Welcome to Nepal — the land of adventure, of spiritual transformation, the wonderland of natural beauty in all its exquisite charm. Are you an adrenaline junky or a history buff or a seeker of solitude?
Nepal’s offerings include everything from walking through the world’s highest mountains to exploring medieval temples. For adventure-seekers, Nepal’s wilderness offers trekking in the Himalayas, mountaineering, boating in raging rivers and paragliding.
Is a week in Nepal enough? And what are the top things to do in Nepal? Read on for our lowdown on the best things to do in Nepal.
Trekking in the Himalayas: conquer the world’s highest trails
Nepal’s Himalayas offer incredible beauty, some of the world’s most challenging treks, and breathtaking mountain views.
There’s the Everest Base Camp trek, reaching 2,860 to 5,364 meters over 14 days. You pass Sherpa villages, cross bridges with prayer flags, and hike through rhododendron forests and rugged moraines.
Alternatively, the Annapurna Circuit toffers varied landscapes—lowland fields, croplands, forests, alpine zones, and arid terrain with stunning vistas.
The trek begins in lush valleys, climbs through the Marsyangdi Valley’s tropical greenery, and leads to alpine desert, Tibetan villages, and the 5,416-meter Thorong La Pass. Reaching the summit rewards every tiring step—with views as the final gift.
What makes trekking in Nepal unforgettable is the culture. You stop for tea at a remote monastery to converse with monks over a cup of butter tea and listen to folk stories at a teahouse, every step of the way is special. Do you need to know more about this incredible adventure? We’ve shared detailed insights into the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Exploring Kathmandu Valley: a journey through ancient temples and bustling markets
Nepal’s valleys are famous for culture, arts and history – and that’s when you should take yourself to Kathmandu Valley (Nepal’s beating heart!) where you’ll find the three cities of Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Kathmandu — the state capital. You’ll find seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley — and your only problem is not finding the best things to do in Nepal in Kathmandu.
The stupa, perched on a hill, is one of Kathmandu’s most sacred and iconic landmarks. A revered Buddhist monument, it’s equally sacred to Hindus and beloved by all who visit.
This dreamy village offers panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Kathmandu’s people.
Regardless of religion, a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple is a must in Kathmandu. One of the world’s most important Hindu shrines. Here you can see followers paying their respects to Lord Shiva and attending their funerals on the banks of Bagmati River.
One of the best Buddhist temples in Nepal. Being a popular pilgrimage spot, you’ll catch the biggest glimpse of peace of spirituality and the most vibrant colours in Nepal. Mandalas, traditional dipped coloured paper, prayer flags and chanting Buddhists give it a more serene vibe.
The streets of Kathmandu are a place of chaos and fun.
The Nepal travel destination Kathmandu is a jumble of markets, shops and restaurants. The co-mingling of Hindu and Buddhist festivities, music, art, religious practices, culture and way of life are harmonious at times and chaotic at others in this animated city. We’ve shared a comprehensive guide to Kathmandu’s attractions to discover more about this city.
Wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park: encounter Nepal’s exotic fauna
For lovers of animals, Nepal is a paradise. Visiting Chitwan National Park is one of the fun things to do in Nepal for adventure lovers as it offers a series of jungle safaris that gift myriad wildlife experiences to all types of visitors, including the royal Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhinoceros, not to mention a number of wonderful species of birds!
Visiting the national park will fill you with a sense of life and the fact that it’s precious. Chitwan National Park works towards conserving their rarest wildlife and their homes.
Pokhara is a city of lakes, mountains and breathtaking views — and one of the best things to do here is paragliding. Known to be among the best sites in the world for paragliding, Pokhara is an adventure town and a place for adventurers and thrill seekers; More like a place where you can admire some of the most exotic views in the world.
The magic happens once you run off the hill of Sarangkot, which is the most beautiful take-off spot! As you glide towards the Annapurna range and the peaks of Fishtail and Annapurna I, the views are so breathtaking, you’ll wish the flight never ends. You will get to be right above Phewa Lake shining with all its water and below are the commanding mountains.
While you are there, don’t forget to feel the beauty around you. You don’t have to be a professional to try out paragliding. Whether you are an Olympic skier or a first-timer, Paragliding guarantees everything you love.
Visiting Lumbini: trace the footsteps of Buddha
Lumbini is a small village in the Rupandehi District of Nepal and the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. This village is a pilgrimage destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the famous Nepal tourist places.
The Jewel of Lumbini is a sacred garden and its significance is to provide you with a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Inside the beautifully arranged garden, lies the most important pilgrimage site — the Maya Devi Temple.
As ancient stories tell it, it is at this very place that Queen Maya Devi, gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama around 6th BCE.
You will even see the stone basal of its name the Birth Marker, which is believed to be the exact point where the Buddha stood after he was born. Other than the Maya Devi temple, there are many other ancient monasteries and stupas raised by the countries where Buddhism is followed.
White-water rafting on the Trishuli River: thrill-seekers’ aquatic adventure
Nepal’s rivers, fed by snowmelt from the world’s highest peaks, offer some of the best white-water rafting on the planet. Among the top attractions, the Trishuli River stands out — perfect for an unforgettable first-time rafting experience. It also offers plenty of excitement for those more seasoned white-water rafters.
The river winds through alpine forests, terraced rice fields, deep ravines, lush riverbanks, and ancient temples. The difficulty of rapids differs throughout, so regardless if you’re a first-timer or a pro you’ll enjoy the rafting experience. Those who are newbies will appreciate the tamer areas and those with experience will love the many intense rapids.
The beautiful setting of the Trishuli River lets you enjoy the views while you’re rafting! The river goes through some of the most gorgeous places in Nepal. There are deep valleys that sit between the massive hills and you really can’t experience it any other way. And on those hills? Precise rows of terraced fields overlook the river and whitewashed villages line its banks. This is great control of some amazing natural scenery!
Exploring Bhaktapur: a step back into medieval Nepal
Bhaktapur, known as Nepal’s living museum, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nepal. A city of centuries gone by, it is truly the best place to visit in Nepal if you are a history lover. Just 12 kilometres from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its Newari architecture, religious shrines and vibrant culture.
Wandering through Bhaktapur feels like stepping back in time, with ancient alleyways, elegant courtyards and centuries-old buildings reflecting the city’s former glory.
Near the city’s central square stands the iconic Nyatapola Temple, a giant five-story pagoda known for its grand scale and intricate carvings, showcasing the mastery of Newar artisans.
Visitors also have the chance to explore Pottery Square, an area of the city where craftspeople are hard at work creating pottery in the traditional manner right before the visitors’ eyes, offering a glimpse into an enduring cultural practice.
As they make their way through Bhaktapur, visitors will come upon stunning temples, shrines and sculptures, each of which has its own story to tell, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted spiritual and cultural qualities.
But what really sets Bhaktapur apart is its vehicle-free zones, making it possible for guests to leisurely walk around the city without pesky cars getting in the way. Having little transportation also contributes to the city’s peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, which has allowed Newari culture to thrive.
Dynamic cultural traditions, vibrant festivals and a variety of local crafts are just some aspects of Newari culture that have survived down through the centuries and Bhaktapur is the ideal place to partake in these cultural experiences. For those seeking a genuine cultural experience in Nepal, Bhaktapur is a must-see destination that should not be passed up.
Mountain flight to Everest: aerial views of the roof of the world
Ideal for those seeking an up-close view of Nepal’s breathtaking mountain landscapes but lacking the time or the physical fitness for an extended trek, mountain flights provide a convenient way to experience the beauty of the Himalayas.
These hour-long flights give visitors a bird’s eye view high above the rugged terrain, offering incredible panoramic views of some of the tallest mountains in the world, including the iconic peak of Mount Everest.
En route, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys and endless glaciers. A special mountain flight offers the best possible view of Mount Everest and its surrounding giants, with expert pilots ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Attending traditional festivals: immerse in Nepalese culture
Nepal is a country of mysticism and age-old rituals around which an entire way of life is planned. Witnessing these festivals is the best way to understand Nepalese culture, customs, and religion. The most important festivals are Dashain, the longest and the grandest of Nepalese feasts, which lasts for days. Tihar, the next most important festival is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth Laxmi and the Newars indulge in New Year celebrations with Mha Puja, Holi, where people splash colours over one another. The gods and goddesses are worshipped in their houses, valleys, and towns.
The Newari people deeply honor the annual cycle of festivals, centered on the worship of deities of salvation. In Shrawan, they celebrate Gai Jatra — the festival of cows — followed by Krishna Janmashtami, Rishi Panchami, Indra Jatra, Sitala Fast, Deutihar Bull Fighting, Mani Ram Duwaja, Deepawli (Shyam Puja), Akash Bhairav Puja, Kartik Naach, and Bala Chaturdashi.
The best time to enjoy these festivals is September-October and March. This is a golden opportunity for visitors to experience a foreign culture and religion.
Culinary delights: savoring Nepalese cuisine
Dishes, like dal bhat, a gerty lentil soup with rice, roti (brown or white bread) and yoghurt. Further, you can sample Newari food such as yomari (sweet steamed dumplings) and kwati (mixed bean soup).
You can also eat at a roadside food joint with the locals, take a small cookery class in a Nepali home, or dine with a local family in a typical restaurant. Food in Nepali culture holds deep cultural significance and prioritizes hospitality and community. Therefore, it is uncommon to see people sharing meals.
Kickstart your unforgettable Nepal Adventure
Nepal offers an exciting mix of people, awe-inspiring landscapes and holy places. From the stunning Annapurna Range to the peace-abiding Lakes village, there is something in Nepal, unparalleled in themselves, ancient history, traditions, cultures and dishes, to make every minute of Nepal tour an unforgettable one. You never need to think about what to do in Nepal.
The most outstanding way to grasp the real authentic essence and the population of the place is the group trip to Nepal. These small group tours in Nepal are no complicated surprises, all of them are agreed experiences but without spending too much.
Not all group tours are made equal though, so make sure you check whether you’re being offered a social traveller’s experience or a fast-paced holiday where you won’t have much say over what happens next.
