This paper analyses the extent to which gender differences are taken into account in the development of policies and plans for adaptation to climate change in Nepal and investigates the opportunities and progress made toward mainstreaming gender into policy more widely. Whilst the recommendations presented are particularly tailored for Nepal, they also have wider relevance to other contexts. Some of the mechanisms identified to promote the mainstreaming of gender in climate change policies include: a need for disaggregated data on livelihood strategies; a community-led, bottom-up approach to identify challenges; the empowerment and capacity building of women to adapt to climate change; detailed and context specific research on the differential impacts of climate change on women and men drawing on the existing local knowledge; the strengthening of existing organisations and initiatives which already have gender equity objectives; the strengthening of existing legal frameworks and tools.