Our shortlist of the best places to live in Nepal for expats include Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Dharan, Biratnagar, and Parsa. Nepal has something for everyone, whether you envision living in a vibrant city or a tranquil mountainous region, thanks to its distinctive allure.
Some expats favor living in towns that offer a thriving business environment, contemporary facilities, and convenient public transportation. Meanwhile, others are attracted to peaceful areas enveloped by scenic landscapes that boast exceptional hiking trails and mountain biking routes.
Nepal’s diverse culture and stunning natural beauty make it ideal for expats. The key is striking a balance between culture, convenience, and cost. However, wherever you live, you will relish the warm climate, cordial locals, and delectable local cuisine brimming with distinctive flavors and spices.
Kathmandu
Expats seeking a new place to call home cannot go wrong with Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. This city offers a rich cultural heritage, thrilling festivals, affordable housing options, adventure sports, diverse cuisine, historic temples, lively markets, stunning architecture, and so much more.
Kathmandu is also known for its warm and welcoming attitude towards foreigners and has a flourishing expat community. Kathmandu boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Swayambhunath Stupa
- Boudhanath Stupa
These historical monuments not only showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage but also offer a snapshot into the country’s unique customs. Kathmandu hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year as well, such as music and dance festivals, film screenings, and religious ceremonies.
The center of celebration in Nepal, Kathmandu is renowned for its vibrant festivals. Some of the most popular festivals in the city are:
- The Nepalese New Year (Bisket Jatra)
- Teej
- Indra Jatra
Joining the locals in their celebrations is the best way to feel the vibe of the city.
As a gateway to the Himalayas, Kathmandu is the perfect starting point for activities like trekking, mountaineering, and rafting. What’s more, the city serves as a convenient home base for exploring nearby national parks like Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which boasts diverse wildlife species.
For expats who seek to minimize expenses, Kathmandu is a good option as it offers affordable choices for housing, food, and entertainment. What’s more, the city has several international schools, hospitals, and English-speaking doctors, making it a location highly sought-after by expats.
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy, as the city offers a diverse range of local and international cuisine. Be sure to try the city’s famous street food, such as momos, chow mein, and dal bhat. Many restaurants serve international dishes, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Italian cuisine.
Pokhara
Pokhara is renowned for its stunning Phewa Lake and Annapurna Mountains. Expats can escape the hustle and bustle of city life by taking scenic walks by the lake or hiking in the nearby mountains, enjoying the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind amidst picturesque scenery.
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Pokhara is a hub for adventure sports such as:
- Paragliding
- Zip-lining
- Biking
- Rafting
Moreover, the city serves as a starting point for trekking expeditions to the Annapurna region, providing an unforgettable experience for adventure enthusiasts.
With a diverse population of ethnic groups such as Gurung, Magar, and Thakali, expats in the city can immerse themselves in the local culture. They can explore museums and cultural centers to gain insight into the region’s rich history and traditions.
Throughout the year, Pokhara hosts a range of cultural and musical events, including the International Mountain Museum Festival and the Nepal Light Festival. The city also celebrates festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Gai Jatra, creating opportunities for expats to experience local customs.
For those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, Pokhara offers a peaceful environment with fewer crowds and less pollution compared to Kathmandu. The city boasts numerous cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisine, providing expats with a comfortable living experience.
With a wide variety of affordable housing options, including houses, apartments, and guesthouses, Pokhara is an appealing choice for expats who want to save money on accommodation.
Dharan
With its scenic beauty, cultural diversity, history, adventure sports, and affordable living standard, Dharan can easily win expats’ hearts. There, you can live a relaxed lifestyle, and the place’s natural beauty and cultural inheritance make it a uniquely mesmerizing destination to explore.
Dharan, in the eastern part of Nepal, is a picturesque and culturally significant place. Expats can explore the nearby tea plantations. Many ethnic groups reside in the city, including:
- Chetris
- Brahmins
- Newars
This diversity is evident in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and cultural practices.
In Dharan, numerous cultural and religious festivals are held yearly, such as the Bhanu Jayanti Festival commemorating the birth anniversary of the renowned Nepalese poet Bhanubhakta Acharya. Additionally, the city also organizes several music and dance events throughout the year.
Several historical landmarks located in the city, such as the Dantakali Temple and Pindeshwor Temple, serve as a testament to the city’s cultural inheritance. These temples never fail to attract visitors from all over Nepal and the rest of the world.
In Dharan, you can engage in various adventure sports such as:
- Hiking
- Paragliding
- Zip-lining
If you’re up for a more daring experience, you can also try rafting and kayaking in the nearby Tamur and Arun Rivers.
Dharan offers a good variety of reasonably priced housing options that surely will meet your needs. Its affordable cost of living makes it an appealing location for expats seeking to reside in Nepal. You can select from a range of accommodation types, such as apartments, houses, and guesthouses.
Conclusion
You’ve just seen some of the reasons why Nepal is a darling to many around the world. But there is a lot more to Nepal than this article can elaborate on. If you have the opportunity to explore Nepal in more detail, go grab it!
While Nepal is undoubtedly a fascinating country, it’s by no means the only such place in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines, for example, is another country with a rich history and colorful culture, making it another popular choice for expats.
As a matter of fact, with so many other wonderful places in Asia for expats, another country may capture your heart before you know it. Regardless of whether you choose Nepal or another location as your new home country, remember to secure adequate expat health or international health insurance.
With 20+ years of experience in insurance, Pacific Prime can tailor a solution to meet your needs that also fits your budget, with the added benefit of our advice and support at no extra cost compared to going directly to an insurer.