Nepal holidays take you on an unforgettable journey of adventure and discovery.
Whether you want to see Mount Everest, search for jungle wildlife, roam through peaceful rice terraces or marvel at remarkable Buddhist temples, you can find your perfect experience in this South Asian paradise.
If you’re yearning for culture and heritage, head to Kathmandu’s historic, UNESCO-listed Durbar Square – and visit other stunning religious sites, monasteries and palaces dotted around the capital and nearby Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.
There are endless delights for thrill-seekers too, from rafting down rivers to bungee jumping into Himalayan gorges. Nature lovers meanwhile can head to breathtaking national parks – home to tropical birds, wild boar and black bears.
Plan your holiday to Nepal and prepare to be enchanted by a truly remarkable destination.
From the world’s most famous mountain to sacred, ancient sites, holidays in Nepal open up a feast of extraordinary possibilities.
Prepare to step far back in time while exploring the historical landmarks of the capital city.
Starting at Durbar Square, head to the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex to see where Nepalese royalty once resided.
Here you’ll find ornate gateways, pagoda-style towers, temples – and artefacts including weapons and thrones at the Tribhuwan Museum. A 17th-century statue of the eponymous God Hanuman also guards the palace.
Outside the square you’ll find an array of vibrant streets and alleyways packed with sacred shrines. These thoroughfares are especially full of life during festivals, which are held regularly throughout the year.
Standing at an astonishing 29,000 feet, the mightiest peak on the planet is undoubtedly Nepal’s most famous natural symbol.
On a clear day, it is relatively easy to see Mount Everest and the rest of the Himalayas. From Kathmandu, popular viewing spots include Nagarkot to the east and Nagarjun to the west.
One of the very finest however is Chandragiri Hills, which enjoys a remarkable vantage point over the surrounding landscape and boasts its very own View Tower. Reachable via bus, rental car or taxi from the capital, you can enjoy astonishing panoramas while riding a cable car up.
Scenic flight tours, taking you up close and personal to the world’s tallest mountain, are also available from Kathmandu.
Thanks to the wide, winding rivers flowing down from its Himalayan peaks, Nepal boasts some of the world’s finest white-water rafting.
Adventure-filled day trips are available from the capital, with Trisuli River and Bhote Koshi two of the key locations in the region.
If you’re new to the experience, opt for a more serene guided expedition and relax as you float along, taking in the scenery and keeping an eye out for exotic local wildlife.
If you’re something of a seasoned rafter, consider a twist-filled trip along Bhote Koshi, taking you through numerous turns and dips.
Famous for its resident monkeys and dazzling golden architecture, Swayambhunath religious complex makes for a truly awe-inspiring sight, with the four faces of Buddha gazing watchfully over the Kathmandu Valley from its gilded spire.
Look out for the symbolic markings forming the ‘nose’ of Buddha. These are actually the Nepalese number ek (one), signifying unity. Then marvel at the gleaming white dome – which represents the earth.
At the base of one of the buildings here you’ll find numerous prayer wheels. You can walk around and spin them for good fortune, just as pilgrims do when they first arrive at the site.
Home to an abundance of exotic mammals and hundreds of majestic birds – including Asian black eagles, Kalij pheasants and dark kites – the stunning waterfalls, lagoons and dense forests of this protected, scenic landscape simply beg to be explored.
Be astounded by the magnificent valley views as you hike your way through the lush surroundings, keeping an eye out for the monkeys, leopards and barking deer known to reside here.
Dozens of colourful butterflies can also be seen fluttering through the trees.
Thamel is an energetic place to stay in Kathmandu, with its array of narrow and colourfully decorated streets boasting hip shops, traditional food and numerous hotels.
Hotel Arts Kathmandu is well-placed to explore attractions such as Durbar Square and comes complete with a full-service spa.
Apsara Boutique Hotel meanwhile enjoys incredible mountain views from many of its rooms – meaning you can take in the wonders nature without compromising on convenience.
Staying close to the sacred Buddhist site of Boudhanath, on the north-eastern outskirts of the capital, is a fantastic way to ensure a relaxed Nepal holiday.
Ghangri Boutique Hotel is the kind of place that allows you to unwind even further, with onsite massages and treatments available.
The 16th-century Hindu temple of Pashupatinath is also easily reachable from this area, giving you a variety of historic, religious locations at which to find some inner peace.
If it’s luxury Nepal packages that you’re after, a number of sensational five-star options are available.
Baber Mahal Vilas boasts an outdoor pool and no less than four restaurants – including a French eatery – while the Shangri La Hotel offers its own slice of harmony in the shape of a health club and on-site swimming facilities.
Both are within a short journey of the Garden of Dreams, a restored neo-classical green area evoking a similar aura of laid-back elegance.
The currency used in Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). ATMs and money exchange facilities are widely available in Kathmandu.
Nepali is the official language of Nepal. You’ll find that many people also speak English, particularly in the tourist areas of the main cities.
Tourist buses run between popular destinations and are often faster than local services. Taxis and rickshaws can also be used for shorter distances.
National holidays in Nepal encompass both religious and non-religious occasions. Constitution Day is held in September each year, while Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist festivals are also observed.
Nepal has a diverse range of food to enjoy, with the best-loved traditional dishes including dal bhat (a lentil soup) and momo – a dumpling filled with a variety of meats. Buff momo, made with buffalo meat, is especially popular.
The Thamel district of Kathmandu is home to an especially rich array of dining options. Thamel House, an old-style Newari building, offers a spectacular selection of local Nepalese food as well as evening dance shows.
Kaiser Cafe, situated in Kathmandu’s Garden of Dreams, is one of the city’s most romantic locations and serves up a tempting menu of food, including Austrian-inspired dishes.
Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market is just one of the bazaars in the capital where fresh produce can be bought and bartered for.
Nepal is a culturally diverse country where the locals are very friendly and welcoming to tourists.
‘Namaste’ is a traditional, widespread greeting – meaning “I bow to the divine in you”. It is also typically accompanied by pressing hands together as if in prayer.
When visiting sacred or religious sites, it is important to dress modestly and act respectfully, as heritage and faith play an important role in Nepal’s customs. Remember to cover your arms, shoulders, chest and legs.
Traditional dance forms another key aspect of the nation’s culture – you may well see performances during festivals, ceremonies and at night in some of Kathmandu’s old town venues.
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