The best things to do in Nepal include hiking tours in the majestic Himalayas, with lush valleys, green hills, and roaring rivers. Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, attracts mountaineers and adventurers from all over the world. The Annapurna and Langtang regions also offer stunning trekking routes that showcase the country’s diverse natural beauty. The capital city, Kathmandu, is known for its historical temples, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudha Stupa.
Nepal Himalaya is one of the best places for Trekking. Trekking has been the leading activity of tourists in Nepal. Many trekking regions and routs are identified in hilly and mountain region of Nepal. The popular trekking regions of Nepal are The Everest Region, Annapurna Region and The Langtang Region. Other trekking areas of Nepal are Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Rollwalling, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, Rara Lake, Mustang etc.
The attractions of each region is different in terms of Mountains, Peaks, Rivers, wild life, flora and fauna, people and culture. So, trekking region depends upon your interest. The lodges on the routes are well appointed and have facilities for charging batteries and hot shower. The length, the difficulty and timing of the treks vary greatly.
Nepal has six distinct and diverse vegetation zones ranging from Tropical below a 1,000 m through Sub-tropical 100 m – 200 m, Lower Temperate 1,700 m – 2,700 m, Upper Temperate 2,400 m – 3,000 m, Sub-alpine 3,000 m – 4,000 m and Alpine 4,000 m to the snowline above the snowline it is Himalaya tundra like wilderness.
Although the popular treks in Everest, Manaslu, Annapurna, Langtang are able to provide good lodge accommodation and in other areas like Kanchenjunga and Dolpo will generally require camping style trek.
Nepal offers the view of ten world heritage sites which are enlisted in UNESCO. In Kathmandu alone, there are 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites; Bhaktapur, Patan, Kathmandu, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Changunarayan and Swoyambhunath. And other 3 heritage sites are Sagarmatha National Park (Everest), Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, birth place Gautama Buddha. The wood carvings, metal carvings and stone carvings found in the historical palaces of Nepal reflect the richness of Nepalese history.
Nepal is a melting pot of many cultures and religions all co-existing in perfect harmony. In mountain region, there are Tamangs and Sherpas, are popular for mountaineering activities.
In hilly region of Nepal are populated by Gurungs, Magars, Rais, Limbus, Tamangs, Chettris, Bahuns, Newars, etc. Gurungs, Rais, Limbus and Magars have their own culture, traditions, language, cuisine, music, dance and festivals.
Newars, being the indigenous people of Kathmandu Valley, are rich in metal works, arts, crafts, and building palaces and temples. Terai or Tarai, southern part of Nepal is the home of Tharu and Madhesi people.
Nepal preserves a wide range of animals and plants, some found just in Nepal. Nepal has 852 species of birds.
The Spiny Babbler is found just in Nepal. Thirty-Two species of birds among these are globally threatened species. Among these, 19 birds are near threatened, and there are 15 restricted-range species of birds in Nepal. Nepal is a perfect spot for migratory birds to stay a few months.
Nepal is also home for several endangered animals like Bengal Tiger, One Horned Rhinoceros, Bengal Fox, Red Panda, Musk deer and Snow Leopard.
Nepal is the second richest country in water resources. Nepal has more than 6,000 rivers. Most of the rivers in Nepal start from the glaciers of the mountains. Rafting provides unique chance to see the natural beauty, fauna and flowers and enjoy the beautiful landscape in the most unforgettable way. Nepal is river runner paradise; no other country has such attraction, like magnificent mountain surroundings, a semi-tropical climate, impressive geography, exotic cultures, wildlife and friendly people. The rivers of Nepal take you away from the busy trekking rout and penetrate the heart of rural, no road, unspoiled Nepal. Rafting leaves no footprint, has minimal ecological effect, and cause little disruption to the social patterns of local life. Trisuli, Bhotekoshi, Sunkoshi, Marshyangdi, Kaligandaki rivers are popular rafting destination for 1 day to 10 days.
In Nepal, the popular bungee jump is organized by The Last Resort; is situated 10 km far from capital city Kathmandu. It is made on the suspension bridge, 160 meters above of Bhotekoshi River. You can also go for a bungee jump at Hemja, Pokhara, located just 20 minutes away from Pokhara Lakeside.
The Chitwan National Park and the Bardiya National Park are home to an incredible variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. Besides these, many national parks, conservation areas and reserves you can tour.
See wildlife up-close on an elephant safari or a jeep drive, a boat ride or nature walk under the guidance of expert naturalist. Each trip is unique which will show you: a bear, a herd of deer, a flock of peacocks, Langur monkeys on treetops, a pair of rhinos and some lucky guests get to see the elusive tiger prowling among the tall grass.
Nepal has unique geographical landscape with a big diverse. Northern part of Nepal, there are standing block of many mountains from east to west. So mountain flights are available in Nepal every morning.
Peak Climbing and Expedition
Many mountains are open for climbing. You can make expedition on the easier peaks to high difficult mountains.
Nothing can beat the thrill of being up in the sky, flying like a bird in the thermals all the while enjoying views of snow capped mountains, pristine lakes and verdant valleys like nowhere else on earth. With experienced pilots to guide you through the skies, it’s a lifetime experience with the low lying valleys and the high cold mountains.
Ride through lush green rice fields, delightful little hamlets, up and down the hills, along river banks, around temples, over suspension bridges and along highways. The dirt trails up and down the valley’s edge lead to far flung settlements where one can enjoy superb views of snow capped mountains, verdant valleys and lush green terraced hillsides.
Popular destinations around the valley are Bhaktapur, Sankhu, Budanilkantha, Nagarkot and the Kathmandu valley rim which includes Khokana, Dakshinkali, Godawari etc. Pokhara is fascinating for bike rides with its incredible natural beauty. Annual mountain biking championships are held in Kathmandu and Pokhara where tourists are invited to participate.
Visit a village and learn more about Nepal. Whether you are in the southern terrain or in high Himalayas, taking a village tour you will see traditional village life. Guests can learn a lot about farming from the people in the village; about the time and season of cultivation and time for harvesting. They will show their traditional skills, making ends meet using nothing more than natural resources.
Community home stays are giving visitors an opportunity to experience life in a village. Stay with a family in a remote village, eating with them and watching their traditions first hand.
Explore hidden canyons in the Himalayas for the ultimate wet and wild canyoning experience. Fresh waterfalls are formed into the deep gorges, which are perfect hidden havens for playing with water. Canyoning in these deep gorges has become an alternative for thrill seekers.
Enjoy the simple Rock and Slide activity at Jalbire Canyon located at Chitwan National Park. It is a beginner level activity and is enjoyed by kids to older people. Or try the thrill of jumping off a 12 meter high cliff into the cool fresh pool of water at Charaundi Canyon located along the white sandy banks of the Trisuli River.
Yoga helps to develop healthy body, healthy mind and healthy thought. Yoga is a pathway to true, happy, and healthy living. Yoga and meditation are inter-related. Part of Lord Buddha’s contribution to humanity was to focus on meditation to develop Samadhi (while focusing on a platform of ethics and morality).
The Eight Fold Path of Yoga: Yama (self restraint), Niyama (self observance), Asana (position), Pranayama (breathing techniques), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (identification with pure consciousness).
To most people yoga means postures (Asanas) to develop flexibility, general body health and of course, awareness. However, this is merely the beginning. While yoga’s central theme remains the highest goal of the spiritual path, yogic practices can give direct and tangible benefits to everyone regardless of their spiritual aspirations.
Artistic works of stone and metal, silver and gold trinkets and incredible wood carvings are readily available in Nepalese shops.
You can buy many kinds of souvenirs and gifts like Nepalese orthodox tea, the famous Gurkha knife or Khukuri, prayer wheels, prayer flags, stone carvings, singing bowls, thangkas and pauvas, pashmina, carpets, jewelry etc. Souvenir items are available in tourist areas like Thamel, Boudha, New Road, Basantapur, Asan, Patan, Bhaktapur and Pokhara. But remember any antique things older than 100 years cannot be taken out of the country.
Many modern shopping malls are open in Kathmandu Valley. Also you can observe the local market, street market and vegetable market in Kathmandu.