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.
Kathmandu is more than just a launch pad for trekking. Its cultural highlights, alone, warrant a visit to this Himalayan country. A melting pot of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, you’ll find incredible woodcarving, painting, sculptures, a unique architectural heritage, and living traditions that surround you with color and prayer.
The classic trek route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is beautiful but has become quite crowded and over-developed. Here are some highly recommended alternatives that take you off the beaten path and let you experience Mt Everest in ways that few people do.
Hit the trails made famous by the Anthill crew and Redbull Media in their two awesome mountain biking films from 2011 -12. Stark and stunning, the landscape is high altitude desert and your trails are on the ancient trading route from India to Tibet.
With snow-capped peaks and fabled Sherpa culture, the Everest region is famous for some of the best trekking in Nepal. If you don’t have the minimum 12 days it takes to do the Everest Base Camp trek, however, here are a few great shorter treks to choose from.
Experience the stark, barren landscapes of Lower Mustang dotted with Tibetan Buddhist cultural attractions on treks around Jomsom. Altitudes on this trek are not too high, and flying between Pokhara and Jomsom speeds up the journey. This is an ideal trip for trekkers who don’t have much time, or who would rather not do a very strenuous trek.
The Kalinchowk Adventure Itinerary combines a great 3-day trek in the Himalayan foothills, including mountain biking and rafting, and a taste of Kathmandu's cultural highlights. This is the perfect trip if you're short on time, but want to experience some of the best action sports Nepal has to offer. You'll move along trails with amazing vistas as well as get a closeup view of the Sherpa culture.
The Buddhist Caves in Upper Mustang offer a truly unique trekking experience in a remote area of Nepal, far away from the beaten path. The trek takes you into the hidden Buddhist kingdom of Upper Mustang and ventures deep into the world of 'sky-caves', including the famous Luri Gompa and Tashi Kabum, which are adorned with some of the most exquisite murals of the Tibetan Buddhist world and dating back to antiquity.
The Everest Epic is truly an epic ride. At the high point, you reach Pikey Peak, one of Nepal's best view points . Here you have the chance to see 8 out of the world’s 14 peaks above 8000 meters, including Mt Everest, from the seat of your bike! This journey is filled with single track of the best kind, it will suit people who like All mountain or endure style riding and you will be challenged on your physical ability as well as on your technical biking skills… and you will have a blast!
The Trisuli is Nepal’s best river for day trips. Located centrally between Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, it’s the perfect way to break up a long bus journey to your next destination. Why sit on a bus for 8 hours when you can raft half of it! It’s one of the most popular day trips in Nepal and is great for everyone, all year round.
Trekking in Nepal’s far-western Upper Dolpo region takes you into one of the most remote areas of the Himalaya. Expeditions into Dolpo can be challenging as the tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent, and organized tours are essential. But the rewards are worth it—Tibetan Buddhist culture, some of the oldest monasteries in the country, the spectacular Lake Phoksundo, rare wildlife, and a real sense of being in the wilderness.
The sparkling, pristine blue and green waters of the Gokyo Lakes are one of Nepal’s most memorable sights. They comprise the highest freshwater lake system in the world, at around 5,000 meters. The Gokyo Lakes trek is ideal for people who want to trek in the Everest region, but who want more variety of views and fewer nights spent at very high altitude.
Spring and autumn are generally considered to be the best seasons to visit Nepal, since the weather tends to be moderate and stable, with clear skies. However, due to the complex nature of Nepal’s geography and climate, there's a lot more to this. An ever-increasing number of travelers visit Nepal in winter and summer, and for good reason. With the right information, travel plan, and preparation, Nepal is a great year-round destination.
The Three Passes trek is the ultimate Everest experience. This route takes in all the highlights—both in terms of mountain views and local Sherpa culture—and combines them into a complete journey through the Everest region. Keep in mind, this trek is one of the most challenging teahouse treks in Nepal.
Nepal is home to some of the most spectacular treks in the world. Ranging from classics like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang to up and coming treks such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Nar Phu Valley Trek, Nepal's best treks are listed below. If you plan on going trekking in Nepal, read on to decide which trek is best for you.
Twenty-five years ago, New Zealand native Jamie McGuinness followed his muse and took a break from university to travel the world. During that time, trekking became his passion, and he has been exploring the Himalaya ever since.
Looking to explore the cultural, more relaxing side of Nepal? Showcasing dazzling temples and world heritage squares, placid lakes and serene mountains, this week-long itinerary takes in the classic sights of Nepal as well as the more off-the-beaten path experiences, including Nepal’s famous lake town, Pokhara.
The classic picture of Nepal includes huge mountain landscapes featuring icy peaks against a crisp blue sky, and possibly a yak or two. We love this picture, but we like it even more when there is a mountain bike coming down the trail!
Richard has been living and working in Nepal for the last seven years, and is a major force behind the trail running scene and the opening of the Manaslu Circuit as a teahouse trek. We caught up with Richard not long ago to learn more about how these initiatives gained traction.
This has to be the ultimate adventure trip in Nepal. Combining a breathtaking Himalayan trek (with views of Everest can we add!) with some world-class whitewater. Three days exploring Kathmandu and 11 days off the beaten track, and very much in the wild! You’ll need a great sense of adventure for this trip as the rapids are non-stop for the first few days and pretty hardcore. If you’re looking for a trip to get your heart pounding – this is the one!
This is the longest and largest river in Nepal, springing from the sacred mountain of Mount Kailash in Tibet. This trip combines 4 epic days of intense whitewater followed by a more gentle float where you can soak up all the mind-blowing scenery. Finishing at Bardia National Park, you can combine this trip with a few days in the park on safari looking for tigers.
Taking you through the heart of Nepal, this river trip is rated one of the top ten river journeys in the world by National Geographic. Well off the beaten track, you'll spend your days enjoying great whitewater, warm weather and the evenings camping on pristine, white sandy beaches.
Tucked between eight of the world’s highest mountains, Nepal is a mecca for extreme adventure. You can climb up, zip down, trek across and soar by some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
Nepal offers a wide variety of trekking trails. For travelers who are short on time, here are some of the best short treks Nepal has to offer ranging from 3 to 10 days. Each of these treks can be extended; the number of days listed here represents the minimum number of days you need to complete these trails.
One of Nepal's most classic short treks, this route takes you to the foot of some of the tallest mountains in the world. Along the way, you'll spend the night in two famous base camps with close-up views of Annapurna I and Machapuchare.
When you think of Nepal, the first thing that probably springs to mind is Mt. Everest, the Himalaya, and trekking. Well, have you ever thought about it as a rafting destination?
One of the classic treks in Nepal, this popular route takes you all the way from subtropical jungle to high-altitude plateau, culminating in Thorung La at 5,419 m.
While the fall season may have the clearest skies, trekking during the monsoon (from mid-June, through July, August, to early September) has its own advantages. Some treks should be avoided, but for certain regions, it's a great time to visit Nepal: the trails are less crowded, the villages are full of life and the valleys are in bloom.
With the highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a diverse country that rises from dense jungle to snow-clad peaks in just over 100 miles. Its capital and largest city, Kathmandu, is a bustling metropolis with deep ties to history, culture and ancient religion. Its religions - Hinduism and Buddhism - melt together and lure Western travelers. With unparalleled terrain and adventure, Nepal never fails to deliver an unforgettable experience.
The Ghandruk Trek (sometimes also referred to as the Ghandrung Trek) is a great trekking option for those who are in Nepal for a shorter time or want to combine a relatively short trek with other activities in Nepal. The trek is typically done in 3 or 4 days.
Most treks in Nepal are 'teahouse' treks, which means every night you end up at a simple lodge with basic rooms and a meal. The best thing about teahouse trekking - you only have to carry very minimal gear.
This scenic twenty-minute flight takes you over the Kali Gandaki Gorge to the town Jomsom at the southern edge of the Mustang region. Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Dhaulagiri (26,795 ft), Nilgiri (23,166 ft), and the entire Annapurna Himal.
The Upper Mustang trek is the ultimate gateway to the mysterious world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Once forbidden and isolated from the rest of the world for decades, the area was able to evolve within its own distinctive culture and rich traditions closely tied to Tibet. This moderate, lesser-known trek passes through one of the driest regions of Nepal and provides spectacular mountain scenery.
Nepal’s mountains are formidable, but Raj Gyawali says they can be accessible to almost anyone. Whether he’s leading a family tour, a special needs tour, or a niche tour, Raj says his trekkers will have the experience of a lifetime and leave Nepal with a sense of accomplishment.
This short trek gives you access to one of Nepal's classic viewpoints of the Annapurna range. You'll follow ancient trails that connect local communities, pass through blooming rhododendron forests and rice paddies, and enjoy views of snow-covered mountains. At night, sleep in comfortable teahouses located in small villages along the route.
Offering epic Himalayan views, Poon Hill (3210m / 10,532 ft) is a popular destination for trekkers in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Most people arrive here in the early morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise views.
This high-altitude trek through Sherpa country brings you to the base of the world's tallest peak. You'll pass hilltop monasteries, Himalayan market towns, and craggy peaks as you follow in the footsteps of famous mountaineers—eventually making your way to the iconic starting point for all Everest expeditions.
Nepal is home to 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world. One of the key attractions of traveling to Nepal is to take in stunning views of these Himalayan giants. Here are some of the top viewpoints, with instructions on how to visit them.
Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest region offers up some of the highest treks in the world. To help decide which trek is best for you, here's a list of the main trekking routes with the duration and highlights for each route. Each route has great views, so which one you choose largely depends on your time frame, budget, and appetite for adventure.
It's important to pack the right items for your trek. Don't forget important things, and definitely don't bring too much as you and/or your porter won't be happy with a load that's too heavy. Here is a list of what you need for a comfortable trekking adventure.
Famous for its mountain airports, Nepal offers a number of domestic flights that give you access to all parts of the country. Often, it’s best to take a local flight to save yourself long drives when you only have a short amount of time in Nepal. Given that mountain weather is often unpredictable, however, it's best to add one or two buffer days before and after your trek to account for flight delays.
Here are 5 places for WiFi in Pokhara, Nepal’s second biggest city and major traveler hub, based on our experience being here with the kimkim team on a quick business trip.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek features everything you'd want from a classic trek in Nepal: Epic scenery, intimate encounters with local people and their ancient culture, and a 17,000-foot (5,100 m) Himalayan pass crossing. Kimkim's trusted partners in Nepal organize weekly group departures during the spring and fall trekking seasons, as well as private treks that can run on any date from February to June and September through November.
The Annapurna foothills make for some of the best short treks in Nepal: classic views of Nepal's famous snow-capped peaks, a variety of routes ranging from 3-10 days, and relatively easy trekking given the altitude and local village teahouses.
Trekking through the Himalayas is Nepal’s key attraction, and is a life-changing experience for many travelers, regardless of whether they are experienced hikers, or novices. This article is a primer to trekking in Nepal and answers frequently asked questions.
Out of the many lodging options in Kathmandu, we have handpicked half a dozen authentic hotels we love. These hotels range from affordable to luxurious, and they all have a unique character.
Influenced by both Indian and Tibetan cuisine, Nepalese food has its own rich flavors and aromas. Here's a selection of dishes you shouldn't miss during your trip to Nepal.
Mads Mathiasen has been trekking through Nepal for 20 years. These days, he does everything from short, child-friendly treks with his young son to rugged wilderness adventures with friends. And he is an expert who plans treks for visitors to Nepal, from first-timers to regular returners.
Heading to Nepal? Everyone needs a visa (except Indian nationals), but luckily it’s an easy process. Here’s the latest information on obtaining a tourist visa and how it works for visa-on-arrival (the easiest way to get your tourist visa).
Many say that the view of Mount Everest from Pikey Peak is one of the best in Nepal. That’s a bold statement, but Sir Edmund Hillary himself claimed it to be his favorite, and we're inclined to agree. This trek can be done in three full-on days, or a more leisurely six.
Here’s a trip plan that gives you a taste of what Nepal has to offer within a week: a short trek with great views of the Himalaya combined with a visit to the ancient cities of Bhaktapur and Patan. You'll stay within striking distance of Kathmandu.
