Things to do in Nepal

25 things to do in Nepal

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Trek to Everest Base Camp in the Khumbu region

  Follow in the footsteps of mountaineers on this iconic two-week trek through Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and glacial moraine to stand at the foot of the world's highest peak, surrounded by towering Himalayan giants.

  Solukhumbu District

• Watch sunrise over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot

  Rise early to witness the first rays of sun ignite the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri from this famous viewpoint above Pokhara, with the valley below blanketed in mist.

  Pokhara

• Explore the medieval city of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

  Step back in time wandering among pagoda-style temples, royal palaces, and carved wooden windows in this UNESCO-listed Newari city, still alive with potters, weavers, and traditional markets.

  Bhaktapur

• Spot rhinos and tigers on a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park

  Set out by jeep or canoe into the lowland Terai jungle, home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, elusive Bengal tigers, wild elephants, and over 500 bird species, in Nepal's oldest national park.

  Chitwan District

• Taste traditional Newari cuisine at Bhojan Griha in Kathmandu

  Feast on a multi-course array of smoked meat, lentil patties, and spicy chutney in a restored 150-year-old mansion in Dillibazar, accompanied by cultural dance performances.

  Kathmandu

• Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River

  Observe Hindu cremation rituals and sadhus in meditation at this sprawling pagoda complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, a deeply spiritual experience and a masterwork of Newar architecture.

  Kathmandu

• Take a mountain flight to see Everest from the sky

  Board a small plane in Kathmandu for a once-in-a-lifetime hour-long flight that takes you within camera range of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the entire Khumbu range, with window seats for all.

  Kathmandu

• Climb the steps to the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

  Ascend the 365 steps to this hilltop white dome and golden spire, where prayer flags flutter and monkeys scamper among shrines, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.

  Kathmandu

• Wander through the courtyards of Patan Durbar Square

  Admire the brilliant metalwork and stone carving of the Krishna Mandir and the ancient Royal Palace in Lalitpur, a quieter yet equally exquisite counterpart to Kathmandu's historic squares.

  Lalitpur (Patan)

• White-water raft the Trishuli River

  Paddle through exciting Class II–III rapids on the journey between Kathmandu and Pokhara, surrounded by terraced hillsides, deep gorges, and frequent sightings of local village life along the banks.

  Trishuli River (Charaundi)

• Paraglide over Phewa Lake in Pokhara

  Launch from Sarangkot and soar with Himalayan vultures, catching thermals high above the lake, with the entire Annapurna massif reflecting in the water far below—an adrenaline rush with a view.

  Pokhara

• Pilgrimage to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha

  Walk among monastery ruins, the sacred Bodhi tree, and the exact marker stone where Siddhartha Gautama was born in 623 BC, a serene UNESCO site with temples built by Buddhist nations worldwide.

  Rupandehi District (Lumbini)

• Stroll the silent, car-free bazaar of Bandipur

  Discover this beautifully preserved Newari hilltop town, its 18th-century houses, stone-paved lanes, and mountain views offering a timeless escape—an unsung hidden gem between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

  Tanahun District (Bandipur)

• Search for the snow leopard in Shey Phoksundo National Park

  Trek through Dolpo’s stark, high-altitude landscape to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake, where blue sheep and the ghostly snow leopard roam—a wild and extremely remote corner of the Himalaya.

  Dolpa District

• Summit Island Peak (Imja Tse) for a Himalayan climb

  A popular 6,189m trekking peak that offers novice climbers the thrill of a Himalayan summit with fixed ropes and crampons, rewarded with close-up views of Lhotse and Makalu.

  Khumbu Region

• Celebrate Holi festival in Kathmandu Durbar Square

  Join crowds smeared in bright powders, dancing to traditional music and throwing water, as the historic square becomes a joyful riot of color marking spring's arrival.

  Kathmandu

• Hike the Annapurna Circuit crossing Thorong La pass

  Traverse the world's greatest trekking route from subtropical valleys to the arid Trans-Himalaya, culminating at the 5,416m Thorong La pass, with unparalleled 360-degree mountain panoramas.

  Manang/Mustang Districts

• Explore the hidden caves and murals of Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang

  Venture into the forbidden kingdom’s ancient capital, where centuries-old cave monasteries are carved into cliffs, revealing exquisite Buddhist frescoes and a way of life preserved since the 15th century.

  Upper Mustang

• Sip tongba (millet beer) in a Namche Bazaar teahouse

  Warm up with this traditional Himalayan brew served hot in a wooden vessel, sipped through a bamboo straw, while swapping trekking stories with Sherpa hosts in the bustling gateway to Everest.

  Namche Bazaar

• Helicopter to Kala Patthar for a close-up Everest view

  Skip the weeks‑long trek and land directly on the famous 5,545m viewpoint, stepping out to face the sheer dark pyramid of Everest just across the glacier—an unforgettable, high‑altitude experience.

  Khumbu Region (Kala Patthar)

• Meditate in the gardens of Kopan Monastery near Kathmandu

  Join a silent retreat or guided meditation at this peaceful hilltop gompa overlooking the valley, a center for Tibetan Buddhism where monks chant at dawn and the atmosphere encourages deep introspection.

  Kathmandu (Kopan)

• Shop for singing bowls and thangka art in Thamel, Kathmandu

  Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the capital’s tourist hub, browsing handicrafts, pashminas, and religious artworks while haggling in the many stalls and rooftop cafes.

  Kathmandu

• Witness the living goddess Kumari at Kumari Ghar

  Wait in the inner courtyard of Kathmandu Durbar Square for a glimpse of the young girl revered as the living incarnation of Taleju, a surreal custom that blends Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

  Kathmandu

• Trek to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes beneath Cho Oyu

  Hike off the main Everest trail to these sacred glacial lakes at 4,800 m, where the cobalt waters mirror the world's sixth-highest peak and the challenging Cho La pass adds alpine adventure.

  Solukhumbu District

• Discover the historic hill town of Tansen in Palpa

  Escape the crowds in this once‑powerful Newari trading settlement, where cobbled streets lead to a majestic durbar, ancient temples, and sweeping views of the Kali Gandaki valley—truly off the beaten path.

  Palpa District (Tansen)