Nepal offers a striking mix of towering Himalayan peaks, historic cities, and warm hospitality. You can explore ancient squares, mountain villages, and dramatic landscapes within a single trip.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Why visit Nepal?
What to expect
From the busy streets and heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley to lakeside Pokhara and trekking hubs in the Himalayas, Nepal balances spiritual calm with adventure. Expect a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and scenery that changes with every turn in the road.
Plan your trip
Many travellers begin in Kathmandu before heading to regions such as Pokhara, Chitwan, or the Everest and Annapurna areas. Nepal also works well as a gateway to wider Himalayan journeys, with domestic flights and road connections linking key regions.
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
Walk through courtyards, palaces, and temples in Kathmandu Durbar Square, where intricate woodwork and stone carvings showcase Nepalese craftsmanship.
Soak up the views at Swayambhunath
Climb the steps to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, for panoramic views over Kathmandu and a peaceful hilltop setting.
Relax by Phewa Lake in Pokhara
Spend an afternoon on the shore of Phewa Lake, with reflections of the Annapurna range and an easygoing lakeside atmosphere.
Take a scenic mountain flight
Join a scenic flight from Kathmandu for close-up views of the Himalayas, including some of the world’s highest peaks in clear weather.
Go on safari in Chitwan National Park
Head to Chitwan National Park for guided jeep or canoe safaris, where you may spot wildlife such as one-horned rhinoceros and diverse birdlife.
Hike short trails around Nagarkot
Plan a short hike near Nagarkot, a hill station known for sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas on clear days.
Discover Bhaktapur’s medieval lanes
Stroll through Bhaktapur’s narrow alleys, traditional squares, and artisan workshops to experience a well-preserved Newar city.
Experience Nepal’s way of life
Getting around
For longer distances, domestic flights link Kathmandu with cities such as Pokhara and Bharatpur, saving considerable travel time over mountain roads. Within cities and towns you can use taxis, ride-hailing services where available, or hire a private car and driver for day trips and regional touring.
Local life & culture
Life in Nepal often centres on neighbourhood squares, tea houses, and local festivals, with a strong sense of community. Each region has its own architectural style, languages, and traditions, which you will notice as you travel from the Kathmandu Valley to the Terai plains or the hill regions.
Where to unwind
You can unwind at lakeside cafés in Pokhara, hilltop viewpoints around Nagarkot, or peaceful courtyards within traditional guesthouses. Many visitors also choose gentle walks in the foothills or quiet garden spaces in Kathmandu to rest between more active days.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
You will find dal bhat, a set meal of lentils, rice, and seasonal sides, across the country, with subtle variations from region to region. Momos, or dumplings, are another favourite, especially in Kathmandu and hill towns.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Thamel and Patan in the Kathmandu Valley offer relaxed cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serving both local and international dishes. In cities like Pokhara, lakeside streets are lined with casual spots where you can stop for a quick meal between activities.
Signature & scenic dining
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you can book rooftop or terrace restaurants for city and mountain views alongside refined takes on local cuisine. Some hotels also offer courtyard or garden dining for a calm setting away from the busy streets.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kathmandu has modern shopping centres where you can find international brands, outdoor gear, and local labels under one roof. These malls often combine retail with cinemas, cafés, and family-friendly facilities.
Markets & local crafts
Areas such as Thamel and Asan in Kathmandu, along with the old streets of Bhaktapur and Patan, are known for handicrafts, textiles, and metalwork. You can browse for handwoven shawls, pottery, and traditional artwork while supporting local artisans.
Evening retail scene
In districts like Thamel and Lakeside Pokhara, many shops stay open into the evening, with lit storefronts and a relaxed pedestrian feel. Night-time browsing is a pleasant way to look for souvenirs after a day of sightseeing.
Best time to visit Nepal
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild to warm days in many parts of Nepal, with average temperatures around 18–28°C (64–82°F) in the lower valleys and increasingly cooler conditions at higher altitudes. Autumn peak season (late September to November) is popular for clearer skies and comfortable temperatures of roughly 15–25°C (59–77°F) in the Kathmandu Valley, making it well suited to trekking and sightseeing. Winter low season (December to February) can be cool to cold, with valley temperatures around 5–18°C (41–64°F), warmer in the southern plains and much colder in the mountains, and fewer visitors at many attractions.