Nepal

Asia

Sitting to the north of India, Nepal offers amazing diversity, from jungles and national parks to mountains, rice fields and temples.

Overview

Sitting to the north of India, Nepal offers amazing diversity, from jungles and national parks filled with Bengal Tigers, leopards and rhinos to magnificent Himalayan peaks that are home to Snow Leopards, Giant Pandas and the Himalayan Wild Yak, from ancient cities bursting with Hindu temples to villages, rice paddies and monasteries on a mountainside perches. Trek through incredible mountain scenery as colourful prayer flags flutter in the wind, enjoy the adrenaline rush of paragliding through a beautiful valley, stroll around Buddhist stupas, explore old Kathmandu and feast on some delicious street food.

Highlights

With friendly locals, a fascinating culture and breathtaking vistas, Nepal offers a unique journey of discovery in Nepal.

Explore Kathmandu

Nepal's capital, and most cosmopolitan city, Kathmandu, is a melting pot of cultures that offers easy access to some of the country's most sacred sites. Just 5km from the city, the great white stupa at Bouddha is the spiritual hub of the Buddhist community and one of the world's largest stupas. Further out of Kathmandu, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bhaktapur offers a fascinating insight into ancient Nepalese life.

View Pokhara from above

Nestled within roaring gorges, terraced fields and soaring peaks, the laid-back lakeside resort of Pokhara is popular with trekkers, thanks to its easy access to the Annapurna mountain range. However, this corner of Nepal is best viewed from above as Pokhara is known as one of the best spots for paragliding in Asia; when enjoying a bird's-eye view of the valley, it's easy to see why.

Catch a glimpse of the Himalayas

No visit to Nepal is complete without soaking in views of the Himalayas. Nagarkot, just outside Kathmandu, and Sarangkot, near Pokhara, and offer great vistas of the snow capped peaks. To enjoy outstanding views of Mount Everest, but without having to trek past Everest Base Camp, take to the skies for a scenic flight above the Himalayas.

When to visit

Autumn, October and November, are the most popular times to visit as the skies are clear and the temperatures are warm. For those planning to visit and trek, March and April are ideal months to visit as the weather is warm and the flora is at its most colourful. June to September is monsoon season and although most of the rain falls at night, mountain views can be restricted.