At some stage in the months of October to December, Nepal is best visited for its amazing views and clear blue skies. Temperatures vary from dry until about April.
January and February are considerably cold, especially at night; average temperatures in Namche bazaar reach forty three°f. Clear skies, breathtaking perspectives, and greater tranquil trekking trails await you as there are fewer sightseers. Presently, excessive-altitude hiking isn’t always encouraged.
Can is also the right time to visit in late spring when rhododendrons develop abundantly. Temperatures in Chitwan countrywide park reach 95°f, inflicting warmth and humidity to boom.
The clouds make it difficult to understand the awe-inspiring mountain scenery till overdue August, coinciding with the monsoon season in June. Travel is hindered by way of heavy rain and landslides, main to the closure of several locations that are exceptionally avoided during this time.
Gala’s and pilgrimages are frequently held in Nepal in the course of the 12 months. Ask your health practitioner for greater statistics, because the dates fluctuate annually.
15 Best Places to Visit in Nepal
1). Kathmandu
Often the first place to discover some of Nepal’s top attractions, Kathmandu is a bustling and dusty capital that is always lively.
The mix of temples, historic sites, shrines, and bustling streets makes Kathmandu a diverse and exciting destination.
Once you arrive in the city, make sure to visit the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanah Stupa’s UNESCO-listed sanctuary, SwayambhunaTH Monkey Temple, and Kopan Monastery.
It is possible to plan a hike or trekking journey, indulge in local cuisine at the Thamel area, and dine at restaurants like Forest and Plate, Places.
Be sure to purchase some lovely handicrafts while you’re here. Good places to get gifts include SK Handicrafts and Local Women’s Handicworks.
Top tips: if you’re finding it challenging to deal with the heat and dust in Kathmandu, don’t forget to use a face mask. Additionally, there are excellent 5-star hotels such as Yak & Yeti and The Traditional Comfort, which are both stunning.
2). Nagarkot
A must-see hill station in Nepal with stunning views of the majestic Himalayas, this is a must for anyone who loves mountainous experiences.
Nagarkot, situated near Bhaktapur, is the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views of the eight Himalayan ranges, as well as exceptional sunrises and sunsets (depending on the weather).
If you’re a daredevil, paragliding, and trekking are all activities you can engage in.
3). Pokhara
Pokhara, situated on the banks of Lake Phewa, is a stunning city that boasts breathtaking views of the snow-covered Annapurna Himalayan range… which, in reality, surpasses any visual representation.
Pokhara is one of the best places to visit in Nepal, and I’ve reminisced about all my fond memories.
In addition to Pokhara, it is also a great place to visit and can be reached by air.
The Valley of Orchids, the Massif Glaciers, and lush forests lie beneath Pokhara, making it a must-visit destination for tourists. This location is ideal for observing the breathtaking sunrises.
For a mouth-watering meal in the city, check out Mo2’s Delights for their freshly made momos. Find out more about our drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu here.
4). Sagarmatha National Park
What is a compelling reason to visit this place? Mount Everest, the ultimate symbol of the Himalayas!
Other impressive peaks include Lhotse, Cho Oyo, Nuptsé, Thamserku, Pumori, and Amadablam.
Apart from the stunning landscape, glaciers, and valleys, Sagarmatha National Park is also teeming with other wildlife, including snow leopards, red panda, Himalayan Thai, black bears, and Andhra Currie.
This location in Nepal is ideal for experiencing the peacefulness of nature and experiencing wildlife. Visiting from October-November and March–May are the ideal times.
It’s important to arrange a thrilling trek, flyover, or helicopter landing at Everest Base Camp. The tours are a unique experience. Make sure to reserve your spot early as tours can be very popular during busy periods.
5). Lumbini
Gautam Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini is a highly significant Buddhist site and an impressive location to explore in Nepal. Regardless of your religious beliefs, Lumbini is a stunning and serene destination that will leave you speechless.
Explore the Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini Monastic Site, Royal Thai Monastery, and World Peace Pagoda, or simply enjoy the gardens. Visiting this place is truly a must-do in Nepal. Keep your shoes on when you enter the temples.
6). Chitwan National Park
The Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal, is home to flora, fauna, and bird species such as elephants, rhinos/quarrels; grasslands, marshes (including chamois Indian sheep), deer, leopards or sloth bears that roam the park while I was there.
The image of Chitwan is not a typical one when I visit Nepal, especially due to the extreme heat and the almost savannah-like landscape.
If you’re after some truly wild animals, this is one of the best places in Nepal.
Enjoy a safari, jungle trek, or hike while being aware of the dangers associated with wild animals. You can choose between staying at the Taj Lodge in Meghauli Serai or exploring Nana Village, both of which offer quaint and rustic lodgings.
The ideal place to discover a different aspect of Nepal is to reserve this magnificent safari excursion from Kathmandu to Chitwan.
7). Bhaktapur
Just outside Kathmandu, on the old trade route to Tibet lies Bhaktapur, the third of the “Royal Cities.” The trade route was a vital link between the city and its wealthy community, Bhaktapur. The city’s relative isolation allowed it to evolve autonomously and in unique ways from the other two cities.
Bhaktapur’s population is predominantly Hindu, unlike Patan and Kathmandu. Durbar Square, which is the first stop on any city tour, is home to both royal palaces and temples. The whole territory is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Durbar Square in Bhaktapur suffered extensive damage due to the 2015 earthquake, and the main temples are almost ready for repairs. However, other buildings in the complex are still in ruins. In 2019, the agency was forced to cease UNESCO-funded restoration work and withdraw due to threats against its staff. It has now been transferred to the Nepali Department of Archeology. The restoration process is taking place at a very slow pace.
8). Bodhanath Stupa
Probably dating back to the 6th century, the Bodhanath Stupa, outside Kathmandu, is one of the world’s largest stupas. Like Bhaktapur, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the old trade route to Tibet.
Although the stupa serves as a representation of enlightenment, it is more apparent at Boudhanith. The five elements, including earth, water, fire, air, and sphere (the moon), are represented by each different shape. Their unity, symbolized in a stupa, reflects the structure of the universe in an abstract manner.
The 2015 earthquake caused minor damage to the stupa, but it has since been completely restored.
9). Annapurna Region in Trakking
Nepal’s Annapurna Region is known for its diverse range of trekking options, with durations from a few days to several weeks. Three primary roads in the Annapurna Region intersect and merge at certain points, and you can choose to perform a segment or varying segments of these routes. They are clearly marked and easy to navigate.
It takes roughly 21 days to complete the Annapurna Circuit around an equator peak and is very popular with people who have enough time. The “Apple Pie Circuit” is a term used for this route, as most of the teahouses along it serve their own fried apple pie.
The Annapurna Circuit and hiking packages often include a popular trek to Poon Hill (3,210 meters) near Ghorepani. Most hikers make an effort to arrive on Poon Hill at sunrise and enjoy the scenic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Singa Chuli.
Reaching the Annapurna Sanctuary takes ten days and is situated in between two of its summits. Annapurna is the destination that Muktinath used to be on its way. The Muktinath route, which covers a week’s journey, travels through the Kali Gandaki Valley on the east side of Annapurna. Mustang, a small area accessible only to tourists, lies just north of Muktinath. This place has its own captivating culture.
10). Everest & Trek to Base Camp
At 8,848 meters (29,028 feet), it is the highest peak on Earth and Mount Everest. Edmund Hillary and the Sherpa Tensing Norgay’s first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 led to heightened interest in trekking in that region.
A large number of individuals have climbed the mountain since then, but many still hike to Everest Base Camp for a bird’s-eye view. The mountain has experienced both tragedy and drama in recent years. Everest trekking and climbing have been affected by the 2015 earthquake, previous avalanches, and disagreements among climbers.
Although the Everest Region is not considered the most beautiful area for trekking in the country, its allure makes it a popular destination, both for climbers and trekkers. Base camp has multiple entry points and different methods for planning a journey.
Many trekking companies, whether from Nepalese or Western, offer guided hikes. It is possible to hire a private guide or porter and do it yourself, but trekkers must be accompanied by someone. From March to May and September to December, the main hiking season occurs during the spring and fall.
If you’re not keen on hiking but want to see Mount Everest, take a drive from Nagarkot near Kathmandu on clear days. When the sun is shining, hotel staff will knock on the guest’s door to greet them. The most elusive person who can see the world’s highest peak could be in this situation.
11). Bardia National Park
The presence of Bengal tigers, rhinos, and crocodiles in vast lowland areas of Nepal is not often noted. One of the best places to see these animals in their natural habitat is at Bardiya National Park (also called Bardivia). Besides the large animal population, the park is also a bird-watching destination, with over 400 species found in and passing through the area.
Located in northwest Nepal near the Indian border, this region is recognized for its diverse landscape of river valleys and tropical forests, as well as its salted trees. In the past, only Nepali royalty hunted within certain regions of a national park. The area has been enlarged over time and now measures 968 square kilometers.
12). Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple, which dates back to the 17th century, is Kathmandu’s oldest temple and one of Nepal’s most sacred temples. A pagoda-style temple covered in copper and gold is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in western Kathmandu.
One of Shiva’s incarnations, Pashupati, is honored in the temple. There are three gates, but only the western one is accessible to practicing Hindus from South Asia. The complex has a good view of non-Hindus across the river. The monkeys that frequent this area are charming, but they can be aggressive and require careful attention.
13). International Mountain Museum
A visit to the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara is a must-do before embarking on any trekking. A bright and airy space, this modern building is a sight to behold, offering visitors countless insights into the Nepalese mountains and the people who live there.
The museum has three main galleries, with the first one being the Mountain People Gallery. Through displays and a video, you can learn about the Native Americans of Nepal, with accretion to the Khumbu region.
A second gallery explores the mountains and provides detailed information on 14 peaks that exceed 8,500 meters, as well as an explanation of the geology that underlies their formation.
The third gallery highlights the equipment utilized for mountain climbing and delves into the legend of the elusive Yeti. There is a Lakhang room for lounging and relaxing next to the galleries
14). Helambu Trek
Trekking companies offer guided tours in the popular Helambu area. This is mainly because of its proximity to Kathmandu, the absence of exceptionally high altitudes, and the stunning mountain scenery.
Many tour groups often praise it as being simple because of these reasons. Despite this, many hikers who come on these tours find the experience to be more challenging than they initially anticipated.
Despite its lower elevation, trekking in the Himalayas is always physically demanding, and one must be physically fit to participate. This trek, with stunning rhododendrons in bloom in March and April, is well worth the effort given this context.
Sherpas reside in the Helambu area, which is located in front of the Malechmi Khola Valley. Starting in Kathmandu, the Helambu Trek can be completed in five to eight days. Typically, the walk covers a round trip, where the first day’s portion is repeated at the end of the journey. The abrupt blending of the lower and upper regions with their distinct cultures is remarkable. Lodges and village guest houses serve as lodging options.
15). White water rafting
Nepal’s imposing mountains and rapid rivers make it an ideal spot for white water rafting. There are several choices, depending on how long you want to spend in the river.
For those seeking a one-day adventure, the Trisuli Rafting Day Trip from Kathmandu is incredibly simple. Unlike most rafting trips, this one is available all year round. Returning to Kathmandu or Chitwan or Pokhara is the next stop after a day of rafting.
For those seeking more rapids and time on the water, the Bhote Kosi River is a must-see.
For two days, Bhote Koshi River Rafting trips are intense. After being pumped into the white water, you’ll be racing through class IV and V rapids. Camping for one night on the riverbank is included in the 25-kilometer journey. Meals are part of it.
