Nepal offers soaring Himalayan peaks, layered hill country, and lively cities rich in history and art. You can explore ancient squares, tranquil valleys, and mountain villages within a single journey.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Why visit Nepal?
What to expect
From the capital Kathmandu and its UNESCO-listed old quarters to nearby Patan and Bhaktapur, you will find intricate architecture, mountain views, and a relaxed, welcoming pace of life.
Plan your trip
Use Kathmandu as your gateway to trekking regions, wildlife parks, and scenic lakeside towns across Nepal, with options for short cultural breaks or longer adventures into the Himalayas.
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
Wander through Kathmandu Durbar Square to see royal courtyards, carved wooden palaces, and temples that showcase centuries of Newar craftsmanship.
Visit Swayambhunath
Climb up to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, for panoramic views over Kathmandu Valley and a close look at its iconic white stupa and prayer flags.
Day trip to Bhaktapur
Take a short trip to Bhaktapur to stroll its brick-paved streets, admire traditional squares, and see well-preserved pagoda temples and courtyards.
Sunrise viewpoints near Kathmandu
Head to hilltop viewpoints such as Nagarkot or Dhulikhel for early-morning light over distant Himalayan ranges on clear days.
Garden and heritage walks in Patan
Explore Patan Durbar Square and nearby lanes, where courtyards, artisan workshops, and small gardens offer a quieter side of the valley.
Short hikes around the valley rim
Enjoy gentle hikes on the ridges around Kathmandu Valley, combining forest paths, village life, and broad views to the surrounding hills.
Museums and galleries in Kathmandu
Discover the country s artistic heritage in museums and small galleries that highlight traditional sculpture, painting, and contemporary works.
Experience Nepal s way of life
Getting around
From Kathmandu, you can travel by domestic flights to major regional hubs or use tourist coaches and private cars to reach nearby valleys and hill towns. Within the city, taxis, ride-hailing services, and walking are the most practical ways to move between neighbourhoods.
Local life & culture
Life in Kathmandu Valley centres on courtyards, neighbourhood squares, and lively streets where artisans, traders, and families share the same space. Festivals, traditional music, and craftsmanship remain important parts of daily life, especially in the older quarters of the city.
Where to unwind
You can unwind in Kathmandu s courtyard guesthouses, rooftop terraces, and small urban parks, or escape to nearby hill resorts and village lodges for fresh air and wider views. Yoga studios, spas, and wellness retreats around the valley offer quiet spaces to rest after days of exploring.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
Around Kathmandu you can try dal bhat, a set meal with rice, lentils, and seasonal sides, along with momos, comforting dumplings popular across the valley. Newari feasts and snacks showcase local culinary traditions rooted in the Kathmandu Valley.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Thamel, Lazimpat, and Patan offer cafes and casual restaurants serving Nepali, regional, and international flavours. You will find everything from bakeries and teahouses to contemporary bistros within a short walk of many hotels.
Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop restaurants in Kathmandu and Patan combine city views with atmospheric evenings, while hilltop hotels near Nagarkot and Dhulikhel offer dining with sweeping mountain panoramas on clear days.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kathmandu has modern shopping centres and lifestyle complexes where you can find clothing, electronics, and everyday essentials alongside cafes and cinemas, making it easy to combine errands with relaxation.
Markets & local crafts
In areas like Thamel, Patan, and Bhaktapur, shops and stalls sell handmade textiles, metalwork, wood carvings, and traditional art, giving you plenty of options for locally made keepsakes.
Evening retail scene
As evening falls, Kathmandu s main tourist streets light up with open-front boutiques and souvenir shops, while side alleys host smaller craft stores that stay open into the night.
Best time to visit Nepal
Peak season runs from October to November, when days are usually clear and mild, around 15–25 °C (59–77 °F) in Kathmandu, with good visibility for mountain views. Shoulder season covers March to early May, with warmer temperatures of about 18–28 °C (64–82 °F) and blooming hillsides, though some haze is possible. Low season falls from June to September, when the monsoon brings frequent rain and higher humidity, with temperatures around 20–30 °C (68–86 °F) in the lowlands, and occasional winter cold from December to February when nights in the hills can drop close to freezing.