25% off selected South Asia trips >
Person hiking in a mountain range in Nepal

Nepal Travel Guide

A land of towering Himalayan peaks and vibrant cultural heritage. Embark on a trekking adventure in the Annapurna or Everest regions, where you can challenge yourself with breathtaking trails and witness awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains. Explore the ancient city of Kathmandu, where UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple offer a glimpse into Nepal's spiritual traditions. Visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world. Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people as you discover colourful markets, taste traditional cuisine, and experience vibrant festivals. Nepal's natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit make it a captivating destination for travellers seeking a blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural immersion.

One of the highlights of travelling in Nepal is the opportunity to witness the majesty of the Himalayas and engage in thrilling outdoor activities. Take a scenic mountain flight for a bird's-eye view of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting in the raging rivers that flow through deep gorges and lush valleys. Paraglide over the picturesque lakeside town of Pokhara, with the majestic Annapurna range as your backdrop. For a spiritual journey, embark on the challenging trek to the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda or embark on a pilgrimage to Muktinath, a revered site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Nepal's natural landscapes, adventurous activities, and spiritual treasures create a travel experience that will leave you with a profound sense of awe and a deep appreciation for this remarkable country.

See trips to Nepal
Flight deals of the week
  • Kathmandu
    Single from £370

Key Facts

Time Zone

GMT+5.75

Money

Nepali Rupee (RS)

Dialing Code

+977

  • An excellent budget destination this country can easily be combined with other trips due to its close proximity to India and China.
  • Experience the real Nepal! Get up close with the friendly locals and join in the fun of traditional Nepalese festivals.
  • Exercise your adventurous side with treks in the Himalayan Mountains.
  • Seek spirituality in the hidden temples and secret shrines in the backstreets of towns and villages.
  • Exhilarate the senses by crashing through the natural waterways on a river rafting excursion.

The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu and, as the only large city in the entire country, it attracts intrepid travellers from all over! This vibrant city will have you shocked and stunned by the bustling daily life and spectacular sights!

  • Ascend the ‘steps to heaven’ by trekking to Everest base camp!
  • Learn the secrets to tasty local cuisine by doing a Nepalese cooking course.
  • Walk through a variety of landscapes from Sherpa villages, glacial landscapes and lush green forests on multi-ability trekking trips.
  • Brush up on your yoga skills and maybe even join a retreat at the yoga school in Patan.
  • Get lost in the madness of Kathmandu at the Asan Tole shrine. Dedicated to the Goddess of Abundance this area is also a hotspot of market activity!
  • Discover the traditional architecture of the UNESCO world heritage site of Durbar Square in the heart of the old town of Kathmandu.
  • Explore the Tibetan villages and caves around the beautiful lake town of Pokhara.
  • See if you can spot tigers or the rare rhino in the Royal Chitwan National Park.

Nepalese food is very healthy and nutritious! As it is influenced by neighbouring Indian and Chinese cuisine expect to find a variety of food during your stay! Rice is a staple food and in high-altitude areas where rice is scarce, the staple food is Dhiro (a thick paste produced from corn or millet).

As the majority of Nepalese are Hindu, no beef is eaten as cows are considered holy and sacred. Being a vegetarian is not a problem in Nepal as vegetables are abundant and usually eaten as part of most meals.

A typical meal might include rice, lentil soup or vegetable curry with an assortment of spicy condiments.

Due to the vastly varied landscape across the country, the weather will vary. The general rule is the higher up you travel the colder and drier it is! High up in the Himalayas the temperatures rarely rise above freezing - something to bear in mind for trekkers!

From March to April and October to November the temperatures become a lot warmer (24-28°C range). Watch out for the Monsoon season in May and June when the weather is hot, sticky and wet, wet, wet! During the winter months (November to March) the weather can get very cold and snow is common, although rarely settles in places like Kathmandu and Pokhara!

Visas

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Passports

Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip.

Further Entry Requirements

Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.

The official language is Nepali, though there are hundreds of local and regional languages used by the more remote populations.

European plugs with two circular metal pins can be used in Nepal. British travellers will need to bring a universal adapter for use with British appliances.

Related Articles

4 Underrated Backpacking Destinations in South Asia

Last updated: 17th Apr 2024

So you’re looking for something new… Do you like the weather of Thailand or Bali, but want a unique experience? Why not visit one of South Asia’s many hidden gems? Here are 4 destinations that give...

The Best Languages to Learn for Travel

Last updated: 19th Dec 2023

Learning a language is a fun way to immerse yourself in new cultures. You can get to know the locals and make your big adventure more memorable. Discover the best languages to learn before you set off around the...

Volunteering in a Nepalese Monastery

Last updated: 18th Feb 2016

We catch up with Zhenya who travelled to Nepal spending her time volunteering abroad as a teacher. What made this experience even more special was the fact she was teaching monks in a Buddhist monastery, located at the base of...

8 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer, And Just Visit Nepal

Looking to explore somewhere a bit different? Head to Nepal. From the incredible Himalayas to the fascinating culture, there's always something amazing to discover. Alicia has been visiting Nepal for 11 years and keeps getting drawn back for more. Check...

4 of Our Favourite Unique Travel Experiences

It could be argued that every travel experience is unique to the person experiencing it at that moment, as no two people will feel, see or do exactly the same thing on their travels. But, there...