Guide For Your Upcoming Holiday in Nepal

Published: 23rd Aug, 2019

Nepal lies between India and China and packs remarkable variety into a small area. Within about 200 km, from south to north, the land rises from steamy subtropical jungle to the highest mountains on earth. In a single trip you can go on a wildlife safari in Chitwan and trek to the base camp of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain.

Just for your perspective to show how small but diverse Nepal is: Wake up early in the morning, take a chartered helicopter ride to Everest base camp, have breakfast at the world’s highest altitude restaurant. After breakfast, fly to Chitwan (lies in the southern part of Nepal), enjoy an Elephant back safari and have your lunch. Evening, fly to Pokhara for a dinner and fly back to Kathmandu on the same day.

However, you do not want to be this quick. Firstly, it will be very costly and secondly, you are not traveling Nepal to just tick it off your travel list.

General Nepal Information

Before you book, get these basics sorted:

• Visa: Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at land borders. You can also apply online before you travel. Check current fees and rules on the Department of Immigration website.
• Currency: Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). ATMs are easy to find in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but carry enough cash for treks and remote areas, as cards are rarely accepted there.
• Health: Talk to your doctor about vaccinations before you travel. Drink only bottled or purified water, and take travel insurance that covers trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation if you plan to go above 3,000 m.

READ: Nepal Guide and Travel Advice

Safety in Nepal

Nepal is generally a safe and welcoming destination. Nepalis are known for their warmth, and tourism is one of the country’s most important industries. As in any country, watch for petty theft in crowded areas and use licensed taxis and registered operators.

Trekking needs more care in remote regions. Never trek alone. Nepal’s rules increasingly require a registered guide for trekking, so check the current requirements before you go. Book through a reputable local agency, which will arrange an experienced guide, porters and the right permits.

When to Visit Nepal

Nepal is all year round destination. However, the best time to visit Nepal will be from (October till December) – Autumn and (March till May) – Spring. Furthermore, I do not think there is off-season in Nepal. Even, if you are planning to visit during monsoons (July-September) and winter (January and February) there are plenty of itinerary that may suit your requirement.

During monsoon, you may stick to Kathmandu for cultural tours. Trekking to Upper Mustang, which lies in the shadows of the Himalayas is the perfect trek during monsoons as this region received a minimum rainfall. Try to avoid Pokhara and Chitwan during monsoons. Also, avoid popular trekking like Annapurna and Everest during monsoons.

During winter, avoid trekking as it can get very cold. However, Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini will be a perfect destination during winter. You may also visit Pokhara but the views are not as great though. However, if the views are not the problem you may visit Pokhara during winter.

What to See and Do on Your Nepal Holiday

You will likely spend two to three full days in Kathmandu. It is the cultural heart of Nepal. Nepal has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini, Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. The Kathmandu Valley site covers seven monument zones, including the three Durbar Squares, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan.

Kathmandu Valley

Visit the exquisitely preserved Durbar Squares. Walk through the old city, walk through the narrow alleys and beautiful courtyards of Bhaktapur. Explore the second largest city in the valley Patan. Also, referred as ” The city of artisans”, this town has preserved lot more man-made treasures than compared to Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.

Visit Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. If you are a mountain watcher, visit the hilltop village of Nagarkot famous for panoramic Himalayan views. Besides, there are other popular sites like Changunarayan Temple – oldest temple in Nepal, the holiest Hindu temple of Pashupatinath.

Little History:

The Malla kings took control over the Kathmandu Valley during the thirteenth century. This period was a golden age of art and architecture that lasted for more than five hundred years. The finest buildings in Kathmandu and even the Durbar Squares date from this period. During this period Kathmandu ranked as an autonomous state alongside the valley’s two major cities Patan and Bhaktapur.

Today these cities  are referred to as sister cities inside Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur make the greater Kathmandu Valley set in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Other Nepal highlights Outside The Valley

Lakeside Ambience of Pokhara City

No doubt, Pokhara is the second famous destination after Kathmandu and you certainly would not want to miss this place during your Nepal holiday. You can drive to Pokhara, which is 205 Km from Kathmandu. It is 6 hours drive through scenic mountainous highway with a river flowing in one side and a hill on the other side. However, the highways are narrow and prone to traffic jams. On the other hand, you may choose to fly to Pokhara. There are a number of domestic flights that fly to Pokhara and the flight duration is only 25 minutes.

The fame of Pokhara has resulted from its close proximity to the Himalayas and its lakeside ambience, Furthermore, it is also a starting point of the world classic Annapurna trek. Most tourist visit just to enjoy its mild climate, view Mount Fishtail which seems to rise from the valley floor, lay on the famous lakeside and drink beer. However, there are plenty of sightseeing tours Pokhara has to offer.

Boat Hire on Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake, or Phewa tal is the second- largest lake in Nepal and the traveler’s focal point. You may rent one of the boat and paddle around the lake enjoying its tranquility and the picture perfect reflection of Mount Fishtail on the lake.

Row towards the southwestern shore of the lake which is beautifully forested. Getting out to that lake by boat is the best way to appreciate it.

Sarangkot 

Sarangkot is the most popular viewpoint around Pokhara. Furthermore, from here the sunrise view over the Himalayas are breathtaking. From here the Himalayan peaks appear bigger and closer and the glow of the Himalayas after it is struck by the rays of sunlight is a picture perfect moment.

Many travelers rise early morning and drive to this location and wait for the sunrise. However, the view of the Himalayas and sunrise views are weather permitting. Sometimes for days you will not be able to see the Himalayas. So the best time to visit this location is from October till December (Autumn) and March till May (Spring). Furthermore, the lake view beside you are pretty special too.

World Peace Stupa

World Peace Stupa serves two purposes. First, it is one of the Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal and second it serves as the best wide angle view point for phenomenal Himalaya panorama.

This Stupa is situated at an elevation of 1113 m, and looks like a lighthouse. Furthermore, standing 40 meters tall, this Stupa are visible from every corner of Pokhara city. It is also a popular starting point for short hikes in the Pokhara Valley.

Sightseeing tours around Pokhara City

Visit Davis Fall (also called Devi’s Fall), one of Pokhara’s best-known sights. Here the Pardi Khola river plunges into a crack in the earth and disappears. Its mythological name is Patale Chhango, or “Waterfall to the Underworld.” It is especially impressive during and just after the monsoon.

In monsoons and autumns, this place is frighteningly impressive. Visit Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, just opposite of Davis fall. This cave is dedicated to lord Shiva. In winter the tunnel leads through the downstream side of Davi’s Fall.

The next attraction is Seti gorge, which lies just north of Pokhara Bus Park. This spot offers fine views of the gorge’s great sweep and its crumbling cliff walls. Another place of interest would be an International Mountaineering Museum, which houses an exhibit of historical mountaineering equipments with mannequins of renowned climbers and plentiful information on the culture, geology, flora, and fauna of the Himalayas.

You will be able to visit all these destinations in Pokhara within two full days of your holiday in Nepal.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan is Nepal’s most visited national park, thanks to easy access: 185 km from Kathmandu, about 5 hours by road or a 20-minute flight. It suits travelers who enjoy a warm climate and wildlife.

Highlights include jeep safaris, canoe rides, guided jungle walks, visits to Tharu villages and birdwatching. You have a good chance of seeing one-horned rhinoceroses. Spotting a Bengal tiger is rare, but possible. Many travelers now choose jeep and walking safaris over elephant rides for animal-welfare reasons.

Plan two nights here to enjoy the park properly.

• For your Information. Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan forms a triangle in a Nepal map, hence the tours of these three destinations is also called Nepal Golden Triangle tour.

Newari Village of Bandipur

This hilltop village of Bandipur is one of the popular destinations in Nepal for a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. The village today is a perfect place to get the feel for Newari village life. The city has preserved solid Newari architecture. The empty narrow stone-paved pass between shops and the houses.

Furtermore, beautifully preserved traditional buildings line the central street and cafés spill out onto the vehicle free roads giving it an unmistakably European feel.

The main attraction of this village is a glimpse of Newari culture and excellent views of the Marshyangdi Valley and the board sweep of the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri to Langtang.

These are some of the famous places that you may visit during your upcoming holiday in Nepal.

These are some of the best places to visit on a Nepal holiday. Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan together form a triangle on the map, so many travelers combine them into the classic Nepal Golden Triangle trip.

Ready to plan yours? Explore our selection of popular Nepal tour packages or contact Yakky Tours for a trip made for you.