Monday, August 3, 2026
Travel Nepal

Nepal Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Itineraries & Pilgrimage

From the temples of Kathmandu and the lakes of Pokhara to the jungles of Chitwan, the high desert of Mustang and the sacred shrines of Pashupatinath, Muktinath and Lumbini, plan the perfect trip to Nepal with our free, in-depth travel guides.

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Plan Your Trip to Nepal

Nepal packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a small country: eight of the world's ten highest mountains, ancient cities listed by UNESCO, steamy jungle teeming with rhinos and tigers, and some of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and Buddhism. Whether you are here for a week of sightseeing, a once-in-a-lifetime trek to Everest Base Camp, or a devotional journey to Pashupatinath and Muktinath, this Nepal travel guide brings together everything you need, the best places to visit, ready-made itineraries, how to get around, what things cost, and the right season to travel.

Use the search above or jump to trekking guides, destinations, pilgrimage sites, itineraries, travel essentials, the interactive map or our seasonal guide.

Trekking trail on the Mardi Himal ridge below Machhapuchhre, Nepal 1-minute quiz Which Nepal trek are you? 5 fun questions → your perfect Himalayan match, with real costs. Take the quiz → Trekker at Everest Base Camp, Nepal You earned it Trek completion certificate Finished a trek? Get your personalised certificate — free, in seconds. Generate mine → Trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit trail, Nepal The Cost Index All 51 trek costs, compared Real 2026 guided prices in NPR — sortable by cost, days & difficulty. Compare costs →

🎙️ The Nepal Travel Podcast

Nepal travel, explained out loud — short episodes from the BriefNepal travel desk. Latest: The Brutal Isolation of Makalu Base Camp | Nepal's Wildest Himalayan Trek.

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Trekking Guides

Nepal is the world's greatest trekking destination. Start with these classic routes, compare all trek costs → or take the 1-minute trek quiz →

🎬 Watch: How to Plan Your 2026 Nepal Trek — routes, seasons, budgets & permits in under 4 minutes, by the BriefNepal travel desk.

📅 How long?
💰 Budget (guided)
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🎯 Not sure? Take the 1-minute quiz →
Everest Base Camp, NepalNepalEverest Base CampThe world's most famous trek to the foot of Sagarmatha.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 12–14 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Annapurna Base Camp, NepalNepalAnnapurna Base CampInto the Annapurna Sanctuary, ringed by 7,000m+ giants.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 7–10 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Mardi Himal, NepalNepalMardi HimalA quieter ridge trek beneath the 'Fishtail', Machhapuchhre.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 4–6 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Poon Hill, NepalNepalPoon HillNepal's classic short trek, sunrise over the Annapurnas.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 3–5 days🟢 EasyRead guide →Makalu Base Camp, NepalNepalMakalu Base CampA remote, wild trek to the foot of the world's fifth-highest peak.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 18–22 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Api Himal Base Camp, NepalNepalApi Himal Base CampAn off-the-map trek to far-western Nepal's highest peak, Api (7,132 m).📅 Mar–Jun & Sep–Nov⏱ 14–18 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Kanchenjunga Base Camp, NepalNepalKanchenjunga Base CampA remote trek to both base camps of the world's third-highest peak.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 20–24 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Dhaulagiri Circuit, NepalNepalDhaulagiri CircuitA demanding wilderness circuit around the world's seventh-highest peak.📅 Apr–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 18–21 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Upper Dolpo, NepalNepalUpper DolpoA restricted trans-Himalayan trek to Shey Phoksundo and ancient Bon villages.📅 May–Sep⏱ 21–28 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Tsum Valley, NepalNepalTsum ValleyA sacred hidden Buddhist valley in the Manaslu region.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 14–18 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Nar Phu Valley, NepalNepalNar Phu ValleyA restricted hidden valley of medieval Tibetan villages off the Annapurna Circuit.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 12–16 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Pikey Peak, NepalNepalPikey PeakA short Solu trek to the viewpoint Hillary called his favourite of Everest.📅 Oct–Dec & Mar–Apr⏱ 4–6 days🟢 EasyRead guide →Khopra Ridge, NepalNepalKhopra RidgeA quiet Annapurna ridge trek with head-on Dhaulagiri views and sacred Khayer Lake.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 6–9 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Langtang Valley, NepalNepalLangtang ValleyThe closest Himalayan valley to Kathmandu, reborn after the 2015 quake.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 7–10 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Gokyo Lakes, NepalNepalGokyo LakesTurquoise glacial lakes and a four-8,000m panorama from Gokyo Ri in the Khumbu.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 12–14 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Manaslu Circuit, NepalNepalManaslu CircuitA wild restricted-area circuit around the world's eighth-highest peak.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 14–18 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Annapurna Circuit, NepalNepalAnnapurna CircuitThe classic Himalayan circuit over the Thorong La to Muktinath.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 12–16 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Everest Three Passes, NepalNepalEverest Three PassesThe ultimate Khumbu loop over Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 18–21 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Gosainkunda, NepalNepalGosainkundaSacred high-alpine lakes and a Janai Purnima pilgrimage above Langtang.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 5–8 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Lumba Sumba Pass, NepalNepalLumba Sumba PassA remote far-eastern crossing linking the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 16–20 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Helambu, NepalNepalHelambuA gentle Sherpa-village trek in the green hills just north of Kathmandu.📅 Oct–May⏱ 5–7 days🟢 EasyRead guide →Ruby Valley, NepalNepalRuby ValleyAn off-the-beaten-path trek below the Ganesh Himal massif.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 7–10 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Everest View, NepalNepalEverest ViewA short, lower-altitude Khumbu trek to the classic Everest viewpoints above Namche.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 6–8 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Ama Dablam Base Camp, NepalNepalAma Dablam Base CampA side-trek to the foot of the Khumbu's most beautiful peak.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 10–12 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Mera Peak, NepalNepalMera PeakNepal's highest trekking peak at 6,476 m, a non-technical Himalayan summit.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 16–19 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Island Peak, NepalNepalIsland PeakA classic 6,189 m trekking peak (Imja Tse) usually combined with Everest Base Camp.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 16–19 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Renjo La Pass, NepalNepalRenjo La PassA quieter Khumbu crossing to the Gokyo lakes over the 5,360 m Renjo La.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 12–15 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Cho La Pass, NepalNepalCho La PassLinking Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo lakes over the icy 5,420 m Cho La.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 16–18 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Tilicho Lake, NepalNepalTilicho LakeA side-trip off the Annapurna Circuit to one of the world's highest lakes, at 4,919 m.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 12–16 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Mohare Danda, NepalNepalMohare DandaA community-run eco-trek near Poon Hill with sunrise Dhaulagiri and Annapurna views.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 5–8 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Sikles, NepalNepalSiklesA short, low trek to one of the largest Gurung villages, beneath Annapurna II.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 3–5 days🟢 EasyRead guide →Annapurna North Base Camp, NepalNepalAnnapurna North Base CampA remote trek to the original 1950 base camp below Annapurna I's north face.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 9–12 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Royal Trek, NepalNepalRoyal TrekA gentle, low-altitude trek through the hills and villages east of Pokhara.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 3–4 days🟢 EasyRead guide →Tamang Heritage Trail, NepalNepalTamang Heritage TrailA cultural village trek through the Tamang heartland of the Langtang region.📅 Oct–May⏱ 5–8 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Langtang Gosaikunda, NepalNepalLangtang GosaikundaCombining the Langtang Valley with the sacred Gosaikunda lakes over the Lauribina La.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 12–16 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Manaslu Tsum Valley, NepalNepalManaslu Tsum ValleyThe full restricted-area journey combining the Manaslu Circuit with the sacred Tsum Valley.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 18–24 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Rupina La, NepalNepalRupina LaA wild, remote camping crossing on the southern side of Manaslu.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 14–18 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Upper Mustang, NepalNepalUpper MustangA restricted trek to the walled city of Lo Manthang in the old Forbidden Kingdom.📅 Mar–Nov⏱ 10–14 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Lower Mustang, NepalNepalLower MustangJomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath in the dramatic Kali Gandaki rain-shadow.📅 Mar–Nov⏱ 5–8 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Lower Dolpo, NepalNepalLower DolpoA remote trek to Phoksundo Lake and the trans-Himalayan valleys of Dolpa.📅 May–Oct⏱ 14–20 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Shey Phoksundo, NepalNepalShey PhoksundoA trek to Nepal's deepest lake and the Bon heartland of Dolpo.📅 May–Oct⏱ 10–16 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Jomsom Muktinath, NepalNepalJomsom MuktinathThe classic Kali Gandaki pilgrim trek to the sacred temple of Muktinath.📅 Mar–Nov⏱ 7–10 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Arun Valley, NepalNepalArun ValleyA remote, low-altitude cultural trek through eastern Nepal's deepest valley.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 10–16 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Panch Pokhari, NepalNepalPanch PokhariA short trek to five sacred high-alpine lakes north-east of Kathmandu.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 7–10 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Ganesh Himal, NepalNepalGanesh HimalAn off-the-beaten-path trek below the Ganesh Himal massif north of Kathmandu.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 10–16 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Dudhkunda, NepalNepalDudhkundaA sacred lake trek through Solu's Sherpa villages below Numbur Himal.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 7–10 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Rolwaling Valley, NepalNepalRolwaling ValleyA wild sacred valley and the technical Tashi Lapcha pass to the Khumbu.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 14–20 days🔴 StrenuousRead guide →Kapuche Lake, NepalNepalKapuche LakeA short trek to Nepal's lowest-altitude glacial lake, beneath Annapurna.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 3–5 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Khayer Lake, NepalNepalKhayer LakeA sacred high lake beyond Khopra Ridge, below Annapurna South.📅 Mar–May & Oct–Nov⏱ 7–10 days🟠 ChallengingRead guide →Rara Lake Trek, NepalNepalRara Lake TrekA trek to Nepal's largest lake in the remote far-western Karnali.📅 Mar–Jun & Sep–Nov⏱ 7–12 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →Dhorpatan & Bukipatan Trek, NepalNepalDhorpatan & Bukipatan TrekNepal's only hunting reserve, vast alpine pastures and blue sheep beneath Dhaulagiri.📅 Mar–May & Sep–Nov⏱ 10–14 days🟡 ModerateRead guide →

Featured Destinations

The places that define a trip to Nepal, cities, lakes, jungle and high desert.

Kathmandu, NepalNepalKathmanduLiving temples, medieval squares and the gateway to Nepal.📅 Oct–Nov & Mar–Apr⏱ 2–3 daysRead guide →NepalBhaktapurA living medieval city of temple squares, woodcarving and the towering Nyatapola.📅 Oct–Nov & Mar–Apr⏱ 1–2 daysRead guide →NepalPatanThe Newar city of fine arts — a Durbar Square of stone and bronze, and the Golden Temple.📅 Oct–Nov & Mar–Apr⏱ 1 dayRead guide →Pokhara, NepalNepalPokharaLakeside calm beneath the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks.📅 Sep–Nov & Mar–Apr⏱ 3–4 daysRead guide →Chitwan, NepalNepalChitwanJungle safaris, one-horned rhinos and the wild Terai.📅 Oct–Mar⏱ 2–3 daysRead guide →Mustang, NepalNepalMustangThe forbidden kingdom, a Tibetan high desert beyond the Himalaya.📅 May–Oct⏱ 5–10 daysRead guide →Ilam, NepalNepalIlamRolling tea gardens and misty green hills in the far east.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 2–3 daysRead guide →Rara Lake, NepalNepalRara LakeNepal's largest lake, a sapphire jewel in the remote far west.📅 Apr–Jun & Sep–Nov⏱ 4–7 daysRead guide →Bandipur, NepalNepalBandipurA preserved hilltop Newari town with Himalayan views between Kathmandu and Pokhara.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 1–2 daysRead guide →Nagarkot, NepalNepalNagarkotA ridge-top hill station famed for Himalayan sunrises near Kathmandu.📅 Oct–Mar⏱ 1–2 daysRead guide →Ghandruk, NepalNepalGhandrukA scenic Gurung village beneath Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 1–2 daysRead guide →Dhulikhel, NepalNepalDhulikhelA historic Newari town with mountain views and the Namobuddha hike.📅 Oct–Mar⏱ 1–2 daysRead guide →Bardia National Park, NepalNepalBardia National ParkThe wild, quiet Terai park for Bengal tigers on the Karnali.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 2–4 daysRead guide →Khaptad National Park, NepalNepalKhaptad National ParkA remote far-western plateau of rolling meadows and a sacred ashram.📅 Mar–Jun & Oct–Nov⏱ 3–5 daysRead guide →Phoksundo Lake, NepalNepalPhoksundo LakeNepal's deepest, turquoise alpine lake in remote Dolpo.📅 May–Oct⏱ 2–3 daysRead guide →Janakpur, NepalNepalJanakpurThe Mithila cultural capital and birthplace of Sita in the southern Terai.📅 Oct–Mar⏱ 1–2 daysRead guide →Manra Siswa (Manara), NepalNepalManra Siswa (Manara)An authentic slice of Maithili life on the Terai plains of Mahottari.📅 Oct–Mar⏱ 1 dayRead guide →Gorkha, NepalNepalGorkhaThe hilltop cradle of modern Nepal — birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah and the Gurkhas.📅 Oct–Apr⏱ 1–2 daysRead guide →

Pilgrimage & Sacred Sites

Nepal is a spiritual heartland for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Explore its most revered temples and shrines.

Ready-Made Itineraries

Day-by-day plans you can follow or adapt, from a quick lakeside break to the classic Nepal loop.

Travel Essentials

The practical stuff for planning a trip to Nepal, visas, festivals and the country's must-see places.

NepalNepal Visa GuideVisa on arrival, fees, extensions and who is exempt — sorted before you fly.📅 Updated 2026⏱ 7 min readRead guide →NepalTop 20 Places to Visit in NepalThe 20 best places to visit in Nepal, from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Everest and Lumbini.📅 Oct–Nov & Mar–Apr⏱ 9 min readRead guide →NepalNepal Festivals 2026Dashain, Tihar, Holi and more — 2026 dates and what each festival means for travellers.📅 Year-round⏱ 8 min readRead guide →NepalAltitude Sickness GuideAMS, HAPE and HACE explained — symptoms, prevention, Diamox and the golden rules for trekking safely at altitude in Nepal.📅 Updated 2026⏱ 11 min readRead guide →NepalBest Time to Visit NepalSeason-by-season and month-by-month — when to trek, see the mountains, spot wildlife and catch the festivals.📅 Oct–Nov & Mar–Apr⏱ 10 min readRead guide →NepalMoney & ATMs in NepalCash vs card, ATMs and withdrawal limits, changing money, tipping and daily budgets for Nepal.📅 Updated 2026⏱ 9 min readRead guide →NepalSIM Card & Internet in NepalNcell vs Nepal Telecom, tourist SIMs, data packs, coverage, Wi-Fi and eSIM options for travellers.📅 Updated 2026⏱ 8 min readRead guide →NepalNepal Packing ListWhat to pack for Nepal — trekking gear, clothing by season, documents and essentials, plus a checklist.📅 Updated 2026⏱ 10 min readRead guide →NepalNepal Food & Cuisine GuideDal bhat, momos, Newari feasts and street food — what to eat in Nepal and how to eat it safely.📅 Year-round⏱ 9 min readRead guide →

Getting Around Nepal

How to travel Nepal's key routes, buses, flights, jeeps and private cars, with real costs and times.

Explore Nepal on the Map

A real map of Nepal, tap any marker to open that destination or pilgrimage guide.

📍 Destinations & 🛕 pilgrimage sites across Nepal, from Rara in the far west to Ilam in the east. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

When to Visit: Nepal by Season

Each season opens up a different side of Nepal. Here's what to expect.

🌸 Spring (Mar–May)

Rhododendrons bloom across the hills and the trekking trails are alive with colour. Clear mornings give superb mountain views, and it's the top season for Everest Base Camp and Annapurna treks. Warm in the lowlands.

Best for: trekking, mountain views, Chitwan before the heat.

Full spring guide →

🌧️ Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

The hills turn brilliant green and prices drop, but rain, leeches and clouds can obscure the peaks. It's the ideal time for the rain-shadow regions of Mustang and Upper Dolpo, which stay dry behind the Himalaya.

Best for: Mustang, lush landscapes, fewer crowds, budget travel.

Full monsoon guide →

🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov)

The peak season, crisp, clear skies, stable weather and the year's best Himalayan panoramas. It coincides with the great festivals of Dashain and Tihar. Book treks, flights and hotels well ahead.

Best for: everything, trekking, sightseeing, festivals, photography.

Full autumn guide →

❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold in the mountains with snow at altitude, but the days are often bright and the Kathmandu Valley and Terai are pleasant. Lower treks like Poon Hill stay doable, and Chitwan and Lumbini are at their best.

Best for: Chitwan, Lumbini, the Terai, low-altitude treks, clear valley views.

Full winter guide →
Or plan by month:
January February March April May June July August September October November December

Nepal Trip Planning Tools

Estimate your costs and trekking permits in seconds, built on real, current Nepali prices.

💰 Trip Cost Calculator

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🎫 Trek Permit Calculator

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Estimates only, fees and prices change with season and policy. Confirm with a registered agency and the Nepal Tourism Board before you travel.

Nepal Currency Converter

Live exchange rates for the Nepalese Rupee (NPR) against every world currency, handy for budgeting the prices in our guides.

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Live mid-market rates. For information only, banks and exchanges apply their own margins.

Plan & Book Your Nepal Trip

🏨Hotels in NepalCompare stays from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels.Find hotels
🧭Tours & ActivitiesGuided tours, day trips and adventure activities.See tours
🛡️Travel InsuranceCover trekking, altitude and medical evacuation.Get a quote
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Nepal Travel FAQs

What are the best places to visit in Nepal?

The most popular places to visit in Nepal are Kathmandu (temples and heritage), Pokhara (lakes and mountains), Chitwan (jungle safari), Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha), Mustang (Tibetan high desert), and pilgrimage sites such as Pashupatinath and Muktinath. Trekkers head to Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna region and Poon Hill.

What is the best time to visit Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is autumn (late September to November) and spring (March to May), when skies are clear, mountain views are at their best and temperatures are comfortable. Winter is cold but good for the lowlands and Chitwan, while the monsoon (June to August) is green but wet.

How many days do you need in Nepal?

A first trip to Nepal works well in 5 to 7 days, covering Kathmandu, Pokhara and optionally Chitwan. Add a short trek such as Poon Hill for 10 days, or 12 to 16 days for Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.

Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan) International Airport and major land borders, valid for 15, 30 or 90 days. Indian citizens do not need a visa. Carry passport photos and US dollars for the fee, or apply online in advance.

Is Nepal safe and affordable for tourists?

Nepal is one of Asia's most affordable and welcoming destinations, with budget travel possible from around NPR 3,000–4,500 a day. It is generally safe; the main precautions are altitude sickness on high treks, road conditions in the hills, and standard travel sense in crowded areas.

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