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Asia / South Asia

Nepal

Himalayan treks, Kathmandu valleys, and wildlife. As part of South Asia in Asia, Nepal suits travelers drawn to big cities and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Nepal

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Oct – Nov, Mar – Apr

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Nepal, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Everest Region

Everest Region pairs well with nearby highlights on a South Asia route through Nepal.

Pokhara

Plan at least a full day in Pokhara to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Chitwan

Plan at least a full day in Chitwan to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • Everest Base Camp treks in the Khumbu
  • Kathmandu Valley UNESCO temple squares
  • Chitwan rhino and tiger jungle safaris
  • Pokhara Annapurna views from Phewa Lake
  • Dal bhat lentil rice platters twice daily
key City
name
Kathmandu
label
Capital
why
Durbar Squares, Boudhanath stupa, and trekking agencies in Thamel make Kathmandu the gateway to every Himalayan route.
Places to visit
  • area
    Kathmandu
    attractions
    • name
      Pashupatinath Temple
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Boudhanath Stupa
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Durbar Square Kathmandu
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Everest Region
    attractions
    • name
      Everest Base Camp
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Namche Bazaar
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Tengboche Monastery
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Kala Patthar Viewpoint
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
  • area
    Pokhara
    attractions
    • name
      Phewa Lake
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      World Peace Pagoda
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Sarangkot Viewpoint
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
    • name
      Devi's Fall
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Chitwan
    attractions
    • name
      Chitwan National Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Elephant Breeding Centre
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Tharu Village
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Rapti River Safari
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Nepal Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Kathmandu
    • Everest Region
    • Pokhara
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Kathmandu
    • Full day discovering Everest Region
    • Full day discovering Pokhara
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Kathmandu
      description
      Land in Kathmandu, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Nepal trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Everest Region
      description
      Dedicate the day to Everest Region: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Pokhara and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Pokhara visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Nepal
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Kathmandu
    • Everest Region
    • Pokhara
    • Chitwan
    highlights
    • Cover Kathmandu and Everest Region
    • Explore Pokhara
    • Explore Chitwan
    best For
    Urban explorers and culture fans
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Kathmandu
      description
      Land in Kathmandu, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Nepal trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Everest Region
      description
      Dedicate the day to Everest Region: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Pokhara
      description
      Dedicate the day to Pokhara: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Chitwan and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Chitwan visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Nepal Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Pokhara
    • Chitwan
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Pokhara
    • Coastal day in Chitwan
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Pokhara
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Pokhara.
    • day
      2
      title
      Chitwan and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Chitwan, visiting Chitwan National Park, Elephant Breeding Centre, Tharu Village before you depart Nepal.
  • title
    Nepal Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Kathmandu
    • Everest Region
    • Pokhara
    • Chitwan
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Kathmandu
    • Rural stop: Everest Region
    • Rural stop: Pokhara
    • Rural stop: Chitwan
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Kathmandu
      description
      Reach Kathmandu, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Everest Region countryside
      description
      Explore Everest Region at an easy pace: Everest Base Camp, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Pokhara countryside
      description
      Explore Pokhara at an easy pace: Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot Viewpoint with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Chitwan and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Chitwan, stopping at Chitwan National Park, Elephant Breeding Centre, Tharu Village before heading home.
  • title
    Nepal Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Kathmandu
    • Everest Region
    • Pokhara
    highlights
    • Must-see: Pashupatinath Temple
    • Must-see: Boudhanath Stupa
    • Must-see: Everest Base Camp
    • Must-see: Namche Bazaar
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Kathmandu
      description
      Start in Kathmandu with Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Everest Region monuments
      description
      Focus on Everest Region's tourist favorites: Everest Base Camp, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Pokhara landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Pokhara, including Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot Viewpoint, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
October-November and March-April are the premier trekking seasons, with clear Himalayan views, stable weather, and moderate temperatures on Everest and Annapurna routes. Festivals like Dashain and Tihar fall in autumn, while spring rhododendrons bloom on high trails.
typical Weather
Kathmandu Oct-Nov/Mar-Apr: highs 22-26°C (72-79°F), lows 8-12°C (46-54°F), 10-30 mm rain. Everest Base Camp: highs 5-10°C (41-50°F), nights below freezing. Pokhara milder: 20-28°C (68-82°F).
details
  • Oct-Nov clearest mountain views; teahouses and flights book out.
  • Jun-Sep monsoon closes many trails; leeches and cloud cover reduce views.
  • Dec-Feb cold and snow at altitude; lower trails still doable.
  • Mar-Apr warmer with rhododendron blooms; pre-monsoon haze builds late May.
most Affordable
period
Jun – Aug
summary
Monsoon season offers Nepal's lowest Kathmandu and Pokhara rates when trekking routes are quiet and teahouses discount despite cloud-covered mountain views.
details
  • Kathmandu hotels discount 35-45% in monsoon months.
  • Pokhara lakeside guesthouses cut rainy-season rates.
  • Everest Base Camp teahouses offer monsoon promotions.
  • Domestic flights to Lukla cheaper with lower demand.
most Expensive
period
Oct – Nov
summary
Post-monsoon trekking peak fills Nepal when clearest Himalayan views drive highest teahouse, guide, and permit demand on Everest and Annapurna routes.
details
  • Everest and Annapurna teahouses sell out at peak Oct-Nov rates.
  • Lukla flights require booking weeks ahead at premium fares.
  • Dashain festival (Sep-Oct) spikes domestic travel demand.
  • Licensed guide daily rates peak in best weather window.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the only major international gateway.
airports
  • name
    Tribhuvan International Airport
    code
    KTM
    location
    Kathmandu
    distance From Center
    6 km (4 mi) east of Thamel
    transfer Note
    Taxis and prepaid counters reach trekking agency districts
Getting around
overview
Nepalis use buses on mountain roads, limited rail, and microbuses; taxis serve Kathmandu and Pokhara.
trains
  • name
    Nepal Railways
    description
    Short rail line linking Janakpur with India border.
    ticketing
    Buy tickets at station counters.
ferries
    subways
      public Transit
      • name
        Sajha Yatayat
        kind
        public
        description
        Kathmandu electric bus routes.
        ticketing
        Pay cash or use Sajha card when boarding.
      • name
        Tourist Bus Nepal
        kind
        public
        description
        Intercity coaches linking Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
        ticketing
        Book at Kathmandu bus parks.
      ride Share
      • name
        Pathao
        kind
        rideshare
        description
        Ride-hailing in Kathmandu.
        ticketing
        Book via Pathao app.
      Currency
      code
      NPR
      name
      Nepalese rupee
      symbol
      ₨
      note
      Carry some nepalese rupee in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

      Convert your travel budget ↗

      Visas & official entry links
      Local customs
      summary
      Nepal is Hindu and Buddhist, with deep respect for mountains as sacred. Namaste greeting, temple shoe removal, and clockwise circumambulation are daily norms. Trekking culture expects porter and guide fairness.
      customs
      • Circumambulate stupas and temples clockwise.
      • Remove shoes before entering temple inner areas.
      • Feet are unclean; do not point them at altars or people.
      dos
      • Say namaste with palms together when greeting.
      • Dress modestly in Kathmandu Valley and villages.
      • Ask before photographing sadhus and ceremonies.
      • Tip trekking crews as advised by reputable agencies.
      • Use registered taxis or ride apps in Kathmandu.
      donts
      • Do not touch prayer flags or stupas disrespectfully for photos.
      • Do not fly drones in national parks without permits.
      • Do not give candy to children on trails without context.
      • Do not drink untreated stream water while trekking.
      • Do not wear shoes on temple platforms where barefoot rules apply.
      Useful travel phrases
      language
      Nepali
      phrases
      • english
        Please
        local
        कृपया
        pronunciation
        Kripaya
      • english
        Thank you
        local
        धन्यवाद
        pronunciation
        Dhanyabad
      • english
        Yes
        local
        हो
        pronunciation
        Ho
      • english
        No
        local
        होइन
        pronunciation
        Hoina
      • english
        How much?
        local
        कति हो?
        pronunciation
        Kati ho?
      • english
        Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
        local
        नजिकको रेस्टुरेन्ट वा बार कहाँ छ?
        pronunciation
        Najikko restaurant wa bar kahan cha?
      • english
        Where is the airport?
        local
        विमानस्थल कहाँ छ?
        pronunciation
        Vimanasthal kahan cha?
      • english
        I need help
        local
        मलाई मद्दत चाहिन्छ
        pronunciation
        Malai maddat chahinchha
      • english
        I need a hospital
        local
        मलाई अस्पताल चाहिन्छ
        pronunciation
        Malai aspatal chahinchha
      • english
        Call the police
        local
        प्रहरी बोलाउनुहोस्
        pronunciation
        Prahari bolaunuhos
      Longer stays
      visa Summary
      U.S. citizens may obtain a visa on arrival for tourism stays of 15, 30, or 90 days depending on fee paid. Work visas and residential visas require employer sponsorship, marriage, or investment processed through the Department of Immigration. Nepal adjusts visa fees and trekking permit requirements periodically, so verify before long stays or employment.

      Practical tips.

      • Get TIMS and national park permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara before trekking because checkpoints turn back hikers without paperwork.
      • Purify tap water or use bottled water even in teahouses along popular Annapurna and Everest routes.
      • Hire licensed guides for high passes during monsoon shoulder seasons when trails are slick and fog reduces visibility.
      More travel tips ↗

      Locate Nepal.

      Location map of Nepal

      Before you go.

      Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Nepal ↗