Nepal Travel Guide – Travel Insights and Tips

Sitting in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Nepal is an enchanting destination for hikers and trekkers of all types, many venturing to the famous Everest Base Camp. Over the years, Nepal has also managed to become a popular destination for nature, wildlife, culture, and adventure, thanks to its rich natural beauty, vast cultural heritage, and diverse terrains. No wonder a trip to Nepal is featured high on many people's travel bucket list.

If Kathmandu is known for its culture and heritage, Pokhara is the gateway to adventure in Nepal. The picturesque valley features shimmering lakes lined by cafes and restaurants ranging from quirky to luxurious. Surrounding the city are hills, home to local villages, and beyond is the lofty snow-capped Himalayan range and some of the highest peaks in the world. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, an adventure sports junkie or just someone looking for a chilled-out atmosphere, a trip to Pokhara is for you. To give you a taste of the options available, here are our top 15 recommendations for things to do in Pokhara.

Normally Nepal is all about Mt. Everest and trekking in the Himalayas. But did you ever pause a moment and think about Nepal's rafting tours? If you're going rafting in Nepal, you will be up for some of the best river rafting trips in the world.The rafting rivers of Nepal descend faster and further than most rivers on the planet, ensuring the presence of thrilling rapids that are perfect for rafting. Without further ado, please below find the top 10 best river rafting tours in Nepal that are sure to give you everything you’re looking for, from easy and lazy rapids for newbies to some of the most difficult and memorable rafting tours in Nepal!

Dal Bhat is a Nepali meal which basically means cooked lentil soup and steamed rice. The platter ideally also includes a type of vegetable curry, leafy greens, at least one type of pickle, and a meat dish (which is optional). On average, a Nepali consumes two meals of dal-bhat every day, which amounts to 90 kg of rice every year. If you are wondering what makes the dish so appetizing, here is a list of restaurants in Kathmandu you can try for a plate of lip-smackig and finger-licking dal-bhat, to find out the answer yourself. Make sure to try these dishes on your Nepal trip.

You cannot escape dal bhat when you are visiting Nepal. The same goes for the unofficial national food called momos. Anyone who has ever been to Nepal will tell you that momo is the must-try food here. Skipping the two famous Nepali foods, we give you a list of some of the underrated Nepalese food that will leave you wanting more.

Like gyoza in Japan, gnocchi in Italy, Momo is the Nepali version of dumplings. With an average Nepali consuming at least 4 plates of momos per week, i.e. 40 pieces of momos, it has been declared as the unofficial national dish of Nepal. Hole-in-the-wall eateries serving only momo are as ubiquitous as temples in Nepal. Any comparatively decent restaurant in Nepal will undoubtedly have momo in their menu. Available in several fillings with accompaniment of various types of soups and sauce, and done in different ways, momo is for everyone. A trip to Nepal is incomplete without having a plate of momo.Let us spare you from the ‘okay-ish’ momos and fill you in the top 9 momo places in Kathmandu. Don’t expect swanky eateries, if you want the authentic Nepali momo experience then you need to go where the locals go (oh yeah, carry a hand sanitizer). Many of these eateries don’t have a name, but like Shakespear said, “What’s in a name?”

If you are looking for the best time to visit Nepal, you need to factor in things like weather, trekking seasons, national festivals, and more. The fall season, between mid-September to November, is the best time to travel to Nepal when the conditions are cool and dry. The time is ideal for a trekking adventure in the Annapurna Circuit or the famous Everest Base Camp trek. These periods offer the driest conditions, and the winter snows that make the trails perilous have not kicked in yet. The fall season is also a perfect time to go whitewater rafting and canyoning in the monsoon-fed rivers and waterfalls.Plan your Nepal trip from March to May or September to November to visit national parks in the southern plains. You can book a safari tour in Chitwan National Park to spot various animal and bird species, including the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. The summer months of May to September see lots of rainfall in Nepal, making it the least ideal time to visit. The weather in the chart is based on Kathmandu.

January is the middle of winter and the coldest month in Nepal. But the temperatures are pleasant enough to explore cities and temples, visit national parks and go on low-altitude treks. Since hotel tariffs are low, you can spend more days touring Nepal in January without hurting your wallet. Enjoy gorgeous temple art and architecture in Kathmandu Durbar Square, spot one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers in Chitwan National Park, and go trekking in Poon Hill in the Annapurna region in January.

As February enters, the woes of winter start to melt away in Nepal, making way for excellent low-season conditions. Pleasant weather and low tourist crowds are the perfect combinations for a short getaway in Nepal in February. While adventure activities like mountain biking and low-altitude hiking take the spotlight, you can also look forward to exploring the culture and wildlife of Nepal. Here is a look at everything you need to know about Nepal as winter draws to a close and the outdoors beckons.

With the end of the winter season and the beginning of the popular spring season, Nepal in March is where we see temperatures and crowds starting to rise. March is a good month to visit Nepal, but not as good as April, however, there are more tourists during April. The only caveat to visiting Nepal this month is that some high-altitude trekking and camping trails may not be open yet. But regions like the Terai start heating up around this time and the mountain district of Mustang also reopens for tourists. Some of the top things to do in Nepal this time of the year are the cultural and religious festivals celebrated across the country.

Looking for a great month to trek the Himalayas? April is one of the best times to visit the mountain region of Nepal due to warm, dry weather and good visibility. Obviously, popular time means one thing: crowds—and lots of them. But if you plan ahead, trekking in Nepal this month can be a wonderful experience. The best way to avoid crowded trekking trails when exploring Nepal in April is to check out the lesser-known routes, away from Everest and Annapurna.

May is the end of one of two high seasons in Nepal and one of the best times to explore. As it’s pre-monsoon season, the weather in Nepal in May is favorable and the long days and clear conditions make it an excellent time to go on a trekking holiday, especially if you’re hitting up the Himalayas and Annapurna Circuit. Want to know what to expect from a Nepal trip in May? Read on and let’s find out.

From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to brightly colored temples, a trip to Nepal brings together adventure and spirituality in a unique blend that you’ll be yearning to return again and again. Hike through the Himalayas and take a flight over Mount Everest one day and go on a steamy jungle safari in search of tigers the next. Want something a little different? Visit temples in the birthplace of the Buddha or go parasailing with an Egyptian hawk! With its stunning natural landscape and unique culture, these itineraries will help you decide how many days to spend in Nepal for your next trip.

For many travelers, Nepal is synonymous with the world’s tallest mountains. But it is also home to lush jungles, mighty rivers, and beautiful Buddhist stupas — and 4 days in Nepal is an excellent introduction to all these sides of this Himalayan nation. Whether it’s marveling at the stunning mountain landscapes of the Annapurna region and enjoying stunning sunrise views during the Poon Hill trek or spotting tigers and rhinos in Chitwan National Park, you can pack in a lot during a 4-day trip to Nepal.

Traveling to Nepal but short on time? Don’t worry, there is a lot you can see and do in just 5 days in Nepal. From multi-day treks in Poonhill to wildlife safaris at Chitwan National Park and more, there are plenty of mini-expeditions and adventures you could embark on. Here are some things you could see and do during your 5-day trip to Nepal.

Most travelers touring Nepal plan a fortnight-long stay in the country in order to trek to the base camp of either Mount Everest or Mount Annapurna. However, the country also has a lot to offer, even to those planning to spend just 7 days in Nepal. For hike lovers, there are treks to the Langtang Valley and the lower foothills of the Everest region that can be done in around a week. Alternatively, you can also combine destinations like Pokhara and Nagarkot with wildlife reserves like Bardia and cultural hotspots like Lalitpur and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares during your one-week stay in Nepal. Check out our pick of 7-day travel itineraries to Nepal below.

Those looking to spend 10 days in Nepal can soak up its towering mountains during one of the shorter treks like Mardi Himal or Poon Hill, then travel down to its plains where nature reserves abound. Try spotting tigers on a jeep safari in Chitwan or head for Bardia instead. Visit the Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini. Alternatively, go for a 10-day long trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Unwind with a boat ride in Pokhara or scour the streets of Kathmandu for ancient temples and bargain finds. 

Nepal is an ultimate destination for travelers passionate about culture, spirituality, and adventure. A 9-day journey in the land of the Himalayas promises a myriad of experiences—from trekking in breathtaking landscapes to immersing in diverse cultural activities. Spending 9 days in Nepal allows you to explore historical parts of Kathmandu Valley, enjoy thrilling adventure sports in the lake city of Pokhara, go wildlife safari in Chitwan, and even plan a short trek in the Everest region. Whether you choose to anchor your trip in a few destinations or travel across the country, Nepal guarantees an unforgettable escape. Dive deeper into some exciting Nepal 9-day tours to make the most of your trip.

For every trekking season below we list the average temperatures in Kathmandu, which lies at an altitude of 1300 m. If wanting to calculate the potential temperatures during your trek then please note that for every 100 meters of ascend the temperature will fall 0.5 degrees. Thus, when doing for example the trek to Everest Base Camp and reaching Kala Patthar which lies at an altitude of 5,400 m, then the temperature will have fallen additionally 27 degrees, compared with sea level. Please also note that the below are average temperatures only and therefore lower temperatures are possible, and, additionally the chill factor may make it considerably colder. Please therefore always choose equipment which can cope with sufficiently low temperatures during the season in which you're trekking. (Equipment lists provided further below also).

Altitude illness occurs due to changed pressure and oxygen levels. As the altitude increases the pressure levels drop and as a result oxygen levels drop accordingly. Altitude illness may kick in when reaching 3,000 meters and above as a result of the body being unable to adapt to the new pressure and oxygen levels.

Trekking is generally very rewarding and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While trekking is not dangerous, health and safety should always be a top priority. Whether you're going for the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, the Inca Trail in Peru, or wanting to trek Kilimanjaro in Africa, all tour companies on Bookmundi will always have been carefully selected, to ensure that you get an as good and safe trekking experience as possible. We still recommend, however, that you always prepare yourself as much as possible and go through the below information on health, safety and altitude sickness while trekking. They may come in handy.

In order to fully enjoy your trek in the Himalayas, Peru, Tanzania, or any other trek in the world, having the right trekking equipment is essential - both safety and comfort-wise. The trekking equipment necessary depends on the type of trek, and on the time of year, weather conditions, terrain, and maximum altitude. However, the list below includes many essential things that would be wise to bring on most treks.A properly packed trekking backpack is light and includes multipurpose clothing items. Moreover, please make sure that you bring sufficiently warm clothes, especially during winter (Dec – Feb). Not having the required trekking equipment and clothing will not only significantly decrease the pleasure of trekking, but could in a worst-case scenario be life-threatening. Below is a list of Trekking Equipment Needed while Trekking around the World: 

Home to the magnificent Himalayas, Nepal offers a multitude of breathtaking trekking opportunities for adventurers of all levels. From the legendary trek to Everest Base Camp to the enchanting Annapurna Circuit, as well as lesser-known (but no less spectacular) trekking trails, such as the Nar Phu Valley trek, Nepal has something to captivate every trekking enthusiast. We have curated this list of the best treks in Nepal.What is the best trek in Nepal? While some may believe there’s an ultimate answer to what the best trek in Nepal is, it really comes down to individual trekking preferences. Consider these relevant aspects of trekking before zooming in on what the best trekking tour in Nepal is for you, personally: What level of trekking difficulty are you seeking? How many days do you have available for trekking in Nepal? Are you trekking with your family or children? Looking for a remote trekking destination or a touristy one that may have more amenities? Are you a budget traveler, or is price less relevant for you? During which season(s) are you trekking in Nepal? Looking for an adventurous camping trek (also sometimes named ‘adventure treks’) or a simpler guesthouse trek? Do you require restricted permits?  Below we have handpicked the 14 most popular trekking tours in Nepal, along with highlights, lowlights, and some trek facts for ‘a best trek in Nepal’ crash course!

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, surrounded by glaciers, forested valleys and some of the largest mountains on the planet, the base of Everest is a bucket list item for many. So how do you get to the Everest Base Camp? Let us find out.