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.
As you're planning your trip to Nepal, here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes our trips unique. We'll also go over what to expect during your trip as well as how our trips are designed and assembled to make them more customized to your interests.
The Kathmandu Valley is the cultural melting pot of Nepal, with countless hidden gems and ancient sites to explore. It holds seven UNESCO world heritage sites along with some great vantage points from which to see the Himalaya from a distance. If you have a day or a few days to spend in Kathmandu, here are a few popular and unique things to do.
This fast-paced trip takes you up to Namche Bazaar, a traditional Sherpa village and unofficial capital of the Khumbu region. You'll pass through Sagarmatha National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—across suspension bridges, through alpine forests, and visit ancient Buddhist sites. The adventure ends with a helicopter tour of the snow-capped Himalayas and includes a stop at the base of the tallest mountain in the world: Mount Everest.
Explore the main highlights of the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys combined with an easy multi-day trek in the lower Annapurna region for great Himalayan views. You'll also have some free time to relax and explore on your own, along with recommended activities and places to eat that we'll recommend.
While Kathmandu holds Nepal's main cultural highlights, Pokhara is Nepal's base for adventure. The city lies on the doorstep of the Annapurna Himalaya and borders Phewa Lake and other smaller foothills, making it a great spot for a variety of outdoor activities. It also offers a number of ways to relax, whether you're interested in yoga or pleasant walks around Phewa Lake.
Ideal for those with limited trekking time, this fast-paced Nepal trip takes you along the first few days of the trail to Everest Base Camp up to Namche Bazaar, a traditional Sherpa village and the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region. You'll trek through Sagarmatha National Park with its famous suspension bridges, Buddhist sites, and of course, panoramic views of the Himalaya—including Mount Everest.
Sir Edmund Hillary claimed that the view of the lower Everest region from Pikey Peak is the best in all of Nepal, and we're inclined to agree. This short trek has the advantage of being slightly farther away from the big peaks, meaning views from the trail encompass much more of the Himalaya. Enjoy the scenery, get acquainted with Sherpa culture, and explore Kathmandu in just 7 days.
This scenic, guided trek through the Langtang Valley is within easy reach of Kathmandu and supports villagers rebuilding their lives after the 2015 earthquake. Climb through oak and rhododendron forests to high alpine meadows and Kyangjin Gompa, a Buddhist monastery. Take an optional hike to the top of Kyangjin Ri for 360-degree views of the Langtang Himal mountain range before you retrace your route and return to the Kathmandu area for one last trekking overnight.
Get up close to some of the world’s highest peaks with a moderate 4-day trek in the Annapurna Region. This adventure is a perfect excursion for first-time visitors to Nepal. 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.
Sanskrit for "mountain of the spirit", this remote area between Nepal and Tibet is one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in the Himalaya. Only open to organized groups, the 18-day version of this adventure includes two weeks on the Great Himalayan Trail. You’ll pass glacial lakes, wild rapids, and rhododendron forests, along with villages and Buddhist monasteries. Stay in traditional teahouses and enjoy plenty of views of Manaslu—the 8th-highest peak in the world.
Experience the diversity of Nepal through a visit to Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Kathmandu is a vibrant city, where they say there are more temples than abodes and more gods than men. In Pokhara, Nepal's adventure capital, you can relax by the lakeside or go paddling, paragliding, or trekking in the nearby Himalaya. Then, head to Chitwan, Nepal's lowest altitude at just under 100m above sea level, and go on a safari to see rhinos, various types of monkeys and deer, and perhaps even a tiger.
This Nepalese adventure includes a 4-day trek on one of the best-loved sections of the Annapurna trail. Hike through the region's iconic rhododendron forests and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks including Mount Fishtail and Annapurna South. This is a guided trek suitable for every level—including beginners, families, and older age groups—and includes overnight stays in Gurung village teahouses or luxury lodges.
Get up close to some of the world’s highest peaks on this moderate trek in the Annapurna Region. This 7-day adventure, including an easy to moderate 4-day trek, is a great trip for first-time visitors to Nepal. You'll follow ancient trails that connect local communities as you pass through blooming rhododendron forests and rice paddies, with frequent sightings of snow-covered mountains. At night, sleep in comfortable teahouses located in small villages along the route.
On the 12-day version of this itinerary, you'll trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar—a famous trading village between Tibet and Nepal. Continue from village to village, enjoying views of Ama Dablam, the "Matterhorn of Nepal." You'll learn about Sherpa culture along the way, culminating with the Buddhist monastery at Tengboche, and finally Dingboche before returning to Pokhara.
Nepal's many cultural attractions have roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions that go back thousands of years. This itinerary starts with several day-trips from Kathmandu before you head to the jungle. Balance the sacred pilgrimage sites and monuments with outdoor activities: hike in Nagarkot, paraglide in Pokhara, and ride an elephant in Chitwan National Park.
In just 4 days, you'll explore the famous cultural sites of the Kathmandu Valley and top it off with an early morning flight with views of Mount Everest. This trip provides the perfect balance for getting the best of Kathmandu's nature and culture for those with limited time.
One of the most popular short treks in Nepal, this route to Nagarkot is ideal for beginners of all ages. You'll make your way through oak, pine, and rhododendron forests and learn about village life while taking in views of the Kathmandu Valley and snow-capped Himalayan peaks in Nagarkot. Wake up to a sunrise view over Mount Everest before enjoying more time in Kathmandu.
The 8-day version of this Nepal adventure takes you up to Namche Bazaar, a traditional Sherpa village and unofficial capital of the Khumbu region. Visit Sagarmatha National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—along with alpine forest, Buddhist sites, and, of course, panoramic snow-capped views of the Himalayan peaks.
Visit Namche Bazaar, a traditional Sherpa village and unofficial capital of the Khumbu region on this fast-paced trip. During 4 comfortable days of trekking, you'll pass through Sagarmatha National Park, through alpine forests, and visit ancient Buddhist sites. The adventure ends with a helicopter tour of the snow-capped Himalaya, including a stop at the base of Mount Everest.
This trek fulfills a section of the popular and rugged trail towards Everest Base Camp. Starting from Lukla, you'll climb through the forested Dudh Kosi valley to reach Namche Bazaar, a famous trading village between Tibet and Nepal. You'll learn about Sherpa culture along the way, culminating with the holy village of Tengboche.
This tour combines two great Nepal experiences: Chitwan National Park in the subtropical lowlands of Nepal and the Ghandruk Trek, a 4-day short trek in the Annapurna foothills. Chitwan National Park has a wide variety of wildlife including Tigers, Rhinos, Elephants and many bird species. The Ghandruk trek is a guided trek suitable for every level—i.e. beginners, families, older age groups—and includes overnight stays in memorable Gurung villages. Stay in traditional teahouses or upgrade to luxury lodges.
This 4-day tour lets your experience the best of Nepal in a short amount of time by using a helicopter to get into and out of the Everest region. If you are looking for something special, and have to budget to match it, this is the perfect way to visit Everest Basecamp and get a taste of trekking in Nepal.
Almost anything you need for your trek, you can find in Kathmandu. There are hundreds of small shops packed with equipment lining the streets of Thamel, the main trekkers' hub. You can buy or rent anything you're missing or don't want to pack—from down sleeping bags and jackets to trekking poles, water bottles, and sunglasses.
Phaplu is a gateway village in the lower Solu Khumbu, serving as the starting off point for a number of treks. It also has one of the only domestic airports in the region. There are a number of short treks nearby, such as Pikey Peak, and you can also trek from her to the upper Everest region.
Packing for a trip to Nepal? You may know what to bring in your backpack and suitcase, but have you prepped your smartphone? Whether you're trekking or immersing yourself in culture, download these 10 helpful apps, ranging from off-line maps to a mountain identifier to an English-Nepali dictionary.
Nepal is divided into three main geographical regions—the Himalaya in the north, the central hilly region, and the Terai (or jungle region) in the south. To help you decide where to go, we've broken these regions up into smaller, popular sub-regions which can be combined in numerous ways. There's an enormous amount of cultural diversity and natural beauty almost everywhere you turn, making it easy to find the perfect combination no matter how many days you have in Nepal.
The Everest and Annapurna regions are the two most popular areas for trekking, but there are a number of other regions that hold some of the best treks in Nepal. Both regions are best visited in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), though winter treks (December-February) are possible on some routes in these areas. Summer/monsoon (June-August) trekking in these regions isn't recommended, as the trails can get quite wet and slippery and mountain views obscured.
Nepal is an excellent destination for jungle treks, safari tours, and off-the-beaten-track adventure. If it's wildlife and national parks you're after, there are lodges in the heart of the jungle that rise above the competition to provide sustainable wilderness experiences that also prioritize comfort.
Most travelers to Nepal think of trekking in the Himalaya, but there's another entirely different landscape to explore in the south of Nepal—Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. Under the forested canopies of these two national parks, you'll spot rhinos, tigers, elephants, and a variety of birdlife. Here's a guide for planning trips to these two regions.
Nepal is beautiful from every angle, but there's something special about seeing it from the air. Helicopter tours are a unique way to combine transport with sightseeing among the world's tallest mountains and deepest valleys—and it's the perfect solution if you're short on time. Here are some of the best helicopter excursions to incorporate into your trip.
The lower Annapurna region is perfect for short treks. With just a few days in the mountains, you’ll experience what makes this part of Nepal special: accessible views of snow-capped peaks, rhododendron forests, and easy trails lined with a selection of cozy teahouses. Here’s a guide to the best short treks in the Annapurna region.
You don't need extreme altitudes or serious mileage to trek in the Himalaya. Nepal also offers a variety of beginner treks with beautiful views and glimpses of the local culture, all taking a week or less to complete. Read on for the best beginner treks in Nepal.
Get in and amongst the streets of Kathmandu and the surrounding valley by taking a day tour, chauffeured on the back of a vintage Vespa. Vespa Valley has a fleet of six well-maintained scooters with a number of different routes you can choose from around the Kathmandu Valley.
Camping under the stars after a day trekking through dramatic Himalayan landscapes is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Nepal. Learn what to expect from a camping trek, and take your pick from six of the best routes.
Welcome to Kathmandu, the beating heart of Nepal. Whatever your taste or budget, this busy metropolis has an accommodation option to suit you. With so many choices—especially in the tourist hub of Thamel—it can be difficult to decide where to stay. Make the most of your visit to the Nepali capital by checking out these recommendations for the best and most unique hotels, resorts, and homestays in the city.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is the classic way to get up-close-and-personal with the world's tallest peak. But there's another way to go that's quicker, cheaper, and less exhausting: hop aboard a plane or helicopter. Here's how to do it, and what to expect.
Traveling with a great guide is important in Nepal—particularly at high altitude. Read on for more information about the benefits of hiring local, learn what to expect, and meet some of the country's top trekking and tour guides.
Kathmandu charms visitors with a mix of ancient history, striking Hindu and Buddhist sites, cheap and cheerful dining, and fun nightlife. If you only have a single day, follow these tips to get the most out of your time in Nepal's busy capital.
Starting around mid-June, peaking in July and August, and winding down in early September, the monsoon brings rain, humidity and an increase in temperatures across most of Nepal. True — mountain views are often obscured by cloud, temperatures get uncomfortable, it rains daily, and yes, there are leeches. But this is still a great time to trek and here are our best tips for going about it.
Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and culture of the Himalaya on this two-week-long trek that covers all the essential attractions between Kathmandu and Everest Base Camp. From Lukla— the gateway to the Khumbu — all the way to the summit of Kala Patthar, you will trek along challenging routes, visit Sherpa villages, and enjoy unforgettable views of the region's most iconic mountains.
Kimkim traveler Clare Immens likes to instill a sense of adventure in her three children—so taking her young daughter Elsie on a multi-day trek in Nepal was a no-brainer. From card games in tea houses to making friends with baby animals along the way, read on to learn about their experience hiking through the Annapurna foothills on the Ghandruk Trek.
Grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure — trekking along quiet, off-the-beaten-track trails through Nepal's Annapurna foothills. Originally designed for the Prince of Wales, this itinerary includes stunning mountain views, less-crowded routes, and sherpas.
Experience Khumbu at its finest on this trek, which brings you to the base camp of the stunning Mount Ama Dablam at 15,750 feet. End each day at one of five comfortable lodges, with en-suite rooms, comfortable lounges, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Explore quieter trails where you will meet local people and experience their culture and ancient traditions first-hand, not to mention their enviable sense of tranquility.
Tihar, or the Festival of Lights, is a five-day Hindu festival in the autumn that celebrates the intimate relationship between animals and people. It also worships Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, culminating in Laxmi Puja when rangoli patterns are made with colored powder and flowers. This trip will take you on a journey from Kathmandu to the old Malla kingdoms of Bhaktapur and Patan, and the lakeside city of Pokhara. Along the way, you will stay with local families to enjoy the full flavor of this magical festival.
Embark on special yoga spirit trek in the Annapurna foothills of Nepal's sacred Himalayan Mountains. Led by an experienced international yoga instructor, this trek focuses on energizing yoga, meditation, and breathing to revitalize your inner self. With overnight stays in luxury Ker & Downey Lodges, this trip is an ideal introduction to trekking in Nepal.
It's easy to have a blast in Pokhara — especially at night! Between the open-air cinemas, booming live music scene, sports bars, and stunning sunsets, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Just be sure to make the most of everything before midnight, when the city shuts down.
Pokhara is brimming with restaurants that cater to all tastes and travelers. From ayurvedic and vegan to Korean and Italian, deciding where to go can be the hardest part of your day in this relaxing lakeside town. Stress not: this dining guide is here to help.
Nepal's love affair with coffee is in full swing in Pokhara, where over 35 coffee shops have cropped up in the last five years — all touting locally grown, organic Himalayan Arabica.
While many yogis flock to the tropical beaches of southern India to hone their practice, it's hard to beat doing downward dog or meditating against the backdrop of the world's highest peaks. This roundup of the best yoga treks, retreats, and adventures in Nepal, from a yoga rafting trip on the Sun Kosi to a luxury yoga trek in the Annapurnas, will have you booking a flight before you can say Om-M-G.
Discover Nepal's majestic region of Dolpo. This remote area, made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book 'The Snow Leopard,' has only been open to trekkers since 1989. Its most alluring attraction, Phoksundo Lake, is sacred to Buddhists and followers of the Bonpo religion. This relatively easy trek involves no high passes, and winds through Himalayan forests and traditional Tibetan villages.