Things To Do
in Nepal
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia framed by the Himalayas, offering some of the world’s most dramatic mountain scenery. It is famous for the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, and a landscape that ranges from lush valleys to rugged high plateaus. Culturally diverse, Nepal blends Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous traditions across its villages and cities.
Trekking, mountaineering and spiritual heritage define many travelers’ experiences here.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the rooftop with views of the Himalayas. Spend some time exploring the local area to acclimatize yourself to the vibrant culture.
Visit Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, which offers panoramic views of the city. As you wander the ancient stupa, immerse yourself in the rich history and serene atmosphere. Don't forget to interact with the playful monkeys that inhabit the area.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, tasting traditional Nepali cuisine like dal bhat and momo. Afterward, take a stroll around Thamel, the tourist district, where you can find shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts. Experience the nightlife in a cozy bar with live music.
Start your day with an early visit to Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. Observe the rituals and spiritual practices as you learn about the significance of the site. The early morning light adds to the magic of this sacred place.
Head over to Boudhanath, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its massive stupa and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a lunch at a nearby café while watching the locals and pilgrims go about their day. Visit the surrounding monasteries to witness Tibetan Buddhism in practice.
Return to Thamel for another round of exploration, perhaps joining a cultural dance performance. Savor dinner at a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of the city and its twinkling lights. Reflect on the day's adventures as you sip on a cup of authentic Nepali tea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within city | $2-7 |
| 🧭Local SIM card with data | $5-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain scenery and trekking routes
- Rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming people
- Affordability and wide range of accommodation
- Diverse experiences from city temples to remote villages
- Altitude-related risks on trekking routes
- Inconsistent infrastructure in remote areas
- Crowds on popular trekking routes and in Kathmandu during peak seasons
- Seasonal travel limitations due to monsoon and cold winters
- "Namaste" - Hello / Good day
- "Dhanyabad" - Thank you
- "Kripaya" - Please
- "Ma sanchai chu" - I am fine
- "Tapai lai kasto cha?" - How are you?
- "Sahayata garnus" - Please help
- "Ma Nepali bolna sakdina" - I can't speak Nepali
- "Pani dinu hunchha?" - Could you give me water?
Places to Visit in Nepal
Visit one of these nice places.
Hilltop stupa offering sweeping views over Kathmandu Valley, framed by prayer wheels and rooftops.
Massive stupa encircled by monasteries; a hive of pilgrims and colorful prayer flags—great for wide-angle shots.
Sacred Hindu temple by the sacred Bagmati River; capture morning rituals and pilgrims, with care and respect.
A UNESCO-listed complex of palaces, temples and intricately carved wooden balconies; perfect for architectural photography.
Hilltop vantage point offering dramatic sunrise over the Himalayan range on clear mornings.
Mirror-like lake reflections with the Annapurna peaks in the background—ideal for sunset photography.
Food in Nepal
Nepal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The quintessential Nepali meal: steamed rice with lentil soup and a variety of vegetable curries; widely available in almost every eatery.
Must-Try!
Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables; popular street food and restaurant staple.
A sweet, ring-shaped fried rice bread often enjoyed with tea and festive occasions.
A thin rice-flour crepe topped with minced meat or vegetables; a Nepalese version of pizza, especially common at street stalls.
Fermented leafy greens soup, a traditional dish especially in hill regions; try it at village eateries or Newari restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market with fresh produce, spices and street snacks; great for sampling local flavors and bargaining for ingredients.
Lanes lined with momo stalls, chats, fried snacks and tea stalls popular with travelers.
Markets near the lake offering fresh fruit, snacks and Nepalese street bites after a day on the water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet others with a respectful Namaste, hands pressed together in front of the chest.
Remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly, and avoid photography in sacred spaces unless permitted.
Ask before photographing people; use right hand for exchanges and food handling; avoid public displays of affection in rural areas.
Hindu and Buddhist practices are part of daily life; be mindful during holidays and festivals.
Safety
Tipping in Nepal
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary for guides and porters on treks; 10-15% of the service cost or a per-day tip is common. In restaurants, leave a small tip if service is not included.
Cash in NPR is widely accepted in most places. USD is often accepted in tourist hubs. Major hotels and upscale restaurants accept credit cards; ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June to August brings heat and the monsoon; humidity is high in the valleys, with heavy rain in the mountains. Trails can be slippery; carry a light rain shell and sun protection for clear days.
September to November offers the best trekking weather: clear skies, crisp air, and stunning mountain views. Expect crowds at popular routes.
December to February brings cold nights, especially at higher elevations; days are usually dry and sunny in the valleys. High-altitude passes can be snowy.
March to May features blooming rhododendrons and mild temperatures; comfortable trekking conditions with moderate crowds.
Nepal at Night
Hiking in Nepal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic high-altitude trek through rich Sherpa culture and stunning mountain views.
Classic circuit offering diverse landscapes, villages and close-up views of Annapurna.
Accessible trekking region with rhododendron forests and Tamang culture.
Shorter trek with dramatic sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Airports
How to reach Nepal by plane.
Kathmandu's main international gateway with domestic connections and access to major Asian hubs.
Newly opened airport serving domestic and international flights, improving access to the Pokhara region.
Tenzing–Hillary Airport near Everest region; famous for its scenic but challenging approach and essential to many treks.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Nepal is multiethnic with communities including Chhetri, Brahmin, Newar, Tamang, Gurung, Magar and Tharu.
Nepali is the official language; dozens of local languages are spoken across regions.
Hinduism is the majority faith with significant Buddhist and indigenous practices; festivals are vibrant and frequent.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nepal is world-renowned for trekking routes and mountaineering challenges across the Himalayas.
Accessible in Pokhara for aerial views over lakes and peaks.
White-water rafting on rivers such as Trishuli, Bhote Koshi and Marshyangdi.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widespread; look for dal bhat tarkari, momos stuffed with vegetables, and thukpa; inform cooks if you avoid onions or garlic in restrictive diets.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nepal.