LGBTQ+ traveller context — Nepal
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Editorial notice
This is general public-knowledge framing sourced from ILGA, FCDO and State Department public records. Legal status, social acceptance, and local enforcement change. Verify current status with ILGA World before planning travel.
Legal context — Nepal
Legal status changes; verify with ILGA World's annual report before relying on this for travel decisions.
Same-sex sexual activity
Relationship recognition
Anti-discrimination protections
Gender identity — legal recognition
Nepal introduced a third gender option on citizenship documents in 2007; the Supreme Court has affirmed LGBT rights in landmark rulings.
Context
Nepal has one of the most progressive legal frameworks in South Asia: same-sex marriage became available in 2023 following a Supreme Court order, and citizenship documents include a third-gender option. Social attitudes remain conservative in rural areas despite progressive law.
Nepal is one of the more progressive South Asian countries — same-sex relationships are legal and constitutional protections exist. Marriage not recognised but partnership has some legal status. Social acceptance varies between urban and rural areas.
Verify with the authoritative source
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