Nepal is a mountain kingdom where dramatic Himalayan peaks, layered hills, and fertile plains sit side by side. You find ancient towns, warm hospitality, and a sense of calm in both busy streets and quiet valleys.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Why visit Nepal?
What to expect
From Kathmandu Valley’s historic squares and Buddhist stupas to Pokhara’s lakeside views and the wildlife-rich Terai, each region offers its own pace and landscape. Expect colourful festivals, trekking routes for every level, and lively neighbourhoods filled with local crafts.
Plan your trip
You can base yourself in Kathmandu as a starting point, then add side trips for trekking, heritage, or wildlife. Nepal also works well as a gateway for wider Himalayan journeys across neighbouring regions.
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
Walk through the palaces, temples, and courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar Square, where brick architecture and carved wooden windows reveal centuries of royal history.
Climb the steps to Swayambhunath
Head up the hill to Swayambhunath, often called the Monkey Temple, for panoramic views over Kathmandu and a striking white stupa topped with watching eyes.
Unwind by Phewa Lake in Pokhara
Stroll or boat along Phewa Lake in Pokhara, where calm waters mirror the Annapurna range and cafés line the shore.
Go wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park
Join a guided safari in Chitwan National Park to look for rhinos, deer, and birdlife in misty grasslands and riverine forest.
Take a scenic mountain flight
Book a morning mountain flight from Kathmandu for close-up aerial views of Himalayan peaks on a clear day.
Trek in the Annapurna region
Choose from gentle village walks to multi-day trails in the Annapurna region, passing terraced fields, forests, and traditional stone houses.
Visit the lakes and caves of Bandipur
Combine hilltop views with walking and nearby caves around Bandipur, a restored Newar town with quiet lanes and traditional houses.
Experience Nepal’s way of life
Getting around
Most visitors fly into Kathmandu, then connect by domestic flight or tourist bus to hubs such as Pokhara and Bharatpur for Chitwan. Road journeys can be slow due to terrain, so allow extra time when planning overland travel between cities and trekking gateways.
Local life & culture
In Nepal you see daily life in temple squares, village courtyards, and busy bazaars, with distinct traditions in the Kathmandu Valley, mid-hill towns, and southern plains. Craftsmanship in metalwork, wood carving, and textiles remains strong, and hospitality is a central part of social life.
Where to unwind
You can relax in mountain lodges with views of snow peaks, lakeside cafés in Pokhara, and peaceful garden courtyards in Kathmandu. Further afield, retreats in hill stations and eco-lodges on the edge of national parks offer quiet time close to nature.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
You can try dal bhat, a set meal of lentils, rice, and seasonal sides, in homes and roadside eateries across the country. Kathmandu and Pokhara are known for momos, while the Newar communities of the valley have their own distinct festive dishes and snacks.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara offer cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants serving Nepali, regional, and international dishes. You find quick bites, vegetarian choices, and relaxed spots for coffee after a day of exploring.
Signature & scenic dining
Many hotels and lodges in Kathmandu and hill towns offer rooftop or terrace dining with city or mountain views. In Pokhara and select trekking lodges, you can enjoy simple but memorable meals while watching the sun rise or set over the Himalayas.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Kathmandu, you find modern shopping centres with fashion, electronics, and services alongside smaller boutiques. These sit next to traditional streets where you can pick up everyday items and outdoor gear before treks.
Markets & local crafts
Thamel and Patan in the Kathmandu Valley are known for handicrafts such as metal statues, singing bowls, and handwoven textiles. You can also look for woollens and souvenirs in Pokhara and regional hill towns along popular trekking routes.
Evening retail scene
After dark, streets in central Kathmandu and Pokhara stay lively with lit shopfronts, small markets, and late-opening outdoor stores. You can browse for last-minute trekking items, gifts, and artwork in a relaxed atmosphere.
Best time to visit Nepal
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild to warm days around 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F) in many regions, with blooming rhododendrons in the hills and good trekking conditions before the heat and rain increase. Summer and monsoon low season (June to September) sees higher humidity, frequent rain, and temperatures often between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the lowlands, with cloudier mountain views but lush landscapes. Autumn peak season (October to November) offers clearer skies and comfortable temperatures of about 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), making it the most popular time for trekking and sightseeing. Winter shoulder season (December to February) can be cool to cold, with valley temperatures from 2°C to 18°C (36°F to 64°F) and much colder conditions at higher altitudes, though city sightseeing is still pleasant on sunny days.