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Best things to do in Nepal: From views of Everest to UNESCO Heritage Sites
Visit the Himalayan mountains, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, connect with Nepali culture, and much more with a list of the best things to do in Nepal!
Nepal is truly a wonderful place to experience. There’s a mix of things you can do in the country, which makes it a standout destination for every type of traveler. Whether you plan to go to the highest mountains in the world, enjoy outdoor activities, or connect with the local culture, you’ll need a list of the best things to do in Nepal!
Whittling down Nepal’s enormity of offerings is tough. So, we’ve provided a variety of unmissable activities, destinations, and landmarks in an attempt to best represent the country’s melting pot of wonders.
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1. Trek the highest mountains in the world
Of the 14 tallest mountains in the world, Nepal is home to eight, including Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. This makes the country an outdoor adventurer’s dream.
However, trekking to the highest mountains is not for everyone. You need preparation, and these expeditions are quite risky. There are other accessible options in Nepal, so you won’t miss some of Nepal’s most important peaks.
Among the top things to do in Nepal are completing the Annapurna Circuit Trek or visiting the Sagarmatha National Park. On both, you’ll take long walks with breathtaking views.
You may also plan to go trekking around the Nepali mountains. In that case, connecting with local communities will let you discover more about the local culture and learn things such as Mount Everest’s name, “goddess of the sky” or Sagarmāthā, for the Nepali people.
If this seems like your perfect plan, we recommend you visit Nepal during October and November and prepare a budget of around $560 to $1,100 USD per person, depending on which mountain circuit you plan to visit!
2. Visit Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal
Among the top things to do in Nepal, visiting Kathmandu has to be part of the list. This is the most populous city in Nepal, and it’s also surrounded by one of the most important places in the region, the Kathmandu Valley.
What makes Kathmandu a must-see is its historical value. While walking around the capital, you’ll see places like Ghanta Ghar, the oldest clock tower in Nepal, or the Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.
Kathmandu is also ideal for connecting with local religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, which opens the door to different Nepali festivals in the city.
We can’t forget Nepali cuisine, and Kathmandu is the ideal place to try traditional Nepali dishes. If you visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, you’ll find different places to try local food!
An added bonus of Kathmandu? Its low costs. Expect to spend around $20 to $30 USD per day.
3. Walk around Bhaktapur and the Royal City of Patan
Bhaktapur is another of the major cities in Nepal; this one is located in the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley; with the Royal City of Patan, it makes it an ideal destination for walking and taking a day trip to get to know everything about the area.
While visiting Bhaktapur, you’ll see different attractions, such as pagoda temples, stone temples, art museums, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and much more. And let’s not forget about the chance to connect with the culture and try the Newa Cuisine.
In Bhaktapur and Patan, you can also walk around Durbar Squares, the main UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region. You’ll find Newari architecture, temples, statues, and much more here.
But it’s not all about walking and enjoying the views of the old architecture of Bhaktapur and Patan; as a visitor, you have to experience the Krishna Janmashtami festival, for example, and other Newari festivals.
Some of the best things to do in Nepal are located here, so walk around, try the Juju Dhau dessert, and prepare a budget of just $30 to $40 USD to visit this region from Kathmandu.
4. Go for a safari adventure in Chitwan National Park
Among the places to visit outside of the Kathmandu Valley and the region’s highest peaks, the Chitwan National Park is waiting for you. Here, you’ll enjoy outdoor activities but in a different environment far from the snowy Nepal peaks.
The main attraction of Chitwan National Park is the safari adventure, during which you can see the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, the Bengal tiger, sloth bears, and many other animals.
Also, the Chitwan National Park offers other activities, such as the Women’s User Group souvenir shop with various handicrafts and gifts, the Kasara museum, or the Bikram Baba, a religious Hindu site near the park, which are add-ons for your visit!
Lastly, if you plan to visit this national park, there are resorts and lodges nearby where you can stay and easily access these activities. Renting any of the resorts or lodges near the park will vary from $100 to $400 USD per person for two to three days of outdoor activities!
5. Enjoy adventure activities with outstanding mountain views
Nepal’s abundance of adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures shows there is more to the country than simply seeing its stunning viewpoints. Or shall we say, you can enjoy these views from a different perspective?
Canyoning, paragliding, bungee jumping, and ziplining are among the favorites for travelers. And still, you’ll connect with nature in a unique way.
- Paragliding: The ideal time for paragliding is from September to early June, and one of the best areas for this activity is Pokhara, which is considered the best place in the country. If you are in for the adrenaline rush, this activity will cost you around $50 to $60 USD.
- Ziplining: Zipflyer Nepal is a 1.8km zipline located in Pokhara. It’s the longest zipline in the world, and it offers an adrenaline rush combined with beautiful views all around. This activity costs roughly $40 to $45 USD.
- Bungee jumping: If you want to dive from heights of over 160 meters, with flowing water below you, Bhote Koshi, Pokhara, Kushma, and Parbat are your go-to sites to visit. Also, a curious fact is that the Pokhara Bungee is the highest water-touch bungee in Nepal, so you’ll get that adrenaline rush combined with a touch of fresh water at the bottom. Prices range from $40 to $80 USD, depending on where you do this activity.
- Canyoning: On the way to Chitwan, between Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll find the ideal place for canyoning adventures in Rupa Taal. November and December are the best months for canyoning, but it’s worth the endurance at any time of year! You’ll need around $45 to $50 USD for this activity.
While these are the main activities for visitors in Nepal, you can also plan rafting, hand gliding, paramotoring, and much more!
6. Take a look at the Everest from the sky
One thing we can’t deny about visiting Mount Everest is how risky this adventure is. Even visiting the Everest base camp is a whole adventure, but why not make it easier by looking at it from the sky? That’s where mountain flights come in.
You can forget about the preparation and lengthy treks that come with visiting the Himalayan mountains and instead sit and relax while watching the tallest peaks from a safe distance.
Most of these flights depart from Kathmandu, so if you visit the capital, you won’t need to worry about moving somewhere else to get the flight.
But don’t think you’ll only get to see the Mount Everest from above, as there are other mountain flights to the following regions:
- Annapurna region.
- Manaslu region.
- Dolpo region.
- Rara Lake region.
7. Visit the clear water Phewa Lake
If you want to get out of the mountain regions, you can take a trip to the Phewa Lake, one of the most important places in Nepal.
Phewa Lake’s appeal lies in the beautiful scenery it offers travelers. Whether you enjoy a calm boat ride on the lake or watch your surroundings from the shore, you’ll connect with nature everywhere you look.
Also, if you stay in the area overnight, you can plan to go to the lake at dusk or dawn, where the peaks of the Annapurna region are in the background. It doesn’t get more beautiful than this, and you can even take the next step if you are traveling with the one you love, if you know what we mean.
Overall, a ride on the lake will cost roughly $6 USD, and if you stay near the area, you’ll get to experience local life while also trying delicious food in cafe stores nearby.
8. Connect with the local culture in Nepali villages
If you want an authentic experience during your trip to Nepal, you can’t miss the chance to connect with the local culture.
For example, dance and music are quite popular in Nepal. Local legends state these customs originate from the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, where Lord Shiva lived and performed the tandava dance, among the country’s most popular dances.
Depending on where you are in Nepal, the style and location of the dance will change. Even the story behind the dance can change according to the celebration!
Another way to connect with Nepali people is to learn some Nepalese language. While this might be hard – there are 123 spoken languages in Nepal – you can still learn a few words you’ll carry with you after your trip.
Also, while in a Nepali village, don’t miss the chance to look for traditional crafts, ask about local legends related to the mountains and religion, or even take a cooking class to impress your friends back in town!
9. Go deep into Nepal on the Siddha Gufa caves
The Siddha Gufa caves are among the best things to do in Nepal because of what it takes to get to the main activity. Once in Siddha Gufa, you’ll be in the largest cave system in Nepal and the second in South Asia, which makes it one of the best things to do in Nepal.
This limestone cave is close to 50 meters high and 430 meters deep, and it’s an adventure for all types of travelers.
First, you’ll have to choose your start point: Bandipur or Bimalnagar. Here’s what to keep in mind about both:
- If you start from Bandipur, you’ll find a hiking trail that takes around 50 minutes to complete. Some parts of the trail are a bit slippery and steep, but it’s not as complicated as going to the Everest base camp trek. The best time to get to Siddha Gufa is at half-morning or noon when the trail becomes clear.
- If you start from Bimalnagar, the adventure is rather easy. Getting to the caves takes around 20 minutes, but the main difference is that you’ll find uphill stairs over a hiking trail, so choose what’s best for your condition!
Lastly, you’ll need 100 Nepalese Rupees to pay for the entry, plus another 100 to give to your guide, which is around $1.5 USD or 200 rupees in total.
10. Live local celebrations and festivals
One thing you can’t miss when visiting Nepal is the local festivals. These last from one to several days, such as Dashain, a nine-day celebration, which takes place after the monsoon season in late September to mid-October, where locals celebrate the “victory over demons”.
Another important festival is the Buddha Jayanti, which celebrates the birth of Buddha, and the Maha Shivaratri, which is the festival of Lord Shiva. During these festivals, people tend to smoke charas and consume different drinks, which you can also try!
Also, the Tihar celebration is a must-see if you are a dog lover. Taking place during the month of Kartik, which is October/November, this festival is a celebration dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi. But that’s not all, as dogs are worshipped to appease the god of death, Yama, during these days.
Lastly, Baisakh, or the Nepali New Year, which takes place from April 11th to 15th, is considered a time of rejuvenation and new beginnings, and it’s celebrated with colorful parades, feasts, and a joyful ambiance throughout the celebration.
But these aren’t all the celebrations you’ll find in Nepal. Depending on the time of the year, you’ll find other must-see festivals to enjoy as a visitor!
11. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
While we’ve mentioned some UNESCO World Heritage sites, the complete list includes more places to visit in Nepal.
Officially, there are four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal, but there’s a little trick here. Within these places, you’ll find other top travel destinations from our list of the best things to do in Nepal.
Sagarmatha National Park
Located in the Solukhu District, this national park is extremely important in Nepal. The first reason is because the Great Himalayan Range is inside this area.
But leaving Mount Everest and other major mountains aside, this is also home to the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, making it one of the most important national parks.
While in Sagarmatha, travelers will find 20 villages and have the chance to connect with Sherpas, who are some of the most experienced hikers in the region.
Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu Valley is a must-have on the list of the best things to do in Nepal, especially since seven properties are included on this World Heritage Site.
While we mentioned some of the Durbar Squares, we can’t miss the rest of the must-see locations, such as the Changu Narayan Temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and two stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.
So, whether you visit central Kathmandu or the sacred temples in the region, this UNESCO Heritage site has to be on your go-to list.
Chitwan National Park
While we discussed the Chitwan National Park before, you’ll need to add it to the list of UNESCO Heritage sites of Nepal.
If you want to take a closer look at one-horned rhinoceros, the Bengal tiger, or simply connecting with the flora and fauna of this unpolluted park, it should be in your go-to list in Nepal.
Also, close to the area, you’ll find different lodges and places to stay, making it easier for your trip to stay close to the region.
Lumbini
Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site. It’s considered the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, making it one of the most important locations for Buddhists.
According to the Buddhist tradition, Queen Maya gave birth to Buddha Siddhartha Gautama around 623 BCE. In 528 BCE, Siddhartha achieved enlightenment, became Shakyamuni Buddha and founded the religion.
Alongside the importance of this site, visitors will find the Maya Devi Temple, the Lumbini pillar inscription, and the Shakya Tank, where Queen Maya bathed before bringing Buddha to this world.
How to stay connected during your trip to Nepal?
Now that you know the best things to do in Nepal, it’s time to talk about something you can’t miss to pack for your international trip.
Whether you decide to do adventure sports, visit national parks, or watch the Himalayas from above, you’ll need an internet connection.
The good news is that you can enjoy the spectacular views in Nepal using a SIM card or eSIM.
But since you’ll have to wait until you arrive in Nepal to get a SIM card, it’s better to get an eSIM for Nepal, which you will have to buy before traveling. For us, the best option is Holafly.
With Holafly, you’ll get access to unlimited data plans from 5 to 30 days, which makes it a great plan even for the Annapurna circuit, which takes around 20 days to complete. So, are you ready to live a unique adventure in Nepal with Holafly?
FAQs
Nepal is best known for two things: the Himalayas and Kathmandu. Home to some of the tallest mountains and the Kathmandu Valley, these are on the go-to list for travelers.
It depends on what you want to do. Seven days is not enough for the Annapurna circuit or visiting the Everest base camp trek, but you can enjoy Nepal in seven days differently with activities like ziplining, canyoning, and more!
The most popular thing in Nepal is Mount Everest. The tallest mountain in the world has an access route from Nepal, and many hikers visit the mountain each year.
Three days in Nepal is enough to do the basics, like walking around Kathmandu, visiting nearby villages, or trying some outdoor activities. But you’ll want more time, that’s for sure!
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
