Nepal Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Nepal

Nepal is best-known for the Himalayas, Mount Everest, and its amazing treks. Eight of the world’s 14 eight thousand meter peaks are located in Nepal, creating world-class mountaineering and trekking opportunities. But Nepal has much more to offer than just its mountains. Its capital, Kathmandu, is a bustling city with seven Unesco World Heritage sites including Boudhanath, the world largest Buddhist stupa. The Nepalese lowlands in the south are subtropical and are home to tigers, elephants, and rhinos. The people of Nepal are among the warmest and most welcoming in the world.

Most people visit Nepal in spring and autumn, but in recent years winter and summer have become popular seasons as well. Trekking in the Himalaya is a life-changing experience for many travelers. Longer treks include the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit, and the newly popular Manaslu Circuit, while shorter treks such as the Ghorepani Trek to Poon Hill offer experiences travelers who want to experience the mountains at lower elevations. Rafting the rivers of Nepal is also world-class, and so is mountain biking on Nepal's countless trails and paragliding above the Phewa Lake in Pokhara.

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Easy Ways to Make a Difference in Nepal (While Having Fun at the Same Time)

Nepal is a developing country, and the income earned from tourism can be a game-changer in marginalized or rural communities—especially those still recovering from the devastating earthquake of 2015. When planning a trip, your tourist dollars carry an inherent power. Spend them in the right places and you'll have a great travel experience, while enjoying the warm glow of knowing that you are directly improving people's lives.

Living Room of the Imperial Duplex (Image ©Airbnb)

Top 10 Airbnbs in Kathmandu

Experience Kathmandu like a local, expat, or even royalty by staying at one of these unique Airbnbs. Here's a roundup featuring ten of the best — from a former Rana summer palace in Patan to a sound-proof apartment in Thamel — that are all within walking distance from popular tourist attractions and activities in the capital.

Where to Shop in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a shopper's paradise, particularly for those who appreciate high quality artisanal goods at an incredible value. That said, the city is big and traffic is bad, so strategizing your time and whereabouts is key, depending on the goods you're most interested in. Below is a rough guide to help you.

View from the terrace of Tiger Mountain Pokhara (photo courtesy Tiger Mountain)

The 7 Best Resorts Around Pokhara

Most people come to Pokhara for the fantastic nearby trekking, and after a week of bucket washes and wet wipes, you might just be ready for a splash of well-deserved luxury. The good news is that the charming countryside around Pokhara offers some of the Himalaya's most stylish and relaxing top-end places to stay. Budget a day or two to recover from your trek in style at one of these fabulous resorts.

6 Best Souvenirs to Buy in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's shopkeepers have been expertly catering to foreign tastes since the first hippy stumbled into town looking for a tie-dye shirt. Fast forward a half-century and Kathmandu now offers some of the best shopping in Asia, showcasing a huge array of unique products whose quality and value make them almost impossible to pass up. From bargain-priced down jackets to buttery-soft pashminas, most visitors leave the city with considerably more baggage than when they arrived. If shopping is your thing, budget an extra day.

Manaslu Circuit Boutique Camping Trek - 22 Days

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, crossing Larkya La pass (16,752 ft. or 5106 m.) to the legendary Annapurna region, is one of Nepal's most spectacular and culturally diverse treks. Its dramatic Himalayan vistas, challenging terrain, mix of Gurung and Tibetan villages, Tibetan Buddhist gompas, birds, and wildlife make it one of Nepal's best camping treks.

Recommended gear for trekking in the Himalaya

Pre-Departure Checklist for the Himalaya

From physical preparation and training to packing and visas: there are a few things you must do before heading to the Himalaya to ensure a smooth, safe, and comfortable trip. While you don't need to be Superman or Wonder Woman to enjoy trekking in the Himalaya, the better prepared you are, the more you'll get out of the experience.

7 Days in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

1 Week in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a full week in Nepal, there’s time to cover a lot of ground on a sightseeing tour—you can easily combine the highlights of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park. But the reason many travelers come to Nepal is to trek, and with seven days, you can choose between a few rewarding trails. The Ghorepani Poon Hill and Pikey Peak treks are both popular options with views for days; you can also opt for a cultural village-to-village hike or a luxury trekking experience in the Annapurna foothills.

On the way to Samdo, in front of Manaslu Peak

Traveler Interview: Father & Daughter Trek in Nepal

Hiking is a shared passion for kimkim traveler Esther Yoon and her recently retired dad, so Nepal - a trekker's paradise - seemed like the perfect choice for a father-daughter adventure. Interested in the culture and beauty of Nepal without the crowds, they chose the Manaslu Circuit: a beautiful 15-day trek circling the eighth-highest peak in the Himalayas.

Planning Your Honeymoon in Nepal

For adventure lovers (and adventurous married couples!) there's hardly a more appealing destination than Nepal. Add the romance of stunning mountain vistas, luxury accommodation, and atmospheric cultural sites to classic adventure activities like trekking and paragliding and you have the ideal honeymoon destination.

Kali Gandaki River Rafting - 6 Days

This medium-length rafting expedition is an excellent way to take advantage of Nepal's post-monsoon rivers. Leaving from the popular lakeside town of Pokhara, you'll brave class III and IV rapids with an expert guide, camp and dine under the stars on riverside beaches, and kayak on smooth sections of the Kali Gandaki. This makes a fun addition to a trekking trip, or a stand-alone journey for travelers short on time.

Overnight Escapes Around the Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu can be a hectic place, but fortunately you don't need to go far from the center of the city to enjoy some fresh air, peace and quiet, beautiful views, and chilled-out ambience. These places — which are either on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley or just outside of it — are the perfect antidote to Nepal's capital city.

Views of the Annapurna Himalaya from the Khopra Danda teahouse

10 Days in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

From spectacular treks in the high Himalaya to visiting the birthplace of the Buddha at Lumbini, white-water rafting to Hindu pilgrimage sites, 10 days in Nepal is plenty of time to experience some of the country's highlights. Hit the ground running (or, strolling at a more leisurely pace) by selecting an itinerary that best reflects your interests.

2 Weeks in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Nepal is enough time for a truly satisfying adventure, whether you’re interested in doing an epic trek or making your way around the country to learn about its culture and history. If you’re inspired to have an authentic experience, you can stay in the homes of local villagers or in remote hilltop monasteries. You can hike to Everest Base Camp or explore the world’s tallest mountain from the luxurious comfort of a private helicopter tour. Far-flung exotica more your thing? Go on safari in Chitwan National Park or explore the wild Mustang region, which was previously forbidden to outside tourists.

Best of Chitwan National Park - 8 Days

While Nepal is known as a country of hills and mountains, many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the Terai, the lowlands bordering India. The Chitwan National Park is a jewel on the Terai. It has run a very successful one-horned rhinoceros breeding program, and visitors on safari are almost guaranteed to spot one of the spectacular animals, as well as other wildlife. This tour gives you time to fully explore the highlights of Chitwan, while staying in some luxurious--as well as unique--accommodation.

How Many Days to Spend in Nepal

Although geographically compact, Nepal's mountainous terrain and bumpy roads make it feel like a much bigger country than it is. Add diverse cultures, terrain, and ecosystems to the mix and you could easily spend several weeks exploring the picturesque Himalayan nation. However, in as little as three days, you can enjoy some of Nepal's highlights. To complete one of Nepal's famous treks, you typically need about two weeks.

5 Days in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Nepal ranges from very high mountains to jungle-filled plains—which means that, despite being a geographically small country, hopping quickly around the country can be a challenge. With five days, you’ll have time to see the cultural highlights of Kathmandu and Pokhara, or get a taste of the adventures Nepal is famous for with short treks and whitewater rafting. You can even visit Everest Base Camp (if you don't mind taking a helicopter to get there!).

Dudh Kunda Trek: Experience Sherpa Culture off-the-beaten-path - 15 Days

This 15-day trek offers stunning views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan Range while getting you off-the-beaten-track. You'll experience authentic Sherpa culture and visit the sacred lake known as Dudh Kunda.

Kanchenjunga Trekking Itineraries - 18-27 Days

One of Nepal’s most rewarding treks, Mt. Kanchenjunga lies on the eastern border of Nepal and is perfect for those adventurous enough—and who have the time—to travel here. Previously camping only, there are now more affordable teahouse routes that take you past stunning Himalayan vistas, ancient forests, prime wildlife habitat, and into the heart of traditional cultures and communities.

Altitude Sickness: All You Need to Know

If you're planning to trek in the Himalayas, the Alps, the Andes — or anywhere above 2500m — it's important to have a good understanding of altitude sickness, which poses a danger to everyone at these altitudes and can be fatal, in severe cases. The good news is that it's easily managed with the right planning and preparation.

Tamang Heritage Trail - 7 Days

On this moderate seven-day trek just North of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, get up close with the Tamang people while trekking amid green valleys and snow-capped mountains. The Tamang Heritage trail has the added benefit of providing sustainable economic benefit to the local community.

Arun Valley to Everest Base Camp - 26 Days

The Arun Valley and Everest Base Camp trek provides superb views of both Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu. It is located between the Sagarmatha and Makalu-Barun National Parks. While it follows some of the traditional Everest Base Camp trekking route, there are also enough differences to keep return trekkers in Nepal interested.

Beautiful valleys along the Manaslu Circuit trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek: Group Departures - 14 Days

Interested in joining a group departure for the Manaslu Circuit Trek? Kimkim travel specialists are running weekly set departures for the Manaslu Circuit Trek during the Spring and Autumn trekking seasons. Dates, cost, and availability are listed below, along with a day by day itinerary.

Best Places to Eat in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a big city. There are many dining options to suit all budgets and palates. Traditional Nepali food served street-side or with silverware; backpacker hangouts for home comforts when you tire of lentils and rice; casual modern restaurants serving affordable international cuisine... You’ll never go hungry in Kathmandu!

Best Cafes in Kathmandu

There’s not a single Starbucks (or other Western chain) in Kathmandu, and that’s good news for finding unique, atmospheric places to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. While Nepalis still prefer sweet, milky, heavily spiced chiya (tea) or Nestlé instant coffee when relaxing at home, there’s a growing cafe scene in the capital where you can get a good mug of whatever you prefer, with a tasty slice or cake or sandwich on the side. Here are some suggestions for places to seek out. Most will have Wifi.

Getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Pokhara may not seem far from Kathmandu (the cities are only 126 miles / 204 km apart), but the Nepali terrain and road quality make for a very long drive. That's why many travelers opt to fly. Here are your options for traveling between the two cities, either by air or road.

Best Day Hikes in Lower Mustang

Lower Mustang is a dry, wind-swept region of Nepal that lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. If you want to experience some of the most incredible landscapes in Nepal and enjoy challenging, scenic hikes without the strain of a multi-day trek, then several days spent around Jomsom and Kagbeni are an ideal choice.

Kalinchowk Temple Trek - 7 Days

The Kalinchowk Temple trek is an excellent, moderate short trek within easy reach of Kathmandu. You will experience local hill culture, forest and river landscapes, panoramic views of the Himalayas and the beautiful pilgrimage spot of Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple.

Dhorpatan Trek - 14 Days

The Dhorpatan trek is a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience that isn’t too challenging. The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve lies a day’s drive west of Pokhara in the shadow of Mt. Dhaulagiri. Trekking here will give you the chance to spot some rare wildlife as well as views of Nepal’s Western Himalaya that few travelers experience.

Panchase Trek - 7 Days

For travelers wanting an authentic Himalayan trekking experience with incredible views without the time (or stamina) required for a long trek, the Panchase trek is perfect. It starts close to the popular town of Pokhara, takes just four days, and can be done in autumn, winter, or spring.

Monks during prayer time - Rene Jungsnickel

Kathmandu Inside Out - 7 Days

This trip gives a very good feel of Kathmandu Valley and includes all the highlights during a week-long trip. Cultural highlights, local food, and hikes ensure that you will get a taste for all the great things Kathmandu has to offer. It also highlights some of the events that happen in the city, giving a feel for the modern side of the valley.

Climb Mera Peak: Nepal's Highest Trekking Peak - 23 Days

Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal, and an ascent of the 6,476 m/21,246 feet mountain is just one of the highlights of this amazing expedition: trek and camp through some truly wild and remote valleys and enjoy the colors of native Rhododendron forests and other spectacular mountain scenery.

Langtang Trek - 11 Days

The Langtang Valley has long been a favorite trek due to its expansive views, interesting Tamang culture, relatively gentle pace and accessibility from Kathmandu. The 2015 earthquake and subsequent landslide had an enormous effect on the region, but aid and reconstruction have recently reopened this valley to trekking again. Not only is it still a beautiful trek, your visit will also provide vital support for local livelihoods.

A team of climbers on the summit of Island Peak

Climb Island Peak: Nepal's Most Popular Trekking Peak - 24 Days

For experienced trekkers who want to try their hand at mountain climbing, or less-experienced climbers looking for a good challenge, Island Peak (6,189 m / 20,305 feet) is the perfect option in the Himalaya. The climb is challenging but not too technical. The spectacular trek to Island Peak follows much of the classic Everest Base Camp trek, and the panoramic views from the peak of the highest mountains in the world are unforgettable.

Makalu Base Camp Trek - 24 Days

The Makalu Base Camp trek is a remote route that encompasses some of the best that Nepal has to offer — quiet trails, vibrant terraced farmland, rural cultures, rhododendron forests, rare wildlife and several 8,000 meter-plus peaks. For experienced trekkers who relish a challenge, this is a great trek with ample rewards.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - 21 Days

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is challenging, and a real adventure for experienced trekkers who are looking for an expedition-like experience. From farming villages in the Himalayan foothills to high alpine pastures, uninhabited valleys and close-up views of several peaks over 8,000 m, this circuit trek is breathtaking and exciting at every stage.

Nar Phu Valley Trek - 12 Days

The Nar Phu Valley trek is a real Himalayan wilderness experience that is as unforgettable as it is spectacular. Tucked between the more visited Annapurna and Manaslu regions, Nar Phu is a true hidden gem that offers trekkers a rare opportunity to explore unspoiled valleys that feature a mix of raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture.

Balthali Village Trek - 5 Days

Hit the trail in style and comfort on this 5-day trek along the Balthali Villages route. Considered one of the best short treks in the world, this itinerary takes you on a series of short, low-altitude hikes past small villages, lush forests, ancient temples, and terraced farmland—all set against a backdrop of the spectacular snow-capped Himalaya. With evenings spent at some of the finest lodges and hotels in Nepal, rest and relaxation await at the end of each day.

Luxury Kongde Trek & Heli Tour - 9 Days

If you’re short on time and looking for a luxury experience, here’s a unique way to see the Everest Region and all the main highlights. You’ll spend your nights in the comfort of Himalayan resorts (often with panoramic views) and your days either trekking and flying through the Everest region by helicopter.

Trekking With Your Family In Nepal

There’s no reason to put off trekking in the Himalayas until the kids have left home. Aside from the amazing landscapes, cultural and wildlife encounters awaiting you, here are some other great reasons why visiting Nepal with your family is a good idea.

Views from Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Best of the Kathmandu Valley in 2 Days

Whether you're short on time or have a couple days before or after your trek, here are a few great ways to explore the best of the Kathmandu Valley in two days. Each one of these itineraries can be customized based on your interests, whether that be culture, nature, or great day activities.

Family Adventure in Nepal: Trekking in the Annapurna Foothills with a Young Child

Families with young children may wonder if Nepal is a travel destination they should even consider, since it's not your typical kid-friendly choice. At kimkim, we've put together several treks and mixed adventures for families with children, and by sharing their experiences, we hope we can help you decide if Nepal is right for your family.

Authentic Nepal - 14 Days

With two weeks in Nepal, there is plenty of time to experience a wide range of cultural attractions. Culture is not just confined to what you find in a museum; it extends to the hills and into the homes of the people of Nepal.

Best Winter Treks in Nepal

Visiting Nepal in December, January or February? Winter is a great season for shorter treks at lower elevations. The temperatures are colder, but if you’re well prepared you can enjoy clear skies and fewer crowds.

Nepal's Cultural Highlights - 11 Days

In eleven days, learn about the rich Buddhist and Hindu cultural histories of Nepal by visiting sacred sites in Kathmandu and farther afield, in Lumbini. Balance the cultural attractions with outdoor scenic pursuits in Pokhara, such as hiking to vantage points for panoramic Himalayan views. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try paragliding above the lakes and mountains of Pokhara.

Trekkers on the Larkya Pass, September 2016

Manaslu Circuit Trek - Autumn 2016 Update from kimkim Travelers

The autumn 2016 Manaslu trekking season is about halfway done, so it’s a good moment to share detailed feedback about the trail conditions from a number of groups who booked their trek with kimkim. So far, everyone successfully completed the trek, despite the fact that conditions were challenging early in the season due to the monsoon extending well into September

Kathmandu Valley & Pokhara - 9 Days

In nine days, you’ll delve into Kathmandu’s beautiful cultural highlights, get active in the countryside and spend plenty of time relaxing in some peaceful spots, all at a leisurely pace.

Kathmandu & Pokhara Valleys - 8 Days

In one week, enjoy the true diversity of Nepal: Kathmandu’s ancient cultural sites, a short trek in the Annapurna Himalaya, a lakeside stroll in Pokhara, and the quaint hilltop towns of Bandipur and Rupakot.

Kathmandu & Pokhara Sightseeing - 5 Days

Explore the cultural highlights of the Kathmandu Valley before catching a scenic flight to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. This trip combines a mixture of ancient history, great day activities for the more adventurous, and the chance to enjoy the more peaceful moments Nepal has to offer.

One of the beautiful temples of Patan's Durbar Square (@ Thomas Vanderwel)

Explore the Kathmandu Valley - 6 Days

Whether you are in Kathmandu for a short getaway or have a few days to prepare for (or recover from!) a Himalayan adventure, there is no need to stay within the confines of your hotel. Kathmandu has many unique things to see and do. In three days, you can see many of the Kathmandu Valley’s highlights, from markets, temples and cultural sites to sunsets, mountain views and hiking.

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