Nepal offers soaring Himalayan peaks, layered history, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. You can move between lively cities and quiet mountain valleys in a single journey.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Why visit Nepal?
What to expect
Expect a mix of historic squares, hillside towns, and mountain scenery, with Kathmandu as your bustling entry point to the rest of the country and the wider Himalayan region.
Plan your trip
Use Kathmandu as your base for day trips, short treks, or onward travel around Nepal and neighbouring countries, with good access to guides, transport, and travel services.
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
Walk through Kathmandu Durbar Square to see intricately carved palaces, courtyards, and temples that showcase the citys royal and architectural heritage.
Visit the hilltop of Swayambhunath
Climb up to Swayambhunath for sweeping views over Kathmandu Valley and a close look at its striking hillside monuments and resident monkeys.
Day trip to Bhaktapur
Stroll Bhaktapurs brick lanes and open squares to discover traditional Newar architecture, local pottery, and a slower pace of life just outside the capital.
Escape to Patan
Head to Patan to enjoy refined courtyards, artisan workshops, and a compact historic centre filled with metalwork and woodcarving studios.
Short hiking in the Kathmandu Valley
Take an easy day hike from the valley rim villages for fresh mountain air, terraced fields, and distant Himalayan views without committing to a long trek.
Experience Nepals way of life
Getting around
In Nepal, you will mainly travel by road between cities and valley towns, using private cars, tourist coaches, or local buses, with domestic flights as an option for longer journeys to regional hubs.
Local life & culture
Life in Nepal centres on neighbourhood squares, traditional festivals, and close-knit communities, with each valley and town showing its own blend of language, crafts, and seasonal celebrations.
Where to unwind
Unwind in peaceful courtyard guesthouses, hillside retreats above Kathmandu Valley, or simple lodges on short trails where you can sit outdoors and enjoy cool air and mountain views.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
You will find comforting lentil-and-rice sets, steamed dumplings, and hearty mountain fare, with each region adding its own herbs, vegetables, and snacks to the table.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Kathmandus neighbourhoods offer relaxed cafes, rooftop eateries, and contemporary restaurants, while valley towns serve homely meals that blend local flavours with international favourites.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop terraces overlooking historic squares or hillside lodges with views of layered ridgelines, where simple, well-prepared meals are paired with memorable scenery.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Kathmandu you will find compact malls and lifestyle centres that group fashion, electronics, and daily essentials, alongside small boutiques selling local brands.
Markets & local crafts
Head to traditional streets in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur for handwoven textiles, metalwork, paper goods, and handicrafts made by local artisans.
Evening retail scene
After dark, Kathmandus main streets and alleys glow with shopfronts, small markets, and souvenir stalls, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere for evening browsing.
Best time to visit Nepal
Peak season: October to November, when days are clear and dry, with average temperatures in Kathmandu around 15–20°C (59–68°F), ideal for city exploring and mountain views. Shoulder season: March to May, with mild to warm days of about 18–28°C (64–82°F) and blooming hillsides, though haze can build in the afternoons. Low season: June to September, when the monsoon brings frequent rain, lush landscapes, and temperatures around 20–30°C (68–86°F), and January to February, when it is cooler at roughly 5–18°C (41–64°F) with chilly evenings.