The Himalaya

The primary attraction of Nepal, the Nepali Himalaya, stretches across the country from east to west, delineating the border between Nepal and Tibet. Various treks offer different levels of accessibility, from easily reached routes with teahouse lodges to remote paths requiring multiple flights and camping gear. A trek or a visit to a viewpoint overlooking the Himalayas is often considered essential for visitors to Nepal. For a comprehensive list of trekking options, refer to our guide on the main trekking regions of Nepal.

Kathmandu Valley

Most travelers to Nepal start their journey in Kathmandu, unless they're arriving overland from India. Despite being a bustling city with congestion and pollution, Kathmandu boasts some of the world's most stunning and well-preserved cultural heritage sites. Additionally, it's quick and easy to escape to the surrounding countryside, where lush farmland and villages offer peaceful retreats. Besides exploring cultural sites, visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, mountain biking, dining at excellent restaurants, or opting for an overnight homestay or resort experience.

The Kathmandu Valley is a year-round destination, with sunny winter days and manageable monsoon rains that typically don't last all day. As Nepal's only international airport is located in Kathmandu, it serves as a convenient hub for air, bus, and taxi connections to destinations across the country.

Pokhara Valley

Pokhara is a beloved destination for many travelers due to its cleanliness, less crowded atmosphere, proximity to the mountains, and abundance of adventure activities such as mountain biking, paragliding, and zip-lining. It serves as an ideal base for trekking in the Annapurna region, with many trailheads just a short drive away. Additionally, there are plenty of short trips to enjoy in and around the Pokhara Valley, including visits to Begnas and Rupa Lakes, the Peace Pagoda, and Sarangkot Hill.

With its excellent transportation links, Pokhara is well-connected to Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Chitwan by tourist and local buses, as well as by air. While it's a year-round destination, the monsoon season may obscure mountain views, making winter an optimal time to visit as Pokhara's lower altitude ensures warmer temperatures compared to Kathmandu.