Nepal is a land of dramatic Himalayan peaks, historic cities, and serene valleys. You can explore ancient traditions, trekking routes, and warm hospitality in compact, characterful regions.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Why visit Nepal?
What to expect
From the vibrant streets and temples of Kathmandu to mountain gateways like Pokhara and the wildlife-rich lowlands, Nepal offers a blend of culture, adventure, and calm. Expect bustling bazaars, quiet monasteries, and sweeping views.
Plan your trip
Use Kathmandu as your main gateway into Nepal and the wider Himalaya region. From here, you can connect to trekking hubs, short domestic flights, and overland journeys into nearby valleys and neighbouring countries.
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
Wander through courtyards, palaces, and intricate wood-carved temples in the historic heart of Kathmandu.
Visit Swayambhunath and Boudhanath
Climb up to hilltop Swayambhunath for city views, then visit the vast Boudhanath stupa surrounded by prayer wheels and traditional houses.
Scenic flights and mountain views
Take a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu for close-up views of the Himalaya, including snow-capped eight-thousanders on clear mornings.
Discover Patan and Bhaktapur
Make day trips to the nearby Newar cities of Patan and Bhaktapur to see traditional squares, artisan workshops, and restored royal courtyards.
Trekking gateways from Kathmandu
Use Kathmandu as your staging point for treks to regions such as Everest and Langtang, arranging permits, guides, and gear in the city.
Nature and wildlife excursions
Plan onward trips from Kathmandu to Nepal’s southern plains for jungle lodges, river safaris, and birdwatching in scenic reserves.
Sunrise viewpoints
Head to nearby hill stations such as Nagarkot or Dhulikhel from Kathmandu for sunrise views over layered Himalayan ridges.
Experience Nepal’s way of life
Getting around
From Kathmandu, you can connect to other Nepali cities by domestic flight or tourist bus, with mountain airstrips and main roads linking key valleys and plains. Within the Kathmandu Valley, taxis, ride-hailing, and private drivers are the most flexible ways to explore.
Local life & culture
Life in Nepal often centres around neighbourhood squares, small shrines, and family-run shops, especially in the Kathmandu Valley’s old quarters. You will encounter a blend of languages, festivals, and traditional crafts that vary from one town or village to the next.
Where to unwind
Around Kathmandu, you can unwind in garden courtyards, rooftop terraces with mountain views, and hillside retreats just outside the city. Further afield, lakeside resorts, forest lodges, and simple village stays offer quiet places to rest after time in the mountains or city.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
Across Nepal, you will find comforting lentil soups, rice, and vegetable curries, along with dumplings and noodle dishes that reflect both hill and highland traditions. Kathmandu brings many of these regional specialties together in one compact city.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Kathmandu’s neighbourhoods offer cosy cafes, rooftop spots, and casual eateries serving both local flavours and international favourites. You can easily find places for a quick bite or relaxed meal close to major sights and hotels.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for restaurants in heritage buildings, terraces overlooking old squares, or hillside lodges with wide mountain views for a memorable meal in Nepal. Around Kathmandu, many properties pair thoughtful menus with atmospheric courtyards and balconies.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Kathmandu you will find modern malls, boutique-lined streets, and mixed-use complexes with cinemas and cafes. These spaces combine international brands with local labels and outdoor gear shops popular with trekkers.
Markets & local crafts
Kathmandu and nearby Patan and Bhaktapur are known for handicrafts such as metalwork, woodcarving, textiles, and handmade paper. Browse market streets and small studios for souvenirs with clear local character.
Evening retail scene
After dark, busy shopping streets and tourist quarters in Kathmandu stay open with lit signboards and lively storefronts. Many craft shops, bookshops, and outdoor stores welcome evening visitors, often alongside cafes and bars.
Best time to visit Nepal
Peak season runs from October to November, when days are typically clear and mild around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in Kathmandu, with excellent mountain visibility. Shoulder season falls from March to early May and late September, with warmer temperatures around 18–28°C (64–82°F) and some haze or showers. Low season coincides with the monsoon from June to August, when rain is frequent, humidity is high, and temperatures average 20–30°C (68–86°F) in the lowlands, with cloudier mountain views.