Tips For Solo Female Travelers in Nepal
Travelling as a solo female comes with its fair share of challenges and compromises. While the adventure is at its peak and you are taking in an experience of a lifetime, certain things are important to think about and address for your travel to Nepal. We have compiled a comprehensive guide of tips for Solo female travellers to have a safe, comfortable, and memorable time here in Nepal.
Conduct proper destination research
There are countless of information you can find about different locations on the internet. Whether it is to understand the area properly, get a hint of what to expect, or understand the culture and history, conducting preliminary research will give you a real-life perspective of what it’s like to visit here. You can research your accommodation properly, surfing through reviews and determining how safe and comfortable of a stay it will be. Doing some extra digging hurts no one but only benefits you by making you more confident and know where you are going.
Carefully plan your itinerary
One ofthe most important aspects of every trekker's itinerary is to make sure you’re in a safe space to stay the night by sundown. It is advised that you only do the trekking parts when there is still sunlight. Even in areas where there is minimum risk, it is better to be safe than sorry. When deciding on your itinerary, make sure you are only moving during the daytime and resting when it starts getting darker. At the same time, research the local services available and consider the logistics of transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing options beforehand to ensure you have a safe and reliable space to rest for the night.
Plan your outfits
Bringing the right outfits based on the types of travelling you’re doing can be a game changer for your whole experience. If you are in for a more adventurous trekking expedition, make sure you have the right and comfortable trekking gear. The Thamel area of Kathmandu and the Lakeside of Pokhara has many shops that sell such gear in a very affordable price range as well. If you are in for more light travelling to places within the city, you can dress according to the seasons. The summers call for pretty summer dresses, and during winters, you might need to pack in thick and warm sweaters. At the same time, while dressing make sure you are keeping the cultural norms and social acceptance into consideration based on the location you are travelling at.
Stay connected and informed
When you’re headed off to explore, the landscapes, rugged terrain, and remote villages, it can be easy to get a hold of the proper network. Any chance you get, make sure you are texting someone close to you to keep them informed about your location and that you are safe. In the city area and city outskirts, communication and networking will not be a problem. Yet it is best to have someone who knows your itinerary and keeps updating them of any changes. In case something happens, now someone will know where you are and actions can be taken to keep you safe.
Carry all your essentials
When packing make sure you are wisely fitting in all your essentials. You need to consider three things when packing, your safety, comfort, and wellbeing. Make sure you Pack a lightweight daypack filled with practical essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitiser, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and protected from the elements. It is best to carry one handy jacket that will protect you from the sun as well as evening breezes. Invest in sturdy footwear, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight layers to shield yourself from the sun, wind, and inclement weather, and carry a compact first-aid kit with basic medical supplies for emergencies.
Stay Healthy and Hydrated
The food in Nepal is much different from other countries away from South Asia. From spices to the hygiene tolerance of the locals, it might be a challenge to find an adequate and healthy diet for your food habits. Make sure you have thought out where you are going to get your food from. To avoid any sickness in between travels, opt for wholesome andnutritious meals. Herbal teas and fresh fruits are some good breakfast and snack options. Many restaurants and hotels make extra efforts to manage their spice levels to cater to travellers with different food tolerance. Make sure you carry a good water bottle and stay hydrated.
Support Women-Led Initiatives
As women, one of the most rewarding parts of travelling is being able to witness, acknowledge, and empower other women from different parts of the world. You will encounter many aspiring and hardworking women and girls in different occupations, especially locally when you step into rural Nepal. Try supporting their women-led initiatives, cooperatives, and social enterprises that promote gender equality, economic empowerment, and social inclusion. Seek out women-owned businesses, cooperatives, and fair trade organizations that produce handmade crafts, textiles, and artisanal goods using traditional techniques and sustainable materials.