Gandaki Province is Nepal's adventure heartland, home to Pokhara—the gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas—and encompassing some of the world's most dramatic landscapes from subtropical valleys to high-altitude deserts. The province stretches from the Terai plains to the peaks of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, including the mystical kingdom of Mustang.
Current safety advisory
Generally Safe With Normal Precautions
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Purchase trekking insurance that specifically covers helicopter evacuation above 5,000m before arriving in Nepal - do not skip this.
Always carry ACAP and TIMS permits while trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area; checkpoints verify them throughout the route.
Acclimatize properly above 3,000m by following the rule of ascending no more than 300-500 meters per day and taking a rest day in Manang.
Never cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) after 10am - afternoon winds and weather develop rapidly and conditions can turn dangerous.
Hire a licensed guide for all trekking above 3,500m; solo trekking without a registered guide is now illegal in Nepal's conservation areas.
Carry sufficient NPR cash for your entire trek plus a safety reserve - ATMs are unavailable above Besisahar on the Annapurna Circuit.
Purchase a Nepali SIM card (Ncell or NTC) in Pokhara and share your trekking itinerary with family, friends, and your country's embassy.
Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and important documents in Pokhara; on the trail keep permits in a waterproof inner pocket.
Drink only bottled water, boiled water, or use water purification tablets or a filter - never drink untreated tap or stream water.
Always ask permission before photographing people, temples, or religious ceremonies; some temples prohibit photography entirely.
Verify guide licenses with the Nepal Tourism Board before paying any trekking package deposit and avoid touts offering suspiciously cheap deals.
In the event of altitude sickness symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness), descend immediately and do not sleep at a higher altitude until fully recovered.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Nepal, which is one of the most LGBT-progressive countries in Asia. However, public displays of affection (same or opposite sex) are generally not common in rural Nepal. Pokhara and Kathmandu are more liberal than rural areas.