Top Things to Do in Nepal

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime by trekking to Everest Base Camp, where you can witness breathtaking views of the world's highest peak, explore Sherpa villages, and immerse yourself in the majestic Himalayan landscape. Two base camps lie at either side of Mount Everest, the south base camp in Nepal and the north base camp in Tibet. The trek to the south base camp starts from Lukla in Nepal, stretching up to Kala Patthar, situated at a height of 18192 feet. Most people opt for airplanes to travel from Kathmandu to Lukla.

One of the holiest Hindu shrines in Nepal, the Pashupatinath Temple is stretched across both the banks of the beautiful and sacred Bagmati River. The magnificent sanctum devoted to Lord Shiva draws in thousands of devotees who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings from him. Sprawled over a large area with temples and ashrams, it is believed that the Jyotirlinga housed in the Pashupatinath temple is the head of the body, which is made up of the twelve Jyotirlinga in India.

Known For : Maya Devi Temple Bodhi Tree, Lumbini Mayadevi Pond

Nestled in the Himalayas near the Indian border, the beautiful town of Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini has a plethora of ancient stupas dating back to 2000 years and monasteries that were built by the past dynasties. People come here from all over the world to this abode of Buddhism to study scriptures, meditate, practice yoga, trek, learn more about Buddhism and find inner peace.

Best Time: April to May

20 Lumbini Attractions

Known For : Phewa Lake Shanti Stupa, Pokhara Sarangkot

Pokhara, the 'Tourist Capital of Nepal,' is the second-largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu. The town's highlight is its Lakeside, a boating paradise flanked by charming shops, dreamy cafés, restaurants, and pubs that make up this postcard-perfect town. Pokhara also has mystical caves, like Gupteshwor Cave, which reveal hidden wonders of underground waterfalls and intricate formations.

Best Time: September to November

33 Pokhara Attractions

Chitwan National Park invites you into the heart of the Terai region's dense jungles to explore its vibrant wildlife. From spotting the rare one-horned rhinoceros and elusive Bengal tigers to observing various bird species and indulging in guided jungle walks, the park offers an immersive wildlife experience in its natural habitat.

Known For : Patan Durbar Square Patan Museum Uku Bahal

Patan Durbar Square, with its opulent palaces, temples, and intricate wood and metalwork, narrates the tale of ancient Malla rulers' architectural prowess. This heritage site showcases Newar craftsmanship and historical significance, preserving Nepal's rich cultural heritage.

Best Time: November-January

10 Patan Attractions

Perched on top of the Semgu Hill located in the outskirts to the west of the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhu Temple temple is one of the most important eligious shrines in the city of Kathmandu. With a wite dome stupa and an array of shrines, this place draws people to it daily. Circumnavigating the temple in a clockwise direction is a common practice among the pilgrims since it is believed to wash away all the sins. The sanctum is one of the holiest sites among the Buddhists and Tibetans and is second only to the Lord Boudha for them.

Stay with local families in rural villages to experience Nepali hospitality, learn about traditional farming practices, and participate in cultural activities such as cooking classes, weaving, and folk music performances.

Savoring authentic Nepali cuisine, such as Momos (dumplings) and Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), offers a delightful culinary experience. Momos, filled with various meats or vegetables, reflect the country's diverse flavors, often served with tangy dipping sauces. Meanwhile, Dal Bhat, a staple meal, presents a comforting combination of lentils, rice, vegetables, and pickles, allowing you to relish Nepal's traditional flavors and spices while enjoying the simplicity and heartiness of its cuisine.

Pokhara happens to be one of the top commercial tandem paragliding locations in the world. With a range of safe take-off and landing zones, stable thermals, and the convenient proximity of a large lake for safety, it is not hard to understand why it is one of the most coveted paragliding spots in the world. Also, as a bonus, the low-lying valleys, the snow-capped Himalayas, and the scenic locales of Pokhara make for incredibly spectacular views that are out of this world!

Known For : Paragliding in Nagarkot Nagarkot Nature Trail Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail

Located at a mere 28-kilometer drive away from Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers one of the best views of the Himalayas in the entire region. Perched at the edge of Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot gives you one of the widest panoramas of the Himalayan ranges - you can spot 8 out of the 13 Himalayan ranges from the comfort of your hotel. Watching sunrise here is one of the bes things to do in Nepal.

Best Time: October to March

8 Nagarkot Attractions

Phewa Lake is the second-largest lake in Nepal. It is a semi-natural freshwater lake enveloped by rani ban or queen's forest, and a stunning reflection of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in the clear lake waters. It is also a perfect place to experience the ever-so-glorious Himalayan sunrises. Hire a colorful boat called a doonga and sail through the lake for a relaxing ride.

Perched on top of the Semgu Hill located in the outskirts to the west of the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhu Temple temple is one of the most important eligious shrines in the city of Kathmandu. With a wite dome stupa and an array of shrines, this place draws people to it daily. Circumnavigating the temple in a clockwise direction is a common practice among the pilgrims since it is believed to wash away all the sins. The sanctum is one of the holiest sites among the Buddhists and Tibetans and is second only to the Lord Boudha for them.

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once home to the royal family of Bhaktapur. Locally known as Khwopa or the ancient Newa City, you can explore the entire complex of four different squares – Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Pottery Square, and Dattatreya Square. Typical findings here are the Bhaktapur royal palaces along with several temples and other ancient structures dating back to the 17th and 18th century.

Kathmandu Valley's mountain biking trails cater to adventure enthusiasts seeking thrilling rides amidst cultural heritage sites and picturesque landscapes. These trails weave through ancient temples, rural villages, and terraced fields, providing an exhilarating experience while showcasing Nepal's historical and natural beauty.

The markets in Kathmandu and Pokhara sell various interesting, colorful products at very cheap rates, making shopping way more fun. Explore Kathmandu's Thamel district for a bustling array of shops offering everything from intricate Thangka paintings to luxurious Pashmina shawls. Discover wooden carvings and metal crafts in Bhaktapur and Patan, while Tibetan refugee camps in Boudhanath and Jawalakhel showcase traditional Tibetan handicrafts.

Located in the south-west of the capital city Kathmandu, Chandragiri Hill is one of Nepal's most loved day-trip destinations. The main destination of Chandragiri Hill is the mountaintop, from where spectacular views of the great Himalayan mountain ranges can be seen. The cable car journey does not take longer than 10 minutes. It starts from the foot of the mountain near Thankot and goes uphill for around 2.5 kilometres.

Janakpur is a city in Nepal that is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita and the place of her marriage with Lord Ram. Also known as the City of Ponds, Janakpur boasts more than seventy ponds dotting its verdant landscape. Here, you can learn more about the ancient and revered Hindu epic, the Ramayana, and its significance today.

The vibrant Tihar festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, illuminates Nepal with joyous celebrations and age-old traditions. Witnessing homes adorned with lights, colorful garlands, and the festivities honoring animals, especially the worship of dogs, offers an enriching cultural experience.

A helicopter tour provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, and the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape from an aerial perspective. This unforgettable journey showcases the grandeur of the region's majestic peaks in all their glory.

Participating in yoga and meditation retreats amidst Nepal's serene landscapes allows for profound relaxation and self-reflection. These retreats, often nestled in the tranquil settings of Kathmandu, Pokhara, or secluded Himalayan locations, offer immersive experiences led by skilled instructors. Engaging in yoga asanas (postures) and meditation sessions amidst nature's serenity allows travelers to rejuvenate their minds and bodies, embracing ancient practices that promote inner peace and well-being in a spiritually enriching environment.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas from the air by taking a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and remote mountain valleys.

Dhulikhel, a picturesque town nestled in the Kathmandu Valley, offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. Dhulikhel is a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers, known for its stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even Mount Everest on clear days. Explore the town's charming Newari architecture, ancient temples, and tranquil atmosphere while enjoying leisurely walks through its narrow streets.

Enjoy epic adventures in Pokhara with ziplining tours. You can shoot through the sky harnessed by rope over the lush, snow-tipped Himalayas, valleys, and jungles. Zip Flyer Nepal in Pokhara is the world’s steepest zipline, with a 2,000-metre vertical drop over 1.8 kilometres at 100 miles per hour. The other zipline in Pokhara starts from Pokhara Lake, headed for the shadow of Annapurna III.

Despite all the chaotic craze around mountain trekking that Nepal experiences every season, Manaslu has surprisingly held on to its pristine, untarnished beauty. Trek around the towering peaks of the Manaslu region, offering pristine alpine scenery, remote villages, and panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

Trekking in Nepal's Himalayas is an iconic adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures. Whether embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek with its towering peaks or the Annapurna Circuit offering a varied terrain of lush forests and high passes, each trek promises encounters with local communities, serene valleys, and majestic panoramas that redefine the essence of adventure.

Marvel at the clear night skies and celestial wonders of the Himalayas by going stargazing at high-altitude viewpoints such as Nagarkot, Sarangkot, or the Annapurna Base Camp.

Some 25 km north of Abu Khaireni, the picturesque town of Gorkha is the ancient home of the lionhearted Gorkha people. The place has immense historical and cultural significance and is dipped in tremendous natural beauty. You can simply spend the time staring at the green valleys and mountains or visit the Gorkha Durbar (palace) and Kali Temple, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Dashain, also known as "Bada Dashain" or "Vijaya Dashami," is one of Nepal's most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festivals. Dashain is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the symbol of divine energy and the destroyer of evil. The festivities of Dashain in Nepal begin with Shukla Paksha (bright lunar fortnight) and ends with the full moon day between the months of September and October. Kite flying is the most popular sport in every household during the Dashain Festival.

Mustang is known for its trekking tours and mountain sightseeing. Elevated at an altitude of 3840 kilometres, this city is divided into two parts: Lower and Upper Mustang. Even though it is relatively unexplored, this city is a great destination for those who want to immerse themselves in Tibetan culture and the Nepalese lifestyle as it is located near the Tibetan Plateau.