Of all my travels over the past few years, Nepal was by far the biggest adventure. Signing up to do a 5 day trek with little to no training, sleeping in traditional home stays or mountain huts and eating nothing but Nepali food everyday was quite the experience! As I visited this enchanting country with a group of other travel bloggers and writers as part of Himalayan Travel mart 2024, I’ve roped them in to put together an ultimate list of the best things to do in Nepal, as voted by us! Have something to add? Leave a comment!
Cover image credit: Bobo and ChiChi
30 EPIC Things To Do in Nepal
30. Fly in a Helicopter over the Himalayas
Suggested by Mar from Once in A Lifetime Journey
29. Paragliding in Pokhara
Suggested by Nathan from Foodie Flashpacker
28. Hike to Tilicho Lake
Suggested by Natalia from My Trip Hack
Tilicho Lake is one of those breathtaking sites in the world that hasnāt been impacted by the mass tourism. Being surrounded by snowy mountains it is possible to reach the lake only by foot.
Though Tilicho Lake is a three-day side-trek from Annapurna Circuit route, you need 4-5 extra days in the beginning for gradual acclimatization. It is possible to start the journey either from Manang or Jomsom ā both are the villages on the Annapurna Circuit trail. If you start from Jomsom, you will need a qualified guide for camping in the mountains.
Tilicho base camp (4200m altitude) is the last point where you can find food, accommodation and other basic support you might need. The climb to the lake is steep and challenging, though the views from the top are totally worth the effort.
Tilicho is the highlight of my several trips to Nepal and I definitely recommend visiting it!
27. Light trekking in Kathmandu Valley
Suggested by Mariellen from Breathe Dream Go
What do you think of when you think of trekking in Nepal? If images of breathless hikers battling high altitude passes and sudden snow squalls come to mind, there is another way! You don’t have to brave tough terrains to trek in Nepal. I went on a three-day trek in the Kathmandu Valley and never had to ascend higher than about 1,750 metres, the height of the beautiful Namo Buddha monastery.
We started out from Kathmandu by bus, and after only about an hour or two we were in the foothills that ring the Kathmandu Valley. Here, the air is not only much fresher and cleaner than in the city, you can also see the great white peaks of the Himalayas lining up like foot soldiers in the distance.
We walked from about two to five hours each day, through charming villages, past bright green rice paddies, and up a couple of fairly steep hills to get to our accommodation. We stayed in an eco lodge the first night, and a Buddhist monastery the second night. It was the perfect combination of movement, culture, and astounding views.
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26. Everest Base Camp Trek
Suggested by Sarah from A Social Nomad
It would (in my view) be a crime to come to Nepal and not go trekking. The people and the landscapes are incredible. There is literally a breathtaking view around every corner. The most famous of treks is the trek to Everest Base Camp at 5364 metres from the airport of Lukla at 2,800 metres. The trek is around 110 kilometres, depending on the route that you take (and there are several), the standard route will take around 14 days.
The trekking itself is NOT difficult, but at these altitudes, youāll need to acclimatise appropriately. There are stunning monasteries to see at Pangboche and Tengboche, there are schools and hospitals that were built by Sir Edmund Hillary.
Getting to Everest Base Camp and back again safely is a massive achievement and a personal life goal for many. Itās well worth the effort.
If you have the extra energy, do ascend Kala Pattar at 5,545 metres from Gorakshep, youāll get amazing views of Everest and Base Camp.
25. Visit the border town of Janakpur
Suggested by Rohan from Travels of a Bookpacker
Often left off peopleās Nepal itinerary is the bustling border town of Janakpur. The town is an off the beaten path area of Nepal but it is a good stop for heading further East and is home Nepalās largest temple which alone is worth the trip.
The Janaki Mandir is a huge Hindu temple dedicated to the god Sita as she was believed to have lived in that area. The temple complex consists of an outer square and the actual temple inside a courtyard. The whole complex is brightly coloured and adorned with turrets, ornate windows and intricate paintings.
Entrance to the temple is free and inside there is also a museum (ticket costs 10 INR) dedicate to ancient paintings and a slightly odd but interesting depiction of the wedding of Ram and Sita told through electronically moving puppets. There are very few foreign tourists at the temple so expect a lot of interest from local pilgrims.
24. Sunrise from Mohare Donda
The pinnacle of my 5 day trek in the Annapurna Region, officially known as the Mohare Donda trek and a nice alternative to the very populat Poon Hill Trek, was watching sunrise from the Mohare Donda peak at 3,300 meters. The weather had been clear and sunny for the entire trek but not clear enough to see any of the main mountain beauties on our way up.
When we finally reached the summit at the end of day 3, we were devastated to be up above the could and inside the cold, mountain mist. Luckily when we woke up at the crack of dawn, cold from a tough night with little sleep, we were greeted by one of the most spectacular and memorable sunrises of my life, watching the suns rays shine their light on Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South, two of the tallest mountains in the world. The view is ALWAYS worth the climb….once the clouds pass!
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23. Bakhtapur
Suggested by Amandine from Les Berlinettes
Before going to Nepal I was advised by friends to absolutely not miss Bakhtapur. To be honest when I looked online it did nit seem that impressive but I had some free time so I decided to give it a go. And I am glad I did.
Bakthapur was such a nice day trip from Kathmandu. It used to be one of the country’s Kingdom until the middle of the 15th century and there is so much left from it. Even though the earthquake left a lot of damages in the ancient city, it is still like walking into a museum. I loved exploring the small alleys and observe its inhabitants.
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22. Longest Canyon Swing in the World
Suggested by Lisa from TheHotFlashPacker
The Last Resort, a camping resort on the Friendship Highway near the Tibetan border is the home of the longest Canyon Swing in the world. A pedestrian suspension bridge spans from the highway / car park to the resort so if you have a fear of heights you might not want to stay there. The very adventurous can jump off this bridge by either bungie jumping or by canyon swing. I recommend the canyon swing ā you get a longer duration of freefall and have better views as you swing.
Unlike the bungie where the operators pull you back to the top after your jump, this one involves climbing a steep ladder and hiking back up the hill ā hopefully your legs are not shaking after your swing. Other adventure activities can be booked at the Last Resort, including white water rafting and canyoning. Picture of me in the just before freefall, screaming as I jumped off the platform.
21. Eating momos
Suggested by Stuart from Go Eat Do
Momos are delicious and filling. They are a great example of the hearty, satisfying soul food that you tuck into in this Himalayan nation. After all, if you are trekking in the mountains you need the energy boost that they pack. Now widely available throughout Nepal, these neatly tucked steamed dumplings are reputed to have Tibetan origins.
Lightly spiced, you can find momos filled with minced meat, paneer cheese or a variety of vegetables. If you are dining as part of a group then you can always suggest ordering a selection to maximise experiencing their flavours.
If you take the chance to attend a Nepalese cooking class itās likely youāll quickly learn how to prepare momos. The dough is relatively simple to prepare. However, the rapid turns and deft flicks that are required to seal momos, and make them look appealing, are surprisingly tricky to master. However they look, devouring them is a joy.
20. Hike Mount Manaslu
Suggested by Somnath from Travel Crusade
Mount Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world and is situated in the western segment of Nepal. It is a treasure for the nation as travellers come from different corners of the world to view its grandeur and majesty. Mount Manaslu looks majestic during the golden hours when the sun sets below the horizon. The Japanese were the first to conquer this mighty peak and it is situated on the frontiers of Western Nepal.
Mount Manaslu is a herculean task to climb but it is quite easy to get to the base camp of the mountain. Travellers and mountain lovers come from different corners of the world to capture the enigmatic beauty of the peak in their lenses. There are two projections on the top of this peak and some diversions around its surface.
There are some villages in the name of Samagaon region on the way to the base camp of the mountain. The entire route is through rhododendrons, forests and oaks and bamboos and breathtaking landscape of Nepal.
The total trek time of the region would be around 10 days depending upon the individual and his fitness level. It is advisable to plan the trek with the best possible trekking groups in the region.
19. Visit Swayambhunath Monkey Temple
Suggested by Nisha and Vasu from Lemonicks
While there is a road access to the top, I strongly recommend climbing the steep steps for the best experience, if you are not afraid of heights. A pair of huge eyes is watching you as you climb and disappears as you gain height. The steps are a bit steep but many pilgrims make it a point to use the steps only and they hold on to the railing while huff and puff to the top.Swayambhunath temple is located on a hill about 3KM from Thamel.
This is one of the holiest Buddhist Temple in Kathmandu. Swayambhu means āexist on its ownā. So, this stupa is believed to have emerged on its own some 2000 years ago. The temple was built around the stupa in 13th century.
The first thing that you see when take the last few steps is a huge Vajra (Thunderbolt, weapon of the God Indra). By the way, be careful of the monkeys, who will try to snatch anything you have in your hand or pockets, including cameras, cell phones, snacks and such. It is also called the Monkey Temple for this very reason.
18. Ten Day Langtang Trek
Suggested by Andra from Our World To Wander
If you want to experience something other than the EBC or Annapurna treks, you should check the Langtang ā Gosaikunda trek. Itās an extended version of the classic Langtang trek that in 10 days will offer you some impressive views.
The Langtang area was one of the regions extremely affected by the 2015 earthquake, with one village completely swiped away by a massive landslide. However, the trail is now safe, and the teahouses have mostly been rebuilt. If you want some adrenaline, try climbing up Tsergo Ri (around 5,000m high), a half-day side trip from Kyanjin Gompa. From the top, you will be spoiled with jaw-dropping views over the Tibetan mountains.
And remember that Gosaikunda lake is a significant pilgrimage site in for Hindus, as they believe it to be the abode of God Shiva. And before reaching Gosaikunda lake, you will pass Lauribina, an excellent viewpoint over Himalayaās giants.
17. Nepal’s First Infinity Pool
Suggested by Charles from McCool Travel
16. Godavari Botanical Garden
Suggested by Zheng from SwingAbroad
If you think that Kathmandu is just cultural buildings and chaotic traffic, youāre so wrong. 19km south of the capital of Nepal lies an otherworldly beautiful Godavari Botanical Garden. Entering the well-managed compound makes you doubt yourself whether youāre still in Kathmandu or not.
Godavari Botanical Garden spans over 72 hectares and is home to over 500 species of plants. Undoubtedly, itās often the top choice for locals for a weekend getaway and spend quality time with family and friends. During the spring season, flowers bloom like crazy along with Rhododendron arboretum, Nepalās national flower.
Godavari Botanical Garden is within reach by taxi for Rs500. But with bus, itās Rs50 one-way departing from Ratna Park near Thamel. Be prepared to spend a half-day there with lunch box in your bag as there are no food vendors inside the botanical garden. Perfect spot for a picnic!
15. Poon Hill Trek near Pohkara
Suggested by Megan from Bobo and Chichi
14. The Annapurna Circuit
Suggested by Kristin from Be My Travel Muse
13. Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu
Suggested by Raul from ilivetotravel
On the eastern sector of Nepalās capital on the banks of the Bagmati River is the centuries-old Pashupatinath Temple ā a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is more than a temple. It is a religious complex dedicated to the national deity of Nepal, Lord Pashupatinath, so it is very important in the Hindu faith and host to religious festivals and rituals. While some areas within it are restricted to Hindus only, visitors can enter the complex of temples, shrines and other structures. It is very manageable to walk around and explore.
Anyone interested in architecture or photography will enjoy the great architectural elements in the complexā structures. Heads up: part of the complex may be hard for those not used to religions with cremation rituals. The āghatsā (platforms where cremations are performed) may be active during oneās visit so be prepared for the sensory experiences that go with the cremations!
12. Food tour with Backstreet Academy
Suggested by Annika from Midnight Blue Elephant
11. Shopping in Thamel
Suggested by Jenny from TraveLynn Family
The bustling streets of Thamel, Kathmandu, marks the beginning and end of so many once-in-a-lifetime trekking adventures. As such, under lines of colourful prayer flags, the hopeful adventurer will find an abundance of hiking shops all selling exactly the same gear. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. You will find pretty much anything a hiker would need ā from woolly hats, to hiking poles, to sleeping bags and rucksacks.
Ensure you shop around to get a good price. Admittedly a lot of it is fake, but if you’re heading up into the mountains, you will be grateful for at least picking up a pair of woolly mitts and hiking poles. Indeed it’s a great place to stock up on those last minute items (including chocolate and immodium!) We were heading off to trek Poon Hill with our kids(then aged 2 and 4) and my youngest was adamant that a woolly Spiderman hat was a must. Once you’re all shopped out, head up to a roof-top terrace for some people-watching with a hot chocolate and plate of momos.
10. Stay with a family in Kathmandu
Suggested by Christine from Christine Abroad
If you want a real local experience while traveling in Nepal I can highly recommend you to try homestay. Homestay is when youāre staying with a local family, in a local area + you get the opportunity to eat local homemade food with them, hang out with them and just live like a local for a couple of days.
I did this in Kathmandu, and I had a great experience. I got delicious Nepalese food every day, and I learned so much from talking to my homestay family (this was after the big earthquake and right in the middle of a fuel crisis with India).
From the freezing cold temperature inside at night and the local breakfast to the life outside their apartment and interesting talks with my host family – it was an experience Iāll never forget.
9. Do a short hike outside Kathmandu
Suggested by Alex from Swedish Nomad
Nagarkot is a charming mountain village just 32 kilometers from Kathmandu. This makes it the perfect combination if you want to see the mountains but don’t have time to do trekking. When the skies are clear you can even see the mighty Mount Everest from Nagarkot.
It’s not too touristy either and you get that local feeling while walking around Nagarkot. There is also some lighter trails you can follow here, but the biggest reason to come here is to combine Kathmandu with scenic views of the Himalayas, and simply relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air and tranquil atmosphere.
I can recommend the hotel called – “The hotel at the end of the universe“. The owners are very friendly and helpful, and the views while having breakfast or tea is simply magical. It’s not too expensive either, so even budget travellers can squeeze in 1-2 nights here.
8. Visit Durbar Square in Patan
A little less chaos with the same architectural significance, the town of Patan has now become more of a Kathmandu suburb in recent years. The third largest city in Nepal and one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world, Patan offers a wonderful look into Nepali culture. The Kathmandu Valley has three main Durbar Squares, and the one in Patan is oldest, and arguably the most beautiful.
7. Lumbini UNESCO Site
Suggested by Kat from Kat Pegi Mana
Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage site of huge religious significance for it is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama ā Buddha. Right in the spiritual heart of Lumbini is the Lumbini Development Zone, a huge park comprising monasteries built and contributed by Buddhist communities around the world and the Maya Devi Temple which marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Buddha.
Visitors flock to Maya Devi Temple to pay respects to Buddhaās birthplace and to see the pillar of Ashoka and ancient ruins just outside the temple. Adjoining the temple is a lovely garden where Bodhi trees are beautifully decorated with prayer flags.
6. Cooking class in Kathmandu
Suggested by The Nomadic Boys
One of the best things we did in Kathmandu was a cooking class with a local family. We found them on TripAdvisor. We were met by Amrit, the father, at our hotel, who took us around the local market in Kathmandu, and also pointed out the major sights along the way.
Then, we went to his family home, greeted by his charming children children. His daughter, Eanu took things in hand, telling us about the main ingredients they use in Nepalese food, complimented with a yummy home-made cinnamon/cardamom tea. The cooking class involved making some of the best Nepalese dishes, including daal bhat, celebration bread and momos (dumplings). Eanu took us through each dish in details, telling us about each ingredient used and best techniques.
The highlight was of course the tasting session afterwards. It was absolutely delicious! We particularly loved this experience, because it was a real taste of local life in Kathmandu, sitting in Amritās home, and dining with his family.
5. Hotel with a view in Nagarkot
Also suggested by Cat from Walk My World
If you aren’t going to be making a trip to Everest Base Camp but still want a glimpse of the highest mountain in the world then head to Nagarkot. Nagarkot lies on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, less than two hours from the capital, and is surrounded by one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world.
Most hotels here have views out over the Himalayas, and for less than $20 a night you can have your own private balcony overlooking Everest herself! The most magical time to view the mountains is at sunrise. It’s cold all year round at this elevation so grab a blanket and prepare for one of the most spectacular mornings of your life. The early morning light turns the peaks golden and you’ll often hear the Nepalese singing as the sun slowly rises behind the mountains. It’s hard to imagine anywhere else in the world where there is such a reward for so little effort.
4. Mountain Biking outside Kathmandu
Suggested by Thuymi from AdventureFaktory
If you are not going for treks and only traveling in Kathmandu, donāt worry, you can still get a little bit of adventure. Book a Mountain biking experience a little outside of the city center between Bungamati and Khokana, beside Patan, known for its Patan Durbar Square. This biking experience is known as the Marijuana Trail, which after a quick briefing by the company you book with, will bring you through the outskirts of the city where people grow food along their footpaths to survive. The roads quickly turned to dust as we scaled through the windy pathways with plenty of hills we had to scale.
After a steep slope we rounded the corner and found several temples sitting on top of a hill. We had them all to ourselves as we rode our bikes around the site and stopped for a moment to enjoy the rolling hills that surrounded us. It was a photographerās dream. After many steep climbs and a few near crashes, we were able to cruise back downhill again. This is an experience to try!
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3. Do a rural community homestay
Suggested by Christine from GrrrTraveler
Doing a homestay in Nepal is a wonderful way for travelers to have an enriching and insightful cultural experience with a local Nepali family. You can stay with a Nepali family, learn how to cook Nepali food and about your host familyās lifestyle. I did a homestay through Panauti Community Homestay, an organization that strives to empower women by giving them a way to earn an income and be breadwinners in both, their family and community.
My homestay was with a single mother and her daughter, Anee-ta in the beautifully rustic town of Panauti. Tucked away in the lush Kathmandu Valley, Anee-ta showed me how to prepare a Nepali meal of poori and vegetable curry, was my guide around town and I learned a lot about her lifestyle, dreams and the surrounding farming community. As a solo female traveler, this was both a meaningful and fun experience, making me feel connected with Nepal and the unique and lovely culture of Panauti. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Nepal!
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2. Safari in Chitwan National Park
Suggested by Noel from Travel
1. White Water Rafting
Looking for some serious adventure? White water rafting is one of the top things to do in Nepal for extreme adrenaline lovers. It’s so popular here that white water rafting operators are springing up everywhere so you need to be careful where you and who you go with. For a complete guide of the top 5 places, check out my rafting in Nepal article. You can go for half a day or sig up for insane 9 day rafting adventures, depending on the level of adventure you’re looking for!
