Live Your Best Lives
Explore Kathmandu's temples, trek to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, visit Pokhara for lakes and adventure sports, enjoy wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park, and experience the cultural heritage of Bhaktapur and Patan.
Nestled against the Himalayas, Nepal boasts eight peaks exceeding 8,000 meters. From Mount Everest at 8,844.43 meters to the southern plains at just 100 meters above sea level, Nepal boasts a vast geographical range of altitudes. Just imagine gazing at the vast snow-capped mountains in Nepal while wearing a short-sleeved shirt. Nepal boasts a long and splendid history and culture, with numerous dynasties leaving behind glorious relics.
Lumbini, Nepal, is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Nepal is the only country in the world with Hinduism as its state religion and is known as the Kingdom of Gods. Nepal's tolerance also allows for the coexistence of other religions alongside Hinduism. In Nepal, you can admire numerous World Heritage sites and magnificent snow-capped mountains, ride elephants through the jungle, and relax by the shores of Pokhara's Phewa Lake.
Including Mount Everest (called Sagarmatha in Nepal), eight of the world's ten highest peaks are located in Nepal. Nepal's topography is divided into the Himalayas, with their high mountains clustering in the north, the relatively low hills in the center, and the Tarai lowlands in the south. The popular tourist cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur are located in the Kathmandu Valley. The popular mountaineering destination of Pokhara is located in the Himalayas, where peaks cluster together. Chitwan and Lumbini are located in the Tarai lowlands.
October to November each year is the beginning of the dry season, which is the best time of the year in many ways: the climate is mild, the air is clean, the visibility is high, and it is also the peak season for local tourism and mountaineering.
February to April is the end of the dry season and is the second best season: because there is a lot of dust in the air, the visibility is not very high, but the weather is warm and many wild flowers are in bloom.
From December to January, the weather and visibility are good, but it is quite cold: if there is no heating in the cheap hotels, the nights will be particularly difficult. For hikers, be well prepared, as snow is common in this season.
Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhaktapur are three places you must visit when you go to Nepal.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is located in the Kathmandu Valley, close to Kathmandu. It's about an hour's drive from here, and buses are available, so you can make a round trip on the same day. It's also a great place to stay for a night or two; it's very comfortable. Like Kathmandu, it has many temples and historical sites, but it's much less crowded and quieter.
Kathmandu
The capital of Nepal has many cultural things to see, including many temples and historical sites.
Pokhara
There are snow-capped mountains and Feiwa Lake, which are very beautiful and have great scenery. You can go hiking or go sightseeing.
For outdoor sports enthusiasts, they are definitely not limited to these places. They can go to the mountains to see the Himalayas, climb Annapurna, meet the snow-capped mountains, trek through the primeval forests, and wander around the ancient temples. This is the most attractive part of Nepal.
Recommended number of days for visiting: about 15 days
Nepal is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient temples, royal palaces, and the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini. The Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses significant landmarks like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath.
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Kathmandu, the capital, is accessible by international flights to Tribhuvan International Airport, followed by taxis or buses within the city.
Most attractions are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the dry seasons: October to December and March to May, offering clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
Entrance fees vary by site. For example, Swayambhunath charges NPR 200 for foreigners. Tickets can be purchased on-site; some sites may offer online booking options.
Advance booking is not typically required for most attractions, except for popular treks and flights. It's advisable to book trekking permits and flights at least a week in advance.
Exploring Kathmandu's main attractions can take 2–3 days. For trekking routes like Everest Base Camp, allocate 12–14 days. A visit to Pokhara or Chitwan National Park typically requires 2–3 days each.
In Kathmandu: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Durbar Squares. In Pokhara: Phewa Lake, Sarangkot, and adventure sports hubs. In Chitwan: jungle safaris and wildlife viewing.
Guided tours are widely available in English, and other languages upon request. Audio guides are available at some major sites like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath.
Best viewpoints include Sarangkot in Pokhara for sunrise over the Himalayas, and Swayambhunath for panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.
In Kathmandu: Start with Durbar Squares, then visit Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. In Pokhara: Begin with Phewa Lake, followed by Sarangkot and adventure activities.
Night visits are not common; however, some temples and Durbar Squares are illuminated at night. Special tours, such as Everest mountain flights, are available during the day.
Peak tourist seasons are October–December and March–May. For fewer crowds, consider visiting during the monsoon season (June–September), though some areas may be less accessible due to weather conditions.
Most tourist sites offer basic facilities like toilets and shops. Restaurants and cafes are abundant in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Accessibility varies; many historical sites have uneven terrain and stairs. It's advisable to check specific site accessibility in advance.
Cash is widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and establishments in cities, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas.
Major cities have a variety of dining options, from traditional Nepali cuisine to international fare. Popular areas include Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in tourist areas. Halal food is also accessible in cities with Muslim communities.
Accommodations range from budget hostels to luxury hotels. In Kathmandu, areas like Thamel offer numerous options; Pokhara's Lakeside area is also popular among tourists.
From Kathmandu: Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares. From Pokhara: Sarangkot for sunrise views and adventure sports activities.
Souvenir shops are abundant, offering items like pashmina shawls, handicrafts, jewelry, and religious artifacts.
Domestic flights, tourist buses, and private vehicles are common for intercity travel. For trekking, local guides and porters can be arranged through trekking agencies.
