Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Nepal

Discover Nepal

Discover Nepal

Why visit Nepal?

Nepal offers soaring Himalayan peaks, layered hill towns, and deeply historic cities, all within a compact and welcoming country. You find majestic landscapes and vivid urban life side by side.

What to expect

Explore the cultural streets and temples of Kathmandu Valley, mountain viewpoints in places such as Nagarkot and Pokhara, and trekking gateways that lead into the high Himalayas. Expect friendly hospitality and a relaxed pace of life.

Plan your trip

You can base yourself in Kathmandu for culture and short excursions, or extend your journey to other regions by road or domestic flight. Nepal is also a starting point for wider Himalayan adventures into neighbouring mountain regions.

Top experiences in Nepal

Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square

Wander among palaces, courtyards, and intricate wood-carved buildings in the historic heart of Kathmandu.

Visit Swayambhunath and Boudhanath

Climb to hilltop Swayambhunath and walk the encircling lanes of Boudhanath to see two of Nepal's most iconic stupas and city views.

Take a mountain sightseeing flight

Join an early-morning scenic flight from Kathmandu for close-up views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest on clear days.

Day trip to Patan and Bhaktapur

Discover beautifully preserved squares, artisan workshops, and traditional architecture in Patan and Bhaktapur, both near Kathmandu.

Sunrise viewpoints near Kathmandu

Travel to hill stations such as Nagarkot or Dhulikhel for sunrise or sunset panoramas over layered ridges and distant peaks.

Wildlife safaris in the Terai

Head south from Kathmandu to national parks in the lowland Terai region for jeep safaris, birdwatching, and the chance to spot rare wildlife.

Choose gentle multi-day hikes near Kathmandu for village stays, forest trails, and mountain vistas without committing to long expeditions.

Experience Nepal's way of life

Getting around

From Kathmandu, you can travel onwards by domestic flights to major regional centres or by road on buses, tourist coaches, and private cars. Roads can be winding and journeys take time, so plan extra buffer between regions.

Local life & culture

Daily life in Nepal often centres on neighbourhood squares, traditional festivals, and family-run shops and guesthouses. You encounter a mix of languages, crafts, and customs that vary between the mountains, hills, and plains.

Where to unwind

Find calm in garden courtyards and boutique stays in Kathmandu, or head into the hills for walking trails, yoga retreats, and mountain lodges. National parks and riverside spots in the countryside offer fresh air and open views.

A taste of Nepal

National dishes & specialties

Across Nepal, you find hearty rice and lentil sets, noodle dishes, and regional snacks, with Kathmandu and the wider valley offering many classic flavours in both homely eateries and city restaurants.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Neighbourhoods in Kathmandu such as Thamel, Lazimpat, and Patan combine relaxed cafes with contemporary restaurants, serving everything from local comfort food to pan-Asian and international choices.

Signature & scenic dining

Look for rooftop terraces in the Kathmandu Valley with views of historic squares or distant hills, or choose countryside lodges where you can dine overlooking terraced fields and river valleys.

Retail therapy in Nepal

Malls & lifestyle hubs

In Kathmandu, modern shopping centres and lifestyle complexes mix international brands with local labels, alongside cinemas, cafes, and services in one convenient stop.

Markets & local crafts

Explore Kathmandu's bazaar streets and the craft-focused lanes of Patan and Bhaktapur for handmade textiles, metalwork, wood carving, and paintings created by local artisans.

Evening retail scene

After dark, central Kathmandu's main streets and side alleys stay lively with lit shopfronts, late-opening boutiques, and stallholders catering to both residents and visitors.

Best time to visit Nepal

Peak season runs roughly from October to November, when days are generally clear and mild around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in Kathmandu, with cooler nights and excellent mountain visibility. Shoulder season covers March to May, with warmer temperatures around 18–28°C (64–82°F), longer daylight, and some haze building before the monsoon. Low season extends from June to September, when the summer monsoon brings frequent rain, lush landscapes, and temperatures of about 20–30°C (68–86°F), plus a quieter atmosphere in many mountain areas.

Frequently Asked Questions