Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Nepal

Discover Nepal

Discover Nepal

Why visit Nepal?
Nepal offers soaring Himalayan peaks, layered valleys, and historic towns that feel intimate yet full of colour. You can combine mountain adventure, quiet retreats, and time in lively city streets in a single trip.

What to expect
Most visits start in Kathmandu, where palace squares, courtyards, and nearby hill towns reveal centuries of art and architecture. From here, you can connect on to trekking hubs, wildlife reserves, and serene lakeside getaways across the country.

Plan your trip
Nepal works well for both short cultural breaks and longer journeys that include trekking or regional exploration. It is also a natural gateway to the Himalayas, pairing easily with wider itineraries across South and Central Asia.

Top experiences in Nepal

Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square

Wander among historic temples, courtyards, and traditional architecture in the heart of old Kathmandu.

Visit the hilltop of Swayambhu

Climb to this hilltop complex for panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.

Unwind in the Thamel and Patan neighbourhoods

Stroll lively streets lined with small boutiques, workshops, and cafés, ideal for a relaxed day in the city.

Take a scenic flight towards the Himalayas

Join a local mountain sightseeing flight from Kathmandu for sweeping views of snow-covered Himalayan ranges.

Discover traditional craftsmanship

Browse workshops and studios where artisans create metalwork, woodcarving, and handwoven textiles using long-practised techniques.

Relax in the Kathmandu Valley outskirts

Head to hillside retreats on the valley rim for quieter stays, cool air, and far-reaching mountain views on clear days.

Explore historic squares of neighbouring towns

Take day trips from Kathmandu to nearby heritage towns to see preserved squares, narrow lanes, and traditional homes.

Experience Nepal's way of life

Getting around
Kathmandu serves as the main gateway, with domestic flights and road links connecting you to other regions and trekking starting points. Within the capital, taxis, ride services, and private cars are the most practical ways to move between neighbourhoods and nearby hill towns.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Nepal blends old and new, with traditional craft workshops, family-run guesthouses, and modern cafés sharing the same streets. You will notice distinct regional identities between city centres, rural villages, and mountain communities, each with their own festivals, stories, and ways of welcoming visitors.

Where to unwind
Quiet moments are easy to find in courtyard gardens, hilltop viewpoints, and peaceful boutique hotels on the edge of the valley. Many travellers combine city time with a stay in cooler hillside areas, where walking paths, fresh air, and calm surroundings invite you to slow down.

A taste of Nepal

National dishes & specialties
Traditional Nepali dining often centres on rice or grains served with lentils, vegetables, and flavourful side dishes, varying by region and altitude. In Kathmandu, you can try local favourites that reflect both valley traditions and influences from the surrounding hills.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Kathmandu offers relaxed eateries, rooftop cafés, and contemporary restaurants where you can enjoy local recipes alongside Asian and international flavours. Popular neighbourhoods gather a wide mix of options, from all-day breakfast spots to family-run kitchens serving comforting home-style meals.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable evenings, you can look for restaurants housed in historic buildings, garden settings, or on top floors with open views. Some venues pair set menus with cultural performances or city vistas, making dinner feel like part of the sightseeing experience.

Retail therapy in Nepal

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kathmandu has a growing collection of modern shopping centres, bringing together international brands, local labels, cafés, and cinemas. These are convenient stops if you need last-minute essentials, outdoor gear, or a short indoor break between excursions.

Markets & local crafts
Across Kathmandu and the surrounding valley towns, you will find streets and bazaars selling textiles, metalwork, paper goods, and handmade jewellery. Exploring these areas lets you meet artisans directly and pick up keepsakes that reflect Nepal's long craft traditions.

Evening retail scene
In the evenings, key neighbourhoods in Kathmandu become livelier, with shops, small boutiques, and street stalls staying open late. Illuminated lanes, relaxed bars, and music from cafés make browsing for souvenirs an easy part of a night-time stroll.

Best time to visit Nepal

Peak season: October to November typically offers clear skies and comfortable days around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in Kathmandu, ideal for city visits and mountain views.

Shoulder season: March to May brings warming temperatures of roughly 18–28°C (64–82°F), blooming hillsides, and busier trekking trails, with some haze in the valleys.

Low season: June to September is the monsoon period, when rainfall is frequent, humidity rises, and temperatures stay near 20–30°C (68–86°F), while winter months of December to February are cooler and drier around 5–18°C (41–64°F).

Frequently Asked Questions