From March 14, 2022, Nepal has eased its entry requirements. All international visitors can go to Nepal whether you are vaccinated or not.
Here we describe the top 20 things for visitors to do in Nepal, a wide variety of experiences to cherish forever, including something for everyone.
The most popular thing to do in Nepal is to visit Buddhist Temples and educate yourself on Buddhist history. If this is not enough, you can discover stunning views of the Himalayas, explore the jungle on a safari or wander around in ancient towns.
For those looking for adventure, join a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park, or trek Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. Food enthusiasts can take part in a cooking class, creating and eating delicious food, such as momo, daal bhat tarkari, dhido, or explore the local market in Thamel.
We recommend at least 7 days in Nepal in order to make the most of your travel experience. During a 7-day tour, you can experience major cities, including Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can also explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Pashupatinath,Durbar Squares, and Chitwan National Park
Highlights of Nepal
- Visit several World Heritage sites, including Pashupatinath and Durbar Square in Kathmandu Valley.
- Taste Nepalese snacks down back streets and buy unique souvenirs in Thamel.
- Explore the jungle on a safari, and search for tigers in Chitwan National Park.
- Experience paragliding and rafting adventures in Pokhara.
- Get close to the Himalayas by taking flights over Mount Everest, or trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
1. Explore Nepal's Buddhist Heritage
Recommended visiting time: half day
Historically, Nepal is a country that consists of many kingdoms, and is filled with multiple ethnicities. Nepal's many temples allow you to witness Nepalese history over many time periods.
Nepal is a vibrant country full of life, and the holy PashupatinathTemple gives warning that life will always come to an end. Pashupatinath Temple is the location for Hindu Buddhist cremations. You are likely to see bodies being cremated on the opposite side of the river.
Every afternoon, Tibetan monks chat and pray in the surrounding monastery. You can walk around the central dome at Boudhanath Stupa, spinning prayer wheels as the locals go about their day.
West of Kathmandu lies Swayambhunath (monkey temple), one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. The hilltop upon which this Temple sits provides a breathtaking view of the city.
Perfect for: all travelers
Asia Highlights Tips:
- The time to see cremations is from 7–10 am or at 6 pm.
- Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main hall of Pashupatinath. Visitors are required to watch the cremation across the river.
2. Get a Blessing at Pashupatinath — Aarti Ceremony
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours in the evening
Every evening at 6pm, you can witness the Aarti ceremony in front of Phashupatinath. During this ceremony, Hindus will perform a chant called Aarti.
The priests perform the Aarti by waving oil lamps. Religious songs are sung by devotees during the Aarti, creating a joyous environment. It is believed that good will and good luck can be achieved by moving a hand over the flame.
Perfect for: travelers interested in Hindu culture
Asia Highlights tip:
- Keep silent during the ceremony.
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
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What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
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Accommodations by Asia highlights have
Accommodations by Asia highlights have been terrific so far. The Khmer Residence in Siem Reap as well as Eastin Grand hotel in Bangkok. Both had excellent pools and breakfasts.Tours in Siem Reap were particularly well given with an amazing mix of culture, history and humor throughout (Mr Poly). Tours in Bangkok by Mr Banks were informative and well organized with samples of Thai fruit and treats throughout. More
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Seeing Bangkok with ease
In Bangkok, our tour guide, Ying, was wonderful. She navigated all the sights with ease, gave us interesting tidbits on Thai culture and history, helped us pick the right food at all the restaurants, and was just a pleasure to be around. We had a great time, and it was so nice to not have to worry about any of the details. More
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Thailand- October 2023!
The team in Thailand was also great. Shout out to our tour guides (Monchai in Bangkok, Indy in Chang Mai and Sonia in Phuket) they were the best!! It was 6 of us and they make us all feel right at home! Kudos! More
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3. Visit all Durbar Squares in the Royal Towns
Recommended visiting time: 1 full day
There are three Dubar Squares (Royal Squares) in Kathmandu Valley, and each has its own unique characteristic, which make them worth a visit. Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan were the three kingdoms in Kathmandu Valley. If they were not divided by the Bagmati River, they would be whole.
Kathmandu's Durbar Square is a good place to see temples and monasteries, and architecture from the 16th through 19th centuries. There are stunning temples of both Hindu and Buddhist religions, former royal palaces, as well as numerous statues and fountains. There are more than 50 temples and palaces in the square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the largest of the three squares. Warm-brick facades are the most beautiful feature. Walking the streets, you'll see pottery makers, craftsmen, painters and carpenters making beautiful pieces of art. Local people will surround you while going about their daily lives.
Patan Durbar Square, although it is not as large as the other two, the ancient buildings are more concentrated and exquisite. It is the most charming and well preserved of the three squares, known as the Open-Air Architecture Museum.
You can visit all of them in one day. Kathmandu–Patan: 7 km (4 mi); Patan–Bhaktapur: 12 km (7 mi); Bhaktapur–Kathmandu: 20 km (13 mi).
Perfect for: architecture lovers and shopping
Asia Highlights tips:
- If you are interested in photography, it is good to stay in Bhaktapur for a night. It is quiet in the morning and you can see the real life of the Nepalese.
- In the afternoon, you may have a chance to see the "living goddess", who is mentioned many times in movies and books.
4. Enjoy Sun Rise at Nagarkot
Recommended visiting time: 1 day and 1 night
Nearly half of Nepal is occupied by the Himalayas, and this is one of the most popular reasons why people visit this wonderful country. Nagarkot, a village 30 km (18 mi) from Kathmandu, is said to be an observation deck with a panoramic view of the Himalayas.
The beautiful scenery will unfold in front of you like a scene from a movie. Visible peaks are Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and Everest. Each peak is beautiful in its own way.
Hotels line a ridge all the way up the mountain. It is a good idea to choose a hotel that has a view of the Himalayas, so you can enjoy sunrise and sunset views from the comfort of your balcony. Alternatively, you can walk more than an hour to the south to reach the observations deck.
Perfect for: photographers, people wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city
Asia Highlights tips:
- For a good view you must go to the observation deck.
- Stunning views are visible when there are clear skies, so check weather information before going.
5. Taste Delicious Nepalese Food
Recommended visiting time: half a day
Food is one of the best ways to understand a country's culture. Nepalese food is deeply influenced by Tibet and India. This is why you will also find a lot of Tibetan and Indian food in Nepal.
Foods that you must try are: Nepalese pizza, aloo (potato) chop-fried, mashed potato balls, gajar ko halwa (carrot pudding), bara (a type of pancake), and spring rolls (fried egg rolls). Find yourself some choila (spicy grilled buffalo meat), which goes down a treat with an ice-cold Everest lager(beer).
The streets of old Patan, the area around Durbar Square, are the best places to find tasty, authentic Newari food at affordable prices. Mid-range restaurants are always found in Thamel. If you are looking for high-end restaurants, it is better to visit luxurious hotels.
Perfect for: food lovers
Asia Highlights Tips:
- We can always arrange local restaurants for our customers. We want you to try as much authentic Nepalese food as possible.
- Let us arrange a food tour so that you can save time and enjoy delicious meals.
6. Enjoy a Cooking Class
Recommended visiting time: half a day
It is said that to experience a country, the best way is to understand its food culture. For Nepalese women, the kitchen is the heart of their family. If you love food and enjoy cooking you will have fun taking part in a cooking class. These classes use fresh and local ingredients from Kathmandu Valley.
The average cooking class will include following steps:
- Meet the teacher at the cooking school, and get to know the history of the meal you'll be cooking.
- Explore a local produce market to pick up the ingredients.
- eturn to the class and learn the best way to chop, fry and season your ingredients.
- Enjoy eating the dishes you cook.
- Receive the recipes to take home with you.
Some things you may learn to make are: momo, Nepali dal bhat, newari khaja set, thukpa, sel roti. They are considered the top five dishes to try in Kathmandu. Cooking classes are popular in Kathmandu and Pokhara, so there are many different options. Asia Highlights will select the best cooking class for you.
Perfect for: cuisine lovers and those who enjoy cooking
Asia Highlights tip:
- There are options for a half-day course or full-day course.
7. Walk Through a Local Market
Recommended visiting time: half a day
In Kathmandu, wandering from Durbar Square to Thamel, the narrow streets and alleyways will keep you enthralled. Thamel is the busiest area, and anything you need can be found there.
The streets are lined with various shops, colored clothing, jewelry, thangka, wood carvings, bronze statues, musical artists and book shops. You could spend hours wandering around and meeting the local people.
In Pokhara, the Lakeside area is where local shops are found. It has everything the local people need for their daily life. This is where they buy everything from vegetables to ingredients, housewares and fun toys for children. It has everything that Thamel has, but cheaper.
Perfect for:all travelers
Asia Highlights Tips:
- Bargain with shopkeepers for the best price.
- You can come back by rickshaw.
8. Celebrate a Traditional Festival Like Local People
Recommended visiting time: 1-2 days
There are Hindu and Buddhist festivals celebrated in Nepal throughout the year. Travelers are always welcome to take part in these events. If you are in Nepal during one of the festivals, it will enrich your tour experience, and create lifelong memories.
Dashain (mid-October, nationwide) is the most important festival. It celebrates the victory of the goddess of Durga over demons. People return home for reunions to be with their families.
Holi (March 9, in Kathmandu Valley and Tare region) is a festival to welcome spring. It's a very fun and interesting festival. People paint their bodies, fill balloons with water and throw them into the air. It is similar to the Splashing Festival in Thailand.
Tihar (mid-November, nationwide) is the second most important festival in Nepal, and it commemorates the goddess Lakshmi. Every family in the country will light oil lamps and candles, and decorate with colorful lights. Kathmandu lit up is even more beautiful.
Buddha Jayanti early-May, in Kathmandu and Lumbini) festival is to commemorate the birthday of Buddha Sakyamuni. Ceremonies are held in every Buddhist Temple in Lumbini.
Machchhendranath (May–June, in Patan) is the longest festival in Nepal, it commemorates the Newari god of rain and welcomes the coming monsoon. The statue of the Newari god is pulled through the streets by a carriage, and is accompanied by bands and traditional folk instruments.
Perfect for: all travelers
Asia Highlights Tips:
- It is more crowded and noisier during festivals.
9. Relax at the Garden of Dreams
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours
Entering through a small door from bustling Thamel, it will feel as though you've entered into another world. The Dream Garden, built in 1920, reflects the Edwardian style architect in England.
You can walk around the garden, then sit on the steps to relax, chat or read a book. Dream Garden is regarded as an oasis in the city. It is a place perfect for relaxing on the steps.
Perfect for: people who enjoy to relax
Asia Highlights Tips:
- Wi-Fi is an extra change.
- The Kaiser Café provides Western food.
10. Experience the Best Trek Trails Amongst the Himalayas
Recommended visiting time: 5–12 days
Without a doubt, trekking is one of the best things to do in Nepal. You should not leave the country without stepping on its trek trails. Trekking trips can be done anywhere from 5 days to 10 days, or even up to 3 weeks.
Trek trails are very well facilitated. Tea houses are along the popular trek trails. They are a basic guest house, but provide a private room with a warm bed and hot food.
We recommend the following trek tours:
- Short but epic trail: Poon Hill trek
- Off the beaten path: Langtang Valley Trek and Upper Mustang Trek
- Long/epic trail: Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek
- Multi-day trail: Annapurna Circle trek
Perfect for: travelers who love the outdoors and adventurous travelers
Asia Highlights tips:
- Trekking is not suggested between May and mid-September due to mud-rock flows and landslides.
- Porter service is available on most of the trek trails.
11. Fly over the Himalayan Mountains
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour for flying
If you are not good at trekking, a mountain flight trip can bring you to the Himalayas within 30 minutes. Planes take off from Kathmandu and will fly for an hour.
The planes fly higher than the peaks in the Himalayas. You can have a close look over the glaciers and lakes in high altitudes. Every passenger has a seat by the window. The pilot will invite each passenger to the cockpit to take a picture of Mount Everest. You will return home with incredible photos!
In Pokhara, helicopters are more popular than planes. You can easily reach the ABC base camp in 2 hours by helicopter. You can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Annapurna.
Perfect for: all travelers
Asia Highlights Tips:
- Flying trips are only available in the early morning. This is so passengers can have a clear view.
- The aircrafts normally have a capacity of 19 passengers, and helicopters hold 3 passengers.
12.Paddle Boat on Phewa Lake
Recommended visiting time: 2 hours
Pokhara is much more quiet, tidy and peaceful than Kathmandu, and this is in large part because of Phewa Lake. There are colorful wooden boats and sailboats for rent, which will allow you to experience the beauty of the lake from another perspective.
If you are not a morning person, it is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. Annapurna is reflected on the lake, which makes for a magical site. In the middle of the lake on a boat, you will feel at peace.
Perfect for: couples, people who prefer a slower pace
Asia Highlights Tips:
- The Tal Barahi Temple, on an island in the lake, is a worthwhile stop.
- There are four people per boat, including a boatman, however you can paddle the boat on your own.
13.Paraglide through Pokhara
Recommended visiting time: 30 minutes
What can't you miss in Pokhara? Everybody would say Paragliding. Paragliding in Pokhara is said to be the best in the world, thanks to the breathtaking views of Annapurna, snowcapped mountains, and farming villages.
Pokhara has conditions that allow for safe takeoff and landing.
On average, there are 3 flights per day, departing at 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm. Travelers who are aged between 12–65 years old and weigh within 100 kg (220 lb) are allowed to take part in this experience. Beginners can take tandem flights with an instructor.
Perfect for: outdoor adventurers and thrill seekers
Asia Highlights tips:
- Travelers with a fear of heights or those who have heart disease are advised to not take part in paragliding.
- Avoid going in July and August due to the monsoon rain.
- Flying gear is offered.
14. Raft Your Way Down a White-Water River
Recommended visiting time: half a day to 10 days
Nepal is a paradise for white water rafting because of the high altitude drop and abundant rain. The rivers in Nepal have excellent conditions for rafting.
You will have the opportunity to raft through famous rivers, such as Trishuli, Kali Gandaki, Marshyangdi, Sunkoshi, and Seti. During your time rafting, you will have a fantastic view of remote villages, green mountains, terraces full of crops, dense forests and blooming flowers.
Rapid grades range from 1 to 6, depending on terrain, flora and aquatic life. You can choose your rafting route based on your experience and expectations. The epicenter for most rafting adventures is Pokhara.
Rafting options include:
1. Upper Seti River — the primary route
The starting point for rafting is located in Damauli village near Pokhara. The whole journey takes 2 days. You will cross the primitive jungle along the way, where you will witness breathtaking scenery. It is especially suitable for beginners.
2. Trisuli River — short-distance rafting and great value for money
You will start in either Baireni or Charoudi village, 3½ hours' drive from Pokhara. (Each rafting operator has its own starting point.) The scenery along the river is charming. You can raft down the river to Chitwan National Park.
3. Marshyangdi River — challenging / the most dangerous
The starting point is Ngadi village near Bokhara. You can raft to Bimalnagar along the river, with a total length of about 52 km (32 mi). It usually takes 4 days to finish this trip.
Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and the amazing scenery of Makalu's peak. It is best suited for those with a lot of experience rafting.
4. Kali Gandaki River — through an uninhabited canyon
It starts in Maldunga village near Pokhara, and you will reach Mirmi after 3 days. Kali Gandaki river has a total length of 120 kilometers (75 miles). The riverbank is full of uninhabited forests and vegetation, which will allow you to witness undisturbed wildlife.
The river is extremely breathtaking and suitable for those with prior rafting experience.
5. Sunkoshi River — the longest river in Nepal
With a total length of 270 kilometers (170 miles), the starting point for rafting is Dolalghat village, 3½ hours' drive from Kathmandu. The endpoint is Chatra village. The whole rafting experience lasts between 8 and 10 days. There are countless waves and whirlpools in the river.
From the Himalayas to the Central Plains of Nepal, you will witness a myriad of otherworldly beauty.
Perfect for: outdoor adventurers
Asia Highlights tips:
- The best rafting seasons are February, October, and November due to the pleasant weather.
- Trisuli River flows down to the Chitwan National Park. You can combine your white-water rafting adventure with a jungle safari.
15.Take Part in a Wildlife Jungle Safari
Recommended visiting time: 1 day
When most people think of Nepal, the Himalayas and Buddhism come to mind. Seldom does wildlife get mentioned in things to do, which does the country a great disservice, as Nepal is home to one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world, Chitwan National Park.
Located in the humid lowland, Chitwan National Park has incredible views. On the safari, you will have a chance to spot rhinoceros, bears, crocodiles, giraffes and monkeys. If you are really lucky, Bengal tigers or leopards can be spotted roaming around.
Jungle safari options include: Elephant Safari, Jeep Safari, dugout canoe trip or trek. We recommend Jeep Safari or dugout canoe trip, as trek requires you to stay overnight.
The gateway to Chitwan National Park is Bharatpur Airport, 25 km (16 km) away.
Perfect for: families with children, animal lovers
Asia Highlights Tips:
- Elephant riding is an option. Please treat all elephants with respect.
- Guesthouses are available near the park if you prefer to join a safari that will last several days.
16. Go Bird Watching
Recommended visiting time: 1 day and 1 night
Nepal is located in the lofty Himalayas. The warm and humid air in the Indian plain flows into the cold air in the mountains, and it has created a wealth of species, making Nepal a paradise for birds. 870 species of birds (almost 8% of the world's total) can be found in Nepal.
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has become an excellent destination for bird-watching. There are 280 species of birds which can be found there, including the regal ibis, storks, egrets, and herons.
It is about a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Koshi Tappu airport, and then a 1½-hour drive to get Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
Perfect for: photographers, people interested in nature and animals
Asia Highlights tips:
- The best season for bird watching is November to February when a large number of migratory birds migrate from Siberia.
- Local guesthouses are available nearby.
17. Extend your Trip to Lumbini
Recommended visiting time: 1 day and 1 night
Hinduism is the official religion of Nepal, however Buddhism also plays an important role in the country, because the founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni, was born in Nepal. Lumbini is the birthplace of Shakyamuni.
Lumbini is not often listed in tour itineraries, which is why the town is less crowded and peaceful. The main scenic spots are in Lumbini Park, including Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini Museum and many Buddhist temples.
If you have some spare time in Nepal, it's worth visiting this fascinating town. The gateway is Bharatpur Airport, 60 km (40 miles) away.
Perfect for: people who are interested in Buddhist culture
Asia Highlights tips: A celebration of Buddha Jayanti is held here every May. Flights and hotels during this time are in high demand.
18. Explore Ancient Newari Town in Bandipur
Recommended visiting time: 2 hours
Located between Kathmandu and Pokhara, Newari Town sits atop a hill and is regarded as a hidden gem in central Nepal. It used to be an important site along the trading route between Bhaktapur and Tibet.
Some shops are still kept as they were hundreds of year ago. Buildings from the 18th century are still charming and well preserved. The streets, temples, and architecture are perfectly integrated into the local people's lives.
It is a much quieter way of life than in Kathmandu. It is a good idea to stop here for a a few hours when you are traveling between Kathmandu and Pokhara by land.
Perfect for: travelers in general
Asia Highlights tips:
- It is a 90-minute drive to the starting point of Annapurna Circle Trek, it is good to stay there for a night before trekking.
19. Visit Villages in Kathmandu Valley
Recommended visiting time: half a day
South of Kathmandu, there are two Newari villages, Khokana and Bungmati. These villages have retained their simple way of life and have not been affected by the modernization of nearby cities.
Khokana is a beautiful agricultural village that produces mustard oil. You will witness the local people working hard on their farms. In Bungmati, many villagers are engaged in sculpture and wood carving. You are welcome to visit their workshops at any time.
Villages are not as crowded as other attractions and can bring you a moment of peace. These two villages are not far away from each other and you can visit both of them in a single day.
Perfect for: travelers in general, people who wish to avoid the cities
Asia Highlights tips:
- It is suggested to go in the morning, in order to witness the locals beginning their days.
20. Practice Yoga
Recommended visiting time: 1 day
Yoga originated in India, but yoga in Nepal has elements of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Many people believe that the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding Himalayas are a sacred land with deep spirituality.
TNepal provides a peaceful and spiritual place to practice yoga.There are a lot of yoga retreat options in Kathmandu and Pokhara. They provide yoga classes in the hills, by the side of rivers, or in the jungle.
Class options include yoga taster experiences, drop-in classes, and long-term packages. Asia Highlights will help you select the best one for your needs.
Perfect for: travelers interested in yoga
Asia Highlights tips: It is a good idea to do yoga after hiking to relax your muscles and unwind.
Explore Nepal with Asia Highlights
Most Nepal tours will have overland transfers. You will have a private car and a private English-speaking guide. Traveling with Asia Highlights gives you a lot of flexibility. We can create a tour program that no one else has ever done before that is tailored to your interests.
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It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
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