Best Things to do in Nepal

Kathmandu is a treasure trove where old meets new, and long-term visitors meet with the newly arrived in cafes and bars to discuss their journey. It is packed with ancient palaces, temples, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stroll around Durbar Square, the first of Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites which is still the social, religious, and urban focal point of the capital city today and where the living Goddess “Kumari” resides.  The extraordinary and vast Boudhanath Stupa is one of Nepal’s holiest and most visually impressive sites, its soaring white dome framed against brilliant blue skies, inviting Buddhists and tourists from around the world.  Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva, the God of Destruction, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, with many coming here as their final resting place. Many sadhus reside, but it is also visited by holy men from India, particularly during the festival of Maha Shivratri in February.

The second most famous trekking region in Nepal, after Everest, The Annapurna Region offers a variety of trekking routes that can be shortened or lengthened to fit your time scale and fitness levels. All are quite steep, but the views make a great excuse to stop for a breather! The Poon Hill trek and the Ghandruk trek are easy to moderate 3-4 day options that can be either slotted into most itineraries or used as acclimatizing treks for a longer circuit. Both are a short drive from Pokhara and offer local village life and stunning views.

Longer treks such as the Annapurna Circuit (up to 21 days) and Annapurna Base Camp (6-12 days, depending on the route) are two of the most sought treks. The Annapurna Sanctuary is a seven-day trek to a glacial basin at 4130m, where you’ll be surrounded by the entire Annapurna Range, most over 7000m. Whichever you choose, a trek in the Annapurna is an unforgettable experience.

The villages of Nepal give an authentic insight into life away from the main towns. Some, such as Ramkot, have never had roads connecting them to the outside world and are a haven of traditional architecture, crafts, farming, and hooch distilling!  It’s hard to believe such places can exist in this fast-paced modern world. Sirubari and Ghale Gaun are community programs where you can stay in individual houses, allowing you to become part of local life.  Try milking the goats, harvesting local crops, witnessing an alternative school run as mothers transport their kids to school by cycle, and learning how to prepare a home-cooked lunch over an open fire.  Nuwakot, at the head of the Kathmandu Valley, is now another sleepy village that stood sentinel for over 1000 years, though it was conquered by the Gorkhas in 1744. The sense of strategic importance remains in its traditional architecture and fort.

Nepal offers terrific wildlife experiences. 4×4 Jeep safaris into the parks in the early morning and late afternoon are thrilling; you never know which wild animal you may encounter, though a tiger sighting will always be the icing on the cake. Royal Chitwan and Royal Bardia National Parks are rich in wildlife and house over 900 species of birds.  Chitwan is easier to get to, and Bardia is a little more remote, but if you’re a hardcore wildlife lover, it is much quieter, with fewer jeeps seeking the elusive tiger.   Chitwan being on the Rapti River means that evening boat rides, dugout canoe rides, and river crossings are also possible, skirting past crocodiles basking on its banks and seeing villagers crossing with large loads of grass for their cattle.  The Tharu communities who live around the parks are distinctive from the hill communities and very welcoming hosts.