Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Just on the outskirts of Kathmandu lies Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, an area protecting dense forests and rich biodiversity spanning 159 square kilometers. The park has several excellent day hikes and short overnight trekking trails that offer gorgeous views of the Kathmandu Valley and the towering Langtang Range. The most popular route is the circuit to Nagarjun Hill (2,096 meters), which takes about 4-6 hours roundtrip from the gate at Budhanilkantha. The trails pass through peaceful rhododendron forests with opportunities to spot many birds and small wildlife.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the city’s most popular short trekking destinations thanks to its remarkable Himalayan panoramas. Situated at 2,175 meters altitude on a ridge between the Kathmandu Valley and Indrawati River Valley, Nagarkot has magnificent sunrise and sunset views of the high Himalayas on clear days. Many people hike to Nagarkot, stay overnight in one of the many hotels, and admire spectacular views of peaks like Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu at sunrise when skies are typically apparent. The 5-6 hour trek passes through rural farming villages and pine forests.

Dhulikhel

Similar to Nagarkot, the small town of Dhulikhel offers breathtaking vistas of the whole Himalayan range just 30 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The 6-7 hour trek to Dhulikhel traverses ridges and valleys to the town situated at 1,500 meters altitude. Along the way, you pass through traditional Newari villages and see terraced farmlands that have existed here for centuries. The panorama from Dhulikhel stretches over 140 miles encompassing from Far Western Himalayas to Everest. The town itself has accommodation for an overnight stay to experience the famous views at sunrise.

Namobuddha

Namobuddha is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site just 10 kilometers east of Dhulikhel. In addition to great mountain views, the area has many monasteries and temples to see set in a peaceful forested environment. It takes 4-6 hours to reach Namobuddha along the trekking trail from Dhulikhel, passing small villages and monasteries such as Champa Devi and Maghe Sailung. Once at Namobuddha, you can visit the throne where Buddha sacrificed his body to feed a starving mother tiger and her cubs.

Panauti

The historic Newari town of Panauti lies about 32 kilometers southeast of central Kathmandu and makes for an interesting short trek. Situated at the sacred confluence of the Pungamati and Punyamati rivers, Panauti is one of the best places for learning about traditional Newari culture and architecture. Most hikers take 7-8 hours to reach Panauti from Kathmandu on trails passing local communities practicing ancestral farming techniques and impressive terraced fields carved into the hillsides. One unique landmark along the way is the Indreswor Mahadev temple built in a beautifully tiered style in 1294.

Namo Buddha

Just 40 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu near Banepa lies Namo Buddha, another key Tibetan Buddhist site with an ancient monastery and throne built where a past Buddha offered his body to a starving tigress. Set at 1,400 meters altitude, Namo Buddha has great views and is highly sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The standard trekking route is about 6-7 hours from Kathmandu, passing through lush forests and hillside villages like Kokani and Harmi which offer glimpses into traditional rural life.

Phulchoki

The highest peak bordering the Kathmandu Valley is Phulchoki, towering at 2,762 meters altitude. Just beyond the southeast outskirts of the city, Phulchoki offers challenging trekking through forests and ridges with superb views across the valley. Most hikers take the route starting from Godavari which takes 7-9 hours to ascend and descend. Highlights include the Botanical Gardens at Godavari and the temple cave shrine at the summit marked by prayer flags and bells.

Helambu Trek

For those looking for an easy short trek slightly further from Kathmandu offering great mountain scenery, Helambu is a perfect choice. Located 80 kilometers from Kathmandu as the crow flies north of the Shivapuri Himal, the Helambu region gives you a real feel for Nepali villages while still seeing snow-capped Panch Pokhari, Jugal, and Mahalangur Himal. Typical Helambu treks last 4-10 days starting in Sundarijal or Melamchi, offering routes accessible year-round mostly following traditional communication trails between villages at elevations around 3,000 meters.

Langtang Trek

The Langtang region lies just 60 kilometers north of Kathmandu close to the Tibet border and trekking here offers stunning views short of the high mountains with relatively gradual elevation gain. Langtang treks typically last 7-12 days, usually starting from Syabru Besi (1,515m). You pass deep rhododendron and bamboo forests to reach Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m) inside Langtang National Park with jaw-dropping vistas of Langshisa Ri (7,227m) and Tibetan-influenced villages. Langtang was partly affected by the 2015 earthquake but local infrastructure has been rebuilt for trekkers.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Recently opened for tourism and the closest Himalayan experience to Kathmandu, the Manaslu Circuit route takes you around the Nepals’ 8th highest mountain near the border with Tibet. Still restricted and remote-feeling, the 14-21 day Manaslu Circuit trek showcases Bön and Tibetan Buddhism culture with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The challenging trek includes crossing a 5,125m pass descending into rich forested valleys and colorful villages like Lho, Samagaon (3,530m), and Samdo (3,860m) with their woven bamboo houses and famous monasteries.

Everest Base Camp Trek

If you have time for a longer trek, consider the iconic journey to Mount Everest South Base Camp. Starting a one-hour flight away in Lukla before slowly ascending the Khumbu Valley over 14-17 days roundtrip, you’ll access dazzling views of Everest and pass through Sherpa villages to reach Base Camp at 5,364 meters. Highlights include viewpoints like Kala Pattar (5,545m) and Gokyo Lakes (5,000m) with spectacular glacier scenery. April and October are ideal times to find a balance between good weather and fewer crowds.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Similarly dramatic, the Annapurna Base Camp trek delivers you inside a giant mountain amphitheater surrounded by a ring of peaks over 6,000 meters. The 10-15 day journey normally starts from Naya Pul, an hour’s drive from Pokhara, bringing you through forests and rice paddies into the high mountain sanctum of Annapurna. The trail passes waterfalls, caves, and cabbage-growing settlements before reaching Machapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) where you wake up to phenomenal views of Annapurna South’s iced flanks. Spring and fall have prime weather.

Mardi Himal Trek

A shorter alternative into the Annapurna region is the 4-7 day Mardi Himal Trek topping out at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). This route offers stunning views rising to the east up the stunning fluted ice ridges surrounding Machapuchhre. Passing through rhododendron forests still recovering from 2015 earthquake damage, this challenging ascent rewards the effort with unbelievable vistas rivaling the more famous Annapurna Sanctuary.

Gosaikunda Trek

Just a seven-hour drive north of Kathmandu near the Langtang region lies Gosaikunda, an alpine lake sacred to Hindus and Buddhists nestled at 4,380 meters. During January and February after the full moon celebrations each year, pilgrims take wheezing winter ascents to bathe in the glacial waters. Steep trails lead to this icy turquoise lake to find rare orchids and abundant birdlife with views of the surrounding high peaks. For more adventure, extend the trek deeper toward Tibet past the Langtang National Park.

As you can see from this extensive overview, the Kathmandu Valley acts as the gateway into a trekking wonderland. With Nepal’s excellent network of buses and domestic flights, all of these magical destinations become easily accessible. Whether you have just a couple of days or a few weeks, there are countless world-class trails routing out of Kathmandu sure to amaze any wandering traveler with a taste for Himalayan grandeur. Just be sure to travel with reputable guides, proper permits, and gear for spending extended periods in rugged mountain environments. With those preparations in place, some of your life’s most incredible journeys lie just outside the fascinating streets of Kathmandu.

In this article, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Nepal’s hidden gems and help you plan your next adventure in this stunning country.

Types of Tours in Nepal

Trekking: Explore the Himalayas

Nepal is famous for its trekking and for good reason. With some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, the Himalayas offer some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. Trekking tours range from relatively easy hikes to challenging multi-day treks and can take you through traditional villages, rhododendron forests, and high-altitude landscapes. Trekking regions of Nepal are as follows:

1. Everest Region
2. Annapurna Region
3. Langtang Region
4. Manaslu Region
5. Kanchenjunga Region
6. Makalu Region
7. Upper Mustang Region
8. Dolpo Region
9. Rolwaling Valley Region
10. Rara Lake Region

These regions offer a variety of trekking experiences ranging from short and easy treks to challenging and strenuous ones. Each region has its own unique features such as stunning mountain views, diverse flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Cultural Tours: Immerse Yourself in the Rich Culture of Nepal

Nepal has a rich cultural heritage, with a long history of art, religion, and architecture. Cultural tours in Nepal can take you to some of the country’s most important cultural sites, including ancient temples and monasteries, museums, and historic cities such as Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. You can do cultural tours around these places:

1. Kathmandu Valley
2. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
3. Patan Durbar Square
4. Boudhanath Stupa
5. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
6. Pashupatinath Temple
7. Lumbini (Birthplace of Lord Buddha)
8. Janakpur (Birthplace of Sita)
9. Tansen (Ancient Hill Town)
10. Gorkha Durbar

These destinations offer a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and history. Visitors can explore ancient temples, palaces, and monuments, witness traditional rituals and festivals, and learn about Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups and their customs and traditions. Additionally, these destinations also offer opportunities to interact with locals and experience the warmth and hospitality of Nepali culture.

Wildlife Safari: Experience the Natural Wonders

Nepal is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and snow leopards. Wildlife tours in Nepal can take you to some of the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves, such as Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park, where you can go on safari to spot some of these amazing animals in their natural habitat.

1. Chitwan National Park
2. Bardia National Park
3. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
4. Shuklaphanta National Park (Formal Wildlife Reserve)
5. Parsa National Park (Youngest National Park)

These destinations offer a chance to explore Nepal’s diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, leopards, and various bird species. Visitors can take a jungle safari on elephant-back, jeep, or canoe to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, as well as participate in activities such as bird-watching, nature walks, and cultural programs. Additionally, visitors can also interact with local communities and learn about their unique ways of life and culture.

Adventure Tours: Embark on a Thrill

For adrenaline junkies, Nepal is a dream destination. Adventure tours in Nepal can take you white-water rafting down some of the country’s wild rivers, bungee jumping from towering bridges, or paragliding over the stunning Pokhara Valley. Places to have fun!

1. Peak Climbing (Island Peak, Mera Peak, etc.)
2. White Water Rafting (Bhote Koshi, Trishuli River, etc.)
3. Bungee Jumping (The Last Resort)
4. Paragliding (Pokhara)
5. Mountain Biking (Mustang, Annapurna Circuit, etc.)

These destinations offer a wide range of adventurous activities for visitors who seek to experience the thrill and excitement of outdoor adventures in Nepal. Whether it’s trekking to high-altitude mountain passes, climbing Himalayan peaks, rafting down raging rivers, or soaring through the sky on a paraglider, Nepal has something to offer for every adventure seeker. Additionally, visitors can also experience the cultural and natural beauty of Nepal while undertaking these activities.

Spiritual Tours: Discover the Ancient Temples and Spiritual Traditions

Nepal is also a deeply spiritual country, with a strong tradition of Buddhism and Hinduism. Spiritual tours can take you to some of the country’s most important spiritual sites, such as the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini or the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Here are some popular spiritual tours in Nepal:

1. Pashupatinath Temple
2. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
3. Boudhanath Stupa
4. Muktinath Temple
5. Janakpur (Birthplace of Sita)
6. Lumbini (Birthplace of Lord Buddha)
7. Gosaikunda Lake
8. Tengboche Monastery
9. Swargadwari
10. Halesi Mahadev

These destinations offer visitors a chance to experience Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage and connect with their inner selves. Whether it’s visiting ancient temples, monasteries, and holy sites or taking part in spiritual practices like meditation and yoga, Nepal has something to offer for everyone seeking a spiritual journey. Visitors can also experience the warm hospitality of the locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and witness the blend of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepali culture.

No matter what type of tours in Nepal you choose, Nepal is sure to offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Touring Around

The Kathmandu Valley:

Duration: 3-5 days
Highlights: Explore the ancient temples, palaces, and stupas of Kathmandu Valley, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Durbar Square.

The Kathmandu Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Nepal. The valley is home to three ancient cities – Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan – each with its own unique charm. In Kathmandu, you can explore the bustling streets of Thamel and Durbar Square, while in Bhaktapur, you can wander through the narrow alleyways of the city’s well-preserved medieval center. Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is famous for its traditional Newari architecture and intricate metalwork.

The Annapurna Region:

Duration: 16-18 days
Highlights: Trek around the Annapurna massif, stunning mountain scenery, high-altitude landscapes, traditional villages, and ancient Hindu temples.

The Annapurna Region is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations and for good reason. The region offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the world, including Annapurna I, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. Trekking routes in the Annapurna Region range from easy to challenging, so there’s something for everyone. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional villages, lush forests, and high-altitude landscapes.

Chitwan National Park:

Duration: 2-4 days
Highlights: Go on a safari to spot Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife in Chitwan National Park, a canoe ride on the Rapti River, and visit Tharu villages.

Chitwan National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in southern Nepal. The park is home to endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and an Asian elephant. Visitors to Chitwan can go on jungle safaris, birdwatching tours in Nepal, and elephant rides. The park also offers cultural experiences, such as visits to Tharu villages, where you can learn about the indigenous Tharu people and their way of life.

Lumbini:

Duration: Full day
Highlights: Visit the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, including the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and Buddhist monasteries.

Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha and a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world. The site includes the Maya Devi Temple, where the Buddha was born, as well as numerous monasteries and stupas built by Buddhist countries such as Japan, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Visitors to Lumbini can explore the peaceful gardens and learn about the history and teachings of Buddhism.

Pokhara:

Duration: 3-5 days
Highlights: Relax in the lakeside town of Pokhara, enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna range, go boating on Phewa Lake, and take a short hike to World Peace Pagoda.

Pokhara is a laid-back city located in the foothills of the Himalayas, and it’s a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The city itself is home to a beautiful lake, Phewa Tal, where you can rent a boat and enjoy the scenery. From Pokhara, you can also take day trips to nearby villages, such as Sarangkot, which offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range, and Naudanda, where you can visit a local school and learn about Nepali culture.

Everest Base Camp:

Duration: 14-16 days
Highlights: Trek to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and Sagarmatha National Park.

If you’re looking for a challenge, trekking to Everest Base Camp is an adventure you’ll never forget. The trek takes you through the Khumbu Valley, past Sherpa villages, glaciers, and stunning mountain vistas. Along the way, you’ll stay in teahouses and get a taste of life in the Himalayas. When you reach Base Camp, you’ll be standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery on earth.

Boudhanath Stupa:

Duration: Half day
Highlights: Discover the largest stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath Stupa, and explore the surrounding monasteries and markets.

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stupa is located in the eastern part of Kathmandu and is one of the largest stupas in the world. It’s believed to date back to the 6th century and is an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. Visitors can walk around the stupa, spin the prayer wheels, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Bhutanese Refugee Camps:

Duration: 1-2 days
Highlights: Visit one or more of the seven Bhutanese refugee camps in the Jhapa district, meet with refugees, and learn about their stories and experiences.

Nepal is home to several Bhutanese refugee camps, which offer a unique insight into the lives of the Bhutanese people. The refugees, who are ethnic Nepalis, were forced to leave Bhutan in the 1990s and have been living in camps in Nepal ever since. Visitors can learn about their history and culture and even take part in activities such as weaving and cooking traditional Bhutanese food.

Langtang National Park:

Duration: 6-7 days
Highlights: Trek through beautiful forests, encounter the local wildlife, and enjoy stunning mountain views as you make your way to the high-altitude lakes of Gosainkunda. Along the way, visit traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages and learn about the local culture and way of life.

Langtang National Park is located in the central Himalayas and is known for its stunning mountain scenery and diverse wildlife. The prk is destination to several trekking routes, including the Langtang Valley Trek, which takes you through traditional Tamang villages, rhododendron forests, and high-altitude landscapes. Along the way, you might spot animals such as Himalayan Thar, Musk deer, and Red panda.

Nepal is a country with a rich cultural heritage and some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. From the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley to the stunning mountain vistas of the Himalayas, there’s something for everyone in this magical country. So why not start planning your next tour of Nepal today and discover all that this amazing country has to offer?

Some Popular Tours Itineraries

15 Days Adventure in Nepal Itineraries

Choosing a travel agency

When choosing a travel agency for tours in Nepal, it is important to consider factors such as reputation, experience, tour options, local knowledge, and customer service. A good travel agency will have a positive reputation, ample experience, a variety of tour options, local knowledge, and excellent customer service. By taking these factors into account, travelers can choose a reliable and trustworthy travel agency that will provide an enjoyable and memorable travel experience in Nepal.

Experience the adventure of a lifetime and immerse yourself in the cultural beauty of Nepal! Book your tour now and embark on a journey of a lifetime. With a wide range of tour options, from adventurous trekking expeditions to spiritual pilgrimages, there’s something for everyone in Nepal. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse countries. Book your tour today and let Nepal enchant you with its breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality!