The short answer
Enough Nepali rupees for the whole route. ATMs and card payments are unreliable in the mountains, so sort cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Key facts
- Carry
- Small notes for tea, snacks, tips
- Also
- Offerings and donations
- Reserve
- For delays and changes
How it works
- Withdraw before you flyPokhara and Kathmandu ATMs are reliable. Jomsom ATMs can be empty or offline.
- Carry small notesTea, snacks, tips and donations all need small denominations. Large notes can be hard to change.
- Keep a reserveDelays can add a night or two, so carry more than you think you need.
Cash planning
Withdraw in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and carry small notes for donations, tea and tips. ATMs in Jomsom may be out of service or empty, and card machines are unreliable.
Keep your cash in several places and do not display large amounts.
What you will spend on
Typical cash needs include meals not in the package, donations at the temple, tea, snacks, tips for guides and drivers, and small purchases. Ask your operator which items are included.
Insider tip
Indian rupees are widely understood but acceptance of larger notes has varied. See Indian rupees in Nepal.
Avoid this
Do not count on an ATM at Jomsom working on the day.
Related questions
Are cards accepted?
Rarely beyond Jomsom. Treat the mountain section as cash-only.
Can I use Indian rupees?
Smaller notes are generally understood, but rules on larger notes have varied. Confirm before you travel.
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