Nepal vacations 2024 & 2025

Nepal’s rich culture and traditions, bewitching mountains, and lowland jungle offer a wide range of things to see and do. The Himalaya are the star attraction and trekking here ranges from gentle strolls in the terraced foothills of the Kathmandu Valley.

Spirituality underpins much of what you’ll encounter here and gilded stupas, fluttering prayer flags, and ornate pagodas are matched by incense-filled temples and beautifully carved statues. Outside the cities, you can go in search of tigers and one-horned rhinos in the lowland jungles on a safari in Bardia National Park, take on an adventure on a two-day river-rafting trip through some of the most remote parts of the country, or visit traditional woodworkers and metalworkers in an artisan village.

In Nepal you can stay in five-star hotels, local guesthouses, remote teahouses, and jungle lodges. There’s an extensive range of hotels in Kathmandu from historic boutique hotels to small, family-run guesthouses, and international mainstays.

In the Annapurna regions you’ll find comfortable mountain lodges as well as traditional teahouses which offer simple rooms and an insight into local culture. For exploring Nepal’s lowland forest and national parks, the region’s jungle lodges and tented camps make a good base.

Wherever you go, nights are cold and central heating is not a given, so be prepared for hot water bottles and thick blankets.

Nepal offers a huge range of places to go but most visitors arrive in Kathmandu and then make their way to either the Annapurna regions, and possibly the national parks. Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is cosmopolitan, traditional, chaotic, and tranquil all at the same time and a great introduction to the country with its spice-filled bazaars, ornate temples, and faded grandeur.

The Annapurna region is less visited and is home to the lakeside hub of Pokhara. You could also explore Newari culture, 18th-century architecture, and elaborate temples in Bandipur, or head to the jungle lowlands around Chitwan National Park to track tigers, rhinos, and elephants.

In Nepal you can take on anything from easy strolls to more challenging routes. Nepal’s landscape ranges from lowland jungle to the highest mountains in the world and the terrain here is highly varied. Considering the duration and difficulty of any trek is important, as well as the amenities you’re expecting along the way. Some treks visit remote regions with only basic facilities, while others link comfortable hotels and have the option to hire porters.

The quieter trails of the Annapurna region make it our preferred destination and while here, you could choose to go on an easy hike that offers sweeping views, take on the challenge of a five-day trek to Poon Hill, or attempt the ultimate challenge of a two-week trek to the Annapurna Base Camp.

For more information, take a look at our guide to trekking in Nepal.

It takes around 17 hours to fly from the East Coast of the US to Nepal, and around 22 hours from the West Coast.

The time zone in Nepal is UTC+5:45 hours. Daylight Savings Time isn’t observed.

The best way to get around in Nepal is by car, or on foot. We’ll arrange a private driver and guide to take you to your destination. Be aware that the roads can be uncomfortably bumpy, but we use the best cars to mitigate that. Only about 20% of Nepal is accessible by road, and to see the country and its remote villages in traditional style, you’ll need to get out on foot.

Lightweight, cotton clothes, and warm layers offer the most versatility in Nepal. Between June and August, it’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella, and between October and March, a warm coat for the evenings. If you’re planning to visit the mountains, you’ll also need underlayers, fleeces, and a down jacket for the cold, while in the jungle, khaki clothes are recommended.

People in Nepal dress modestly, and you should keep your shoulders covered even in warm weather.

US citizens need a visa to travel to Nepal. You can apply up to 15 days before your arrival on the Online Visa Application portal. You can then download and print your receipt and present it at the airport in Kathmandu where your visa will be issued.

It’s also possible to apply on arrival at Kathmandu Airport, but the process will take far longer, and you’ll need to pay any fees in cash. US dollars are preferred. You may also be asked to show proof of travel insurance.

If you want to organize your visa before you travel and avoid waiting in line on arrival, we recommend using our partner Visa Central.

Your doctor can provide you with immunization advice for Nepal, but you should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country. You can also check the recommended vaccinations by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive in Nepal and have at least one un-stamped double page.