Why visit Nepal?
Nepal offers soaring Himalayas, layered hill towns, and atmospheric cities where heritage squares and narrow alleys meet mountain horizons. You find a calm, welcoming rhythm alongside some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
What to expect
Most journeys flow through the Kathmandu Valley, where Kathmandu and nearby cities combine history with lively neighbourhoods. From here, travellers branch out towards trekking hubs, wildlife reserves, and quieter mountain regions, each revealing a different side of the country.
Plan your trip
You can shape your visit around culture, hiking, or simply relaxing with Himalayan views. Nepal also works well as a starting point for wider regional journeys in South Asia, with convenient connections through Singapore from Europe and beyond.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu’s historic squares
Wander through Kathmandu’s old quarters, where palace squares, carved wooden facades, and hidden courtyards reveal the valley’s layered history.
Take in Himalayan panoramas
Travel to viewpoint towns or short hiking trails for sweeping Himalayan vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset on clear days.
Stroll the lanes of Thamel
Browse outdoor gear shops, cafés, and handicraft stalls in Thamel, Kathmandu’s compact hub for travellers and locals alike.
Visit serene hilltop towns
Head to nearby hill towns for cooler air, walking paths, and long views over stepped fields and distant snow-capped peaks.
Discover Newar architecture and art
Spend time in traditional Newar settlements around the valley, admiring distinctive brick houses, carved windows, and local artisan workshops.
Join a short trek from the city
Choose an easy day hike or overnight trek near Kathmandu to experience forest paths, ridge-top villages, and mountain backdrops.
Relax in garden cafés and courtyards
Unwind in quiet courtyards and garden cafés dotted around the city, ideal for resting between sightseeing or planning further adventures.
Experience Nepal’s way of life
Getting around
Most visitors arrive in Kathmandu, then connect by domestic flight or road to other regions. Within the valley, taxis, ride-hailing services, and private cars are the most practical options for getting between neighbourhoods and nearby towns.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Nepal moves at an unhurried pace, with street-side tea stalls, local festivals, and neighbourhood squares acting as social hubs. Each part of the country has its own traditions and crafts, shaped by the communities and landscapes around it.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in garden hotels, hilltop retreats, or simple lodges with wide terraces facing the hills. Nature is never far away, whether you are walking in terraced countryside, resting beside rivers, or watching the changing light on distant peaks.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
Traditional meals in Nepal centre on lentils, rice, seasonal vegetables, and fragrant spices, with regional variations across the hills and plains. Kathmandu is a good place to sample these staples, along with hearty mountain fare popular with trekkers.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Kathmandu you will find relaxed eateries, bakeries, and cafés serving both local recipes and international favourites. Different neighbourhoods offer their own mix of family-run kitchens and modern dining spots, giving you plenty of choice throughout the day.
Signature & scenic dining
Many restaurants and hotels make the most of rooftop terraces or elevated courtyards, pairing meals with city or mountain views. In hill towns and countryside lodges, simple home-style cooking often comes with some of the most memorable backdrops.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kathmandu has a growing number of compact malls and lifestyle centres, where you can find clothing, electronics, and everyday essentials under one roof. These are convenient stops if you need last-minute items before or after a trek.
Markets & local crafts
The city’s streets and small markets are known for handicrafts such as textiles, metalwork, and handmade paper. Neighbourhoods around central Kathmandu and nearby historic towns are good places to look for souvenirs with a strong local character.
Evening retail scene
After dark, certain shopping streets and tourist-friendly areas stay lively with lit shopfronts and late-opening cafés. You can browse for gifts, outdoor gear, and crafts in a relaxed atmosphere before settling into a nearby restaurant or bar.
Best time to visit Nepal
Peak season
October to November is the peak season, with clear skies and pleasant days around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in Kathmandu, ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
Shoulder season
March to May is shoulder season, when temperatures rise to about 18–28°C (64–82°F) and hillsides turn lush, though afternoon haze and occasional storms are more common.
Low season
June to September is low season, bringing monsoon rains, higher humidity, and temperatures around 20–30°C (68–86°F), while December to February is cooler and drier, with Kathmandu often between 5–18°C (41–64°F).