Nepal Tour - places and things to do
Nepal tour is a blend of activities for Himalayan scenery and cultural experience. There are several Himalayan view points, historical places and wildlife safari destinations that one can fly or drive to. Hiking and rafting add the flavor of adventure to Nepal tour.
With extension of road and airstrip, it is possible to visit pristine valleys of the Nepalese Himalayas without multi-days strenuous trekking. Here we have listed the most popular places to visit and things to do in Nepal in 2024.
Despite the travel restrictions in many countries and hike in flight price owing to the Ukraine - Russia war, Nepal saw significant increase in tourists in the last year.
Kathmandu valley Tour
3 - 5 day cultural tour with short trek or easy day hike.
Culturally and naturally, Kathmandu valley resembles the whole of Nepal. For centuries, it has been tolerant to different cultures, religions and ethnicities. In the backstreets of bustling town exists the medieval Kathmandu, bedecked in its marvelous wood carvings and terracotta. Kathmandu is dotted with historical Pagodas, pavilions, stone water spouts, stupas and monasteries. Seven groups of them make Kathmandu a UNESCO Heritage site. The Shivapuri national park and protected community forests in the valley rim offers splendid day hikes and short treks with Himalayan views. Find touring places in and around Kathmandu.
Things to do around Kathmandu
Kathmandu Day Tour
Kathmandu Tour - 4 Days
Pokhara tour and hiking
Pokhara is renowned as the 'natural capital' of Nepal for its astounding setting of beautiful lakes and lush hills with close view of Himalayas in the northern skyline. With the backdrop of three 8,000 m snow peaks, Pokhara provides the ground for various adventure activities such as trekking, mountaineering, White water rafting and paragliding and more.
Things to do around Pokhara
Kathmandu Pokhara Tour 5 day
The Golden Triangle Tour of Nepal
8 day Nepal tour of Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara.
Jungle safari and wildlife tour
Customize wildlife and bird watching tours with jungle trek or jeep safari for 2 days to week.
Large portion of Nepal is being protected as National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Nepal's national parks protect diverse wildlife and exotic bird species. Chitwan and Bardia are last vestiges of Terai which once spread north of Indo-Gangetic plains till the foothills of the Himalayas. Acknowledging the importance of conservation of the region, Chitwan National Park is declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. A full board package based on safari lodges gives you a chance to explore the jungle on elephant back, jeep safari, guided jungle walk, canoe ride and more.
Chitwan National park
Bardia National park
Koshi Tappu
Sunrise - Sunset Tour
Sunrise and sunset over Himalayas from hill stations of Nepal
Bandipur Tour
Bandipur is a hill town overlooking the Himalayas with the reminiscence of centuries old trans-Himalayan trade. The town is getting more attention from tourists for its easy access and unparalleled beauty. One can still see most of the houses with carved windows and slate roofs and the ground floor that opens towards streets for business. With its exquisite panorama of Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, it is often considered as a natural view tower.
Bandipur at 1,030 m is just 8 km from the Kathmandu – Pokhara highway. It is 143 km from Kathmandu and just 80 km from Pokhara. Stopping at Bandipur will give more insight in Nepal than the tourist centers of Chitwan and Pokhara.
Walk around the cobblestone streets of Bandipur to Khadga devi temple, Tundikhel and climb the hillock marked by Thani Mai temple for a sunset view over the Himalayas. If you stay another day in Bandipur, walk to the charming Magar village or Ramkot.
Nepal tour with Bandipur 12 day
Daman
A detour from Kathmandu to Chitwan or Lumbini uncovers less touristic Nepal.
Daman is one of the highest and less visited hill stations in central Nepal. At 2,360 m, Daman offers vista of the longest range of the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mt Everest in the east. It lies 80 km southwest of Kathmandu along the Tribhuvan Highway also known as 'Byroad'.
This is a less touristic destination providing the best sunrise and sunset view over the Himalayas. Driving through Daman to Chitwan or Lumbini gives a glimpse of pristine Nepal.
Nepal tour with Daman 12 day
Gorkha
Gorkha, the original home of the Shah kings remains a historical and commercial center. It is a 24 km detour off the Kathmandu to Pokhara Highway. Even though Gorkha Bazaar is the base for treks in Manaslu region, village tour and day hike could be planned for culture vultures. A climb to the ridge (300 m) is worthwhile for the panorama of Manaslu Range and historic Gorkha Palace.
Gorkha & Manakamana Tour
Tansen (Palpa):
Situated at 1,350m above the sea level, Tansen (Palpa) is another hill station famous for its rich culture and Himalayan view. Tansen lies midway between Pokhara and Lumbini / Sunauli India Border. Tansen is a romantic, medieval hill town full of Newari shop-houses and temples. Being perched high up at Srinagar Hill, Tansen also offers the
scenic melody of planes, hills and the Himalayas. After the downfall of the kingdom in the 18th Century, Tansen was reinvented as a Newari trading post on the trade route between India and Tibet. Metalworking and weaving dhaka, the fabric used for traditional Nepali custom, are still important local industries.
Spiritual tour destinations
Lumbini Tour -The birth place of Buddha
Visit Lumbini, the UNESCO heritage site as a day trip from Kathmandu and Pokhara or organize 4 days' Lumbini Buddhist circuit tour visiting Tilaurakot palace ruin and Ramgram Stupa.
Beside being the center of reverence for Buddhist, Lumbini also provides an insight on ancient civilization unveiled by modern archaeological excavation. Series of excavations have discovered various edifices from Buddha's time and even earlier. The Modern Lumbini is 3 sq miles of planned area with Sacred Garden, Monastic Zone and Lumbini Village. The tour of Kapilavastu, Kudan and Ramgram extends the Lumbini tour from 2 - 5 days.
Lumbini Tour 1 - 4 day
Buddhist pilgrimage Nepal - 9 day
Janakpur:
Janakpur is one of the important Hindu pilgrimage sites. It is the capital of Mithila where legendary heroine Sita (Ram’s spouse) from the epic Ramayana was born.
The 16th century Janaki temple and the sacred ponds of Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar are the center of attractions. The Vivah Mandap temple is believed to be a place where Lord Rama and Sita were married.
Explore Ilam, the teastate of Nepal, Janakpur and the Pathivara (3,794 m) overlooking at the Kanchenjunga (8,586m / 3rd highest in the world)
Eastern Nepal Tour
Jomsom & Muktinath:
The once remote town of lower Mustang (Jomsom - Muktinath) is a famous tour destination at present . With access by rugged road and several flights, Jomsom and lower mustang region has become a famous destination for those looking for short easy hiking and cultural tour. Just fly to Jomsom and experience the warm hospitality of 'Thakali' in the trans-Himalayas of Annapurna. Enjoy the view of Nilgiri soaring into the sky. Hike up to Dhumba lake, Kagbeni or horseback ride to Marpha and Tukuche. Muktinath is just 2 hrs drive away from Jomsom.
Lower Mustang Tour
Muktinath Tour
Nepal Tour FAQ
Best month for Nepal tour
Nepal tour destinations are mostly in the hilly regions and the tropical low land. So Nepal tour is best from Autumn to Spring throughout winter months. October, November and March and April have moderate temperatures with clear sky. Nights are cold during winter months of December, January and February but days are warm and sky is clear for a tour with hikes and short treks.
How many days do I need for a Nepal tour ?
A Nepal tour could be organized for as less as 4 days to a month. A 4 days tour visits heritage sites around Kathmandu and the Nagarkot hill station. The most popular Npal tour takes about a week visiting Pokhara and Chitwan national park.
Nepal Tour package Cost
Nepal tour package cost from minimum USD 70 per day for budget tour to USD 500 / day for luxury tour. The package mostly includes accommodation with breakfast, guided sightseeing and all the entrance fees. Some places like Chitwan National park and short treks include lunch and dinner as well. You will still need about USD 30 / day for the extras.