Budget travel in Nepal beyond the trek — the cultural experiences that cost nothing or almost nothing.

Kathmandu (3-4 days before a trek): the Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur) are entry-fee sites for foreigners ($10-15 each) but the surrounding streets, shops, and temples beyond the heritage zones are free. Swayambhunath stupa (Monkey Temple) has a $4 entry fee and a free approach through the forest path from the south side.

Boudhanath: the largest stupa in Asia, $3 entry. The circumambulation (walking clockwise around the stupa with the pilgrims) is one of the genuinely moving free experiences in Nepal — join the monks and Tibetan refugees who circle it at dawn.

Pashupatinath: the sacred Hindu cremation site on the Bagmati River. Free to enter the riverside ghats and observe the cremations, which are visible from across the river. A profound and completely free experience that requires respectful distance and behavior.

Local teahouses in Kathmandu: dal bhat (lentil soup with rice and vegetable curry, the Nepali national meal) costs NPR 200-350 ($1.50-2.60) at local restaurants. The tourist restaurants near Thamel charge 3-4x this price for the same dish. Walk 10 minutes from the tourist zone.

Day trips from Kathmandu: Bhaktapur (historic medieval city, $15 entry — worth it) by local bus $0.50. Nagarkot (hilltop village with Himalayan views) by local bus $1.