Why visit Nepal?
Nepal offers dramatic Himalayan landscapes, ancient cities, and warm hospitality, all within a compact and varied country. You can explore mountain villages, heritage squares, and river valleys on a single trip.
What to expect
First-time visitors often start in Kathmandu, with its lively streets, temples, and historic squares, before venturing to Pokhara, Chitwan, or the Everest and Annapurna regions. You will find a mix of trekking routes, gentle hikes, and cultural sights across the country.
Plan your trip
Many travellers combine time in Kathmandu Valley with a short trek or nature stay to experience Nepal’s range of scenery. Nepal also works well as a gateway for exploring the wider Himalayan region, thanks to its growing domestic flight network and overland links.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
Wander through courtyards, palaces, and traditional architecture in the heart of historic Kathmandu.
Take in views from Swayambhunath
Climb the hillside to enjoy panoramic city views and intricate architecture at this iconic hilltop complex.
Day trip around the Kathmandu Valley
Visit nearby towns such as Patan and Bhaktapur to see preserved squares, artisan workshops, and traditional homes.
Gentle hikes in the foothills
Join short hikes from Kathmandu Valley or nearby hill towns to enjoy quieter trails and mountain views.
Lakeside relaxation in Pokhara
Spend easy days by the lakeshore, with options for boat rides and views of distant snow-capped peaks.
Wildlife experiences in southern Nepal
Travel to lowland reserves to look for wildlife, forest scenery, and riverside sunsets.
Scenic mountain flights
From Kathmandu, consider short scenic flights that offer close-up views of the Himalayan range in clear weather.
Experience Nepal’s way of life
Getting around
Most visitors start and end their trip in Kathmandu, then connect to other towns by domestic flights or road. Travel times can be long, so it is wise to allow buffer days between regions.
Local life & culture
Street life in Kathmandu is lively, with small shops, tea stalls, and neighbourhood squares creating a local rhythm. Outside the capital, you will notice a slower pace in hill villages and lakeside towns, with strong community traditions.
Where to unwind
You can relax in garden courtyards, peaceful guesthouses, and hilltop viewpoints around the valley. In lakeside areas and quieter rural lodges, you will find space for walking, light activities, and time in nature.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
You will encounter hearty set meals featuring rice, lentils, vegetables, and local accompaniments, often enjoyed daily. Kathmandu and Pokhara are good places to sample regional variations and simple home-style cooking.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Kathmandu, neighbourhoods such as Thamel and Lazimpat offer cafes, bakeries, and casual restaurants with both local and international menus. Pokhara’s lakeside area also provides relaxed dining spots that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Signature & scenic dining
Many hotels and terraces in Kathmandu Valley offer rooftop or courtyard dining with city or hill views. In Pokhara and hill towns, you can dine by the lake or with vistas of distant mountains for an atmospheric meal.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kathmandu has a growing number of modern malls and lifestyle centres, where you can find international brands alongside local labels. These are convenient places to pick up everyday items during your stay.
Markets & local crafts
Areas of Kathmandu such as Thamel and Asan are known for textiles, handicrafts, and trekking supplies. Towns around the valley and in Pokhara also offer small shops selling handmade souvenirs, artwork, and local specialities.
Evening retail scene
In Kathmandu, certain shopping streets and tourist areas stay active into the evening, with lit storefronts and late-opening shops. Lakeside districts and main town centres elsewhere in Nepal often have a relaxed, low-key night-time shopping atmosphere.
Best time to visit Nepal
Peak season: October to November
These post-monsoon months usually offer clear skies and comfortable days around 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
Shoulder season: March to May
Spring brings warmer temperatures of about 18–28°C (64–82°F) in many popular areas, with blooming hillsides and some haze in the afternoons.
Low season: June to September
During the monsoon, expect frequent rain, humid conditions, and temperatures from 20–30°C (68–86°F), with cloudier mountain views but quieter trails.