Things to Do in Nepal
- Deborah
- From India
- Deborah
- From India
- Nia Rahmadani
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- Anatasya Eva
- From Indonesia
What Activities to Do in Nepal
Nepal offers an incredible variety of experiences, from mountain trekking and cultural exploration to wildlife safari. Here's our list of the top things to do in Nepal.
1. Trekking in Nepal
Whether you are a novice or an experienced trekker, Nepal offers some of the best trekking routes in the world. While the four-day Poonhill trek is one of the better short treks in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp trek—which takes at least 12 days—is the most popular among visitors. The Everest Base Camp-3 Passes trek or the Manaslu trek are some of the best adventure treks in Nepal, taking you on unparalleled trekking routes amidst pristine nature. If you're into climbing, we recommend Island Peak or Mera Peak. Both peaks reach over 6,000 meters and can be summited by people without prior mountaineering experience, yet promise a challenging adventure and memory of a lifetime.
Top treks:
- Everest Base Camp Trek: The Everest Base Camp Trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak. The trek lasts around 12-14 days and is moderately difficult, with steep ascents and high altitudes. Highlights include Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and the iconic Everest Base Camp itself.
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a scenic journey through terraced fields, lush forests, and high alpine landscapes. Lasting 7-12 days, it’s a moderately challenging trek. Key highlights include Mount Machhapuchhre, diverse wildlife, and the stunning Annapurna Range.
- Langtang Trek: The Langtang Trek provides a quieter alternative to more crowded routes, showcasing stunning views of Langtang Lirung. This moderately challenging trek involves steep ascents and scenic rhododendron forests. The trek is usually 7-9 days in length.
Best season: The best time for trekking in Nepal is during the autumn season, from September to November, with October being the stand-out month. The weather is favorable, and the trekking trails are clear during this time. Spring (February to April) is the second-best season for trekking.
Insider’s Tip: Restricted areas such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Manaslu Circuit and Kanchenjunga require special permits and the presence of a guide to ensure safety.
More information:
Best time to trek to Everest Base Camp
How long does Everest Base Camp trek take
How to get to Everest Base Camp
Top destinations:
- Chitwan National Park: Chitwan National Park, the first national park in Nepal, is a must-see destination in Nepal. This is one of the most naturally beautiful places in Nepal and covers almost 932 square kilometers. More than 160 species of migratory birds call the park their home, as do one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, bears, crocodiles, and Asian elephants. The most common bird sightings include kingfishers, paradise flycatchers, egrets, and Brahminy ducks.
- Bardiya National Park: Bardiya National Park is the largest wilderness area in the Terai plains. The park covers about 968 square kilometers of grasslands and sal forests and is famous for being one of the biggest stretches of tiger habitats in Asia. Apart from tigers, you can also check out 50 different species of mammals, such as one-horned rhinos and elephants, Gangetic dolphins, and more than 230 species of birds, such as Sarus cranes and the Bengal floricans.
Best season: The best months for a wildlife safari in Nepal are from October to March. During this period, the weather is dry, offering clear skies and better visibility for spotting wildlife.
Insider's Tip – The ideal way to tour the Chitwan National Park is to go on a three-day holiday and stay for two nights at one of the hotels in Chitwan. This also gives you a chance to explore a typical Tharu village while in Nepal.
Adventure sports are one of the top things to do in Nepal. The lake city of Pokhara attracts explorers, nature lovers, and adrenaline junkies with its endless offerings of adventure sports, such as paragliding, mountain biking, river rafting, canyoning, and bungee jumping. Pokhara is also a gateway to popular trekking routes such as Poonhill, Annapurna Base Camp, and Annapurna Circuit. If you want a more serene experience, you can go boating and strolling down the lakeside in Pokhara. Check out our adventure tours in Nepal.
Best season: The best time to go to Pokhara for adventure sports is between September and February. This covers the winter and pre-summer season in Nepal, which means the temperatures are more favorable. The skies are mostly clear, allowing for activities such as paragliding and boating.
Insider’s Tip: In addition to adventure sports, Pokhara is home to unique destinations such as the underground waterfall, Devi’s Fall, Bat Cave, and hidden hot springs near Tatopani.
Nepalese cuisine sometimes gets a bit of a hammering from those expecting the explosive spices of India. But come with an open mind, and the subtler flavors that typify the nation’s food will delight your taste buds. After you have had your fill of aromatic dal-bhat, be sure to taste tangy pani puri, the ubiquitous small street food. Then look out for places dishing up momo—Nepali dumplings or pancake-like chatamari. You will not regret it.
Top cuisine:
- Thakali cuisine: Thakali cuisine, originating from the Thak Khola region, offers a delicious blend of flavors, with dal, rice, vegetables, and meat, typically served in small portions. The dishes are aromatic, simple yet flavorful, providing a unique culinary experience in Nepal.
- Momo: Momo, a popular Nepali snack, is steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. Typically served with a tangy dipping sauce, these bite-sized treats are a must-try during a trip to Nepal, offering a tasty glimpse into the country's street food culture.
- Newari cuisine: Newari cuisine, from the Kathmandu Valley, offers a unique mix of spices, flavors, and textures. Signature dishes like momo, yomari, and choyala provide rich, hearty meals. Known for their intricate preparation, Newari meals showcase Nepal’s culinary diversity.
Best season: Sampling the cuisine is, of course, a year-round activity.
Insider’s Tip: Visit Newari restaurants, popularly known as Newari Khaja Ghar to try authentic cuisine, such as choila, chatamari, and sapu mhicha, of the local Newari people.
6. Learn the History at Durbar Squares
Visiting the Durbar Squares in Nepal is a great way to learn about the country’s rich history and culture. Kathmandu’s Basantapur Durbar Square showcases majestic palaces and temples, including the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, revealing Nepal’s royal past. Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its intricate Newar architecture and the stunning Hiranya Varna Mahavihar. Bhaktapur Durbar Square offers an authentic glimpse of medieval Nepal with its well-preserved structures, such as the 55-Window Palace. Gorkha Durbar, the birthplace of the Shah dynasty, adds to the historical journey, offering insights into the unification of Nepal.
Top destinations:
- Basantapur Durbar Square: Basantapur Durbar Square is the historical heart of Kathmandu, showcasing the grandeur of the Malla Dynasty. The square is home to the Kumari Ghar, where the living goddess resides, and the striking Taleju Temple. This area reflects the Malla rulers' architectural influence, with their intricate designs and cultural legacy still visible in the surrounding temples and palaces. The square’s vibrant atmosphere offers a deep dive into Nepal’s royal and artistic heritage, making it an essential stop for history and architecture lovers.
- Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square is renowned for its exquisite architecture and historical temples. Key highlights include the Mahabouddha Temple, the Golden Temple, and the intricately carved Palace Complex. Patan’s renowned craftsmanship makes it a must-visit for arts and culture enthusiasts.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a well-preserved medieval treasure, featuring the 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, and the majestic Nyatapola Temple. Its narrow alleys, vibrant squares, and unique sculptures provide a glimpse into traditional Newar life and architecture.
- Gorkha Durbar: Gorkha Durbar, located on a hilltop, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The historic Gorkha Palace and the famous Bhimsen Tower stand out, reflecting the significance of the region in Nepal’s unification under King Prithvi Narayan Shah.
Best season: The best months to visit Durbar Squares in Nepal are from October to March. During this period, the weather is dry and cool, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures for exploring historical sites.
Insider's Tip: Don’t miss out on the Patan Museum, which is housed in the Malla Royal Palace. The museum is home to more than 200 copper or gilt statues of Hindu or Buddhist deities. The main highlights of the museum are its courtyard (featuring a red-brick façade, wood carvings, a golden door, and a golden window) and the 12th-century seated Buddha.
8. White Water Rafting
White-water rafting in Nepal offers an exhilarating adventure through the country’s pristine rivers, surrounded by stunning landscapes. The Trishuli River is one of the most popular, offering thrilling rapids suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. For more challenging experiences, the Bhote Koshi River, known for its steep rapids, is a top choice. The Kali Gandaki River also provides a unique combination of rapids and scenic beauty. Rafting in Nepal is one of the most exciting activities in Nepal, providing not only an adrenaline rush but also a chance to witness Nepal’s natural beauty up close.
Top destinations:
- Trishuli River: The Trishuli River is one of the most popular rivers for white-water rafting in Nepal. Its accessible location near Kathmandu offers rapids suitable for beginners and intermediates, combined with stunning views of lush forests and hills along the route.
- Bhote Koshi River: The Bhote Koshi River is renowned for its thrilling, high-intensity rapids, making it perfect for experienced rafters seeking adventure. The Bhote Koshi River offers one of the best and most exciting kayaking and rafting adventures in all of Asia. The river will treat you with steep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush terraced fields. You can also camp at the river banks and enjoy a meal under the sky.
- Kali Gandaki River: The Kali Gandaki River offers a thrilling rafting experience with varying rapids, ideal for intermediate to advanced rafters. Known for its beautiful scenery, the river flows through the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge, offering a unique combination of excitement and breathtaking landscapes.
Best season: The best months for white-water rafting trips in Nepal are from September to November and March to May. During these months, the weather is dry, with optimal water levels and mild temperatures for an enjoyable rafting experience.
Insider’s Tip: Since the Karnali River flows in Bardiya, it is a great spot for river rafting and kayaking trips.
There is no shortage of mountain bike tours in Kathmandu and Nepal. One of the best and most challenging biking excursions can be found in Shivapuri National Park. The dirt roads that start off at the Budhanilkantha entrance are hardly ever used, and the challenging patches in between simply make riding all the more exciting. Those searching for easier options can explore the Godavari, Bungamati, and Chapagaun roads, which are known for their serene beauty and easy trails. Another popular mountain biking tour is from Kathmandu to Nagarkot and back. If you're looking for a real challenge, do the Annapurna Circuit on a mountain bike.
Top routes:
- Annapurna Circuit: The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal's most iconic mountain biking routes. Riders experience stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, diverse landscapes, and charming villages like Manang, along with thrilling descents and challenging terrain.
- Manaslu Circuit: The Manaslu Circuit offers an adventurous mountain biking experience with rugged trails, dramatic landscapes, and views of the Manaslu range. Highlights include crossing the Larkya La Pass, lush forests, and remote villages, making it a challenging yet rewarding route.
- Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Valley offers a mix of urban and rural biking adventures. Riders explore ancient temples, monasteries, and scenic countryside with trails around Shivapuri, Nagarkot, and Bhaktapur. The route combines cultural heritage with natural beauty, perfect for all skill levels.
Best season: The best months for mountain biking in Nepal are from September to November and March to May. These months offer mild weather, clear skies, and ideal trail conditions, providing an optimal riding experience.
Insider's Tip – You might want to explore the Dakshinkali road biking option as well. The area puts together an uphill ride with beautiful cultural attractions all around.
