Moving Pets to Nepal: Costs, Weather, and Simple Tips to Beat the Monsoon (2025 Guide)
- Ra Amitya
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Introduction
Imagine landing in Kathmandu. Tall green hills circle the plane. Drums of rain start and stop. Your dog tilts his head at new smells—incense, diesel, spicy lunch. Moving pets here is doable, but it means thinking about heat, rain, and bumpy roads. This guide highlights steps so you and your furry buddy arrive relaxed and ready to explore.
1. Kathmandu’s Four Seasons—Pet Style
Season | Avg High | Avg Low | What It Means |
Winter (Dec–Feb) | 64 °F / 18 °C | 38 °F / 3 °C | Cold floors—short‑haired pets need coats or blankets. |
Spring (Mar–May) | 79 °F / 26 °C | 54 °F / 12 °C | Soft weather—great time to fly in. |
Monsoon (Jun–Sep) | 83 °F / 28 °C, very humid | 68 °F / 20 °C | Hot, wet, sticky. Flights may be delayed. Watch for ticks. |
Autumn (Oct–Nov) | 77 °F / 25 °C | 50 °F / 10 °C | Clear skies, cool nights—perfect hiking weather. |
Quick Tip: Bring a cooling vest for summer walks and a fleece for winter mornings.
2. Monsoon: Rain, Heat, and Flight Pauses
June to September brings heavy rain and thick air. When runway heat jumps past 95 °F (35 °C), airlines pause pet cargo to keep animals safe. Pick late‑night flights or plan for October if you can.
3. Roads: Smooth in Parts, Rough in Others
Highways from Kathmandu to Pokhara can turn from nice pavement to rocky bends fast. During monsoon, landslides shut roads with little warning. A pet shuttle with GPS and a steady driver is worth booking. It keeps your pet cool and you calm.
4. Easy Health & Comfort Tips
Winter: Add a thick blanket and keep water bowls inside (they freeze on balconies!).
Summer: Walk before 8 a.m. Test asphalt with your hand—if it’s hot for you, it’s hot for paws.
Monsoon: Dry paws after every walk; use tick drop once a month.
5. Paperwork Made Simple
Chip: ISO 11784 microchip that officials can scan.
Rabies Shot: Done at least 30 days before you fly.
Health Paper: Vet signs it within 10 days of travel.
Email Notice: Tell Nepal’s quarantine office 2 days before landing.
Customs Tax: Up to 40 % of your pet’s value (service dogs often free).
Orient Relocation helps you keep track of all your requirement, so paperworks are made hassle-free experience for you.
6. Real Costs in 2025
Item | Range (USD) | Why It Changes |
Flight + Crate | $1,200 – $2,000 | Bigger crates or hot‑weather cooling adds cost. |
Vet & Tests | $ 250 – $400 | Depends on home country rules. |
Import Tax | $0 – $1 ,600 | Charged on pet’s declared value. |
Orient Service | $1, 300–$1, 800 | Includes airport escort and customs help. |
Total: US $2 ,800 – $4, 200 for a mid‑size dog. Smaller pets cost less, giant breeds more.
7. How Orient Makes It Easier
IPATA badge—they follow strict global rules.
Weather‑smart flights—night departures in hot months.
Live road updates—drivers steer clear of slide zones.
Cool crates with gel pads for humid days.
8. 90‑Day Countdown For Your Relocation
When | To‑Do |
90 days | Book Orient; get rabies booster if needed. |
60 days | Buy travel crate; let your pet nap inside it with treats. |
30 days | Confirm flight slot; vet exam. |
10 days | Final health paper; pay customs fee online if possible. |
2 days | Email quarantine office; switch to light meals. |
Landing | Orient rep clears customs—done in 1 – 2 hours. |
Day +1 | Short morning walk; offer extra water. |
FAQs
Is Kathmandu too hot or cold for pets?
No. Just use a fleece in winter and a cooling mat in summer.
Will my flight get cancelled in monsoon?
Maybe. Airlines stop pet cargo when it’s too hot. Night flights help.
Are the roads safe from the airport?
Most times yes, but heavy rain can close mountain roads. A pro shuttle tracks safe routes.
Does my pet need altitude pills?
Not below 11 500 ft (3 500 m). For higher treks, we recommend you ask your vet.
How long does customs take?
With full forms and an Orient guide, we can get you ready quick.
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