Nepal Travel Guide

A nation synonymous with mountains, Everest, and the great outdoors, the Himalayan state of Nepal is every bit as fascinatingly wild and tumultuous as you’d expect. Windswept, snowy peaks and temple-laden towns are the norm here, so much so that you’ll catch your first Himalayan glimpse through the clouds as you glide down into Kathmandu Airport.

The legendary Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary treks, as well as the long slog to Everest Base Camp have reputations that speak for themselves. Take it slow and avoid the dreaded altitude sickness, and you’ll find yourself amongst… read more snowy panoramas, remote villages of yak farmers, and a form of near-subsistence hillside living that’s as romantic as it is spectacular. These routes are road free, out of the way adventures, and certainly not for the unfit or timid, but other treks incorporate similarly special experiences, such as in the surreal villages and waterfalls of Langtang National Park. Alternatively, you can avoid all the effort, and simply stare across the lake at the remarkable skylines in magnificent Pokara.

Back in Kathmandu, overt Buddhist leanings make for special temple experiences in any one of the three Durbar Squares (the other two are actually in small towns near to the capital), as well as amongst the staircase-sliding primates of the glittering monkey temple. Om chanting permeates the air on hillsides coated in prayer flags, while chai tea wallas compete for business outside the ornate gates. A vivacious nightlife and hefty backpacker culture keeps resting hikers busy in the lively Thamel tourism district.

Nepal does stretch gently into the plains as well, and down in the insipid heat of the area near the Indian border you’ll find Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and a town drenched in poignant symbolism, while the dense forests of Chitwan National Park are the perfect spot for a steamy elephant safari. Nepal is also the occasional launch pad for secluded Tibet, and – visas permitting – pricey tours to Lhasa via the Chinese side of Everest make for once in a lifetime excursions.

Small, but full of overwhelming experiences and a true Mecca for anyone who enjoys mountains, Nepal is a quintessential outdoor experience, laden with memorable rural culture.