Ready for your dream Nepal vacation? From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the colorful streets of Kathmandu, the sacred temples of Lumbini to the wild jungles of Chitwan, this guide outlines the ultimate Nepal itinerary.
These easy and curated itineraries help you find the best things to do in Nepal—featuring trekking to Everest, meditating at Buddha’s birthplace, white-water rafting, jungle safaris, and vibrant mountaintop festivals.
Want to make your Nepal trip even more special? Learn basic Nepali before you go
- Kathmandu: A chaotic, colorful capital where ancient temples, bustling streets, and sacred stupas swirl together in Himalayan haze.
- Pokhara: Nepal’s chill-out capital with lake views, paragliding, and postcard-perfect Annapurna peaks in the background.
- Everest Base Camp (Licensed guide/ permit required): The bucket-list trek of a lifetime—glaciers, prayer flags, and postcard-perfect views beneath the world’s highest peak.
- Lumbini: A peaceful spiritual haven and the birthplace of the Buddha—pilgrimage sites and monastic calm await.
- Chitwan National Park: Safari Nepal-style—spot rhinos, elephants, and maybe even tigers in this lush, wildlife-packed reserve.
- Bhaktapur: A beautifully preserved medieval city just outside Kathmandu—think red-brick alleys, carved wood temples, and zero traffic.
- Patan (Lalitpur): Art, architecture, and ancient culture—this Kathmandu Valley gem is a treasure trove of courtyards and craftsmanship.
- Nagarkot: A serene hilltop getaway known for sunrise views over the Himalayas—on clear days, you can even glimpse Everest.
- Annapurna Circuit: One of the world’s most legendary treks—through valleys, over high passes, and past countless cultural gems.
💡 Nepal Tips
- Carry cash: Nepal is a cash-based economy. Use Nepalese rupees for most transactions, especially in rural areas or markets. ATMs are available in cities but not always reliable.
- Tipping is customary: Tip guides, porters, and drivers (10–15% is standard), and leave small tips in restaurants if service isn’t included.
- Bargain respectfully: Haggling is expected in markets and tourist shops — stay polite and friendly while negotiating.
- Dress modestly: Nepal is conservative. Cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples or rural villages.
- Ask before taking photos: Especially of people or religious ceremonies — always ask permission first.
- Use your right hand: For eating, giving, and receiving — the left hand is considered unclean.
- Tap water is not safe: Always drink bottled or purified water. Bring a reusable filter bottle or water purification tablets if trekking.
- Expect power cuts: Load shedding still occurs, particularly outside major cities. Carry a power bank and flashlight for backups.
- Trekking? Be prepared: Altitude sickness is real — ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and give yourself time to acclimate.
- Permits are required for treks: Be sure to get TIMS and national park permits for popular treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit.
- Public transport is chaotic but cheap: Buses and minibuses are affordable but can be crowded — for comfort, hire a private car or tourist bus.
- Practice temple etiquette: Remove shoes, don’t step over offerings, and walk clockwise around stupas and shrines.
🇳🇵 Nepal Menu
- Dal Bhat: The national dish — lentil soup served with steamed rice, vegetable curry, pickles, and sometimes meat. Eaten daily by many Nepalis.
- Momo: Tibetan-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables — steamed or fried, and served with spicy tomato chutney. A beloved street and comfort food.
- Sel Roti: A sweet, deep-fried rice flour ring — crispy on the outside and soft inside, traditionally made during festivals like Tihar and Dashain.
- Gundruk: Fermented leafy greens, often served as a tangy soup or side dish — rich in flavor and cultural heritage.
- Chatamari (Newar Cuisine): A rice flour crepe topped with spiced meat, vegetables, and egg — known as “Nepali pizza.”
- Bara (Wo) (Newar Cuisine): Savory lentil patties sometimes topped with egg or minced meat — popular during festivals or as a hearty snack.
- Yomari (Newar Cuisine): A sweet steamed dumpling made of rice flour and filled with jaggery and sesame — eaten during the Yomari Punhi festival.
- Thukpa (Himalayan Region): A noodle soup with vegetables and meat — warming and perfect for high-altitude areas.
- Aloo Tama: A spicy, tangy curry made with potatoes, bamboo shoots, and black-eyed peas — often served with rice.
- Dhido: A traditional buckwheat or millet porridge eaten with gundruk, lentils, or meat — especially popular in rural and mountainous areas.
- Pani Puri: Crispy hollow puris filled with spicy tamarind water, potato, and chickpeas — a beloved street snack also known as “golgappa.”
- Sukuti: Dried and spiced meat (usually buffalo or goat), pan-fried and served with chili and onions — often eaten as a snack or bar food.
- Lassi: A sweet or salty yogurt-based drink — cooling and hydrating, especially popular in the Terai region.
- Chiyaa (Nepali Tea): Sweet, milky tea spiced with cardamom and ginger — served multiple times a day in homes and cafés.
📅 Nepal Calendar
- Maghe Sankranti (January, Nationwide): Marks winter solstice with feasting and holy dips in rivers
- Maha Shivaratri (February–March, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu): Hindu pilgrims, sadhus, and bonfires at Nepal’s most sacred Shiva temple
- Holi (Festival of Colors) (March, Nationwide): Joyous water and color fights, especially festive in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Nepali New Year (Bisket Jatra) (April, Bhaktapur): Chariot pulling, tug-of-war, and wild street celebrations
- Buddha Jayanti (May, Lumbini & Kathmandu): Birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha marked with peace rituals
- Ropain Festival (June, Rural hills): Paddy planting celebrations with mud games and singing
- Teej Festival (August–September, Kathmandu Valley): Women dress in red and fast to honor love and marriage
- Indra Jatra (September, Kathmandu): Masked dances, living goddess (Kumari), and ceremonial rituals in Durbar Square
- Dashain (October, Nationwide): Nepal’s longest and biggest festival—10 days of blessings, family feasts, and kite flying
- Tihar (Festival of Lights) (October–November, Nationwide): Dogs, cows, and crows are honored in this five-day Diwali-like festival
- Mani Rimdu (October–November, Tengboche Monastery, Everest Region): Tibetan Buddhist masked dance festival in the Himalayas
- Chhath (November, Southern Terai): River rituals to honor the sun god