14 Best Things to Do in Nepal

Last updated on March 9, 2024 by Shannon

Nepal was a sleeper hit during my round the world trip more than 15 years ago. I had fretted and planned so much of my time backpacking across India, that I left planning my time in Nepal to the last second. I had arranged a one-month volunteering stint in the Kathmandu Valley, so I had a place to go those first weeks.

It didn’t take me more than a day to discover firsthand why Nepal is touted as a favorite among backpackers and travelers. Part of the appeal stems from the religious and historic significance of nearly every rock and crevice in the country (hyperbole for sure, but it feels true when you learn just how many things to do revolve around the Buddha). It stands as the de facto spiritual and cultural hub of Southeast Asia, but the culture and food also hooked me within hours.

I was already in month six of my round the world trip, so I had seen a lot by then, but strolling through Kathmandu’s alleys surrounded me in colors, sounds, and scents in a way that both overwhelmed and charmed me. Prayer flags flutter in the wind from every temple peak and rooftop, which adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere.

What is Nepal famous for?

Nepal is most known for Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world, and it’s certainly a huge draw. But it’s safer to say that it’s the entire Himalayan mountain range that attracts travelers. Trekking is big industry in Nepal, and the scale of nature lends itself to a massive outdoor adventure travel industry that includes rafting its rivers and scaling its other peaks.

But what really sets Nepal apart is its rich spiritual heritage. Hinduism and Buddhism have coexisted in Nepal for centuries. The result? A staggering amount of ancient temples and monasteries that are revered by followers of both faiths, and offer a glimpse into Nepal’s spiritual traditions.

And let’s not forget the people of Nepal, which takes the travel experience to the next level. Despite its small size, Nepal is a melting pot of different ethnic groups and cultures, each with their own unique customs and traditions. And this cultural diversity is reflected in the handmade crafts sold on the streets of every city and small town—from intricately woven woolen carpets to delicate paper products and exquisite metalwork.

Best Things to Do in Nepal

1. Wander the Historic City of Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, and it’s largest city. For most travelers, you’re there for its historic and cultural landmarks—all of which need to be on your list of things to do.

The most notable is Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka), a UNESCO World Heritage Site the center of Kathmandu’s old town. Even though I had already been in Asia for nearly five months, Durbar Square was remarkable.

It houses ancient temples, palaces, and other cultural sites—on the list are Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Kumari Temple, and the Kasthamandap Temple. The elaborately carved doors at the entrance to the home of the Kumari Ghar (Nepal’s living Goddess) are gorgeous and worth stopping at. This was when Nepal hooked me. Learning the story of the Kumari—a living Goddess in Nepal—and seeing where this young prepubescent girl is housed, was unreal.

Then there’s Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in Nepal. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and a great place to learn about Buddhist culture and spirituality. As is Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers breathtaking views of Kathmandu—and a truly ton of monkeys wandering around.

Pashupatinath Temple may well be one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal. The temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and well worth a visit—watch from above as they regularly perform ritual cremations in the ghats.

2. Discover Other Towns in the Kathmandu Valley

Nestled in the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountains, lies the capital city of Nepal: Kathmandu. From here, there are no shortage of amazing small town day trips that offer a glimpse into the vibrant Nepali life and culture.

One such trip is to the nearby Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is just a half-hour drive from Kathmandu. This magnificent square is the epicenter of the ancient city of Patan and is home to many temples, palaces, and cultural sites that are a testament to Nepal’s rich history. Some of the must-visit attractions here include the famous Krishna Temple and the Golden Temple.

3. Visit the Ancient City of Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is an ancient city located just outside of Kathmandu that is best known for its traditional architecture and cultural heritage. Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many temples, squares, and markets that reflect the city’s rich history and culture.

One of the main attractions of Bhaktapur is the Durbar Square (different than the Durbar Square in Kathmandu and Patan!), which is the center of the old town and home to many ancient temples and palaces. The square is also home to the Bhaktapur Durbar Museum, which contains a collection of ancient artifacts and artworks. Other prominent cultural sites in Bhaktapur include the Bhairavnath Temple, the Nyatapola Temple, and the Dattatreya Temple. The city is also home to many traditional handicrafts, such as pottery and woodcarving, which can be seen in the local markets and workshops.

4. Explore the Pokhara Region

Pokhara is known for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s surrounded by the Annapurna mountain range and is home to many lakes, including Phewa Lake and Begnas Lake. The city offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and is a great destination for nature lovers. It’s a popular destination for outdoor activities, including paragliding, boating, hiking, and mountain biking. The city is a great base for exploring the surrounding area and is home to many adventure sports companies.

Though it’s not short on history and culture either. Pokhara is home to many temples, monasteries, and other cultural and spiritual sites, including the World Peace Pagoda and the Barahi Temple. And it features many memorable cultural festivals and events throughout the year. Taking a boat ride on Phewa Lake offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and is a great way to spend some down time before setting off on a hike.

5. Trek the Annapurna Circuit with Friends

You can’t go to Nepal without spending some time in the mountains, and that usually means planning a trek the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. You’ll set up shop in Pokhara, which is a lovely town on its own and visiting Pokhara is also one of the top things to do. From there, you can pack just a trekking backpack and leave the rest of your gear with your guesthouse. Hopefully you’re in Nepal with friends, because that will make the trek more memorable, but you have options if not. You can easily find a trekking buddy using online websites, join a group trek with a guide, or do something in between. If you’ll be in Nepal for a few weeks before your trek, you will almost certainly meet other travelers at the local guesthouses, and you can shop around for a trekking partner that way.

Either way, put trekking at the top of your list of things to do in Nepal—it’s one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have in the country. Wondering why I recommend trekking the Annapurna massif rather than trekking to Everest Base Camp? Well, if your dream is the amazing views of the Himalayas, then you’ll actually have equally gorgeous views from the Annapurna circuit. Of course the EBC is beautiful, but it’s also busy and not the solitude you likely imagine when you dream of trekking the Himalayas. And it’s the priciest trek you can choose in the region. You can experience hot springs and camaraderie and beauty hiking nearly any portion of the Annapurna circuit. Unless you truly have EBC on your bucket list, you will likely love a short five-day trek to Poon Hill, or a longer trek of the Annapurna circuit. If you do hope to trek to EBC, the trek takes about 10-12 days and does offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains.

6. Admire Nature in Chitwan National Park

Go on a safari to see wild animals in Chitwan National Park, which is a protected area in the lowlands of Nepal. The Royal Chitwan National Park is home to several endangered animals, plus dozens of others that are also impressive to see. You can count on seeing one-horned rhinos and crocodiles, deer and monkeys, and more. Although tigers live in the national park, you’d have to have the luck of the gods to see one. If you have your heart set on trying to see one, you’ll either need to book a daylong jeep safari, or head to Bardia National Park instead for a better chance.

It’s also a cultural destination—you’ll learn about the Tharu people, an ethnic group in south-western Nepal who are native to the Terai region, which is a plain region that encompasses Chitwan, as well as other areas.

And of course, there’s the elephant tourism appeal of Chitwan National Park. This is a thorny issue that has, thankfully, changed a lot since my first visit way back in 2009. The fact is, riding an elephant is never an ideal option, but for years there were no alternatives to this form of elephant tourism at Chitwan. Thankfully, there are now a few alternatives—and more crop up every year. Plan on a walking or jeep safari of the National Park, and then bike out to Stand Up for Elephants so you can support a tourism industry that offers elephants a life that doesn’t involve injury and schlepping tourists around on their backs. You can also book time at Tiger Tops and take a walk with their elephants.

7. Take a Vipassana Meditation Course

Among my favorite experiences in Nepal was the chance to reset everything and attend a 10-day Vipassana meditation course outside of Pokhara. This style of meditation is not for everyone—it’s a strict process and requires absolute dedication for the entire 10 days—but if you have the time on your trip to Nepal, the teachers and culture in the region make this type of activity a top recommendation.

8. Visit the birthplace of Buddha

Lumbini is a city located in the Nepal Terai, and it is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The city is believed to be the birthplace of the Buddha, and it has a long and fascinating history.

According to tradition, the Buddha was born in Lumbini in the 6th century BCE as Siddhartha Gautama, the prince of the Shakya kingdom. After his enlightenment, the Buddha traveled throughout the region, teaching the principles of Buddhism and establishing a monastic community. In the centuries that followed, Lumbini became an important center of Buddhist learning and culture, and it was visited by many pilgrims from around the region. In the modern era, Lumbini has continued to be an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lumbini is home to many Buddhist temples, monasteries, and other cultural sites, including the Maya Devi Temple, which is believed to be the birthplace of the Buddha. The city is also home to the Lumbini International Research Institute, which conducts research on Buddhist culture and history.

9. Go Rafting on the Trisuli River

The Trisuli River is a top destination for white water rafting in Nepal. Located in the central region of the country, the river flows through the stunning Trisuli Valley, which is dotted with charming small villages and fertile farms.

One of the main draws of the Trisuli River is its range of rapids, which cater to all levels of experience – from easy-going stretches for beginners to more challenging sections for seasoned rafters. Its proximity to Kathmandu makes it a convenient day trip or weekend adventure for visitors to the capital city.

Aside from rafting, the Trisuli River is a hub for other outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing. With its breathtaking natural scenery, it is an ideal destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Nepal’s natural beauty and explore the great outdoors.

So if you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled experience or a peaceful escape into nature, the Trisuli River is definitely worth checking out during your trip to Nepal.

10. Volunteer to Teach English at a Monastery

My time volunteering teaching English at a monastery deep in the Kathmandu Valley is among my favorite memories. If you have enough time, dedicate a few weeks of your time in Nepal to be of service to locals. Many of the monasteries offer long-term places (longer than 30 days) for volunteers, or you can also spend a few days at a monastery and help where needed—several monasteries near Kathmandu offer this option.

11. Go Rafting on the Rapti River

Rafting on the Rapti River is an unforgettable adventure due to the river’s stunning natural setting and the diverse range of rafting routes available—the river flows through breathtaking forests and grasslands. The Rapti River runs through the Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, and elephants.

The river’s rapids offer a thrilling experience for both beginner and experienced rafters, with various routes available that cater to different skill levels. Besides rafting, the Rapti River is also a popular destination for other outdoor activities, such as wildlife safaris and birdwatching, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.

12. Take a Food Tour or Cooking Class

Food tours allow you to experience a country’s rich culinary culture. Food tours in Nepal are most often offered in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and they typically include a visit to local market, and at least a few restaurants and food stalls to sample a variety of traditional and unique Nepali dishes.

Nepalese cuisine is known for its use of spices and herbs, and it is influenced by both Indian and Tibetan culinary traditions. Some popular dishes in Nepal include dal bhat, which is a rice and lentil dish served with vegetables and meat; momos, which are steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables; and thukpa, which is a noodle soup.

Both food tours and cooking classes in Nepal typically include tastings of a variety of dishes, as well as visits to local markets and restaurants to learn about the ingredients and cooking techniques used in Nepalese cuisine. Many food tours also include cultural activities such as cooking classes or demonstrations.

13. Get Adventurous

Go mountain biking in the Langtang National Park, which is home to a variety of trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Or head to the Annapurna region and go paragliding, which offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys below.

Overall, Nepal has a rich culture and history, and there are many things to see and do in the country. Whether you are interested in adventure sports, cultural experiences, or natural beauty, there is something to do for everyone in Nepal.

14. Admire Mount Everest

There are several ways to experience the majestic beauty of Mount Everest without having to trek all the way to Everest Base Camp. One option is to visit Gokyo Lake, which offers breathtaking views of the world’s highest mountain. You can also opt for a panoramic helicopter tour of the Himalayas, which will take you on a thrilling ride above the clouds and provide you with an up-close and personal view of Mount Everest.

Quick Travel Tips: Visiting Nepal

Best Time to Visit Nepal

The best time to visit Nepal depends on what you choose to do and see once there.

The best time for trekking in the Himalayas is September to November and March to May, when the weather is generally clear and dry. December to February can be cold and dry, but it is a good time to visit the lower elevations of the country, and to see the Himalayas from a distance. June to August is monsoon season—the rain makes trekking more difficult and causes landslides—don’t plan to trek during these months, many prime trekking trails are closed for safety reasons.

If you want to visit the lower elevations and enjoy the hot weather in the Kathmandu Valley, visit from October to May. The weather is warm and dry during this time, and it is a good time to visit the cultural and historical sites in the Kathmandu Valley and in the cities of Pokhara and Lumbini.

Overall, most travelers plan their time in Nepal from September to November and from March to May, when the weather is clear and dry and the visibility is good for trekking and other outdoor activities. During these months, you get the best of all worlds for both cultural exploring and trekking.

Where to Stay

I use Booking.com in this area of the world. Here are a few choice options in the cities you’ll most likely be visiting.

• Kathmandu: Consider Hotel Mums Home on a budget, Hotel Tibet for midrange, and Hotel Yak & Yeti  for a nice place from which to explore Kathmandu.
• Pokhara: I loved my time at the Noble Inn Guesthouse—they can help you arrange a trek and store your bags while you’re in the mountains. Hotel Crystal Palace is located in the Phewa Lake area, and if you want to be a tiny bit outside of town, go with New Pokhara Lodge.
• Chitwan National Park: Choose Tiger Tops Elephant Camp for a private elephant camp offering ethical elephant encounters. Eden Jungle Resort and Lodge is lovely and the staff are very responsive. If you’re feeling spendy, book yourself into the Landmark Forest Park Hotel.

Nepal Travel Tips

1. Embrace the minimalist lifestyle: Nepal has a rugged terrain, and you may need to carry your own luggage at times. Pack light and bring only essentials to make your trip more comfortable. If you’re trekking or if you face colder-than-expected weather, you can easily buy low-cost essentials in Kathmandu—both name-brand and knock-off.
2. Respect the traditions: Nepal is a melting pot of ethnic and religious diversity, and it is crucial to respect local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly, removing your shoes when entering temples or homes, and avoiding strong public displays of affection.
3. Stay hydrated: The hot and humid weather in many areas of Nepal can drain your energy and cause dehydration. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids, especially if you’re visiting Nepal during the summer months.
4. Use caution when eating street food: Street food can be a great way to try local dishes, but it is important to use caution to avoid getting sick. Only eat at stalls that appear clean and avoid eating raw vegetables or undercooked meat.
5. Adventure with caution: Nepal offers many adventurous activities such as bungee jumping, rafting, and trekking, but it’s important to be careful. Use a reputable tour operator to ensure your safety and help protect the environment.
6. Protect your health: Nepal is home to several health risks such as malaria and typhoid, so it’s essential to get vaccinated before your trip. Consult with your healthcare provider and a travel clinic to determine if any vaccinations are recommended, as well as a malaria prophylactic.
7. Weather-proof your luggage: Nepal has a diverse climate, ranging from hot and humid in the lowlands to cold and dry in the highlands. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing for the region you will be visiting and weather-proof your luggage to keep your belongings safe and dry.
8. Mask up: Nepal is known for its stunning scenery, but it’s also notorious for its pollution. Even pre-Covid, wearing a mask was crucial to protect yourself from heavy pollution, especially if you’re using public transport like buses.