunset gathering

Inle Lake

floating villages, stilt houses, wetland birds

Hkakabo Razi National Park

snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, remote trekking

Alaungdaw Kathapa

dense teak forest, Buddhist pilgrimage, remote hills

Nat Ma Taung National Park

mountain summit, endemic flora, Chin villages

Popa Mountain

volcanic plug, sacred shrines, panoramic views

Kalaw to Inle Lake

multi-day trek, Pa-O communities, lakeside arrival

Hsipaw to Kyaukme

tea plantations, Shan villages, rolling hills

Chin State Trek

remote highlands, tattooed elders, mountain villages

Golden Rock

pilgrimage route, mountain ridge, Buddhist shrine

Mrauk U to Chin Villages

archaeological ruins, river journey, Chin riverbanks

Ngapali Beach

palm-fringed bay, upscale resorts, turquoise water

Ngwe Saung Beach

long white sand, motorbike rides, offshore islets

Chaung Tha Beach

local seafood stalls, tidal pools, casual nightlife

Maungmagan Beach

historic port, sunset views, relaxed promenade

Kanthaya Beach

untouched coastline, fishing villages, quiet sands

Bagan Archaeological Museum

ancient artifacts, temple models, mural fragments

Ananda Temple

symmetrical architecture, gilded spires, sandstone reliefs

Dhammayangyi Temple

massive brickwork, mysterious corridors, unfinished interior

Sulamani Temple

frescoed walls, arched corridors, brick lattice windows

Htilominlo Temple

red brick façade, glazed plaques, tiered terraces

Thingyan

water throwing, street parties, traditional music

Taunggyi Balloon Festival

nighttime balloons, fireworks, Shan hills

Phaung Daw Oo

Inle Lake, gilded Buddha images, ceremonial barges

Thadingyut

candle-lit streets, family gatherings, pagoda illuminations

Ananda Pagoda Festival

Bagan plains, sand pagodas, caravan camps

Hanthawaddy

Mon heritage, ancient city walls, Shwemawdaw Pagoda

People in Myanmar tend to adopt you for the day. Directions become an escorted walk, jokes appear fast, and laughter lands on your mistakes, not on you. Say “cezu tin ba de” and keep your shoes off at thresholds; point with your whole hand, never your feet. Don’t press on politics; let them choose the lane. Pro tip: sit in a corner teashop, order laphet yay, and buy a plate of samosas—the chat comes to you. Haggle lightly; overpaying breeds copycats and burns your budget. Monks: no touching, and women place offerings on a tray, not hand-to-hand.

Myanmar pays off for architecture hunters: brick stupas, carved teak, and gold leaf still doing their jobs. Bagan’s plains are the headline, but Yangon’s colonial blocks and Mandalay’s Shwenandaw Monastery teach you as much, and Mrauk U’s stone temples are the hard-edged cousin if you can reach them. Buy the Bagan Zone pass and keep it handy; rent an e‑bike to beat taxi costs but avoid deep sand. Shoes off at every shrine—tiles scorch at noon. Go dawn or dusk. Pro tip: carry a light tote for shoes, wet wipes for dusty feet, and small bills for camera or monastery fees.

Myanmar runs on its own clock: tea shops over cafés, longyis over quick-dry pants, and distances that punish rushed itineraries. The payoff hides in the slowness—dawn mist on Bagan’s side tracks, single‑leg rowers on Inle, gold leaf pressed by real hands. Gotchas to dodge: patchy ATMs, occasional permit zones up‑country, and buses that eat days. Pro‑tip: carry crisp USD and a power bank; rent an e‑bike in Bagan after 4 p.m. to skip the heat. I learned to linger in tea stalls—order laphet thoke—locals will point you to working boats, not show boats.

Myanmar rewards patience. The landscapes swing from glassy Inle Lake and the karst walls around Hpa-An to extinct volcanoes like Mount Popa and the plains of Bagan. Light matters more than distance. Sunrise in the cool dry season cuts the haze; hot-season afternoons flatten everything. Pro tip: in Bagan, use the sanctioned viewing mounds or towers—don’t climb pagodas; fines are real and the masonry is fragile. For caves like Saddan, bring a headlamp and sandals you don’t love. At Inle, charter a boat for first light and ask to skip craft stops; you’ll save hours for quiet water and birdlife.

Myanmar rewards patience. Street teahouses, fill-your-bowl curry shops, and guesthouses with breakfast let you travel on roughly $20–30 a day without feeling squeezed. Big gotcha: cash. ATMs can fail or add heavy fees; carry a backup stash of crisp bills and change at banks, not hotels. Intercity night buses are bumpy, but they replace a bed and move you far. I eat where drivers eat; stainless trays mean refills. Pro tip: in Bagan, rent an e‑bike from a family shop and roll out before dawn—cheap, quiet, and the best value per kyat you’ll get all week.

Most travelers need a visa to enter Myanmar. You can apply for a tourist e-visa online through the official Myanmar eVisa website. The process is straightforward: fill out the application, pay the fee, and you’ll usually receive approval via email in a few days.

The sweet spot is November and February. By November the rains have rinsed the dust, roads and ferries work again, Shan State trails firm up, beaches reopen, and the air dries without the March furnace. Prices sit below the Christmas–New Year surge (and loosen again afterward), while buses still have seats and sunrise lines at Shwedagon move. Skies hold for Bagan dawns and Inle boat days, but you’re not paying peak premiums. Aim just after Tazaungdaing in November or right past the holiday crowd in February, and steer clear of April’s water‑festival shutdown.

Peak Dry (Dec–Jan): You pay in coin and patience: higher room rates, sold‑out sunrise balloons, packed VIP buses. The payoff is hard and clean—crisp mornings in Bagan, mud‑free Kalaw–Inle tracks, glassy Ngapali water, reliable links across the country.
Early/Late Shoulder (Nov, late Jan–Feb): The country exhales. Rains retreat, ferries resume, shutters lift, long buses run on time, and prices stay sensible. Markets refill, trails dry underfoot, and you move faster with fewer detours and fewer elbows.
Monsoon Low (Jun–Sep): Mood turns inward: green hills, quiet temples, empty guesthouses. Coast mostly shuts and boats go when they feel like it; inland, pick the rain shadow—Bagan to Mandalay—and move at dawn. Survival hack: pack a liner for your bag, sandals for flooded lanes, and ride the dry gaps.

I lock my first night and the longest bus a week out for November/February, then keep the rest loose to chase weather.

Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon): Go pre-dawn or after 5 p.m. when the marble cools and the chanting rises; midday burns your bare feet and your patience. Dress to the ankles and shoulders, skip the “donation helpers,” and pay the foreigner fee at a real counter. Proof you were there: sandalwood smoke and candle wax cling to your skin long after you descend the hill.

Bagan Archaeological Zone: It’s about empty fields, low light, and the hum of an e-bike as dust stripes your shins. Buy the zone pass, don’t climb prohibited stupas, and inspect your rental—battery age, brakes, charger—before paying. The best views are from legal mounds or river levees, not from the first tout who waves you down at sunset.

Inle Lake: The longboat thumps like a tractor as spray flecks your face and the air smells of tomatoes and woodsmoke. Pay the entrance fee and tell the driver your priorities early—monasteries, floating gardens, markets—so the lacquerware circuit doesn’t eat your day. Bring earplugs and a jacket; mornings bite and engines shout on the open water.

Hpa-An Caves and Karst: In Sadan Cave the air shifts from incense to guano, then a cool drip hits your neck and bats rustle somewhere ahead. Carry a headlamp, small bills for donations, and sandals you can rinse; exits can be muddy and the return boat across the paddy isn’t always included. Start Zwegabin before dawn to dodge heat and monkeys.

U Bein Bridge (Amarapura/Mandalay): Sunrise beats sunset crowds, and the teak rail feels smooth under your palm while oars squeak below in the mist. Keep to the center planks, skip overpriced boat rides unless water levels are low, and stage at the east end to avoid tour-bus choke points. For off-the-map days, look at Dawei’s long beaches, Shan backroads out of Kyaukme, or the stone temples of Mrauk U; my personal favorite is a fogged-in first light on Inle with a single leg-rower cutting a silver line.

New Year’s Day — 1 January. Government offices, banks and many businesses close nationwide.

Independence Day — 4 January. National ceremonies and public closures; expect limited government services.

Union Day — 12 February. Official holiday with public events and office closures across Myanmar.

Peasants’ Day — 2 March. National holiday; rural events and government offices closed.

Tatmadaw Day (Armed Forces Day) — 27 March. Military parades and road closures occur in major cities; plan transport accordingly.

Thingyan (Water Festival / Myanmar New Year) — mid-April (typically around 13–16 April, movable). Multiple official days off; heavy travel, crowded transport and water-throwing in towns.

Labour Day — 1 May. Public holiday; official services and many businesses closed.

Full Moon Day of Kason (Buddha Day) — movable (lunar calendar, usually in May). Temple crowds and religious observances affect opening hours.

Martyrs’ Day — 19 July. Nationwide remembrance day with government closures and solemn observances.

Full Moon Day of Waso — movable (lunar calendar, usually July). Marks the start of Buddhist Rains Retreat; expect temple ceremonies and quieter tourist sites.

Full Moon Day of Thadingyut (Lighting Festival) — movable (lunar calendar, usually October). Major public celebrations, lights and altered business hours.

Tazaungdaing (Full Moon Day of Tazaungmon) — movable (lunar calendar, usually November). Nationwide festival of lights and merit-making with temple crowds.

Christmas Day — 25 December. Public holiday; some services and businesses close while hotels and tourist areas remain active.

Days 1–2: Yangon
Start with Yangon’s golden spires, crumbling colonial blocks, and the city’s unbeatable street eats. Shwedagon Pagoda at dusk is a spiritual spectacle, and the city’s teahouses are the best place to eavesdrop on local life.
Days 3–5: Hpa-An
Head southeast to Hpa-An, a limestone karst wonderland. Caves filled with Buddha images, rice paddies, and the climb up Mount Zwegabin for sunrise—this is rural Myanmar at its most photogenic. The pace is slow, the scenery is lush, and the vibe is friendly.
Days 6–8: Inle Lake & Kalaw Trek
Fly north to Inle Lake for floating villages and misty mornings, then trek from Kalaw through Pa-O and Danu villages. Sleep in homestays, eat with locals, and see the countryside on foot. The trek is a highlight for anyone who wants to trade temples for real connection.
Days 9–11: Bagan
Bagan’s temple plains are a must, but three days means you can explore by e-bike, horse cart, or even hot air balloon. Don’t just tick off the big names—wander the backroads, chat with local artists, and catch a sunset from the riverbank.
Days 12–13: Mrauk U (Lesser Known Highlight)
Fly or take the river to Mrauk U, a remote archaeological site that rivals Bagan for atmosphere but sees a fraction of the visitors. The temples rise from the morning mist, and the journey itself—through Rakhine villages and along the Lemyo River—feels like a step back in time.
Days 14–15: Mandalay & Mingun
Wrap up in Mandalay, with a day trip to Mingun’s unfinished pagoda and the world’s largest ringing bell. Mandalay’s monasteries, markets, and the sunset at U Bein Bridge are a fitting finale. If you only do one day, make it Mrauk U—getting there is half the adventure, and the sense of discovery is pure Myanmar.

Question: Get your own 2025 guide book for Myanmar

Answer: The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.

Question: How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Myanmar?

Answer: Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.

Question: Do I need vaccinations to visit Myanmar?

Answer: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus vaccines are recommended for Myanmar. Consider rabies if you plan on being around animals a lot. Malaria is a risk in some regions, so check if antimalarials are needed based on your itinerary. For COVID-19, ensure you’re up-to-date as per global guidelines. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Question: What are the best SIM cards and internet options in Myanmar?

Answer:
When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.

These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Myanmar, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.

There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.

Question: What are the cultural norms and etiquette in Myanmar for travelers?

Answer:
Respect is crucial in Myanmar. Always dress conservatively, especially in religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes and socks before entering pagodas and religious buildings. Use your right hand or both hands when giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean. Avoid touching anyone on the head, as it’s sacred, and don’t point feet at people or religious objects.

For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised; public displays of affection are generally frowned upon for all couples. Women should be cautious when traveling alone at night and avoid isolated areas. Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially monks, and be mindful of local sentiments.

Question: What food should I try in Myanmar?

Answer:
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Myanmar.

Mohinga: This is the unofficial national dish of Myanmar. It’s a rice noodle and fish soup usually eaten for breakfast. The broth is fragrant with lemongrass, ginger, and garlic, making it a comforting start to the day.

Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke): Fermented tea leaves mixed with peanuts, sesame seeds, and crispy garlic. It’s a unique salad that offers a taste of Myanmar’s love for tea, both as a drink and an edible centerpiece.

Shan Noodles: Originating from the Shan State, this dish features rice noodles served with a flavorful meat sauce, usually chicken or pork. It’s a staple in Myanmar cuisine and loved for its simplicity and taste.

Curry: Myanmar curries are less spicy than their Thai counterparts and often served with a variety of side dishes. Try the beef or chicken curry for a rich, aromatic experience that highlights local spices.

Nan Gyi Thoke: A thick rice noodle salad mixed with chicken curry and garnished with boiled egg and lime. It’s a dry noodle dish that’s a favorite for its hearty and satisfying flavors.

Question: Is the tap water safe to drink in Myanmar?

Answer: Tap water in Myanmar is generally not safe for tourists to drink, and even locals often avoid it, opting for boiled or filtered water instead. It’s recommended to stick to bottled water, which is widely available, or use a reliable water filter if you’re looking to reduce plastic use. Always ensure the seal on bottled water is intact before purchasing.

Question: Can you get by with English in Myanmar?

Answer:
The main language in Myanmar is မြန်မာဘာသာ. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your မြန်မာဘာသာ skills have become a bit rusty.

In Myanmar, English is spoken to varying degrees, primarily in urban areas and tourist destinations. In cities like Yangon and Mandalay, many younger people, especially those in the hospitality industry, have a good command of English. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators often employ English-speaking staff to cater to international visitors.

However, outside major tourist spots, English proficiency diminishes significantly. In rural areas, communication may be challenging, as many locals speak little to no English. In these regions, it can be helpful to learn a few basic Burmese phrases or use translation apps to facilitate interactions.

Overall, while you can navigate most tourist areas with English, having some knowledge of the local language can enhance your experience and help foster connections with locals.

Question: What is the local currency in Myanmar?

Answer: The local currency of Myanmar is MMK (K).

Question: How do I get cash or use cards in Myanmar?

Answer:
In Myanmar, ATMs are more common in urban areas now, but they can still be unreliable. It’s wise to carry enough cash for a few days, especially if you’re heading to more remote spots. Local currency, the kyat, is what you’ll use most, but keep some crisp, unmarked USD for emergencies or high-value purchases. Euros are less commonly accepted.

When it comes to plastic, card acceptance is improving but still limited, especially outside of Yangon and Mandalay. Always check if your accommodation or restaurant takes cards before you sit down. For exchanging money, stick to banks or authorized exchange counters for the best rates. Avoid street money changers, as their rates often come with a side of sketchiness. And remember, your USD bills should be in mint condition; any marks or tears, and they’ll be politely declined.

Question: What is the tipping culture in Myanmar?

Answer: Tipping in Myanmar isn’t obligatory, but it’s appreciated due to low wages, especially in service sectors. In restaurants, leaving around 5-10% is kind, while porters and hotel staff often expect a small tip of about 1,000-2,000 MMK. For guides and drivers, consider tipping more generously, around 5,000-10,000 MMK, as a gesture of appreciation.


The Offline Backpacking Travel Guide for Nepal

Discover 89 must-see places in Nepal, routes, costs and safety tips. All highlights plotted on a map. Verified for 2026 travel. Registered Dutch Business (KvK: 99855925).

Climb Himalayan trails, valleys, and villages, experiencing mountains, culture, and trekking for adventurous, nature-focused travelers.

Hikers climbing high trails step by step

You no longer have to grind across Nepal on bone‑rattling buses. Improved highways, steadier microbuses, and reliable short-hop flights link the main hubs far better than a decade ago. That frees you to spend your energy where it matters: in tea houses and on trails where prayer flags snap and your calves earn every view.

Here the land steps from rhino grasslands to ice‑bright summits, and days find a rhythm—dal bhat at noon, yak bells at dusk, starlight over a black ridge. You thread medieval squares in Bhaktapur, spin mani wheels in Langtang, hear monks chant while the city hums, then climb into air that feels newly washed. Yes, there’s altitude to respect, dust on the switchbacks, leeches in monsoon, a flight that waits out cloud while you sip milk tea. That friction sharpens the payoff: sunrise from Poon Hill, the wind in Mustang, a hot stove bench I’ve clung to, steam off momos, and the first cold beer in Pokhara with your legs humming.

Against India’s roar, Nepal moves more gently; against Bhutan’s controlled tours, it gives you freedom; against Tibet’s permits, it’s simpler to reach. Come if you crave big mountains without ego, living temples with patina, and wild hours that reward anyone willing to sweat for them.

Kathmandu

temple squares, urban sprawl, backpacker districts

Pokhara

lakeside promenade, Annapurna views, paragliding launch

Chitwan

jungle buffer zone, Tharu villages, elephant grasslands

Janakpur

Mithila temples, religious festivals, sacred ponds

Dharan

hill base, British Gurkha legacy, tea estates

Bhaktapur

Pagoda squares, pottery lanes, medieval courtyards

Bandipur

Pedestrian main street, restored Newari houses, hilltop views

Jomsom

wind-swept valley, apple orchards, Kali Gandaki river

Mustang

Wind-carved canyons, cave monasteries, walled Lo Manthang

Patan

artisan quarters, medieval courtyards, Buddhist stupas

Namche Bazaar

amphitheater layout, Sherpa market, altitude acclimatization

Lukla

mountain airstrip, gateway to Everest, steep hillsides

Rara

Alpine lake, remote meadows, pine woodlands

Mount Everest

Sagarmatha summit, Khumbu glaciers, Sherpa villages

Lumbini

birthplace of Buddha, monastic zones, sacred garden

Boudhanath Stupa

massive mandala, Tibetan prayer wheels, rooftop viewpoints

Swayambhunath Temple

hilltop stupa, resident monkeys, panoramic city views

Pashupathinath Temple

Hindu cremation ghats, golden pagoda, sacred Bagmati river

Sagarmatha National Park

Everest views, Sherpa monasteries, glacial moraines

Chitwan National Park

grassland safaris, one-horned rhino, Tharu villages

Langtang National Park

glacial valleys, Tamang villages, red panda habitat

Rara National Park

alpine lake, pine forests, isolated villages

Shey Phoksundo National Park

turquoise lake, Dolpo culture, barren cliffs

Everest Base Camp Trek

Khumbu glacier, Sherpa villages, iconic mountain views

Annapurna Circuit

Thorong La Pass, river valleys, diverse landscapes

Manaslu Circuit

Larkya La Pass, restricted area, Tibetan influence

Upper Mustang Trek

arid canyons, walled towns, Tibetan Buddhist heritage

Langtang Valley

glacial valley, yak pastures, Tamang culture

Swayambhunath

hilltop stupa, prayer flags, panoramic city views

Pashupatinath Temple Complex

cremation ghats, sacred river, Hindu rituals

Kathmandu Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum

royal courtyards, living goddess, palace artifacts

Patan Durbar Square and Patan Museum

bronze statues, Newar architecture, palace courtyards

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

medieval courtyards, intricate woodwork, royal plazas

Holi

Colored powders, water fights, street gatherings

Dashain

Animal sacrifice, family reunions, bamboo swings

Tihar

Oil lamps, animal blessings, rangoli art

Indra Jatra

Kumari procession, masked dances, Kathmandu Durbar Square

Bisket Jatra

Chariot battles, New Year, Bhaktapur squares

Kathmandu Valley

temple squares, artisan workshops, urban sprawl

Dolpa

remote valleys, high-altitude lakes, Tibetan villages

Rukum

mid-hill ridges, guerrilla trails, Magar settlements

Nepal makes you climb for your views. Stone steps bite calves, thin air narrows your world to breath and boot. Then the trail rounds a mani wall and the whole Annapurna amphitheater hits you like sunrise in stereo. Yak bells, juniper smoke, prayer flags cracking in the wind—earned miles taste better. Pro tip: leave at first light to slip past mule trains and afternoon clouds; carry a buff for dust. I still remember the first cold beer in Namche after the EBC push, legs wrecked, lungs clean, Khumbu glowing. You don’t just see mountains here—you earn them.

Nepal stretches a backpacker’s budget without starving the fun. Simple teahouses trade a free bed if you eat their curry and dal bhat—bottomless ladles keep you moving. Local buses rattle but undercut every other option; I walked in from Jiri to skip the Lukla flight and spent roughly a daily average equal to a single Western Europe hostel bed. Pro tip: carry a filter and refill from taps—bottles bleed money in the hills. Haggle politely in off-hours. The payoff? Sunrise on Annapurna, noodles steaming, first cold beer in Pokhara hitting like a medal.

They meet you with quick smiles and a teasing eye-roll when you gasp on the first climb. A kid matches your stride, asks your name, and darts off laughing. In kitchens blackened by smoke, aunties shove more dal bhat onto your plate and say, “Eat, brother,” like it’s an order. Men on the bus make room, then roast your weak chili game until you cough and grin. Pro tip: lead with a firm “Namaste” and two palms; accept tea even if you’re late. My best nights came around a clay hearth, trading stories while rain hammered the tin roof.

Nepal hits hard for wildlife. The Terai’s heat presses down, elephant grass cuts your shins, and then a one-horned rhino ghosts out at 20 meters and everything goes quiet. Chitwan and Bardia deliver tigers, gharials, sloth bears, and rhino; Koshi Tappu turns dawn into a wall of bird calls. I’ve sweated through foot patrols, leech socks on, and earned the cold beer at a Tharu homestay as the Rapti glows and crocodiles cruise past. Pro tip: skip elephant rides, book dawn walks with a sharp naturalist, and sit still—five extra minutes often becomes the sighting.

Nepal earns its backpacker stripes the hard way: diesel breath at the New Bus Park, calf-burn on stone steps, and tea-house beds that creak but hold. Then dawn drops the curtain—Machhapuchhre cuts the sky from Poon Hill, steam from your chai warming cracked lips. Thamel and Lakeside keep the scene buzzing: cheap beds, gear that’ll do, dal bhat refills that never quit, and cold Everest beers when the dust settles. Pro tip: bring a water filter and spend money on socks, not knockoff shells. Pro tip: skip the Lukla flight—jeep to Salleri and walk in with pride.

Yes, most travelers need a visa to visit Nepal. You can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu; just bring passport-sized photos and USD for the fee. Alternatively, apply for an eVisa online before your trip to skip the airport hassle.

Late November to early December and mid-March to early April are the sweet spots. Post-monsoon dust has been scrubbed from the air, trails have dried, and the jet stream hasn’t slammed the high passes yet. In spring, the heat hasn’t built, storms are still mostly afternoon tantrums, and rhododendrons start firing without the April expedition crush. Prices dip after the October surge and before holiday spikes; teahouse beds open up; porters and jeeps are available without bidding wars. Days land in the “walk all day” zone at mid-altitudes; nights cool off enough to sleep hard without hauling expedition-grade insulation. You move faster, spend less time waiting, and still get the big-mountain clarity that brought you here.

Peak (Post‑Monsoon, Oct–Nov): You grind through busy checkpoints, pay festival-inflated room rates, and dodge trekking poles on stone steps. The payoff: razor-sharp horizons at dawn, planes actually flying to Lukla, and a dining hall packed with trail stories. October roars; tea houses in Namche and Ghorepani fill by noon.
Shoulder (Late Nov–Early Dec / Mid‑Mar–Early Apr): Shops unlatch, trails breathe, and prices slide a notch. Porters pick up work, jeep drivers bargain, and you move—camp to camp—without racing the crowd. Views hold; logistics loosen.
Off‑Peak (Monsoon, Jun–Aug): The country turns inward. Forests drip, leeches patrol, landslides reset the road map. Survival hack: dawn starts and knee‑high leech socks; bag electronics in two dry bags and ride the rain shadow (Mustang, Dolpo) when the hills drown.
Deep Winter (Jan–Early Feb): Empty trails, iron skies, and quiet villages. Passes ice over; water freezes in the bottle by dawn. Carry microspikes and a real puffy; aim lower routes (Langtang valley floors, Poon Hill) for solitude without frostbite.

Personal tip: For October and April objectives, book the first‑flight seat to Lukla six weeks out and keep a two‑day buffer—early slot plus buffer beats every delay I’ve eaten.

Everest Base Camp Trail, Khumbu: The path clings to cliffs and rattles across wire bridges while prayer flags snap like whipcord in the wind; yak bells tick and oxygen thins, so you move with intent. Dust coats your teeth by Phakding, then Ama Dablam slices into view and you forget the ache. I earned my view at Namche, hands wrapped around a cold bottle, watching cloud shadows crawl across the Khumbu.

Thorong La, Annapurna Circuit: You leave high camp in the black cold, headlamp beam painting frost and prayer stones, lungs clawing at the thin air. Each step bites; water slushes in the bottle even inside your jacket. Then the pass crest arrives—blue sign, fistful of prayer flags, world dropping away to Mustang—and the tea stall’s salty noodle broth brings your fingers back to life.

Langtang Valley and Kyanjin Ri: River roar on your left, landslide scars on your right, and juniper smoke curling from stone huts; you climb into a bowl of rock and glaciers that feels earned, not gifted. Yak butter tea leaves a waxy film on your lips at Kyanjin. Dawn on Kyanjin Ri hits hard—ice in your nostrils, 360 degrees of ridges punching at the sky.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Pre-dawn sweepers push yesterday into neat piles while brick alleys warm under first light; bells answer from temple roofs and the air tastes of incense and diesel. Potters slap clay in the square, and a bowl of sweet, cool juju dhau slides down like a reward for waking early. Climb a low rooftop and watch the city switch itself on.

Chitwan National Park: Mist sits on the Rapti as the dugout canoe rips a quiet V; a gharial’s eyes glide past, and later the elephant grass slashes at your shins on a slow, wired walk. A rhino materializes, wet hide steaming, and snorts you backwards. Sunset at Sauraha is river-cold beer and silt between your toes; for quieter circuits, push to Tsum Valley, Khaptad, or Rara Lake—my personal favorite is Kyanjin Ri at first light when the air cuts clean.

Dashain (Vijaya Dashami) — Nepal’s biggest national festival; main public holidays fall in Sept–Oct (lunar dates vary), expect multi-day closures and very heavy domestic travel.

Tihar (Deepawali) — Five-day national holiday in Oct–Nov (lunar dates vary); government offices close on key days and intercity transport fills fast.

Nepali New Year (Baisakh 1) — Mid-April (around Apr 13–15 in Gregorian); official public holiday that closes government services while tourist businesses mostly remain open.

Republic Day (Ganatantra Diwas) — 28 May; fixed Gregorian date and national holiday with official ceremonies and closures.

Constitution Day — National holiday observed in September (Bikram Sambat Asoj 3, roughly Sep 20 in Gregorian); expect government offices closed and some public events.

Buddha Jayanti — Buddha’s birth celebrated on the full moon of Vaisakha (Apr–May, lunar date varies); major public holiday with busy pilgrimage sites such as Lumbini.

Holi — Festival of colors on the full moon of Phalgun (Feb–Mar, lunar date varies); national public holiday and crowded street celebrations affect short-range travel.

Maha Shivaratri — Late winter religious holiday (Feb–Mar, lunar date varies); national holiday and heavy crowds at major temples like Pashupatinath.

Labour Day — 1 May; fixed national holiday with routine government and bank closures.

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha — Two Islamic national holidays on lunar dates that shift yearly; the government declares the exact days and public offices close.

Janai Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) — Mid-July to August (Shrawan full moon, lunar date varies); national observance with local rituals and some official closures.

Maghe Sankranti — Mid-January (solar date, typically Jan 14); short national holiday tied to the solar calendar that affects local markets and short-distance travel.

Christmas — 25 December; observed as a national public holiday with some official closures.

Days 1–2: Kathmandu
Ease in with two days in Kathmandu, exploring not just the big-ticket temples but also the alleys of Asan market and the rooftop cafés where the city’s contradictions come alive.
Days 3–4: Bhaktapur & Patan
Spend a night in Bhaktapur to see the medieval squares after the day-trippers leave, then detour to Patan for its art scene and hidden courtyards. These cities are close, but each has its own flavor—Bhaktapur is all brick and ritual, Patan is brass and bohemian.
Days 5–7: Pokhara
Travel to Pokhara and give yourself time to breathe. Beyond the lakeside, rent a bike to explore Tibetan refugee settlements or just watch the clouds roll over Machapuchare from a café. Pokhara is where you’ll want to linger.
Days 8–11: Annapurna Foothills Trek (Ghandruk Loop)
Set out on a four-day trek through the Annapurna foothills, staying in teahouses and passing through Ghandruk—a Gurung village with mountain views that feel earned, not handed to you. This loop is less crowded than Poon Hill and gives you a deeper taste of village life.
Days 12–13: Tansen (Palpa)
Break up the journey south with a stop in Tansen, a lesser-known hill town with winding lanes, a laid-back bazaar, and sweeping views of the Kali Gandaki valley. It’s a detour most travelers skip, but the relaxed vibe and old-world charm make it a personal favorite.
Days 14–15: Chitwan National Park
Finish with a classic: Chitwan’s jungles. Trade mountains for elephants, rhinos, and river sunsets. A safari here is a completely different side of Nepal—lush, humid, and alive with birdsong. If you do just one day, make it the trek through the Annapurna foothills—there’s nothing like waking up to the sound of distant bells and realizing you’re walking through a landscape that’s been shaped by centuries of footsteps.

Question: Get your own 2025 guide book for Nepal

Answer: The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.

Question: How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Nepal?

Answer: Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.

Question: Do I need vaccinations to visit Nepal?

Answer: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are commonly recommended vaccinations for Nepal. Depending on your itinerary, consider Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis, especially if you’re trekking or spending extended time in rural areas. Check your routine vaccines like MMR and Polio. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the latest advice.

Question: What are the best SIM cards and internet options in Nepal?

Answer:
When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.

These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Nepal, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.

There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.

Question: What are the cultural norms and etiquette in Nepal for travelers?

Answer: Respect local customs: greet with ”Namaste” and use right hand for eating and giving. Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Dress modestly; women should cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Homosexuality is a sensitive subject; discretion is advised for LGBTQ+ travelers. Accept food and drink offerings politely. Avoid stepping over people or their feet, and don’t point soles of feet at anyone. Use both hands when giving or receiving items, especially money.

Question: What food should I try in Nepal?

Answer:
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Nepal.

Dal Bhat: A staple in every Nepali household, this dish consists of steamed rice and lentil soup. It’s the backbone of Nepali diet and is often served with vegetable curries, pickles, and sometimes meat. Eating Dal Bhat is an immersion into the daily life of Nepal.

Momo: These are Nepali-style dumplings filled with meat or veggies, served with spicy dipping sauce. Originally from Tibet, momos have become a beloved street food across Nepal, perfect for a quick and tasty snack.

Sel Roti: A traditional homemade, sweet, ring-shaped rice bread, often made during festivals. Its unique combination of crispy exterior and soft interior makes it a delightful snack, and its preparation is a festive activity in itself.

Newari Khaja Set: A diverse platter featuring a variety of Newari dishes like beaten rice, spicy potatoes, and marinated meat. It represents the rich culinary tradition of the Newar community and is best enjoyed in local eateries in the Kathmandu Valley.

Gundruk: A fermented leafy green vegetable dish, often served as a side. It’s a way to preserve vegetables and has a distinctive tangy flavor. Gundruk reflects the resourcefulness of Nepali cuisine, especially in rural areas.

Question: Is the tap water safe to drink in Nepal?

Answer: Tap water in Nepal is generally not safe for tourists to drink, even though some locals might consume it. It’s advisable to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any health issues. Consider using a portable water purifier if you’re trekking or exploring rural areas.

Question: Can you get by with English in Nepal?

Answer:
The main language in Nepal is Nepali. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Nepali skills have become a bit rusty.

In Nepal, English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and among the younger population. It is commonly used in tourism, education, and business, making it easier for travelers to communicate. Major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara have many English-speaking locals, including hotel staff, tour guides, and shopkeepers. However, in rural areas, English proficiency may be limited, and travelers might encounter language barriers.

Nepal’s education system includes English as a second language, so many people, especially those in the hospitality and tourism sectors, have a basic understanding. Nonetheless, it’s beneficial for travelers to learn a few basic Nepali phrases, as this can enhance interactions and show respect for the local culture.

Overall, while English is not universally spoken, travelers will find enough English speakers to navigate most situations comfortably.

Question: What is the local currency in Nepal?

Answer: The local currency of Nepal is NPR (Rs).

Question: How do I get cash or use cards in Nepal?

Answer:
When backpacking in Nepal, carrying some cash is a smart move, especially when you’re hitting up remote areas where ATMs are as rare as a decent cup of coffee in the middle of nowhere. In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, ATMs are fairly common, but they can be unreliable, so don’t bank on them as your only option. Most ATMs accept major cards like Visa and MasterCard, but fees can add up, so plan your withdrawals wisely.

If you’re wondering about currency, local Nepali rupees are your go-to. While dollars and euros might be welcome in some tourist shops or hotels, using them elsewhere isn’t practical. Keep a stash of small bills (100s and 500s) for everyday expenses.

Credit and debit card acceptance is still pretty limited outside upscale hotels and restaurants, so don’t expect to swipe your way through the country. For currency exchange, it’s best to stick to authorized money changers in tourist areas or banks to avoid getting shortchanged. Just keep your eyes peeled for commission fees and always ask what’s the best rate they can offer.

Question: What is the tipping culture in Nepal?

Answer: In Nepal, tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated, especially in the tourism sector. If you’re happy with the service, leaving around 5-10% at restaurants or rounding up the fare for taxi drivers is a nice gesture. For guides and porters, consider tipping more generously based on the length and difficulty of your trek.


The Offline Backpacking Travel Guide for North Korea

Discover 89 must-see places in North Korea, routes, costs and safety tips. All highlights plotted on a map. Verified for 2026 travel. Registered Dutch Business (KvK: 99855925).

Witness movement through strictly guided tours, cities, and landscapes, experiencing history, culture, and isolation for curious, structured travelers.

Guided travelers following tightly controlled experiences

Morning loudspeakers hum over a wide, near-empty boulevard as a white‑gloved traffic warden guides more bicycles than cars and your guide sets the tempo. Travel here is supervised and scheduled; spontaneity yields to permission. Accept that, and the choreography starts to make sense.

The draw is scale and theatre against real mountains and sea: Pyongyang’s deep, tiled metro and vast squares, pine‑scented trails to Paektu’s crater lake, the northern view of the DMZ at Kaesong, and the marble hush of Myohyang’s halls stacked with diplomatic gifts, with the war museum and the captured USS Pueblo tying the story together. Cash rules (euros, USD, RMB), cards and ATMs don’t; photos are controlled, internet is scarce, and itineraries are fixed. Work with it and the small moments jump out—kids rollerblading across a monument plaza, a choir practice drifting from a schoolyard—and the meaning lands heavier for it.

Compared with South Korea’s freewheeling modern buzz or China’s sprawl and speed, North Korea is slow, curated, and legible in its own logic. It suits rule‑keepers, history hawks, architecture fans, and patient travelers who value context over control.

Pyongyang

monumental architecture, central squares, state museums

Kaesong

Confucian sites, border proximity, ginseng trade

Pyongsong

industrial zones, academic institutes, transport hub

Wonsan

beachfront promenade, seafood markets, ferry terminal

Kimchaek

port city, steelworks, coastal neighborhoods

Samjiyon

plateau town, Mount Paektu access, alpine scenery

Kilju

rail junction, military presence, rural outskirts

Pujon

mountain valleys, terraced farms, remote settlements

Yongbyon

nuclear facility, restricted access, river bend

Myeonghak-dong

urban district, residential blocks, local markets

Kapsan

mountain valleys, remote villages, anti-Japanese sites

Kumgangsan

granite peaks, deep gorges, seasonal waterfalls

Paektu Mountain

crater lake, volcanic plateau, border summit

Mount Myohyang

sacred caves, botanical diversity, cliffside temples

Kuwol

rolling hills, Buddhist relics, autumn foliage

Ryongaksan

city views, rocky outcrops, accessible trails

Mount Kumgang

crystal pools, sheer cliffs, seasonal foliage

Myohyangsan

temple complexes, deep valleys, misty forests

Mount Chilbo

granite spires, forested ridges, remote villages

Chilbosan Sea Route

coastal bluffs, tidal flats, fishing hamlets

Suyangsan Trail

rolling hills, panoramic viewpoints, wildflowers

Wonsan Beach

urban coastline, fishing boats, promenade views

Songdowon Beach

broad sands, shallow water, family picnics

Chilbosan Beach

rocky coves, pine forests, mountain backdrop

Haeju Beach

tidal flats, migratory birds, quiet inlets

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

mausoleum, marble corridors, preserved leaders

military hardware, diorama exhibits, war panoramas

Juche Tower

ideological monument, observation deck, flame sculpture

Pyongyang Metro

deep stations, mosaic murals, Soviet-era trains

Mansudae Grand Monument

bronze statues, ceremonial plaza, commemorative wreaths

Arirang Festival

stadium spectacle, synchronized choreography, mosaic card displays

Mass Games

gymnastics, mass participation, political themes

Pyongyang Marathon

city course, amateur runners, Kim Il Sung Stadium finish

Pyongyang International Film Festival

cinema screenings, foreign films, cultural exchange

Taedonggang Beer Festival

local brews, riverside tents, live music

Rason

special economic zone, Russian border, seafood markets, trade hub

North Korea is one of the last intact showcases of socialist monumental urbanism: vast squares, axial vistas, heroic mosaics, and the needle of the Ryugyong Hotel. Pyongyang’s metro stations drip chandeliers; Kaesong keeps Koryo-era gates, a Confucian academy, and courtyard houses; Koguryo tomb murals still breathe color. You won’t roam, so stack sure bets: Juche Tower’s deck, Moran Hill at dusk, and a river ferry for skyline symmetry. I’ve had whole plazas to myself at sunrise. Pro tip: tripods are often refused; shoot handheld, work fast, and clear your angle with your guides before you lift the camera.

North Korea feels like stepping into a controlled stage: you move only on a guided itinerary, travel corridors are curated, conversation careful. That constraint is the point—you see a coherent narrative, not a messy market. The silence—empty highways, no ads—hits first. Pro tip: cash only; euros or RMB; no ATMs. Ask before every photo; monuments demand formal clothing. I got the sharpest sense of place on the Pyongyang Metro, between Puhung and Yonggwang—deep, ornate, locals commuting, no phones out. DMZ visit from the north flips perspectives fast.

You need a visa to visit North Korea, and it’s typically arranged through a tour operator as independent travel isn’t allowed. Apply through a travel agency that specializes in North Korea tours; they’ll handle visa processing with the North Korean authorities. Remember, travel restrictions are subject to change, so check for updates before planning your trip.

Late April–mid May and late September–mid October are the sweet spots. You get dry, walkable days and cool nights, minus the monsoon slog of summer and the deep freeze of winter. Tour prices and hotel availability ease between holiday spikes; skip Apr 15/May 1 and Oct 1–7 when Chinese holiday traffic and big anniversaries compress capacity. Air is clearer, trails around Myohyang and Paektu are firm, and daylight is long enough to stack sites without rushing. Independent backpacking isn’t a thing here—you’ll move on a tour—but in these windows guides aren’t herding at full tilt, permits flow smoother, and weather cancels are rarer than in typhoon season or blizzards.

Peak Heat/Peak Crowd (Jul–Aug + major holiday weeks): You’ll sweat through the metro and queue for elevators; rates tick up because buses and rooms are finite. The payoff: long light, green countryside, and post-storm clarity on mountain ridges and the coast—big days if you can grind.
Shoulder Momentum (late Apr–mid May; late Sep–mid Oct, excluding Oct 1–7): Doors slide open, lines thin, and the country breathes. Spring blossoms and crisp fall air mean fast walking, unhurried museum time, and guides willing to add a detour because the clock isn’t strangling them.
Winter Off-Peak (Dec–Feb): Stark, quiet, and honest. Short days, brittle cold, fewer groups. Bring a windproof shell and slip a heat pack around your phone/power bank; hotel heating can be uneven and batteries die fast in minus temps.

I book my tour about two months out but only buy flights after the operator locks exact dates; holiday shifts here move faster than refund policies.

Pyongyang Metro: Deep, chandeliered stations where lacquered mosaics glow and a warm tunnel breeze hits your face as the train sighs in. Green-and-cream carriages rattle like old trams. Attendants snap flags; metal doors slam with finality. Proof you were there: the faint smell of machine oil on your hands from the chrome grab bars.

Panmunjom (DMZ): Blue huts, a concrete line, and a silence that makes every bootstep on gravel sound absurdly loud. Soldiers stand unmoving, eyes fixed past you. Inside the conference hut, the table’s felt is worn pale around the central microphone. Proof you were there: the odd feeling of one foot in each country under fluorescent hum.

Mount Myohyang & Friendship Exhibition: Pine air and cold granite streams on the mountain trails, then a hard pivot to polished marble corridors and display halls that seem to run forever. Guides set the pace; conveyor belts set your path. Proof you were there: the hush of felt overshoes sliding, and the wax-polish scent that clings to your clothes.

Kaesong Old City & Koryo Museum: Low tiled roofs, narrow lanes, and a Confucian academy reborn as a museum of the Koryo era. It feels older than most of the country you’ll see. Proof you were there: ginseng tea served in small porcelain cups—earthy, slightly bitter—and the creak of wooden floors under your socks.

Nampo & West Sea Barrage: A sea wall the length of a commute, lock gates that dwarf buses, and wind that tastes of salt and silt. Nearby hot-spring baths carry a sulfur tang; plastic clogs slap wet tile. Proof you were there: your swimsuit smells mineral-rich for hours. If you can swing it, add Pyongsong’s science street, Moranbong Park on a Sunday, or the Kwangbok Department Store food hall; my personal pick is the Metro at rush hour for plain, everyday truth.

New Year’s Day — January 1. Government offices, most banks and many shops close; expect limited transport and reduced tourist services across North Korea.

Day of the Shining Star (Kim Jong‑il’s Birthday) — February 16. Major state commemorations and museum/monument events draw crowds; plan for closures and heightened security at memorial sites.

Military Foundation Day (Korean People’s Army Day) — April 25 (officially observed; historically Feb 8). Possible parades or exercises make travel near military locations restricted and photography tightly controlled.

Day of the Sun (Kim Il‑sung’s Birthday) — April 15. The biggest national holiday in North Korea; expect mass events, closures of many attractions, and heavy crowds at national monuments.

International Workers’ Day — May 1. Public rallies and official events occur; some services run on reduced schedules.

Victory Day (Armistice Day) — July 27. State commemorations for the Korean War armistice can affect access to museums and memorials and increase security measures.

Liberation Day — August 15. Nationwide ceremonies marking the end of Japanese rule lead to closures and official parades in major cities.

Foundation Day (Day of the Republic) — September 9. Major national celebrations, parades and official events; expect limited normal services and tighter security.

Party Foundation Day — October 10. Large state events and public festivities mean many tourist sites will be closed or heavily managed by authorities.

Lunar New Year (Seollal) — Date varies (lunar calendar). Family-centric multi-day holiday; transport, eateries and shops often shut for several days, so plan travel around the lunar date.

Chuseok (Harvest Festival) — Date varies (lunar calendar). Major harvest holiday with multi-day closures and limited services; schedule around changing lunar dates to avoid being stranded.

Days 1–3: Pyongyang
Start with a thorough exploration of the capital—beyond the monuments, dig into the city’s rhythm: ride the metro, visit a local school, and catch a performance at the Grand Theatre. There’s time for the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, the Juche Tower, and a sunset stroll along the Taedong River.
Days 4–5: Kaesong & DMZ
Head south for a full immersion in Kaesong’s UNESCO sites, including the Songgyungwan Confucian Academy and the tombs of Koryo kings. Spend a day at the DMZ, with time for both the tense border and the city’s quieter backstreets.
Days 6–7: Mt. Myohyang & International Friendship Exhibition
Travel northeast to hike forested trails, visit the 1,000-year-old Pohyon Temple, and marvel at the International Friendship Exhibition’s endless halls of diplomatic oddities.
Days 8–9: Nampo & West Sea Barrage
Shift west to Nampo for a look at North Korean industry and a soak in the city’s hot springs. The West Sea Barrage is a must for engineering buffs.
Days 10–11: Wonsan & Songdowon Beach
Cross the country to the east coast for a taste of seaside North Korea. Wonsan’s seafood markets, breezy promenades, and Songdowon Beach offer a rare chance to see locals at play. If the weather’s right, swim or join a beach picnic.
Days 12–13: Mt. Kumgang
Head further east to Mt. Kumgang, the country’s most celebrated mountain. Hike dramatic granite peaks, visit waterfalls, and—if open—peek into the old cross-border tourist zone. The scenery here is genuinely world-class.
Days 14–15: Hamhung (Lesser Known Highlight)
Venture north to Hamhung, a city rarely seen by outsiders. The Soviet-influenced architecture, sprawling chemical factories, and surprisingly lively central square make for a fascinating contrast to the rest of the route. This is where you’ll see North Korea’s industrial side and meet locals far from the usual tourist circuit. My must-do day? The hike in Mt. Kumgang: the landscape is so unexpectedly dramatic, it’ll reset your sense of what’s possible in Korea.

Question: Get your own 2025 guide book for North Korea

Answer: The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.

Question: How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in North Korea?

Answer: Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.

Question: Do I need vaccinations to visit North Korea?

Answer:
You should consider the following vaccinations for North Korea:

- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis (especially if visiting rural areas)
- Rabies (if you plan on animal interaction)
- Yellow Fever (only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country)

Consult a travel health specialist for personalized advice. Always check for the latest updates before traveling.

Question: What are the best SIM cards and internet options in North Korea?

Answer:
When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.

These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in North Korea, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.

There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.

Question: What are the cultural norms and etiquette in North Korea for travelers?

Answer:
Respect for leaders is crucial. Always show deference to images and statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Photography is sensitive; ask permission, avoid military sites, and don’t disrespect symbols of the state. Dress modestly, especially when visiting monuments or public events.

For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised as North Korea has conservative views on sexuality. Women should be cautious in public behavior to avoid unwanted attention and always travel with a guide. Presenting gifts like cigarettes or cosmetics is appreciated, but ensure they’re not offensive. Always follow your guide’s instructions to avoid misunderstandings.

Question: What food should I try in North Korea?

Answer: Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for North Korea.- **Kimchi**: A staple in Korean cuisine, kimchi is fermented vegetables, usually napa cabbage and Korean radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal (salted seafood). It’s a cultural cornerstone, representing Korean tradition and agriculture.- **Naengmyeon**: This is a cold noodle dish, perfect for summer. Made with long, thin noodles in a tangy iced broth, it’s often topped with slices of cucumber, Korean pear, and boiled egg. It’s popular for its refreshing taste and is a classic in Korean dining.- **Pibimbap**: A bowl of warm white rice topped with namul (sautéed and seasoned vegetables) and gochujang (chili pepper paste), sometimes with the addition of sliced beef or a fried egg. It’s a symbol of harmony and balance in Korean culture.- **Bulgogi**: Thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper, then grilled or stir-fried. It’s popular for its sweet, savory flavor and is a go-to for anyone looking to experience Korean barbecue.- **Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes)**: Made from ground mung beans and vegetables, these savory pancakes are crispy on the outside and tender inside. They’re a traditional comfort food, often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.

Question: Is the tap water safe to drink in North Korea?

Answer: Tap water in North Korea is generally not recommended for tourists to drink, even though locals might consume it. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any health issues. Ensure the seal on bottled water isn’t tampered with before purchasing.

Question: Can you get by with English in North Korea?

Answer:
The main language in North Korea is Korean. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Korean skills have become a bit rusty.

English is not widely spoken in North Korea. The country’s primary language is Korean, and while there are some North Koreans who have studied English, their proficiency is generally limited. English is taught in schools, but the focus is often on reading and writing rather than conversational skills. Most interactions with locals may be challenging for English speakers, as the majority of the population lacks fluency.

Tourists typically travel in guided groups, and guides are usually the primary English speakers encountered. These guides are trained to communicate with foreigners and can help facilitate interactions. However, outside of these organized tours, opportunities to engage with locals in English are rare.

In major cities like Pyongyang, you might find some signs or menus in English, but in rural areas, English is virtually nonexistent. Overall, while you may find some individuals with basic English skills, effective communication can be difficult, making it advisable for travelers to learn a few basic Korean phrases or rely on their guides for assistance.

Question: What is the local currency in North Korea?

Answer: The local currency of North Korea is KPW (₩).

Question: How do I get cash or use cards in North Korea?

Answer:
Traveling in North Korea is a bit of a unique experience, especially when it comes to money. First off, you won’t find any ATMs that work with foreign cards. Seriously, don’t count on them; your plastic won’t get you far here. It’s a cash game all the way.

Bring Euros, Chinese Yuan, or US Dollars in crisp, unmarked bills for exchange. North Korean Won is technically for locals only, but you might end up with some for small purchases. In most cases, you’ll use foreign currency directly.

Card acceptance is pretty much non-existent, so leave those credit cards for another trip. For exchanging money, do it at the airport, your hotel, or designated spots arranged by your tour guide. Don’t try to exchange on the black market; it’s risky and strictly illegal.

Bottom line: Carry cash and plan ahead. It’s not the place to wing it when it comes to finances.

Question: What is the tipping culture in North Korea?

Answer: Tipping in North Korea is not a common practice and is generally discouraged, as most services are state-operated. However, if you’re part of an organized tour, a small tip to guides or drivers can sometimes be appreciated, but it’s best to consult with your tour provider first. Always remember that local customs and regulations can be strict, so proceed with caution.