Research in Nepal

From Himalayan climate change and biodiversity to post-disaster recovery and rich cultural studies, Nepal offers unique research opportunities beyond the tourist trail. This 2025 guide helps students, academics, and scientists navigate permits, ethics, and logistics so you can focus on meaningful research that truly makes an impact.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu & Adjust.

Get to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. Get your visa at the airport. Make sure to have cash in USD, passport photos, and your hotel address. Go to your pre-booked place to stay. Rest and get used to the city's height (1,400m) and fast pace.

Day 2: Getting Ready & First Meetings.

Go to a meeting with your local host group or school contact. This is a very important step. You will make a final plan for your permit requests. Go to your home country's embassy to tell them you are here. Start getting your papers ready.

Day 3-5: The Permit Process.

These days are for paperwork. Your main goals are:

Visa Change: You must come on a tourist visa. Then you must ask to change it to a study or research visa. Your host school will help with this.

Research Permit: Give your research plan to the right group. For example, the Nepal Health Research Council for health studies. Your host school must give you a letter of support.

Special Permits: If your research is in a restricted place, a local group must get a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for you. This applies to places like Upper Mustang or Manaslu.

Day 6: Final Plans in Kathmandu.

With your papers turned in, you will use this day to buy things. Get any field tools, phone cards, and other items you need. Meet with your field guide or translator to finish your travel plans.

Day 7: Go to the Field Site.

Travel from Kathmandu to your chosen research area. This could be a short plane ride to a city like Pokhara or a drive to a village.

Day 8-12: Early Fieldwork & Meeting People.

Start gathering your first information. This time is key for:

Building Trust: Meet with local leaders and others in the community. Tell them about your research in a clear way to build trust. This is the basis of ethical research.

Testing Methods: Try out your survey questions or data methods. Make sure they work and are good for the local culture.

Learning the Area: Find out about the hard parts and good parts of your research spot.

Day 13: Go Back to Kathmandu & Report.

Travel back to Kathmandu. Meet with your school adviser or local contact. Talk about your first findings and any issues you had.

Day 14: Last Preparations & Go Home.

Use your last day to put your notes in order. Back up your data. Get ready for the next part of your research. You may be getting ready for a longer stay or leaving Nepal.