Nepal Travel Guide 2024
Nepal is located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, north of China's Tibet Autonomous Region, and the remaining three sides border with India. Since Nepal opened its borders to the outside world in the 1950s, this small country has summoned countless travelers to come and explore. Nowadays, Nepal has become one of the most popular destinations for global tourists.
Though being a small country, Nepal has too much to offer. Its cultural essence, which is featured in medieval architecture and artwork, can be discovered in the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley, such as Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Boudhanath, etc. Nepal is also a paradise of adventures. It offers many mature hiking routes around Pokhara and Mount Everest, including the world-famous EBC Trek, ABC Trek, etc. as well as many other exciting activities, such as whitewater rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, mountain flight, etc. if you are into nature fun, you can go to the Royal Chitwan National Park to explore wild lives and join in an enjoyable safari.
Planning a trip to Nepal soon? We have put together the essential Nepal travel information, from visa application and arrival to things to see and do, where to stay, ,money exchange, health and safety advice, useful maps, all the practical information you need to create a brilliant vacation in Nepal.
Where to Go in Nepal - Top Nepal Destinations
Nepal is an awe-inspiring country and one that’s small but diverse. Its wide range of geography forms and climate changes make Nepal a tourist paradise with a lot of destinations that can be favored by all kinds of travelers. If you are lured by the call of Himalayan Mountains, you can go to Pokhara and other places in northern Nepal to enjoy a real trek. If you are intrigued by culture and history, go to Kathmandu valley in central Nepal. If you are hoping to see some wildlives, you must visit Chitwan National Park. Below are most popular destinations in Nepal:
What to See in Nepal - Top Nepal Things to do
Nepal is a surprisingly diverse country that full of things to see and do. You will find a variety of options across the country, from ancient cities and sacred temples to beautiful lake, dominating peaks, jungle safaris, etc. Choosing what to see in your Nepal trip depending on your days, interest and travel season. Generally speaking most of the famous attractions are located in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan. You almost certainly will not be able to visit them all. Here we have packed the best recommendations from our travel experts and Tripadvisor for the top natural wonders, cultural heritage sites, and outdoor adventures to help you enjoy your time in Nepal.
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Kathmandu Durbar Square
Type: Landmark, Religin, Architecture, History
Altitude: 1,370 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, February to April
Never miss Durbar Square for the discovery tour in Kathmandu. Used to be a royal palace, Durbar Square is a cluster of classic architectures, temples, palaces and courtyards. Exotic and erotic carvings can be found everywhere.
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Mount Everest
Type: Trekking, Mountain, National Park
Altitude: 8,844 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, March to April
Mount Everest is located at northern border between Nepal and China. You can trek EBC to enjoy the south face or take a mountain flight to view Mount Everest from sky, or drive to Tingri County in Tibet to see the north face.
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Nagarkot
Type: Natural, Sunrise Viewing Point
Altitude: 2,195 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, March to April
34 km north-east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal, a quieter place to escape from Kathmandu’s hustle and bustle, also one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset of Himalaya.
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Boudhanath Stupa
Type: Landmark, Religion, History, Architecture
Altitude: 1,370 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, February to April
A must visit site in Kathmandu! As the largest Buddhism Stupa of east Kathmandu, Boudhanath Stupa gains countless good reputation among tourists for its gorgeous appearance, consturction, and holy center of Buddhism.
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Pashupatinath Temple
Type: Religion, History, Architecture
Altitude: 1,370 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, February to April
An honoured Hindu Temple near Tribhuvan Airport. The best places for tourist to experience Hindu belief through a bunch of historic buildings, delicate carvings and special public cremation caremony by the holy Bagmati River.
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Swayambhunath Temple
Type: Religin, Architecture, History
Altitude: over 1,370 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, February to April
Being the oldest Buddhism Temple of Nepal, Monkey Temple is a good viewing place of the whole Kathmandu Valley. Located on top of mountain in west Kathmandu, temples, stupa and Buddha status, monkeys are worth visiting.
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Sarangkot
Type: Viewing Deck
Altitude: over 1,600 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, February to April
Sarangkot is famous for sunrise of Fishtail. When the sun picks out the peaks, they turn a purple-pink to a celestial gold. As the day breaks thoroughly, you will get rewarded by a wonderful panoramic Himalaya. A paragliding from the highland is recommended.
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Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake
Type: Bodies of Water
Altitude: over 742 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, February to April
The largest lake in Pokhara valley, a good place for boating and biking around. Another highlight is the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range on the crystal clear water of the lake.
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Chitwan National Park
Type: Wildlife, Safari
Altitude: over 415 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, February to April
Covers an area of 932 square kilometers (360 square miles), Chitwan National Park is a World Natural Heritage Site. It provides a rare opportunity to enjoy the primitive nature and explore a diversity of wild animals. You can get there by flight or bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
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Lumbini Buddha Park
Type: Religious Site, Landmark
Altitude: over 150 meters
Best time to visit: September to November, February to April
Located in the south Terai Plain of Nepal, only about 7 km to India, Lumbini is a small country, which is world famous as the “the Birthplace of Lord Buddha” and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the most important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world.
Useful Nepal Travel Advice
An ideal Nepal vacation tour requires hard homework of learning, mapping, planning and many other details. With our well conclusions of the most important Nepal travel tips, you will find it is much easier to plan your Nepal tour. Learn from the Nepal tour planning, Nepal visa, getting to & around Nepal to weather, where to stay, maps or contact us to ask help from our travel experts.
A classic Nepal tour covers Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan, costing about 8~10 days. Lumbini is a nice choice if you are interested Buddhim.
- How to Get to Nepal
- Flights to Nepal
- How to Get to Kathmandu
One usually gets to Nepal by international flight or overlanding driving. There is no international cruise port. Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport only international airport in Nepal, operating over 30 international air routes between Nepal and many Asian and Middle East countries, such as China, India, Singapore, etc. If you have tour plan in Indian or Tibet, you can also drive overlanding to Nepal.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Kathmandu to Chitwan
- Kathmandu to Lumbini
- Pokhara to Chitwan
- Pokhara to Lumbini
- Chitwan to Lumbini
Travelling around Nepal mainly relies on domestic flight and driving. There is no railway. Most of popular destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, etc. are located in the central area of Nepal, which makes it possible to transfer between two places in a single day by driving or flight.
- Nepal Visa
- Nepal Visa Arrival
- Nepal Visa by Mail
As regulated, most international tourists are required to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa for a Nepal Tour. It’s a multiple-entry Nepal Visa issued by Department of Immigration, Nepal, allowing a maximum duration of stay iof 90 days. You can either apply for the visa from an overseas Nepal Embassy or Consulate prior to departure, or simply get it upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport or at land entry ports.
- Best Time to Visit Nepal
- Kathmandu Weather
- Pokhara Weather
- Chitwan Weather
- Lumbini Weather
The weather varies in different parts of Nepal: the northern region close to Himalayas is a snow-covered area throughout the year; middle valley area always enjoys a temperate climate and the south is typically hot.
- Where to Stay in Nepal
- Where to Stay in Kathmandu
- Where to Stay in Pokhara
- Where to Stay in Chitwan
- Where to Stay in Lumbini
The quantity and quality of Nepal hotels have been improved a lot after decades developing of tourism. The accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to guesthouses the bigger cities. Home-stay is available in village areas.
- Pack & Health Advice
- Money & Currency Exchange
- What & Where to Eat
- Nepal Travel FAQs
Below are some useful travel tip regarding to your Nepal vacation that you’d better read before you go, such as visa application, healthy,, safety, money exchange, etc. You are also welcomed to ask us questions if you like.
Helpful Nepal Travel Maps- All Nepal Maps
- Kathmandu Maps
- Pokhara Maps
- Chitwan Maps
- Lumbini Maps
To help you plan your Nepal trip and enjoy your vacation easily, we have designed many useful and updated Nepal maps, including location maps, travel maps, transportation maps, which can be browsed by destination categories.
Recommended Nepal Tour Packages
Nepal has so many fantastic places to explore. Take one of our tailor-made Nepal tours to start your vacation now! As a Himalaya based travel agency with office in Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, we are good at offering tailor-made and fully-inclusive Nepal tours with great comfort and flexibility, covering the most popular destinations in Nepal, such as Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Lumbini, EBC, etc. Following are some other recommended Nepal tour packages that you may be interested in. All of our Nepal tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want or check more Bhutan Tours>
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Kathmandu / Nagarkot / Pokhara / Chitwan / Kathmandu
8 Days Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Highlights Tour
Want to explore the best highlights of Nepal? Don't miss this tour which will take you to Kathmandu Valley, Phokhara and Chitwan for Nepal's best temples, natural views, adventure and culture.
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Kathmandu / Pokhara / Lumbini / Chitwan / Nagarkot / Kathmandu
10 Days Nepal Natural and Cultural Savory Tour
Take the big circle from Kathmandu to Lumbini via Chitwan National Park and Pokhara. Closely explore the jungle and wild lives, appreciate the breathtaking nature and adventure of Pokhara.
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Kathmandu / Pokhara / Kathmandu
5 Days Kathmandu to Pokhara Leisure Tour by Flight
Enjoy the featured and time-honored arts and architecture Kathmandu, then fly to Pokhara to experience the beauty of snow-capped peaks, splendid falls and the mirror-like lakes etc.
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Kathmandu / Patan / Dhulikhel / Kathmandu / Lumbini / Kathmandu / Pharping / Kathmandu
7 Days Nepal Buddhist Shangri-la Tour to Lumbini
Step into Lord Buddha's hometown - Lumbini to learn Buddha's life and story. Visit the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu Valley – Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Kopan Monastery, etc.
