Nepal is a land of dramatic Himalayan peaks, ancient cities, and warm hospitality. You can explore sacred sites, mountain trails, and living traditions in a compact, endlessly fascinating country.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Why visit Nepal?
What to expect
Expect bustling streets in Kathmandu, serene valleys, and sweeping mountain vistas. From heritage squares and hilltop viewpoints to trekking routes and wildlife parks, Nepal offers both cultural immersion and outdoor adventure.
Plan your trip
Use Kathmandu as your gateway to the Himalayas and the wider region, with easy access to popular trekking hubs and scenic towns. Plan extra time for altitude, weather, and overland connections between valleys.
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
Wander through palaces, courtyards, and intricate temples that showcase centuries of Newar architecture in the heart of Kathmandu.
Catch sunrise over the Himalayas
Head to popular viewpoints near Kathmandu or Pokhara to watch the first light turn the snow-capped peaks golden.
Discover the heritage city of Bhaktapur
Stroll along cobbled lanes lined with brick houses, courtyards, and ornate shrines in this beautifully preserved medieval city.
Relax by Phewa Lake in Pokhara
Take a gentle boat ride or lakeside walk with views of the Annapurna range reflected in the water on clear days.
Go on a wildlife safari in the lowlands
Join guided jeep or canoe excursions in Nepal’s southern plains to spot diverse birdlife and large mammals in protected reserves.
Walk through Thamel’s lively streets
Browse outdoor gear shops, handicraft boutiques, and cosy cafés in Kathmandu’s most famous traveller quarter.
Visit hilltop stupas and viewpoints
Climb to iconic stupas around Kathmandu Valley for sweeping city and mountain views, especially striking at sunset.
Experience Nepal’s way of life
Getting around
Use domestic flights between Kathmandu and major regional centres to save time in the mountains, then rely on local taxis, hired cars, or tourist buses for shorter distances. In cities and towns, much of the sightseeing is best done on foot.
Local life & culture
Daily life spills into the streets, from artisans working in open courtyards to neighbourhood squares where people gather and socialise. Each valley and town has its own festivals, crafts, and architectural styles, giving every stop a distinct character.
Where to unwind
Relax in garden courtyards and rooftop terraces in Kathmandu, or choose lakeside retreats and yoga centres in hill towns. Outside the cities, quiet mountain lodges and nature-focused stays offer fresh air, open skies, and space to reset.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
Try dal bhat, a traditional platter of rice, lentils, and vegetable sides, along with hearty soups and dumplings in the highlands. Kathmandu is known for regional variations that bring together flavours from across the country.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Kathmandu, you will find relaxed cafés, family-run eateries, and contemporary bistros offering both local and international menus. Other major towns offer simple but satisfying options that reflect local produce and seasonal ingredients.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy rooftop restaurants with views over historic squares, or dine in heritage courtyards lit by lanterns. In the hills, guesthouses and lodges often serve homely meals with sweeping valley and mountain backdrops.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Kathmandu, modern shopping centres and lifestyle complexes bring together international brands, local boutiques, cinemas, and cafés, making it easy to combine errands with relaxed time out.
Markets & local crafts
Explore handicraft streets and markets in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur for handwoven textiles, metalwork, and woodcarving. Trekking hubs also stock outdoor gear and locally made souvenirs suited to mountain life.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central neighbourhoods in Kathmandu stay lively with illuminated shopfronts, late-opening craft stalls, and streetside vendors, creating a relaxed but energetic atmosphere for browsing.
Best time to visit Nepal
Peak season runs from October to November, with clear skies, daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in the valleys, and comfortable conditions for trekking. Shoulder season covers March to May, when days are warmer at 20–30°C (68–86°F), hillsides are lush, and flowers bloom, though some haze is common. Low season falls from June to September during the monsoon, with heavy rain, higher humidity, and temperatures of 22–30°C (72–86°F) in lower regions, while winter months December to February are cooler and quieter at 5–18°C (41–64°F) in the valleys.