English is widely spoken in Nepal’s tourist areas, especially in Kathmandu, Pokhara, major trekking regions, hotels, restaurants, and travel services. Most people working in tourism—hotel staff, guides, shopkeepers, and transport providers—are comfortable communicating in basic to good English.
Outside major cities and popular trekking routes, English proficiency can be more limited. In rural villages and local markets, travellers may encounter people who speak little or no English. In such situations, simple words, gestures, and patience usually work well, and locals are generally helpful even if communication is limited.
Many signs, menus, and travel information in tourist areas are written in English, making navigation relatively easy for international travellers. Learning a few basic Nepali words such as greetings or “thank you” is appreciated and often helps create positive interactions.
Overall, English-speaking travellers rarely face serious communication barriers in Nepal, especially if they stick to common travel routes and services.
Did you find communication easy in Nepal, or were there moments where language became a challenge?
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