Visiting Nepal, a Pinnacle of Spirituality
Sitting along the historic trade routes between India and China, Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha, spans an area about the same size as Iowa. Once a hippie haven and now a mecca for trekkers, the country blends spirituality, outdoor adventure, and deep cultural heritage. With roughly 300 Hindu and Buddhist festivals filling the annual calendar, local traditions pull you completely out of your daily routine. Keep your eyes open for Bengal tigers in the wild, and plan on sampling regional dishes delicately spiced with coriander and local herbs.
The Kathmandu Valley, a Natural Amphitheater West of Mount Everest
Kathmandu, a Bustling Capital Full of Contrasts
Operating at a frantic, high-energy pace, the capital of Kathmandu carries a distinctly South Asian atmosphere. Head out early to explore Durbar Square, a historic religious and cultural hub currently undergoing restoration following the 2015 earthquake. The Kumari Ghar, an 18th-century residence with intricate woodwork, houses the Kumari, young girls selected as living goddesses who hold the title until puberty. From there, take in the Bhagwati Temple, the Jagannath Temple, and the Taleju Temple.
Take note of the detailed wood carvings just past the large bell. The rooftop terrace at the Taleju View cafe provides a wide-angle perspective over the square. Make your way toward the lively commercial maze of Thamel by way of Asan Tole, and step into the quiet courtyard of the Machendranath Bahal temple along Makhan Tole. Early in the morning between 8 AM and 10 AM, local musicians frequently gather here to chant traditional hymns.
A Valley Holding Countless Other Treasures
If you prefer staying outside the main tourist hub of Thamel, quiet neighborhoods like Bhaktapur, Patan, and Nagarkot make great alternative home bases.
Widely considered the architectural jewel of the valley, Bhaktapur (also known as Bhadgaon) charges an entry fee of around 1500 NPR (about $9.90*). As the historic heartland of Newar culture, the city is known for its artisans, welcoming locals, and preservation of civic traditions. Pedestrian-only brick streets, neighborhood food stalls, and countless pagodas give the town a timeless atmosphere that once served as a backdrop for the film Little Buddha. Key sights include the Royal Palace with its fifty-five windows, the Pashupatinath Temple, Taumadhi Tole square featuring the towering Nyatapola Temple, and the Dattatraya Temple.
The former royal city of Patan (officially Lalitpur) is ringed by the four Ashoka stupas, which have marked its cardinal points for over two thousand years. The city features a restored royal palace, a world-class museum collection, and the upscale Jhamsikhel neighborhood, which draws a significant community of expats.
The Legendary Annapurna Circuit
The winding road connecting the capital to the main trekking trailheads is rough going, but mountain towns like Gorkha and Bandipur offer worthwhile stops to break up the drive. Set along the shores of Phewa Lake, the adventure hub of Pokhara serves as the main launchpad for treks in the region, along with white-water rafting, canyoning, kayaking, paragliding, ultralight flights, and mountain biking.
Chitwan National Park
Formerly a private royal hunting reserve, this protected lowland jungle supports a dense population of wildlife best explored on foot, in an open jeep, or from a wooden canoe. Guided safaris through the dense tropical forest offer strong chances to spot one-horned rhinoceroses, marsh crocodiles, deer, rhesus macaques, wild elephants, and occasionally a Bengal tiger.
When to go?
The two clear windows are October to November, right after the monsoon clears the air and opens up the mountain views, and March to April, warmer and bright with rhododendron blooms. June through September is monsoon: trails turn to mud and the peaks stay hidden. December and January stay clear but bitterly cold at altitude.
How to get there
Flights from North America to Nepal land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, always with at least one connection in hubs like Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, or Delhi. Total travel time from the East Coast typically runs between 20 and 24 hours depending on layovers. Round-trip economy airfares generally range from $690 to $1,150* based on the season and carrier.
How to get around
Self-drive car rentals are generally not practical here. While main routes are paved, local driving conditions are chaotic and unpredictable. Metered taxis offer an inexpensive way to navigate city streets, provided you agree on the fare before setting off.
