Things to Do in Nepal: A Complete Guide (2024)

Nepal, a land of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unparalleled adventure, offers countless experiences for travelers. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover, Nepal has something special for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Nepal.

1. Trekking in the Himalayas

Nepal is world-renowned for trekking, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. The breathtaking trails, diverse landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the local people make Nepal a trekker’s paradise. Here are some of the best trekking routes:

A. Everest Base Camp Trek

Duration: 12-14 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Highlights: The Everest Base Camp Trek is a dream for many adventurers. You’ll witness the stunning views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks, experience the unique Sherpa culture, and visit monasteries like Tengboche. The trail also offers a glimpse into the lives of the Sherpa people, who are renowned for their mountaineering skills.

B. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Duration: 12-18 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Highlights: The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trek that takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to alpine meadows and high mountain deserts. The trek includes the challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and offers opportunities to soak in natural hot springs and explore vibrant villages.

C. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Duration: 14-18 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Highlights: The Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded but equally spectacular. The trek takes you through remote trails, Tibetan-influenced villages, and over the Larkya La Pass. The stunning mountain views and the rich cultural experiences make this trek a hidden gem.

D. Langtang Valley Trek

Duration: 7-10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Highlights: The Langtang Valley Trek offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural richness. You’ll trek through Langtang National Park, explore Tamang heritage villages, and marvel at glaciers and stunning alpine scenery. The trek is also accessible and can be completed in a shorter duration.

E. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Duration: 4-6 days
Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: Year-round
Highlights: This trek is perfect for those with limited time or who prefer an easier trek. The sunrise view from Poon Hill over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges is breathtaking. The trail also takes you through picturesque rhododendron forests and charming Gurung villages.

2. Mountaineering and Peak Climbing

For those looking to go beyond trekking, Nepal offers peak climbing and mountaineering adventures:

Island Peak (6,189m): Island Peak is an excellent choice for beginner climbers. The ascent is non-technical but requires a good level of fitness. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Mera Peak (6,476m): Mera Peak is one of the highest trekking peaks in Nepal and provides an exhilarating experience. The climb is technically straightforward, but the high altitude presents a challenge. The panoramic views from the summit are truly spectacular.
Lobuche Peak (6,119m): Lobuche Peak is a more challenging climb, suitable for those with some mountaineering experience. The climb includes steep sections and requires the use of crampons and ice axes. The views from the top are worth the effort.
Ama Dablam (6,812m): Ama Dablam is known for its technical difficulty and stunning beauty. It’s a favorite among experienced mountaineers. The climb involves rock, ice, and snow, and the ascent is a test of skill and endurance.

3. Exploring Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is a cultural and historical treasure trove. The valley is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each with its unique charm and significance. Must-visit places include:

Kathmandu Durbar Square: This historical square is surrounded by ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich history and culture.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Perched atop a hill, Swayambhunath is a stupa that offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The site is adorned with prayer flags and is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and is a place of spiritual significance and cultural practices.
Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a center for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The stupa is surrounded by monasteries and shops selling traditional Tibetan artifacts.
Patan Durbar Square: Patan is known for its exquisite Newari architecture and artistic heritage. The square is home to beautiful temples, courtyards, and the Patan Museum, which showcases traditional art and crafts.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur is a well-preserved medieval city known for its ancient art, culture, and architecture. The square is filled with historical monuments, temples, and the famous 55-Window Palace.

4. Adventure Sports

Nepal is an adventure lover’s paradise. Some thrilling activities include:

Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking: Nepal’s rivers offer some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking experiences in the world. Popular rivers include the Trishuli, Seti, Bhote Koshi, and Sun Koshi. Each river offers a unique combination of scenic beauty and exhilarating rapids.
Paragliding in Pokhara: Pokhara is a hub for paragliding enthusiasts. The experience of soaring over Phewa Lake with stunning views of the Annapurna range is unforgettable. Tandem flights are available for beginners.
Bungee Jumping: The Bhote Koshi bungee jump is one of the highest in the world, with a thrilling free fall of 160 meters. The jump site is located near the Tibetan border and offers an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Zip Lining: Pokhara offers the world’s longest and steepest zipline, stretching 1.8 kilometers with a vertical drop of 600 meters. The ride offers breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush.
Canyoning: Canyoning involves descending waterfalls and navigating through narrow gorges. Popular spots include Jalbire and Sundarijal, where you can experience the thrill of rappelling down cascading waterfalls.
Skydiving: For the ultimate adventure, try the Everest Skydive. This extreme adventure involves jumping from a helicopter at an altitude of 23,000 feet with Mount Everest as your backdrop.

5. Wildlife and Jungle Safaris

Nepal’s rich biodiversity and national parks offer exciting wildlife experiences:

A. Chitwan National Park

Activities: Jeep safari, canoe ride, elephant bathing, birdwatching.
Wildlife: Chitwan is famous for its population of Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, and crocodiles. The park also hosts a variety of bird species and offers a chance to see the elusive leopard.

B. Bardia National Park

Activities: Jeep safari, birdwatching, nature walks.
Wildlife: Bardia is a less crowded alternative to Chitwan and is known for its population of tigers, wild elephants, and gharials. The park is also home to rare bird species and offers a more tranquil wildlife experience.

C. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Activities: Birdwatching, nature walks.
Wildlife: Koshi Tappu is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 500 bird species recorded. The reserve is also home to wild water buffalo (Arna) and freshwater dolphins. The wetlands and grasslands provide a unique habitat for diverse wildlife.

6. Cultural Experiences and Festivals

Nepal’s rich culture and vibrant festivals offer immersive experiences:

Dashain & Tihar: Dashain is the longest and most important Hindu festival in Nepal, celebrated with family gatherings, animal sacrifices, and the worship of the goddess Durga. Tihar, also known as the festival of lights, celebrates the bond between humans and animals, with special emphasis on dogs, cows, and crows.
Holi (Festival of Colors): Holi is a joyous celebration marked by throwing colored powders and water. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. The streets come alive with music, dance, and vibrant colors.
Indra Jatra: Indra Jatra is a significant festival in Kathmandu that celebrates the end of the monsoon season. The festival includes processions, masked dances, and the chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari.
Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang: The Tiji Festival is a three-day Buddhist celebration held in the ancient kingdom of Upper Mustang. The festival includes ritual dances, prayers, and reenactments of myths and legends.
Gai Jatra: Gai Jatra, or the festival of cows, is a unique Newari festival that commemorates the deceased. Families who have lost a member in the past year parade a decorated cow or a young boy dressed as a cow through the streets. The festival is marked by humor, satire, and street performances.
Bisket Jatra: Celebrated in Bhaktapur, Bisket Jatra marks the Nepali New Year. The festival features the pulling of large chariots through the narrow streets, traditional music, and rituals that date back centuries.
Maghe Sankranti: Maghe Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the winter solstice. It is celebrated with feasts, especially of traditional foods like sesame seeds, molasses, and yam. People also take ritual baths in holy rivers.
Buddha Jayanti: Buddha Jayanti celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The day is marked by prayers, processions, and offerings at Buddhist temples and stupas, with special celebrations in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

7. Exploring Lumbini – Birthplace of Buddha

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. The area is tranquil and offers a spiritual retreat for visitors.

Maya Devi Temple: This temple marks the exact spot where Buddha was born. The sacred garden surrounding the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ashoka Pillar: Erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC, this pillar commemorates his visit to Lumbini and is a testament to the site’s historical significance.
Monasteries: The Lumbini Development Zone is home to monasteries built by different countries, each reflecting its unique architectural style and cultural heritage. Notable monasteries include the Tibetan, Thai, and German monasteries.
Peace Pagoda: The World Peace Pagoda is a symbol of peace and harmony. It’s an ideal place for meditation and reflection.
Lumbini Museum: The museum showcases artifacts related to the life of Buddha and the history of Lumbini. It’s a great place to learn more about the significance of this sacred site.

8. Scenic Road Trips and Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Nepal offers some of the most scenic road trips and off-the-beaten-path destinations that are perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

Upper Mustang: Often referred to as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” Upper Mustang is a remote and isolated region with a Tibetan-like landscape. The area is known for its unique culture, ancient monasteries, and stunning desert landscapes.
Rara Lake: Nepal’s largest lake, Rara Lake, is located in the remote northwestern part of the country. The crystal-clear waters, surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped mountains, create a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Ilam: Known for its rolling tea gardens, Ilam is a beautiful hill station in eastern Nepal. The area is perfect for leisurely walks through the tea plantations, enjoying the cool climate, and experiencing local tea culture.
Tansen, Palpa: Tansen is a historical town with rich Newari culture and architecture. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, charming old streets, and traditional crafts. The Ranighat Palace, also known as the “Taj Mahal of Nepal,” is a must-visit.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve: Nepal’s only hunting reserve, Dhorpatan is home to blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and other wildlife. The reserve offers unique opportunities for hunting and wildlife viewing in a stunning mountain setting.
Bandipur: A beautifully preserved village with traditional Newari houses and cobbled streets. Bandipur offers stunning views of the Himalayas and a glimpse into Nepal’s rural life. It’s also a great place for hiking and paragliding.

9. Food and Culinary Experiences

Nepali cuisine is diverse and flavorful, offering a delightful culinary journey for food lovers. Here are some must-try dishes:

Dal Bhat: The traditional Nepali meal consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), vegetables, and pickles. It’s a staple food in Nepal and is often accompanied by meat or fish.
Momo: Nepali-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, momos are a popular snack and can be found in almost every corner of the country. They are typically served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Newari Cuisine: The Newari community is known for its rich culinary heritage. Some must-try dishes include Yomari (sweet dumplings), Chatamari (rice flour crepes), Bara (lentil patties), and Samay Baji (a traditional platter with various items).
Thakali Set: A special meal from the Thakali community, the Thakali set includes rice, lentils, vegetables, meat, pickles, and ghee. It’s known for its unique flavors and variety.
Sel Roti: A traditional homemade, sweet, rice-based ring-shaped bread. It’s often prepared during festivals and special occasions.
Gundruk: A fermented leafy green vegetable that is typically eaten with rice. It’s a popular dish in rural Nepal and known for its distinctive taste.
Dhido: A traditional dish made from millet or buckwheat flour, cooked with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency. It’s often served with a variety of curries and sauces.
Juju Dhau (King Yogurt): A delicious sweet yogurt from Bhaktapur, known for its rich and creamy texture.

10. Volunteering and Sustainable Tourism

Nepal offers numerous opportunities for volunteering and engaging in sustainable tourism. These activities not only contribute to the local communities but also provide a meaningful travel experience.

Teach English or Assist in Schools: Many rural areas in Nepal lack access to quality education. Volunteering to teach English or assist in schools can have a significant impact on the lives of children.
Join Conservation Projects: Nepal’s national parks and wildlife reserves are home to diverse flora and fauna. Participating in conservation projects helps protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats.
Support Women Empowerment Initiatives: Various organizations work towards empowering women in rural areas through education, vocational training, and microfinance. Volunteering with these initiatives can help create positive change.
Participate in Eco-Tourism and Tree Plantation Programs: Eco-tourism focuses on sustainable travel practices that benefit the environment and local communities. Tree plantation programs contribute to reforestation and environmental conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Nepal is a paradise for travelers seeking adventure, culture, nature, and spirituality. Whether you are trekking in the Himalayas, exploring ancient cities, engaging in thrilling activities, or enjoying the local cuisine, Nepal guarantees unforgettable experiences. Plan your journey and immerse yourself in the beauty of this Himalayan gem!