Nepal Travel Guide

Introduction

Nepal is synonymous with the Himalayas — eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Everest. Beyond trekking: Kathmandu’s medieval temple squares, Pokhara’s lake with Annapurna reflections, and extraordinary spiritual heritage.

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The Two Great Treks

Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek

12–14 days round trip from Lukla. Passes through Sherpa villages, monasteries, reaches base of the world’s highest mountain at 5,364m.

Cost: $1,500–3,000+ including flights, permits, guide, porter, accommodation.

Best time: October–November and March–May.

Annapurna Circuit

16–20 days around the Annapurna massif. More scenery diversity than EBC. Over Thorong La pass (5,416m).

Cost: $1,000–2,500.

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Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple: Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple. Cremations at the Bagmati River ghats.

Swayambhunath: Ancient Buddhist stupa on a hill — the Monkey Temple.

Boudhanath Stupa: World’s largest Buddhist stupa.

Durbar Squares: Medieval royal palace squares in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur — all UNESCO sites.

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Pokhara

Nepal’s adventure capital. Paragliding, Phewa Lake boating, ultralight flights. Starting point for Annapurna treks.

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