Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Nepal

Discover Nepal

Discover Nepal

Why visit Nepal?

Nepal welcomes you with towering Himalayan peaks, serene valleys, and layered history in its royal cities. You can explore mountain trails, medieval squares, and tranquil monasteries all within a compact and captivating country.

What to expect

From the bustling streets and temples of Kathmandu Valley to lakeside Pokhara and the plains of the Terai, Nepal offers diverse landscapes and atmospheres. You can expect friendly hospitality, striking mountain views, and a slower, reflective pace of life.

Plan your trip

Use Nepal as both a destination and a gateway to the Himalayas, with trekking, wildlife, and cultural touring all within reach of Kathmandu. Combine a city stay with time in nature for a balanced journey across the country.

Top experiences in Nepal

Explore Kathmandu Durbar Squares

Wander the historic palace squares of Kathmandu Valley, where intricately carved wooden temples, courtyards, and traditional houses bring the city’s royal past to life.

Soak in mountain views in Pokhara

Head to lakeside Pokhara for sunrise views of the Annapurna range, peaceful boat rides on Phewa Lake, and a more relaxed side to Himalayan life.

Go trekking in the Himalayas

Choose from multi-day treks like Annapurna and Everest regions or gentler foothill walks, with tea houses and mountain villages offering rest and panoramic scenery.

Wildlife encounters in Chitwan

Visit Chitwan National Park for guided jungle activities, where you may spot rhinos, deer, and birdlife in subtropical riverine forests and grasslands.

Visit hilltop viewpoints

Take short trips from Kathmandu to hill towns such as Nagarkot or Dhulikhel, where sunrise and sunset reveal sweeping ridges and distant snowy summits.

Discover ancient Newari towns

Stroll through Bhaktapur and Patan to see finely crafted brick buildings, narrow alleys, and artisan workshops preserving traditional Newari architecture and crafts.

Enjoy adventure activities

Experience paragliding, white-water rafting, or gentle hiking near Kathmandu and Pokhara for a fresh perspective on valleys, rivers, and mountain landscapes.

Unwind at lakes and gardens

Balance busy sightseeing days with quiet time by city gardens, hilltop parks, or tranquil lakesides where you can pause and take in the scenery.

Experience Nepal’s way of life

Getting around

Most travellers arrive through Kathmandu, then continue by domestic flights or scenic drives to regions such as Pokhara and Chitwan. Taxis, hired vehicles, and local buses connect you between city neighbourhoods, valley towns, and trailheads.

Local life & culture

Daily life in Nepal flows through temple courtyards, roadside tea stalls, and lively neighbourhood squares where families and friends gather. You will notice distinctive traditions in Newari towns, hill villages, and Terai communities, each with its own festivals, crafts, and architecture.

Where to unwind

You can slow down in lakeside cafés in Pokhara, garden courtyards in the Kathmandu Valley, or peaceful hilltop lodges with open mountain views. Many hotels and retreat centres offer yoga, massages, and simple wellness experiences surrounded by greenery and clean air.

A taste of Nepal

National dishes & specialties

Across Kathmandu and the wider country you will find dal bhat (rice with lentils and side dishes), steamed dumplings, and hearty mountain fare. Different regions bring their own specialties, from valley-style feasts to rustic dishes in hill and Terai towns.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In Kathmandu you can dine in simple local eateries, rooftop cafés, and modern restaurants serving both Nepali and international flavours. Neighbourhoods in Pokhara and other visitor towns also offer relaxed spots for quick snacks, vegetarian options, and global comfort food.

Signature & scenic dining

Look for courtyard restaurants in restored heritage houses, or terraces with views over city rooftops and hills. In mountain and lakeside areas, many lodges and cafés pair homely cooking with sweeping panoramas for memorable mealtimes.

Retail therapy in Nepal

Malls & lifestyle hubs

In Kathmandu you will find compact malls and shopping centres offering clothing, accessories, outdoor gear, and everyday essentials alongside cafés and cinemas. These hubs provide a convenient contrast to traditional bazaars and streetside shops.

Markets & local crafts

Browse Kathmandu’s old streets, Patan, and Bhaktapur for handmade textiles, metalwork, wood carvings, and paper goods. Mountain towns and trekking hubs also sell locally made crafts and functional gear suited to life in the hills.

Evening retail scene

As evening falls, certain Kathmandu neighbourhoods stay lively with lit shopfronts, handicraft stalls, and outdoor cafés. In visitor towns, main streets remain open into the night, inviting you to wander, browse, and pick up last-minute souvenirs.

Best time to visit Nepal

Peak season runs from October to November, when days are generally clear with pleasant temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in Kathmandu Valley and good mountain visibility. Shoulder season spans March to May, bringing mild to warm conditions of about 18–28°C (64–82°F), blooming hillsides, and some haze in lower regions. Low season is typically June to September, when the monsoon brings higher humidity, frequent rain, and temperatures around 20–30°C (68–86°F), with cloudier skies but quieter trekking trails.

Frequently Asked Questions