From Kathmandu to Cappadocia: My Journey to Turkey with a Nepali Passport

How I applied for a Turkey eVisa, planned my itinerary, and found magic in every moment

Traveling to Turkey had been on my mind for years. Something about the mix of ancient empires, vibrant bazaars, coastline sunsets, and hot air balloons over Cappadocia kept calling me. But as a Nepali passport holder, I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to actually make the trip happen. Spoiler: it was easier than I expected, thanks to the Turkey eVisa—a process that felt surprisingly smooth.

If you're a Nepali traveler curious about visiting Turkey, let me walk you through my journey—from applying for the eVisa to the unforgettable moments I experienced across this enchanting country.

The Dream: Why Turkey?

I had heard stories from friends who visited Istanbul, and they always came back raving about the call to prayer echoing through the city, the smell of spices in the markets, and the beauty of ancient mosques at sunset.

I wanted to see it for myself. I also knew Turkey was fairly affordable, had great food, and was rich in Islamic heritage—something I deeply value as a Nepali Muslim traveler.

But before booking my flight, I needed to figure out the visa process.

Applying for the Turkey eVisa as a Nepali Citizen

I was honestly dreading the visa part. In the past, I’ve dealt with long embassy queues and confusing paperwork. But this time was different.

A quick search led me to a trusted online platform that offered Turkey eVisa services for Nepali citizens. The application took less than 10 minutes. Here’s all I needed:

• A valid Nepali passport (with at least 6 months left)
• A credit card to pay the visa fee
• An email address for the visa delivery
• (Optional) My hotel booking and return flight details, just in case they asked

The payment was around $60 USD, and my Turkey eVisa arrived in my inbox the very next day. No embassy visit. No stress. Just a PDF file I printed and kept with my travel documents.

First Stop: Istanbul – Where East Meets West

I landed in Istanbul with a mix of excitement and nerves. But immigration was smooth—they asked to see my eVisa and passport, asked a few simple questions, and I was in.

Istanbul felt like a dream. I explored the Blue Mosque, stood in awe at Hagia Sophia, took a ferry ride across the Bosphorus, and got lost (in a good way) inside the Grand Bazaar.

What surprised me most? The friendliness. Locals were warm, helpful, and curious when they heard I was from Nepal.

Cappadocia – Like Stepping Onto Another Planet

From Istanbul, I flew to Kayseri and took a bus to Goreme. That’s when the landscape changed completely. Fairy chimneys, cave hotels, and those magical hot air balloons—just like the photos, only better.

I joined a sunrise balloon ride, and seeing the valleys bathed in morning light from above is something I’ll never forget.

Pamukkale & Antalya – Nature, Relaxation, and Sunshine

Next, I visited Pamukkale to see the white thermal terraces and dipped my feet in the warm waters. After that, I headed south to Antalya, a coastal city with beautiful beaches and ancient ruins.

As a Nepali traveler, I found everything affordable—from meals to transport to entry fees. And Turkish food? Incredible. I lived on kebabs, lentil soup, fresh bread, and Turkish tea. Plus, there were plenty of vegetarian options for friends who joined me later.

Tips for Fellow Nepali Travelers to Turkey

✅ Apply Early

While I got my eVisa within 24 hours, apply at least a week before your flight in case of any issues.

✅ Keep Copies

Print your eVisa and carry a digital version. Turkish immigration is efficient but organized.

✅ Carry USD or EUR

You’ll get better exchange rates if you bring foreign currency to convert into Turkish Lira.

✅ Stay Connected

Buy a local SIM at the airport or from town—it’s affordable and useful for maps, translations, and bookings.

✅ Use Public Transport

In cities like Istanbul, public transport is cheap and reliable. Get an IstanbulKart for buses, trams, and ferries.

Why I Recommend Turkey to Nepali Travelers

Turkey feels like a bridge between Asia and Europe, past and present, tradition and trend. And as a Nepali traveler, I felt welcomed and at ease every step of the way. The Turkey eVisa made it easy to plan, and the country itself offered more than I imagined—history, nature, adventure, food, and soulful connections.

Final Thoughts

If you're dreaming about Turkey but feel unsure about the visa process or whether the country is right for you, let me say this: go for it. The Turkey eVisa for Nepali citizens removes the hardest part, and once you're there, the country will open its arms.

Turkey isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling, a memory waiting to happen, a story you’ll be telling for years.

And it all starts with one online application.