The Best of Nepal: 23 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NEPAL

  • Jul 10, 2023
  • Karna Rana

Wondering about the best things to do in Nepal? Let's fill you in. Situated in South Asia, Nepal offers the widest range of possibilities any tourist can imagine. From trekking to the glorious high mountains in the Himalayas to walking down the deepest gorge in the world, you get beautiful opportunities to marvel at the preserved natural beauty of Asia. Explore luscious green forests, impressive species of fauna, and off-beaten roads that lead to hidden valleys. 

In Nepal, any adventurer feels welcome to the hopes of taking the closest look at one of the most diverse cultural meshes in the world. Take a glance at a few things to do in Nepal;

Things to See in Nepal

The highest of the mountains, the greenest of the forests, and the oldest of the cultural sites, Nepal reigns over superlatives.

Best Things to Do in Nepal
Unmissable activities include trekking, peak climbing, mountain flights, wildlife exploration, and visiting hidden valleys (like Lo-Manthang) during off-beaten hikes. 

Places to See in Nepal
Apart from the tourist favorites Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini, Manang, Mustang, Dolpo, Khaptad, Rara, and Janakpur give the best trips. 

Things to Do in Nepal Kathmandu

Explore historical Durbars Squares (palaces) and UNESCO world heritage sites like Swayambhunath Nath dating back to the Lichhavi era.

Fun Things to Do in Nepal
Stroll around Ason, New Road, and Bhotahity to get the cheapest deals on almost anything from spices to clothes. 

Things to Do in Nepal December
More comfortable in the first half of December, the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang treks become fantastic options with dry and sunny days.

Things to Do in Nepal Pokhara
Reign the skies with paragliding over the World Peace Stupa. Relive tranquility by boating over Phewa Lake. Relax at the beachside for a night full of vibes. 

What to Do in Nepal for 5 Days?
Shortest treks like the Poon Hill Trek, Langtang Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek last only 4-5 days. These pose perfectly for travelers in a time crunch. 

What to See in Nepal in 4 Days?
Are you looking for peace of mind? Book your yoga and meditation retreat in famous monasteries. The silence and prayers rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul.

Things to Do in Lumbini Nepal
Embrace the foundation of Buddhism at the Kapilvastu Palace, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Stroll around famous Gumbas. 

Cool Things to Do in Nepal
Summit is the highest mountain in the world. Only a few people can say they have conquered both Everest Base Camp Trek and Everest Three Passes Trek.  

What to Do in Nepal in July?
Being the heavy monsoon month, trekking to rain-shadow regions like Upper and Lower Mustang is highly recommendable. 

Things to Do in Nepal in March
Reserve yourself for the majestic Island Peak Trek, truly magnificent in March. Celebrate Holi, the festival of colors. 

Things Not to Do in Nepal
Refrain from offending locals by haggling, using profanities, and wearing inappropriate clothing at religious ceremonies or temples. 

Things to Do in Thamel Nepal
Walk around enchanted shops of handicraft goodies during the day and party at the most buzzing clubs in Kathmandu at night. 

Adventurous Things to Do in Nepal
White river rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping over roaring rivers, cave exploration, mountain biking, mountain running, off-beaten treks—you name it!

Table of Contents

23 Incredible Things to See and Do in Nepal

1. Wander (and Shop) in the Touristic Hub, Thamel

Beaming with warm lights, local shops in Thamel offer quality handmade products sourced locally. From yummy street food to full-course meals, restaurants bring out any cuisine you can think of.  

2. Embrace Tibetan Culture at Boudhanath Stupa

Several old monasteries surround one of the largest spherical dome-shaped stupas in the world, Boudhanath Stupa.  The hums and prayers fill the surrounding restaurants with pleasant vibes.

3. Dodge Monkeys and Admire the Views of Kathmandu At Swayambhunath Stupa

Lovesome cheeky monkeys and want a 360-degree view of the capital? Head over to the Swayambhunath Stupa right away! Wander around the monasteries and wish over the Buddha pond. 

4. Experience Deep Hindu Traditions at Pashupatinath Temple

The most religious worshipping event comes in the evening at Pashupatinath Temple. Watch ascetics rub tika over their face and devotees worship in the holy river. 

5. Explore the Kathmandu Valley’s Ancient Durbar Squares

  •  Kathmandu Durbar Square: Former old palace of the Kingdom of Kathmandu, the durbar square has architecture like the Kasthamandap, Taleju Temple, and Narayan Temple dating back to the 3rd century. Malla and Shah's Kings ruled the palace in the past.
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square: From the 55-window palace to the nine-storied Nyatapola temple, Bhaktapur durbar square homes prominent architectures of the 14th century. The museum also houses precious artifacts of even the Lichhavi era. 
  • Patan Durbar Square: The Durbar Square houses historically and religiously celebrated architectures like Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, and Vishwanath Temple dating back to the 15th century. 

6. Enjoy A Community Homestay in Gorkha

Local immersion needs a good homestay, and Gorkha is the best nearby Kathmandu. With a community base of homestays with proper hygiene and good local food, one can expect top-tier local culture there. Gorkha Homestay can do one night two days program in the historical place, where Let Great King was born.

7. Taste All the Delicious Nepali Food

Nepali food ranges from Newari cuisine, Maithili cuisine, Tharu cuisine, Tibetan cuisine, etc. Nepali food is considered the food of the soul. 

8. Chill Out in Kathmandu’s Garden of Dreams

Kaiser Shumsher Rana built Kathmandu’s Garden of Dreams or Garden of Six Seasons. Relax and take a breather in the neo-classical garden with pristine architecture. The entry fee costs Rs 400. 

9. Float Through the Sky, Hot Air Blooming

Ever wanted to fly amongst the clouds in the blue sky? Happiness costs only $120, and Hot Air Blooming an hour over Nepal's most beautiful city Pokhara can lighten the soul. 

10. Fly in The Sky, Paragliding in Pokhara:

Normal Paragliding in Pokhara costs only $80 per 30 minutes. Cross-country paragliding costs $120 for an hour. March-May is the best time to fly and capture the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake's scenic beauty.

11. Go White Water Rafting in Nepal, Trishuli River Rafting

Want the thrill of battling the torrid waves of the Trishuli? Join the White River Rafting activity costing only $40 for a full day of an exciting adventure and gorgeous surroundings.

12. Chill in Backpacker Paradise, Pokhara

The easygoing and laid-back backpackers opt for more chill vibes of the Pokhara Lakeside to hang out, party, and, in general, have fun. Enjoy local and international cuisines and taste the buzz of Pokhara's food festivals.

13. Hike Base of the Top of the World 8,848m, Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek, the most famous trek globally, consists of scenic eye candies of the world's highest mountain. The laid-back yet exciting trails see about 40000 trekkers per year. 

14. Everest Three Passes and Tranquil Gokyo Lakes Trek

Alternatives to the EBC Trek, the Everest Three Passes trek begets challenging trails and rewarding sceneries. Everest three passes and Gokyo Lakes trek is one of the ultimate experiences in Everest. 

15. Short but Epic Hikes in Nepal: Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Short Everest Base Camp Trek

For those in time-crunch, opt for ABC Trek with Poon Hill or Short EBC Trek to quickly immerse into the Himalayas' wilderness. Get the same quality experience of the snowy peaks in a shorter time!

16. Off the Beaten Trek Hikes in Nepal

For those searching for the road less taken, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek provides the perfect balance between remote and off-beaten experience. As a restricted area, a local guide and a minimum of two trekkers must go around the second-highest mountain in Nepal. 

17. Visit the Forbidden Kingdom and Silk Road Cave Civilization, Upper Mustang Trek

Lo-Manthang or the Forbidden Kingdom showcases the Upper Mustang's quiet secluded life with spectacular desert-like vast expanses and stone architecture of the past. Upper Mustang Trek can be done on foot or even on a JEEP ride.

18. Lifetime Experience Scenic Flight Over The Himalayan Mountains Flight

Are you scared of trekking? Use a mountain flight! An extremely convenient alternative and better close-up experience with Everest can be done with the Himalayan Mountain Flight. 

19. Experience The Longest Canyon Swing In The World At The Last Resort

With double the freefall and adrenaline rush, The Last Resort offers the world’s highest giant Canyon Swing and Bungee Jumping. Let out your inner roar as you dangle down the 160m line!

20. Zen Out And Practice Yoga In Nepal

The abode of the spiritual awakening, Nepal, offers yoga centers across the country. Travelers can now practice yoga before the breathtaking sceneries of the Himalayas in Mountain Yoga programs. Mardi Himal Trekking beats every other trek in the everyday yoga and meditation arena. 

21. Experience An Epic Wildlife Safari In Nepal, Chitwan

Love animal? Head over to the Wildlife Safari in Chitwan National Park, one of the largest in Nepal. Spot endangered species like the Bengal tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Indian Leopard, and Nepal's prized one-horned rhinoceros. The park also reports 543 species of birds.

22. Explore The Beautiful Newari Town Of Bandipur

Aged like fine wine, Bandipur grew from a remote hill town to a culturally intact tourist hub. The preserved Newar traditions garnish the little town making it perfect for hikes and biking. 

23. Visit the Birthplace Of Buddha, Lumbini

Among the world’s most spiritual destinations, Lumbini attracts Buddhism followers from all over the world. The birthplace of the Buddha also showcases peace stupas and 25 internationally constructed monasteries.  

Conclusion

There possibly is a never-ending list of possibilities of what to see and do in Nepal no matter the time of the year. Book your trip to this land of memorizing promises. Create unforgettable memories with nature's best creations and a bubbly world of harmonious ethnic diversity. 

Karna Rana

Karna Rana

Namaste!

I hearty welcome to Nepal, known as the Kingdom of Himalayans, and the roof of the World “Mt. Everest.” Nepal has been named a Heaven on Earth and is a wonder in the Himalayan. It is the Shangri-La, a cultural Museum, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, and the country of the living Goddess “Kumari.”

I am Karna Rana Trekking Tour Operator and Mountain Guide, specializing in Trekking, Tour, Travel in Nepal, Hiking in the Himalayan and other Outdoor Activities, Peak Climbing, Expedition, Adventure Trekking, Rafting, etc. applying for my field expiring in 2000. Meanwhile, I have completed my Master’s degree in Rural Development (2016) from the Tribhuvan University of Kathmandu, Nepal’s leading educational institution. I have been applying my field experience in tourism, especially in remote areas of the country, for sustainable eco-tourism for local empowerment. I enjoyed writing my blog own word sharing my travel experience in the Himalayan, aiming to provide the right information and help to the Nepal Traveler.

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