Best Things to Do in Nepal

Nepal sits between India and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, a landlocked Himalayan nation with the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery. The things to do in Nepal fall into three main categories. Trekking: the Everest Base Camp trek (14-18 days from Lukla, the standard approach) is the world’s most famous mountain walk, passing through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, yak pastures, and to the base of the world’s highest mountain at 5,364m; acclimatization is essential (typical itineraries include multiple rest days). The Annapurna Circuit (12-21 days, now partly motorized but still magnificent) traverses the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and the diverse landscapes of Mustang. The Annapurna Base Camp trek (10-13 days) reaches the southern bowl surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091m) and other peaks. Wildlife: Chitwan National Park in the Terai lowlands has the best one-horned rhinoceros density in Asia, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and the extremely rare gharial crocodile; jeep safaris, elephant-back safaris (controversial on welfare grounds), and canoeing serve the park. Lumbini, in the Terai near the Indian border, is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with monasteries from 50+ Buddhist nations. Cultural: Kathmandu Valley’s seven monument zones (including Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Swayambhunath) form a UNESCO cluster of extraordinary depth.

Best time to visit

October-November and March-April are the two trekking seasons: clear skies, good visibility, and manageable trail conditions. The monsoon (June-September) brings heavy rain to most of Nepal; trekking is difficult and mountain views are obscured (though the rain shadow areas of Mustang and Dolpo remain drier). December-February is cold (snow above 3,500m); the trails are quieter and clear in good weather but high passes can be blocked by snow. October is widely considered Nepal’s peak month for perfect skies and autumn foliage at altitude.

Getting around

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is Nepal’s only international gateway. Domestic flights from Kathmandu serve Pokhara (25 minutes, vs. 7 hours by bus), Lukla (the Everest trekking gateway, 35 minutes by mountain flight), Bharatpur (Chitwan access), and Lumbini. Mountain bikes are popular in Kathmandu; taxis and Pathao (ride-hailing) serve the city. For trekking, most people use licensed trekking agencies with porters and guides; independent trekking is possible on main routes but porter support is strongly recommended above 3,500m.

What to eat

Dal bhat (the daily Nepali meal of lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curries) is eaten twice daily by most Nepalis and provides sustained energy for trekking; on teahouse treks, it is usually unlimited refills. Momo (dumplings, Tibetan influence) are the most popular street food. Thukpa (noodle soup) and chow mein feature throughout the trekking routes. Tongba (a millet beer served hot in a bamboo vessel with a metal straw, a Rai and Limbu cultural drink) is worth trying in the eastern mountains. Nepali tea (with or without yak butter) is the altitude beverage at high-altitude teahouses.