Himalayan trails, temple-filled valleys and jungle full of rhinos.
Nepal holds eight of the world's ten highest peaks, and trekking routes to Everest Base Camp and around the Annapurnas are its best-known draws. The Kathmandu Valley is dense with temples and courtyards, from Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur to the great stupa of Boudhanath. Lower down, Chitwan National Park shelters rhinos and tigers, and Lumbini marks the birthplace of the Buddha.
Life moves at a walking pace, fuelled by dal bhat, momos and sweet tea in lodges along the trail. Roads are slow and winding, so short flights save time for trekkers. October and November bring clear mountain views after the monsoon, and March to April is the second trekking season, with rhododendrons in bloom.
Best time to visit Nepal
March, April, October, November.
Places to visit in Nepal
Kathmandu: Nepal's capital, a valley of medieval palace squares, great Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples below the Himalayas.
Pokhara: A relaxed lakeside town beneath the Annapurna range, the gateway to Nepal's classic treks and paragliding.
Everest Region: The Khumbu region's Sherpa villages, monasteries and high trails leading to the world's highest mountain.
Chitwan National Park: A lowland jungle park in southern Nepal, home to one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers and gharial crocodiles.
Essentials
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Language: Nepali; English common in tourist areas
Plugs: Type C / D / M, 230 V
Driving: Left side
Time zone: UTC+5:45
Tipping: About 10% in restaurants; tip trekking guides and porters
Getting around: Tourist buses and domestic flights; roads in the hills are slow
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking