Why visit Nepal?
Nepal is a Himalayan nation of soaring mountains, layered terraces, and historic cities, where trekking trails and living heritage sit side by side. You can move in minutes from busy alleyways to quiet courtyards, and from river valleys to snow-lined ridges.
What to expect
First-time visitors often combine Kathmandu Valley's palaces and temples with time in lakeside Pokhara or wildlife-rich lowlands. Trekkers gravitate to the Everest and Annapurna regions, while culture seekers linger in Patan and Bhaktapur to explore traditional architecture and craft.
Plan your trip
You can use Kathmandu as your starting point for journeys across Nepal, or as a gateway to the wider Himalayan region. Whether you stay in the valley or venture into the hills, you will find routes, guides, and accommodation to match a short escape or a longer adventure.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
Wander among courtyards, carved palaces, and historic temples that reveal centuries of Newar craftsmanship in the heart of Kathmandu.
Stroll around Swayambhunath
Climb the hillside steps to this hilltop stupa for sweeping views of Kathmandu and a serene place to pause above the city.
Relax by Phewa Lake in Pokhara
Hire a boat or simply walk the lakeside promenade, taking in reflections of the Annapurna range on clear days.
Trek in the Annapurna region
Follow well-marked trails through terraced fields and mountain villages, with lodges and viewpoints along the way.
Go wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park
Join guided safaris to look for rhinos, deer, and birdlife in the forests and grasslands of the southern plains.
Visit Patan for art and metalwork
Discover artisan workshops, quiet squares, and a museum that showcases the valley's intricate metal and stone art.
Watch sunrise from Nagarkot or Sarangkot
Head to a hilltop viewpoint to see the first light catch distant Himalayan peaks on a clear morning.
Experience Nepal's way of life
Getting around
Most international visitors arrive through Kathmandu, then connect onwards by domestic flight or road to other regions. Buses, private cars, and local jeeps link major towns with trailheads and smaller communities across the country.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Nepal shifts with the seasons, harvests, and festivals, and you will notice strong community ties in both city lanes and rural villages. Traditional crafts, music, and architecture are visible in family-run shops, workshops, and historic neighbourhoods.
Where to unwind
You can unwind in lakeside cafés, peaceful garden retreats, or simple mountain lodges with far-reaching views. Beyond the cities, river valleys, forested hills, and national parks offer quiet spaces for gentle walks, soft adventure, or time simply spent outdoors.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
You will find dal bhat, a set of rice, lentils, and seasonal sides, served across the country in homes and eateries. Kathmandu and Pokhara also offer regional favourites such as dumplings and noodle soups, each with local twists.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Kathmandu's central districts and Pokhara's lakeside, you can choose from simple family-run cafés to contemporary restaurants. Menus often blend Nepali flavours with neighbouring regional influences, as well as familiar international choices.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for rooftop terraces with valley views or hilltop lodges facing the mountains. In the evenings, courtyard restaurants and boutique hotels offer quieter settings that combine local produce with carefully presented dishes.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kathmandu's newer districts feature compact malls and lifestyle centres where you can find international labels, outdoor gear, and local brands under one roof. These areas are convenient for last-minute essentials before or after a trek.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional streets in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur are lined with shops selling textiles, metalwork, and handmade decor. In trekking hubs like Pokhara, you can also browse for practical gear alongside local souvenirs and small gallery spaces.
Evening retail scene
In central Kathmandu and Pokhara's lakeside neighbourhoods, shops stay open into the evening, creating a relaxed after-dark atmosphere. You can wander illuminated streets, pause for tea, and pick up gifts or supplies at an unhurried pace.
Best time to visit Nepal
Peak season: October to November sees clear skies and comfortable days around 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
Shoulder season: February to April brings mild to warm temperatures from 12–28°C (54–82°F), with blooming hillsides and longer daylight hours.
Low season: June to September is the monsoon period, with higher humidity and temperatures of 20–30°C (68–86°F), when clouds and rain can limit mountain views.