Nepal
Nepal is the rooftop of the world. Eight of the fourteen highest peaks on Earth are here, including Everest, and the Himalayan scenery is on a scale that makes everything else feel small. But Nepal is not just for hardcore mountaineers. It is a deeply spiritual country where Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries share the same hillsides, where prayer flags flutter in the wind at every mountain pass, and where the people greet you with “Namaste” and a warmth that is genuine and infectious.
Trekking is the main draw, and the options range from gentle valley walks to some of the most demanding multi week expeditions on the planet. But even travelers who never lace up a hiking boot will find extraordinary experiences in the medieval temple complexes of the Kathmandu Valley, the lakeside town of Pokhara, and the jungles of Chitwan National Park.
Where to Go
Kathmandu is a sensory whirlwind. The Durbar Square complex of palaces and temples dates back centuries and is still the spiritual and social center of the city. Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, is surrounded by monasteries and is the heart of Kathmandu’s Tibetan community. Pashupatinath Temple, on the banks of the Bagmati River, is one of the most sacred Hindu sites in the world, where cremation ceremonies take place openly on the river ghats.
Pokhara, about six hours west of Kathmandu by road or 25 minutes by air, is the launching point for Annapurna treks and a destination in its own right. Phewa Lake reflects the Annapurna range on clear mornings. Paragliding from Sarangkot, soaring over the lake with 8,000 meter peaks as a backdrop, is one of the most spectacular adventure activities in the world.
The Everest Base Camp trek is the bucket list experience. Over 12 to 14 days, you hike through Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and yak pastures, ascending gradually to 17,598 feet at the base of the world’s highest mountain. The journey through the Khumbu region is as rewarding as the destination, with each day revealing more dramatic scenery.
The Annapurna Circuit, a classic 12 to 21 day trek circling the Annapurna massif, passes through landscapes ranging from subtropical jungle to high altitude desert, crossing the 17,769 foot Thorong La Pass. The shorter Poon Hill trek (four to five days) from Pokhara offers panoramic sunrise views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri without the extreme altitude.
Chitwan National Park in the southern lowlands (Terai) offers a completely different experience: jungle safaris in search of one horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers (rare but present), elephants, sloth bears, and an extraordinary array of birdlife.
Where to Stay
Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu is a masterpiece of Nepalese heritage architecture, built with rescued medieval wood carvings and offering the finest accommodation in the city. Temple Tree Resort and Spa in Pokhara is an elegant lakeside property. On the EBC trek, Yeti Mountain Home lodges offer the most comfortable trekking lodges in the Khumbu region. In Chitwan, Meghauli Serai by Taj and Barahi Jungle Lodge offer luxury safari experiences.
Let Us Plan Your Nepal Trip
Nepal is a destination that rewards careful planning, especially for trekking logistics, permits, altitude acclimatization schedules, and reliable guide and porter arrangements. We will help you choose the right trek for your fitness level, coordinate domestic flights and ground transportation, and build an itinerary that captures the spiritual and natural wonder of this Himalayan kingdom.
