Destination Guide · Nepal

Nepal

Home to eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks, a UNESCO-listed valley of ancient temple squares, and some of Asia's most rewarding wildlife-watching in the jungles of the Terai. Explore what makes Nepal special, then choose from our full range of Nepal journeys, each arranged end to end.

Himalayan trekking UNESCO heritage cities Jungle & wildlife Buddhist & Hindu heritage
Why Nepal

A small country holding an outsized share of the world's superlatives

Nepal is where the Himalaya reaches its highest point — eight of the world's fourteen "eight-thousanders," including Everest, sit within or along its borders. But the country is far more than its mountains. The Kathmandu Valley alone holds seven UNESCO World Heritage monument zones within a few kilometres of each other: the palace squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and the temple complex of Pashupatinath.

South of the hills, the flat, subtropical Terai is a different Nepal altogether — Chitwan National Park protects greater one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers and gharial crocodiles along the Rapti River, and Lumbini, further west, is the recorded birthplace of the Buddha. In between, Pokhara sits on Phewa Lake beneath the Annapurna range, the country's main gateway for both short lakeside breaks and serious high-altitude trekking.

Whether you want temple squares and market streets, a serious multi-week trek, a few days of easy hill walking with mountain views, or wildlife in the jungle, Nepal fits it into a surprisingly compact itinerary. Below is a quick orientation, followed by every Nepal journey we offer.

The Lay of the Land

Four Nepals, one trip away

A quick way to think about where to go — the cultural valley, the lake town gateway, the high trekking routes, and the jungle lowlands.

Kathmandu Durbar Square Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Kathmandu Valley

Temples & heritage

Seven UNESCO monument zones packed into one valley — palace squares, stupas and temple complexes, alongside the market streets of Thamel.

Phewa Lake, Pokhara Phewa Lake in Pokhara with the Annapurna range behind
Pokhara & the Foothills

Lakes & the trekking gateway

Nepal's laid-back second city on Phewa Lake — the launch point for Annapurna treks, paragliding off Sarangkot, and easy mountain views without the altitude.

Annapurna Base Camp Morning view of the Annapurna range from Annapurna Base Camp
The High Himalaya

Trekking & base camps

The Everest and Annapurna regions — from short, scenic hill walks to multi-week base-camp treks through Sherpa and Gurung villages.

Chitwan National Park Grassland and forest in Chitwan National Park
Chitwan & the Terai

Jungle & wildlife

Flat, subtropical lowlands on the Indian border — rhinos, gharial crocodiles and, rarely, Bengal tigers, plus Tharu village culture.

What Nepal Is Known For

The reasons people keep coming back

The world's highest trekking

From short teahouse walks to Everest and Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal offers the most accessible serious high-altitude trekking on Earth — no technical climbing required for the classic routes.

A living heritage valley

The Kathmandu Valley's seven UNESCO monument zones aren't museum pieces — the squares, stupas and temples are still in daily use, with festivals, offerings and street life woven through them.

Terai wildlife

Chitwan's rhinos, gharial crocodiles and birdlife make it one of the more reliable wildlife-watching destinations in Asia, reached in a short flight or drive from Kathmandu.

Buddhist & Hindu spiritual heritage

Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace; Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas outside Tibet; and Pashupatinath, among the holiest Hindu sites on the subcontinent, all sit within Nepal's borders.

Festivals that fill the streets

Indra Jatra's chariot processions, Bisket Jatra's tug-of-war chariots in Bhaktapur, and the lights of Tihar turn Kathmandu Valley's public squares into open-air theatre several times a year.

Warm, practised hospitality

Nepal has hosted trekkers and pilgrims for generations — teahouse culture in the hills and guesthouse culture in the valley both make first-time visitors feel quickly at ease.

Our Nepal Journeys

Every Nepal package, in one place

Grouped to help you choose. Each journey is arranged end to end — transfers, hotels, breakfast and guided sightseeing — and every one can be tailored or run privately. Tap any package for the full itinerary.

Good to Know

Planning essentials

When to visit

October–November and March–May are the classic windows for clear mountain views and trekking. Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan are comfortable most of the year outside the June–September monsoon. We'll advise on timing for your dates.

Money

The Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Cards are accepted in city hotels and larger restaurants; carry cash for teahouses, markets, park fees and small vendors — especially on trek.

Altitude & acclimatization

Base-camp treks (Everest, Annapurna) reach altitudes where acclimatization days matter. Our trekking itineraries build these in — please flag any relevant health conditions when you enquire.

Trekking permits

Routes in this region typically require a TIMS card and a conservation-area or national-park permit (Annapurna Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park). We confirm exact permit inclusion per package when you enquire.

Visas & entry

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or apply online in advance. Requirements depend on your passport — please verify for your nationality, and we'll point you to the right source.

What to pack

Layered clothing for the valley and Pokhara; proper trekking boots, a warm layer and a rain shell if any trek is included. Modest dress is expected at temples and stupas.

Questions

Planning your Nepal trip

Which Nepal package is right for me?

If it's your first visit and you want the highlights without trekking, Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan or the Grand Nepal Discovery cover the country well. Set on a serious trek? Everest or Annapurna Base Camp are the classics; Poon Hill or Mardi Himal suit less time or a gentler pace. Want mountain views with zero walking? Pokhara Himalayan Escape does that. Tell us your priorities and we'll point you to the right fit.

Can a trek be combined with the cultural sightseeing?

Yes — most trekkers add a few days in Kathmandu before or after the trek, and several of our packages already build this in. Tell us which trek you're considering and we'll add the cultural days that fit your dates.

How fit do I need to be for the treks?

It varies by route. The Poon Hill and Mardi Himal treks suit a reasonably fit beginner with no trekking experience. Everest and Annapurna Base Camp are longer and higher, and benefit from some hiking fitness beforehand, though no technical climbing skill is needed on either classic route.

Are flights and trekking permits included?

International flights aren't included unless stated. Domestic flights (such as Kathmandu–Lukla for Everest routes) and trekking permits are confirmed per package — we'll make clear exactly what's included before you book.

Do I need a visa for Nepal?

Most nationalities can arrange a visa on arrival in Kathmandu or apply online beforehand, but requirements depend on your passport. Please verify for your own nationality before you travel — we're glad to point you to the right official source.

How do I get a quote or book?

Open the package that interests you and send an enquiry with your rough dates and traveller numbers, or contact us directly if you'd like help choosing. We'll come back with a tailored quote and next steps — no obligation, and no payment needed to get a proposal.

Ready when you are

Let's plan your Nepal trip

Not sure which journey fits? Tell us your dates, who's travelling and what you're drawn to — heritage, trekking, wildlife or all three — and we'll recommend the right package or build a tailored one from scratch.