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Tourism, hospitality and food service

पर्यटन, आतिथ्य तथा खाद्य सेवा

Tourism is one of Nepal's biggest service earners and hires more young people than most sectors, from cooks and receptionists to trekking guides and homestay hosts. Foreign arrivals have only just returned to the 2019 level, visitors stay longer but spend less each day, and Nepali travellers inside the country are a fast-growing market. Most jobs need a short course and the right licence, and many businesses can start small at home.

Research as of 2026-10. Fees, rules and loan terms change often. Items marked Check rest on secondary sources, so confirm them with the office or on its website before you pay or sign anything.

The market today

Nepal received about 1.16 million foreign tourists in 2025, almost the same as 2024 and just under the 2019 record. Visitors are staying longer (a record average of 16.34 days) but spending less per day (about USD 33), so total tourism income grew only about 5 percent. Inside Nepal, a first national survey found that about half of all households travelled at least once, with overnight trips mostly to Kathmandu, Chitwan and Kaski (Pokhara). Business is seasonal: spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are busy, monsoon and winter are slow, so cash flow planning matters more than anything else.

  • Nepal Tourism Board counted 1,158,459 foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, up about 1 percent from 1,147,548 in 2024. The 2019 record was 1,197,191.thehimalayantimes.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • India was the largest source market in 2025 with 292,438 arrivals (about 25 percent), followed by the United States with 112,316. Rankings below the top two differ between news reports.ianslive.in (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Monthly pattern 2025: March peaked at 121,687 arrivals, October 128,443 and November 116,553, while September fell 18.3 percent year on year after the early September unrest.sharesansar.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Average length of stay of foreign tourists was a record 16.34 days in 2025, up from 13.3 days in 2024; the ministry says the figure now comes from an electronic system, so it is more reliable than older estimates.kathmandupost.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Average spending per tourist per day fell from about USD 40.84 (2024) to about USD 33.08 (2025). The Kathmandu Post calls this the second lowest on record and far below the regional range of USD 100 to 150.ekantipur.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Tourism income was reported as about Rs 87.37 billion in 2025 against Rs 83.39 billion in 2024 (up about 4.8 percent), per the Economic Survey as reported by Ekantipur.ekantipur.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Nepal Rastra Bank's FY 2025/26 report shows travel income of about Rs 90.05 billion, up 1.5 percent (fiscal year, so not directly comparable with the calendar year figure).sharesansar.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • The National Statistics Office's first Domestic Tourism Survey (FY 2024/25) found domestic tourism is about 2.65 percent of GDP, household spending of about Rs 459 billion, and 52.4 percent of households took at least one tourism trip.kathmandupost.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Domestic overnight travellers stay about 5.33 days and take about 4.81 trips a year; Kathmandu, Chitwan and Kaski are the top overnight destinations, and young people (Gen Z) travel most.kathmandupost.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Nepali visitors to Chitwan National Park rose to 137,246 by mid April of FY 2025/26 from 103,672 a year earlier, while foreign visitors fell.english.onlinekhabar.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Nepal has more than 1,600 hotels with about 64,000 room nights listed, including 222 star-rated properties, per a Kathmandu Post report.kathmandupost.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • The national minimum monthly remuneration is NPR 19,550 (basic 12,170 plus dearness allowance 7,380) from 17 July 2025; this applies to hotel and restaurant staff too.wageindicator.org (opens in a new tab)Check
  • From March 2026 reports say solo foreign trekkers can get restricted-area permits (the old two-person minimum was dropped), but they must still book through a registered agency with a licensed Nepali guide.himalayanhero.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • A new Tourism Bill (2081 BS) passed the National Assembly in February 2026 but was still being revised in the House of Representatives as of August 2026. The old Tourism Act 2035 still governs until it is replaced.sharesansar.com (opens in a new tab)Check

What drives demand

  • Foreign arrivals back at about 97 percent of the 2019 level, with India the largest source market
  • Longer average stays (16.34 days) mean more nights of lodging and meals per visitor
  • Fast growth of domestic travel, especially among young Nepalis, and visits to friends and relatives
  • Interest in trekking, nature, culture and wellness; Chitwan, Pokhara and Kathmandu have steady Nepali and foreign demand
  • Homestays and community tourism attract visitors who want local food and culture

Challenges

  • Very strong seasonality: many lodges and guides earn most of their income in about five to six months
  • Daily tourist spending has fallen for years and is far below regional levels
  • Political unrest (the September 2025 events damaged hotels and cut arrivals that month) and weak flight links can hurt a season quickly
  • Rules are changing (new Tourism Bill, permit and guide rules), so licences and fees must be checked every year
  • Licensing is split across federal, province and local levels, which confuses first-time owners
  • Wages in entry hotel and kitchen jobs are low, so many trained staff leave for the Gulf, Europe or Australia

Where in Nepal

  • Kathmandu valley: hotels, restaurants, travel and trekking agencies, culture and heritage; most foreign arrivals pass through
  • Pokhara and Kaski (Gandaki): lakeside hotels, cafes, paragliding, base for Annapurna treks; Gandaki also has many community homestays
  • Chitwan and Sauraha: jungle safari, Tharu culture homestays, strong domestic demand
  • Solukhumbu (Everest region), Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang: trekking lodges, guides, porters
  • Lumbini: pilgrim tourism, hotels and monasteries
  • Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, Kali Gandaki: rafting and adventure; Mustang, Dolpo, Humla: restricted-area and remote trekking
  • Eastern hills (Ilam, Taplejung, Panchthar): tea, homestays and Kanchenjunga treks, a growing alternative to crowded routes

Business and work ideas

Homestay host

low risk

Turn spare rooms in your family home into guest rooms, serve home-cooked meals and offer village walks. Works best in a village near a trekking route, park, lake or cultural site, and is usually run with a local homestay group.

Start-up cost
NPR Roughly 1 to 5 lakh to upgrade rooms, beds, toilets and kitchen (estimate, not an official figure)
Skills
Cooking, Hospitality, Basic English or Hindi, Cleanliness and hygiene, Storytelling about local culture
Suits
Families in rural areas or tourist villages, women and young people who live at home
Note
Low cost, but income depends on a steady flow of guests. Some provinces have given small grants to homestays; ask your provincial tourism ministry. A 2025 report estimated 332 community homestays in 11 Gandaki districts plus 600 or more running informally.

Guesthouse or small lodge

medium risk

Run a small guesthouse in a town or a tea-house lodge on a trekking route, selling beds, meals and services.

Start-up cost
NPR Very wide: from about 10 lakh for a rented small guesthouse to several crore for a built hotel (estimate, null for an exact figure)
Skills
Front desk and booking, Housekeeping standards, Basic accounting, Customer service, Online listings
Suits
People with land or capital, or a family business to build on
Note
Needs Department of Tourism registration if you want tourist-standard status, plus local government registration, PAN and fire and building safety compliance. Cash flow is tight in the low season.

Trekking or tour guide

medium risk

Lead trekkers on the trail or take visitors around cultural sites. A trekking guide needs training and a government licence; a city or cultural guide has a separate tourist guide licence.

Start-up cost
NPR Training fee of about 7,000 to 10,000 plus form fee and basic gear (course fee varies by notice)
Skills
English or another foreign language, First aid and altitude safety, Route knowledge, Leadership, Fitness
Suits
Fit, outgoing young people, usually with Grade 12 or SEE plus agency experience
Note
Earnings depend on season. TAAN set a guide rate of NPR 3,100 per day in 2023. Guiding without a licence is illegal and can cost you the job and trigger fines.

Travel agency or trekking agency

high risk

Sell tours, tickets and treks, hire licensed guides, and handle permits and insurance. Needs a company, an office, capital and a Department of Tourism licence.

Start-up cost
NPR Reported minimum paid-up capital of about 25 lakh for a company (sources differ; total start-up including office and fees is higher)
Skills
Sales and marketing, Operations and logistics, Foreign languages, Accounts and tax, Online booking skills
Suits
People with industry experience and some capital, or small partners starting together
Note
Heavy competition and discounting. You must employ licensed guides and carry insurance for staff and clients. Check capital and deposit with the Department of Tourism before registering.

Rafting, paragliding, canyoning or other adventure activity

high risk

Work for or start an adventure operator. Adventure activities fall under Department of Tourism rules for operators, with safety and equipment checks.

Skills
Technical certification (e.g. river guide, tandem pilot), First aid and rescue, Safety management, Customer care
Suits
Fit, trained young people; most start as staff and later become operators
Note
Startup cost depends on equipment and not found in an official source. Accidents bring serious legal and insurance risk, so use only certified instructors and insured operators.

Cafe or small restaurant

medium risk

Open a cafe, momo shop or restaurant aimed at locals, students or tourists. Location and consistent food quality drive success.

Start-up cost
NPR Roughly 5 to 25 lakh for a small cafe including rent deposit, equipment and fit-out (estimate)
Skills
Cooking or barista skills, Food safety, Costing and menu planning, Staff management, Social media marketing
Suits
Cooks, graduates of culinary courses, and people with a family food business
Note
Needs municipality business registration, PAN or VAT, a food licence from the food quality authority, and fire and sanitation compliance. Many new cafes close within two years because of rent and slow sales.

Cooking classes and food tours

low risk

Teach visitors to make dal bhat, momo or Newari dishes, or lead market and street-food walks. Works well with a homestay, cafe or guest house.

Start-up cost
NPR Often under 1 lakh to start with a home kitchen and a booking page (estimate)
Skills
Cooking, English, Teaching and storytelling, Online booking and photography
Suits
Home cooks, women entrepreneurs, young chefs who want a low-cost start
Note
If you serve food to paying guests, check food hygiene and local business registration rules with your ward office.

Cultural experiences and community tourism

low risk

Run village walks, craft workshops, festival visits, Thangka or pottery sessions, and cultural shows through a community group.

Skills
Local culture and crafts, Group leadership, Language skills, Marketing
Suits
Youth clubs, women's groups and cooperatives in heritage areas
Note
Registration usually goes through the local government and, if operating as an organisation, the District Administration or cooperative office; cost not found in an official source.

Souvenir and handicraft shop

medium risk

Sell handmade or locally made items such as pashmina, singing bowls, paper goods or Dhaka products. Online export is possible for small, high-value goods.

Start-up cost
NPR Roughly 2 to 10 lakh for stock and a small rented shop (estimate)
Skills
Buying and negotiation, Customer service, Foreign language, Social media sales
Suits
Small traders and craft producers
Note
Shop registration with the ward office or municipality and PAN needed. Some items (antiques, protected species products) cannot be sold or exported.

Hotel or restaurant employee, step-by-step career

low risk

Start as a trainee in a hotel kitchen, restaurant, front desk or housekeeping, then move up to supervisor, chef or manager with experience and short courses.

Start-up cost
NPR Course fees only; see education section
Skills
Teamwork, Communication, Food safety, Time management
Suits
Young people who want a job soon after SEE or Grade 12
Note
Entry pay is low in Nepal, so many young people use hospitality experience to move abroad or build to a manager job.

Step by step

  1. Pick your business and check you fit the rules

    Decide between a homestay, lodge, restaurant, guide job, or agency, since each has a different licence path and capital need. Check that your site or building meets local land use and safety requirements before spending money.

    Where
    Ward office and the Department of Tourism (info@tourismdepartment.gov.np, +977-1-5347037)
    Level
    local
    Documents
    Citizenship certificate, Land ownership or lease paper, Rough business plan
    Time
    1 to 2 weeks to research

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)tourismdepartment.gov.np (opens in a new tab)

  2. Register your business as a firm or company

    Sole proprietors register a private firm; partners or larger businesses register a company. A company needs a name approved first and a bank account for the capital.

    Where
    Office of the Company Registrar (companies) or the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection and local commerce office (firms)
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Citizenship of owners, MOA and AOA for a company, Name approval, Office or business address proof
    Fee
    NPR Company registration about 1,000 to 5,000 depending on capital (consultancy estimate)
    Time
    3 to 7 days for a company

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  3. Get PAN or VAT registration

    Register for tax so you can invoice customers, claim costs and open a business bank account. Hotels and restaurants above the VAT threshold must charge VAT.

    Where
    Inland Revenue Office, IRD
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Citizenship, Registration certificate, Business address proof, Photos
    Fee
    NPR Free
    Time
    1 to 2 days

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)ird.gov.np (opens in a new tab)

  4. Register with your local level (homestay, restaurant, shop, guesthouse)

    Local governments register and regulate homestays and small food and lodging businesses, usually after a ward recommendation and a site inspection. Fees and steps vary by municipality, so ask the ward office first.

    Where
    Ward office and municipality or rural municipality business registration section
    Level
    local
    Documents
    Citizenship, Ownership or lease paper, Ward recommendation, PAN, Building safety certificate, Photos of rooms
    Time
    7 to 20 working days (law firm estimate)

    nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  5. Join the homestay group and get provincial or tourism board recognition

    In many tourist villages a homestay must be a member of the local homestay management committee and meet hygiene and safety standards set by province or local rules. Registered homestays can get grants, training and promotion.

    Where
    Local homestay committee; provincial ministry in charge of tourism
    Level
    province
    Documents
    Local registration paper, Committee recommendation
    Time
    Varies

    shankerhotel.com.np (opens in a new tab)Check

  6. Register a hotel, lodge, resort or restaurant for tourist standard

    To be classified as tourist-standard (or star rated), file with the Department of Tourism. Larger projects also need an environmental report and an inspection. The hotel registration system is online.

    Where
    Department of Tourism, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Company or firm registration, PAN, Building and land papers, Application in Department format, Environmental report for larger projects, Fire safety clearance
    Time
    Weeks to months, depending on size

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)tourismdepartment.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

  7. Get a food licence for any food business

    Restaurants, cafes and food producers register under the food laws. The food quality authority and local health or food offices inspect hygiene, water, storage and staff health.

    Where
    Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) or its regional or local office
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Business registration, PAN, Layout of kitchen, Water test, Staff health checks
    Time
    Varies

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  8. Apply for a travel or trekking agency licence

    After company registration and paying in the required capital, apply to the Department of Tourism. The office is inspected and capital checked before approval. Hire licensed guides and insure staff and clients.

    Where
    Department of Tourism
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Company certificate, PAN, Bank statement showing capital, Office lease or ownership, Directors' citizenship, Business plan
    Fee
    NPR Reported about 5,000 to 15,000 for the licence; renewal fees reported higher (consultancy figures, check with the Department)
    Time
    10 to 25 working days after complete papers (consultancy estimate)

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  9. Get a guide licence (if you will guide)

    Apply for NATHM guide training, pass selection and the course, then receive a government guide licence through the Department of Tourism. Never guide without it.

    Where
    NATHM (course) and Department of Tourism (licence)
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Two photos, Citizenship, Academic certificates, Experience certificates if needed
    Fee
    NPR Training about 7,000 to 10,000 plus form fee about 500
    Time
    About 5 weeks of training

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)collegenp.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  10. Complete safety, insurance and fire compliance

    Install fire extinguishers, exits and smoke alarms where required, check wiring and gas, and take insurance for staff and clients. Larger buildings need fire and building clearance from the municipality.

    Where
    Municipality fire and building section; insurance company
    Level
    local
    Documents
    Building drawings, Inspection certificate
    Time
    Varies

    tourismdepartment.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

  11. Keep tax, service charge and renewals up to date

    File VAT and income tax on time, renew licences before they lapse, and follow rules on staff wages and any service charge you collect. Keep paperwork for inspections.

    Where
    Inland Revenue Office; Department of Tourism; local government
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Sales records, Tax returns, Wage records
    Time
    Ongoing

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)ird.gov.np (opens in a new tab)

Permits, licences and registrations

Homestay registration

Issued by
Local level (municipality or rural municipality), with provincial tourism ministry rules
Needed when
You offer rooms and meals to paying guests at home
Valid for
Set by each local government; renewal usually needed
Law
Local Government Operation Act 2074 and provincial homestay directives (exact directive not found)
nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Hotel, lodge, resort and restaurant tourist registration and classification

Issued by
Department of Tourism
Needed when
You want tourist-standard or star classification for lodging or tourist restaurants
Law
Tourism Act 2035 and Hotel, Lodge, Restaurant, Resort, Bar and Tourist Guide Rules (a 2038 version is cited by law firms; current rule version unconfirmed)
nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Travel agency and trekking agency licence

Issued by
Department of Tourism
Needed when
You sell tours or treks or arrange trekking services as a business
Fee
NPR Reported about 5,000 to 15,000 (not confirmed in an official source)
Valid for
Law firm sources say 5 years for travel agencies; renewal required
Law
Tourism Act 2035 and Travel and Trekking Agencies Regulation (exact current text not found)
lawbhandari.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Trekking guide licence

Issued by
Department of Tourism, after NATHM training
Needed when
You lead trekkers for pay
Law
Tourism Act 2035 and related regulations
collegenp.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Mountain guide registration and licence

Issued by
Department of Tourism (online system)
Needed when
You guide on expedition peaks, a separate category from trekking guides
Law
Mountaineering Expedition Regulation (2025 amendment reported)
tourismdepartment.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

Company or firm registration

Issued by
Office of the Company Registrar or Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection
Needed when
You operate any formal business
Fee
NPR About 1,000 to 5,000 for a company (consultancy estimate)
Valid for
Annual renewal and filing of returns
Law
Companies Act 2063; Private Firm Registration Act 2014
ocr.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

PAN and VAT registration

Issued by
Inland Revenue Department
Needed when
Before billing customers; VAT above the VAT threshold
Fee
NPR Free
Valid for
Permanent, with annual returns
Law
Income Tax Act 2058; Value Added Tax Act 2052
ird.gov.np (opens in a new tab)

Food licence or food business registration

Issued by
Department of Food Technology and Quality Control and local offices
Needed when
You prepare or sell food for the public
Valid for
Renewal needed (period not confirmed)
Law
Food Act 2023 BS and Food Regulation 2027 BS (a new Food Act may be in force; check)
nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Municipal business licence

Issued by
Municipality or rural municipality
Needed when
You open any shop, cafe, restaurant, lodge or workshop
Fee
NPR About 2,000 to 5,000 (consultancy estimate; varies a lot by municipality)
Valid for
Annual renewal
Law
Local Government Operation Act 2074 and local finance Acts
nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Restricted-area and national park trekking permits (client side)

Issued by
Department of Immigration; Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation; local conservation bodies
Needed when
Your agency books clients into restricted areas or protected areas
Fee
NPR USD 500 for the first 10 days in Upper Mustang plus USD 50 per extra day (single source)
Valid for
Per trip
Law
Immigration Regulation and national park rules; TIMS requirements unclear in 2026 sources
himalayanhero.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Offices you will deal with

Private steps

  • Open a business bank accountNeeded for company capital deposit, receiving card and online payments, and clean accounts for tax and loans.
  • Take business and staff insuranceCover for guests, staff on treks, fire and property. Agencies must insure guides and clients.
  • Set up online listings and bookingGoogle Maps profile, Booking and Airbnb style platforms, a simple website and WhatsApp number so visitors can find and contact you. Cost: NPR Often free to start, with commissions on bookings.
  • Join the trade body or homestay groupMembership with TAAN, HAN, NATTA or the local homestay committee gives training, referrals and a voice in rule changes.
  • Train staff in food safety and first aidShort courses lower complaints, accidents and inspection problems.

Loans, grants and support

Provincial homestay grants and subsidies

Some provinces and local levels have given small grants for homestay rooms, toilets and training. Amounts and rules change each fiscal year.

Provider
Provincial and local governments (Gandaki has funded homestay improvements)
Who can apply
Registered homestays, usually in a tourist village with a committee; check the current budget notice
Check

Nepal Rastra Bank concessional loans (general)

Subsidised-rate loans exist for youth, women, returnee migrants, startups and others. I did not find homestay or tourism listed as its own category in the 2082/83 revisions, so ask the bank whether your project qualifies under youth or startup lines.

Provider
Commercial banks under NRB guidelines
Who can apply
Set by NRB guidelines; each bank applies them
Check

NATHM and CTEVT training

Government-run short training in cooking, service and guiding at low fees compared with private colleges.

Provider
NATHM, CTEVT
Who can apply
Nepali citizens meeting course rules

Nepal Tourism Board promotion

Trade news, festival and event calendars and promotion platforms that registered businesses can use.

Provider
Nepal Tourism Board
Who can apply
Registered tourism businesses

Industry association training and networks

Member training, guide welfare and standard wage guidance, and business referrals.

Provider
TAAN, HAN, NATTA, homestay associations
Who can apply
Registered members; fees vary
Check

Education and training

Short course

NATHM trekking guide training (government guide course)

Providers
Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Kathmandu, with Department of Tourism licensing
Duration
About 5 weeks
Cost
NPR Training fee 7,000 to 10,000 (2082 notice says 7,000, a later 2083 notice says 10,000), plus a form fee of about 500
Entry
Nepali citizen; Grade 12 or equivalent, or SEE pass plus two years' work at a registered trekking agency; selection by interview or test
collegenp.com (opens in a new tab)
Short course

NATHM short professional trainings (hospitality, tourism, adventure and guiding)

Providers
NATHM, Kathmandu; announced as batches, durations counted in weeks
Duration
Weeks, varies by course
Entry
Varies by course; check the current NATHM notice
nathm.gov.np (opens in a new tab)
TSLC

TSLC in Culinary Arts (post-SEE)

Providers
CTEVT-affiliated technical schools and polytechnics
Duration
18 months classes plus 6 months on-the-job training
Entry
SEE or SLC, any grade; older candidates pass a CTEVT entrance exam
ctevt.org.np (opens in a new tab)
TSLC

TSLC in Hotel Management (food production, food and beverage service, front desk, housekeeping)

Providers
CTEVT-affiliated institutes
Duration
18 to 24 months depending on the version (post-SLC or apprenticeship)
Entry
SEE or SLC pass
ctevt.org.np (opens in a new tab)
Diploma

Diploma in Hotel Management or Hospitality Management (CTEVT)

Providers
CTEVT-affiliated polytechnics and colleges (about 25 institutions listed on one site)
Duration
3 years (six semesters)
Entry
SEE pass plus CTEVT entrance exam (listing says Plus Two for some programmes); check each college
seecs.ctevt.org.np (opens in a new tab)
Bachelor

Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) at NATHM under Tribhuvan University

Providers
NATHM Kathmandu; other BHM colleges under Pokhara University and TU
Duration
4 years (eight semesters)
Cost
NPR About 5.75 lakh total at NATHM per a third-party listing (exam fees and uniforms extra); other colleges roughly 2 to 8 lakh
Entry
Grade 12 or equivalent; entrance rules set by the university or college
collegenp.com (opens in a new tab)
Bachelor

Bachelor in Travel and Tourism Management (BTTM)

Providers
Pokhara University affiliated colleges and some TU campuses
Duration
4 years
Entry
Grade 12 or equivalent
nathm.gov.np (opens in a new tab)
Master

Master of Hotel Management (MHM) at NATHM

Providers
NATHM
Duration
2 years
Cost
NPR About 3 lakh total per the NATHM course page
Entry
Bachelor degree in a related field
nathm.gov.np (opens in a new tab)

Careers

Cook or chef (commis to head chef)

How to get in
TSLC or Diploma in culinary or hotel management, or start as kitchen helper
Pay per month
NPR Entry about 12,000 to 20,000; mid level 25,000 to 45,000; head chef 60,000 to 120,000 or more (job-site estimates)
necojobs.com.np (opens in a new tab)Check

Kitchen helper

How to get in
SEE pass and on-the-job learning
Pay per month
NPR About 20,000 to 28,000 per a job-site survey; legal minimum is 19,550
kumarijob.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Front office or receptionist

How to get in
Diploma or BHM, or Plus Two with English and short hospitality training
Pay per month
NPR Freshers about 12,000 to 18,000 per one job guide; Paylab survey gives a middle range of 32,000 to 58,000 (sources disagree)
paylab.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Trekking guide

How to get in
NATHM trekking guide training and Department of Tourism licence; often start as porter guide or assistant guide
Pay per month
NPR TAAN daily rate of 3,100 for a guide (2023); monthly income depends on days worked, with job-site estimates of 40,000 to 80,000 in season
montagna.tv (opens in a new tab)Check

Hotel or operations manager

How to get in
BHM or diploma plus 5 or more years in departments
Pay per month
NPR About 50,000 to 150,000 (job-site estimate)
necojobs.com.np (opens in a new tab)Check

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Guiding or leading treks without a government licence is illegal. Clients may also not be insured, and an accident can end your career and bring fines.
  • Do not pay anyone who promises a guaranteed licence or Department of Tourism approval. Apply directly or through a registered lawyer and keep receipts.
  • Do not rely on one season. Keep savings or a second income (farm, shop, other work) for the monsoon and winter months.
  • Many websites give old or conflicting capital and fee numbers for agencies. Confirm with the Department of Tourism before depositing money.
  • Do not build a lodge or homestay in a landslide, flood or protected zone, or without building permit; you risk losing the investment.
  • Foreign exchange: tourists pay in foreign currency but Nepali businesses must keep to Nepal Rastra Bank rules on receiving and holding it. Use a bank account, keep receipts and never exchange with unlicensed dealers.
  • A lower price than competitors is not a plan. Daily tourist spending is falling, so aim for quality and a clear niche.
  • Staff wages must at least meet the legal minimum of NPR 19,550 a month, and any service charge should be shared as agreed to avoid disputes.
  • Rules are in change: the new Tourism Bill, permit rules for restricted areas, and TIMS requirements have changed or been reported differently in 2026. Check the latest official notice before booking clients.
  • Be careful with overseas job agents who promise cook or hotel jobs abroad for a fee. Use only agencies licensed by the Department of Foreign Employment.

Sources

  1. Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal, read 2026-10-15
  2. Department of Tourism, Government of Nepal, read 2026-10-15
  3. Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Tourism Board, read 2026-10-15
  4. NATHM training page, Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, read 2026-10-15
  5. NATHM MHM course page, Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, read 2026-10-15
  6. CTEVT Diploma in Hospitality Management curriculum, CTEVT, read 2026-10-15
  7. CTEVT TSLC in Culinary Arts curriculum, CTEVT, read 2026-10-15
  8. Over 1.15 million foreign tourists visited Nepal in 2025, IANS, read 2026-10-15
  9. More than 1.1 million foreign visitors arrived in Nepal in 2025, The Himalayan Times, read 2026-10-15
  10. Foreign tourists are staying longer, but spending less in Nepal, The Kathmandu Post, read 2026-10-15
  11. Encouraging improvements in Nepal's tourism sector, Ekantipur, read 2026-10-15
  12. Domestic tourism pumps Rs 400 billion into economy as young Nepalis travel more, The Kathmandu Post, read 2026-10-15
  13. Tourists rise at Chitwan National Park, Onlinekhabar, read 2026-10-15
  14. NRB annual macroeconomic report FY 2025/26, ShareSansar, read 2026-10-15
  15. National Assembly passes Tourism Bill 2081 BS, ShareSansar, read 2026-10-15
  16. Minimum wage increased in Nepal from 17 July 2025, WageIndicator, read 2026-10-15
  17. NATHM trekking guide training application notice, CollegeNP, read 2026-10-15
  18. Trekking workers' daily wages increased, Montagna TV, read 2026-10-15
  19. Trekking agency registration Nepal, Niti Partners (law firm), read 2026-10-15
  20. Travel and tour agencies registration process in Nepal, Bhandari law firm, read 2026-10-15
  21. Homestay registration process in Nepal, Niti Partners (law firm), read 2026-10-15
  22. Hotel, lodge, restaurant, resort, bar and tour guide rules 2038, Niti Partners (law firm), read 2026-10-15
  23. Food licence process in Nepal, Niti Partners (law firm), read 2026-10-15
  24. Nepal trekking permit rules 2026, Himalayan Hero (trekking operator), read 2026-10-15
  25. Chef salary in Nepal, NecoJobs, read 2026-10-15
  26. Receptionist salary in Nepal, Paylab, read 2026-10-15
  27. Two year long service charge row resolved, The Kathmandu Post, read 2026-10-15
  28. Concessional loan revised guidelines, NepseTrading, read 2026-10-15
  29. BHM at NATHM, CollegeNP, read 2026-10-15