Tucked between the northern Himalayas, Nepal is a country that is known to be a premier tourist destination with lots of visitors exploring the country every year and leaving in awe of it. The main attraction of Nepal is always presumed to be the towering Himalayas. But on the ground, that is just the surface of things. The allure of Nepal goes way beyond the Himalayas.
Nepal is a pleasant mixture of the towering Himalayas, the smell of incense in Kathmandu, the silence of the rhododendron forests, and the warmth of a mountain tea house. It is a melting pot of cultural groups and a dynamic tapestry of ancient spirituality, adrenaline-pumping adventure, and profound cultural immersion. Trust the land of Nepal to change you, often within the first 24 hours.
In this Nepal Travel Guide, we have included everything you need to know before entering Nepal and everything that you can do and see while in Nepal. So, brace yourselves and start your reading journey.
Where exactly is Nepal?
Before delving into this Nepal travel guide, let us understand the exact location of Nepal. Located in South Asia and nestled in the Himalayas, Nepal is a landlocked country bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and Tibet (China) to the north. The country is famous for its diverse range of attractions, ranging from forests and wildlife to the higher mountain vistas, including that of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest.
This is due to the major variation in the altitude of Nepal, which starts from just 60 meters above sea level in the southern Terai and goes all the way up to 8,848.86 meters at the summit of Mount Everest. The country is divided into Terai, which features subtropical lowlands, the Hills, featuring terraced farmlands, historic cities, and traditional villages, and the Himalayas which are home to iconic trekking routes, glaciers, and alpine landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Nepal:
Now, you can visit Nepal at any time of the year, and you will have a memorable experience that will last you a lifetime. But every season presents the country from a different perspective. And choosing the right season is the key to making the most of your journey. Whether you are traveling for trekking, adventure activities, or simply to experience the country, the months of Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Nepal along with Autumn (September to November) which makes them the peak seasons to visit Nepal.
In Spring, you will find clear skies, stable weather, warm temperatures, rhododendron forests bloom across the hills, and mountain views are generally clear. Even the wildlife activity is really high which means you can go for adventurous Safari rides.
In Autumn, the sky is even clearer as monsoon clears the dust and pollution. Major festivals like Dashain and Tihar also take place during this time, offering cultural immersion alongside exploring the country.
During Monsoon (June to August), you will get to see Nepal as a lush, green paradise. This is a great time for people seeking cultural tours and photographers. It is also a great time for you to visit rain shadow areas like the Upper Mustang Trek and Dolpo Trek.
However, if you have certain adventure activities in mind like trekking or mountain flight, monsoon is a bad time to visit Nepal. The skies are not clear, mountain views are blocked, and trekking trails are landslide prone which increases risk of injury. A special mention to the leeches that you will find on the trek.
If you are visiting Nepal to experience snow, winter (December to February) is the best time to visit Nepal. It is also a great season for lower-altitude treks, cultural exploration, and city tours. However, it might not be great for high altitude treks as you will have extreme temperatures on the trail, and trails might get blocked as well. While high passes may be snowbound, you can always explore destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
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Know Before You Go:
Before you enter Nepal, it is important to have some sort of information and planning in place which will prevent you from coming across any major challenge during your visit to this new country. So, we have a list of things you should know:
1) Visa and Permits:
The easiest way to enter Nepal is via a flight to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where most travelers can obtain a ‘Visa on Arrival’. Even if you are entering through land borders, you will get a ‘Visa on Arrival’ based on your nationality.
These visas are available for various durations, and its eligibility can be extended based on your requirements. A tourist visa is available for 15, 30, or 90 days. We recommend having USD cash and passport photos ready to make the process swift.
Now, certain activities in Nepal require you to have permits. For example; you require certain permits for trekking in Nepal. These permits depend on the region that you are trekking to. Mainly it includes permits like:
- Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS Card)
- Conservation Area Permits
- Restricted Area Permit (For certain restricted areas)
Currency:
Money is very important to keep your trip going smoothly. The local currency of Nepal is Nepali Rupees (NPR). You will easily get ATMs in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and more. But if you are heading towards more remote areas like a trekking route, it is important to carry cash with you as teahouses will charge you extra for charging, wifi, and other amenities. Don’t worry, Nepal is pretty affordable.
Connectivity in Nepal:
Staying connected in Nepal is not that hard as you can easily get a SIM from a local SIM operator like NTC or Ncell in Kathmandu or Pokhara. These SIMs give you great coverage across different cities. However, if you are going to remote locations, the coverage might be slightly unstable. Especially when it comes to connectivity on trekking routes, expect minimal coverage unless and until you are getting satellite phones.
The Three Pillars of Exploring Nepal:
The treasures of Nepal are scattered all over the country, divided between ancient cities, serene lakesides, and, of course, the towering mountains. Below are the major pillars of exploring Nepal:
Pillar 1: The Cultural Triangle (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan):
If cultural exploration is what you are looking for, there cannot be a better place to start than the Kathmandu Valley which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a living museum of Newari craftsmanship that you will spot in every lane. You have three historic cities to explore within the valley: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. Start with Kathmandu Durbar Square which used to be an ancient palace and still represents the heartbeat of the old city.
Here, you will also see the Taleju Temple which is the home of the living goddess of Nepal, Kumari Maju. After this, you can move towards Bhaktapur which is a time capsule within Kathmandu Valley. In Bhaktapur, every lane reminds you of the cultural heritage that the city holds. It also boasts the 55-Window Palace and the Nyatapola Temple, offering a quiet, perfect glimpse into traditional Newari life.
Once you are done there, move to Patan Durbar Square which is famous for its intricate metalwork, stone carving, and the stunning Golden Temple. Explore rest of Patan which is regarded as the ‘City of Fine Arts’ as you will be able to watch artisans working in almost every lane.
When in Kathmandu, you cannot miss out on visiting the iconic Pashupatinath temple which is one of the major spiritual sites for Hindus. Here, you can explore the temple premises and sit on the banks of Bagmati River, which is also a cremation site. An iconic sight of cremation and evening aarti for gods taking place side by side will definitely leave you stunned.
Finally, explore the spiritual circuit consisting of Boudhhanath Stupa, which is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, and the Swayambhunath Temple, regarded as the Monkey Temple, which gives you a perfect view of the entire city.
Also Read: A Must Visit Tourist Place in Kathmandu
Pillar 2: The Adventure Hub (Pokhara):
Pokhara, regarded as the gateway to Annapurna region, is yet another pillar of Nepal exploration. As opposed to the vibrant energy of Kathmandu, Pokhara is the relaxed, lakeside sister valley. You can go for a calm boating day on the Phewa Lake while it displays a stunning reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhre and stop for a visit to the Tal Barahi Temple mid lake. Or you could just chill at the lakeside while enjoying the sunset views. Other major attractions include Devi’s Falls, often regarded as the ‘Underworld’s Waterfall’, the Bat Cave, Mahendra Cave, World Peace Pagoda, and a small drive to Sarangkot early morning could give you a perfect sunrise view reflecting over the entire Annapurna Range.
This valley is also known as Nepal’s adventure capital as it features a wide range of adventure activities like paragliding from Sarangkot, white-water rafting, ziplining, kayaking, hot air balloons, and you can even get a quick mountain flight from here.
Also Read: Best Things to Do in Pokhara
Pillar 3: The Call of the Himalayas:
The Himalayas might not be the only reason for you to explore Nepal, but they are definitely a major reason. The views of the Himalayas and the opportunity to be able to explore them in person are the true definition of the ‘mountains calling’. The best way to do so is by going on any Himalayan trekking route which will give you the best cultural exposure, Himalayan views, and the opportunity to reach the base camps of certain 8000-ers.
Nepal’s mountain regions are the soul of the country. The Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu Regions are some popular areas which each offer distinct landscapes, cultures, and trekking experiences.
Trekking in Nepal:
Nepal is home to lots of popular and accessible trekking routes, placing the country as one of the premier trekking destinations in the world. The variation of trekking routes offers something for everyone, ranging from beginners to seasoned trekkers.
These trekking trails are mostly focused on the Himalayas, like the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and many more. There is a teahouse trekking culture in Nepal which makes accommodation fairly easy and cheap on the trails.
Trekking in Nepal should be on your bucket list as it offers unmatched Himalayan scenery and a chance to deep dive into the cultures of the mountain villages far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can pick a trek based on your schedule and experience level. For people with less time and experience, you can opt for short treks like Ghorepani Poonhill Trek.
Others can go for the Langtang Valley Trek or even the EBC Trek depending on your enthusiasm. To book your trekking adventure in Nepal, contact us at Beyond the Limits Treks and Expeditions.
Other Places to Explore
Nepal has countless destinations and experiences to explore which can’t all possibly be listed in a blog. However, we have tried our best to list out other experiences to not miss while in Nepal:
- Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park to spot one-horned rhinos, tigers, and diverse birds.
- Explore the birthplace of Gautam Buddha in Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See the beautiful Janaki Mandir in Janakpur
- Get aerial views of Mount Everest and the Himalayas on a mountain flight
- Shop for souvenirs, enjoy local food, and experience vibrant nightlife
Adventure Activities Beyond Trekking:
Adventure in Nepal isn’t just limited to trekking. Given the diverse geography of the country, you can indulge in lots of different adventure activities ranging from jungle safari in the plains to paragliding in the Himalayas. There are lots of adrenaline sports that you can indulge in. You could experience the ultimate freefall with a bungee jump over the Bhote Koshi river, which is one of the highest in Asia, or try canyoning down natural waterfalls.
You can also go for hot air balloon rides in Pokhara or go paragliding from Sarangkot like mentioned above. White water rafting, kayaking, and mountain flights are other adventures that you can take on.
People and Culture of Nepal:
Exploring Nepal is not just about roaming the cultural heritage sites, the terraced villages, and wandering the trails in the Himalayas. The people and culture of Nepal are one of the major attractions and this is what makes Nepal truly unique as a destination.
Home to over 120 ethnic groups and languages, religion and tradition are intertwined with daily life in Nepal. The main religions followed here are Hinduism and Buddhism which coexist peacefully and shape daily lives, architecture, as well as festivals of the country.
The villages and cities of Nepal are known for their warm hospitality, vibrant festivals (like Dashain, Tihar, Mani Rimdu), distinctive art (Pashmina, Mandala), and the love and respect that they shower upon the visitors which remains as a distinctive memory for them.
So, while you are in Nepal, it is important that you remain respectful towards the culture. Start with basic things like greeting people with a gentle ‘Namaste’. Use your right hand for giving and receiving things as it is considered respectful. Also, when entering any religious place, it is customary to remove your shoes and be modestly dressed while covering your knees and shoulders. Don’t click pictures inside these places without permission.
If you are walking around stupas and monasteries, do so in a clockwise direction. When observing any customs, watch it from a distance. If you want to participate, learn the right way to perform it before doing so.
What to Eat and Try in Nepal?
In Nepal, you will get a variety of culinary options ranging from local delicacies to top class international dishes. Yes, anything ranging from pizza, pasta, sushi, ramen, sandwiches, and more, you can easily get in Nepal. However, our suggestion would definitely be to try out the mouthwatering local cuisine of Nepal. Nepali cuisine is simple, hearty, and deeply connected to daily life. And don’t get confused; we do have a huge variety of options too.
Dal Bhat is the staple meal, especially in trekking regions which includes rice, lentils, and a side of vegetables. Besides that, Momo, thukpa, and other traditional dishes are must-tries.
The Newari delicacies will open up a whole new world for your tastebuds as you will be overwhelmed with the spices of Chatamari and Choila, which will be balanced out by the sweetness of Yomari and Juju Dhau.
If you have certain dietary preferences, worry not as major cities now feature vegan cafés, specialty coffee, and other wide range of customization options when it comes to meals.
Traveling Nepal as a Modern Explorer:
For modern day explorers, how we travel is as important as where we are traveling to, if not more. We have certain ethos and responsibilities, especially when we are exploring an ecosystem as fragile as that of Nepal’s.
The biggest challenge today in the Himalayas is waste management. So, when exploring Nepal, try to stick to the ‘Leave No Trace Principle’ where you need to minimize waste, avoid plastics, and use biodegradable items. Whatever you pack in, you should pack it out.
Support local livelihoods by hiring local and certified guides for your visits, purchasing items and souvenirs from local shops, and by staying in locally run hotels and lodges. And do not disturb any wildlife that might come your way. Travel responsibly!
Conclusion
Nepal is a destination that offers not just landscapes but also offers a cultural journey, perspective, and the greatest adventure on Earth. The country challenges, humbles, and inspires every visitor. Even long after the mountain views are out of your sight, they will not be out of your mind. And the ancient allure of the lanes of Kathmandu will always be etched in your memory.
Ready to explore the majestic landscapes of Nepal without having to go through all the hassles of permits, logistics, and local complexities alone? Book your Nepal adventure today with Beyond the Limits Treks and Expeditions.