# Is English Spoken in Nepal? _Published 20 August 2026_ Travelling in a country where you don't speak the language can feel daunting, but in Nepal you'll rarely struggle. English is widely understood wherever tourists go. **Quick answer:** yes, **English is widely spoken** in Kathmandu, Pokhara, hotels, restaurants, trekking lodges and by guides. The official language is **Nepali**, and the 2021 census recorded more than 120 mother tongues. In rural villages, English is less common, so a few Nepali words go a long way. ## Where English is spoken - Hotels, restaurants and shops in Thamel and Lakeside Pokhara - Trekking lodges on popular routes - Licensed trekking and tour guides - Airports, banks and travel agencies - Younger, educated Nepalis, as English is taught in schools ## Where it's less common In remote villages, among older people and with some local bus and taxi drivers, English may be limited. Your guide will translate. ## Nepal's languages Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the official language and a common language across the country. Other major languages include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Nepal Bhasa (Newari), Magar and many more. ## Useful Nepali words - **Namaste**: hello and goodbye. See [what namaste means](/blog/what-does-namaste-mean). - **Dhanyabad**: thank you. - **Kati ho?**: how much is it? - **Mitho chha**: it's delicious. - **Pani**: water. See our full list of [Nepali phrases for travellers](/blog/nepali-phrases-for-travellers). ## English in daily life SituationHow much English to expectHotels, travel agencies and trekking companiesGood to excellentRestaurants in Thamel and LakesideGood; menus in EnglishTrekking guidesUsually good; licensed guides are trained in English or other languagesPortersOften basicTaxi driversBasic, enough for destinations and pricesShops in tourist areasGood enough for shopping and bargainingGovernment officesVaries; forms often in Nepali and EnglishRural villages off the trekking routesLimited; younger people may speak some EnglishTeahouses on popular treksBasic to good## English in education English is taught in Nepali schools from an early age, and many private schools, which educate a large share of urban children, teach most subjects in English. Universities often use English for science, engineering and medicine. As a result, many young Nepalis, especially in cities, speak English well, and English words are part of everyday Nepali speech: "bus", "hotel", "ticket", "phone" and "OK" are understood almost everywhere. Older people and people in remote areas are less likely to speak it. ## Nepal's languages in more detail The 2021 census recorded 124 languages spoken as mother tongues in Nepal. Nepali, written in Devanagari script, is the official language and the mother tongue of a little under half the population; it is used as a common language almost everywhere. Other major languages include **Maithili** and **Bhojpuri** in the Terai, **Tharu**, **Tamang**, **Nepal Bhasa (Newari)** in the Kathmandu Valley, **Magar**, **Gurung**, **Rai** and **Limbu** languages in the hills, and **Sherpa** and other Tibetan languages in the mountains. Nepal's constitution recognises all mother tongues as national languages, and provinces can adopt additional official languages. ## Other foreign languages Hindi is widely understood in Nepal, especially in the Terai and among people who have worked in India or watch Indian films and television. In tourist areas, you will also meet guides and shopkeepers who speak Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, German or Spanish, reflecting the countries where many visitors come from. Trekking companies can often arrange guides who speak your language; ask when you book. ## Tips for communicating - Speak slowly and clearly, using simple words and short sentences. - Avoid slang and idioms. - Write down addresses and key information, or show them on your phone. - Use a translation app with Nepali downloaded for offline use. - Learn a few Nepali words; they are always appreciated. See [Nepali phrases](/blog/nepali-phrases-for-travellers). - Remember that a head wobble often means "yes" or "okay". ## English on treks On popular treks such as Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, lodge owners usually speak enough English to take orders and arrange rooms, and menus are in English. On remote treks, English is less common, and your guide becomes your translator for everything. Since April 2023, trekking in national parks and conservation areas has required a licensed guide, which also means you will always have someone to help with language. A good guide also explains customs, culture and stories that you would otherwise miss. See [hiring a guide](/blog/hiring-guide-and-porter-in-nepal). ## Signs, menus and documents In tourist areas, most signs, menus, bus tickets and price lists are in English as well as Nepali. Road signs on major highways usually include English. In smaller towns and villages, signs may be only in Nepali, written in Devanagari script, which can be confusing. Official documents such as permits and visas are issued in English. Hotel and restaurant bills are usually in English or both languages. Learning to recognise Devanagari numbers can help with prices: ० (0), १ (1), २ (2), ३ (3), ४ (4), ५ (5), ६ (6), ७ (7), ८ (8), ९ (9). ## Nepali English English in Nepal has its own flavour, shaped by Nepali grammar and Indian English. You may hear "What is your good name?" (What is your name?), "Today itself" (today), "Do one thing" (here's a suggestion), "Hotel" for a small restaurant, "Same same" (similar), and "Tomorrow morning early" for an early start. Questions often end with "no?" ("You are tired, no?"). It is part of the charm, and you'll soon find yourself picking up some of it. ## Learning Nepali before you go Even a few words of Nepali make a big difference. Learn greetings, numbers, "thank you", "how much?" and food words, and practise them with your guide and lodge staff. Free online resources and apps offer beginner lessons, and language schools in Kathmandu offer short courses if you have more time. Nepalis are generous with praise for even the smallest effort. ## Language and culture Language in Nepal reflects respect and relationships. Nepalis rarely use first names alone with people older than themselves, preferring family terms such as **dai** (older brother), **didi** (older sister), **bhai** (younger brother) and **bahini** (younger sister), even with strangers. Adding **-ji** after a name shows respect. You will often be called "sir" or "madam" in English, and visitors who use dai and didi in return are usually greeted with smiles. Nepalis may also avoid a direct "no" to be polite, so a "maybe" or "we'll see" can sometimes mean no. Patience and a smile go a long way. ## Sign language and accessibility Nepal has its own sign language, Nepali Sign Language, used by the deaf community and recognised in law. Schools for deaf children use it, and some organisations in Kathmandu employ deaf staff. Travellers with disabilities will find that people are generally willing to help, though infrastructure is limited, especially outside the cities. ## Our guides All our trekking guides are licensed and speak good English, and we can arrange guides who speak other languages on request. Many of our guides grew up in the mountain villages you will visit, and share their language, stories and culture with our guests. [Contact us](/contact-us) to ask about a guide in your language. ## Do you need to speak Nepali? No. Thousands of visitors travel and trek in Nepal every year without speaking a word of Nepali. In tourist areas, English is enough for everything you need, and on treks your guide handles communication. But learning a little Nepali is one of the best ways to connect with people, and you will be rewarded with warmth, laughter and often a cup of tea. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do people speak English in Nepal? Yes, widely in tourist areas, hotels and lodges. ### What is the official language of Nepal? **Nepali**. ### How many languages are spoken in Nepal? More than 120 mother tongues, according to the 2021 census. ### Do I need a guide for language? Not in cities; a guide helps in remote areas. ### Is Hindi understood in Nepal? Yes, widely, especially in the Terai. ### Can I get a guide who speaks my language? Often yes; trekking companies can arrange guides who speak Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Spanish and other languages. ### Is English taught in Nepali schools? Yes, from an early age, and many private schools teach most subjects in English. ### What is the most spoken language after Nepali? Maithili, mainly in the eastern Terai. ### Are signs in English in Nepal? In tourist areas and on major roads, mostly yes; in villages, often only in Nepali. ### What does "same same" mean in Nepal? It means "similar", a common phrase in Nepali English. ### Why do Nepalis call strangers dai and didi? Family terms show respect and friendliness; using them in return is appreciated. ### Does Nepal have a sign language? Yes, Nepali Sign Language, used by the deaf community and recognised in law. ### Do Nepalis say "no" directly? Not always; to be polite, a "maybe" or "we'll see" can sometimes mean no. ### Will a translation app work in Nepal? Yes. Download Nepali for offline use, as mobile signal is patchy in the mountains. ### Do taxi drivers speak English? Usually enough for destinations and prices; show the address on your phone to be sure. ### Do I need to speak Nepali to travel in Nepal? No. English is enough in tourist areas, and guides help on treks. ### Is English spoken in Pokhara? Yes, widely, in hotels, restaurants and shops along Lakeside. ### What script is Nepali written in? Devanagari, the same script used for Hindi. Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/is-english-spoken-in-nepal