As of November 12, 2026, Nepal is cheaper than India for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $48 in Nepal against $53 in India, a gap of 10.4%. Over the past year Nepal has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+6.1% after inflation, against +4.7%). Both sit at US advisory Level 2. India is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | India | Nepal |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $53 | $48 |
| Lean day | $21 | $21 |
| Comfortable day | $135 | $115 |
| Real change, 12 months | +4.7% | +6.1% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +5.8% | +5.8% |
| Versus 5-year average | +13.3% | +11.7% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 3.6 · Workable | 3.2 · Workable |
| Index score | 75 | 75 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Sep | Feb, May, Dec |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The highest ceiling and the lowest floor in travel: nothing is cheaper, nothing is more demanding.
The catchStomach trouble is close to a rite of passage, the heat from April to June is dangerous, and touts target new arrivals.
The Himalaya at teahouse prices.
The catchRoads are slow and domestic aviation has a poor safety record. Buy insurance that covers helicopter evacuation at altitude.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.