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.
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 destinations, pilgrimage sites, itineraries, trekking guides, the interactive map or our seasonal guide.
The places that define a trip to Nepal — cities, lakes, jungle and high desert.
KathmanduLiving temples, medieval squares and the gateway to Nepal.Read guide →
PokharaLakeside calm beneath the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks.Read guide →
ChitwanJungle safaris, one-horned rhinos and the wild Terai.Read guide →
MustangThe forbidden kingdom — a Tibetan high desert beyond the Himalaya.Read guide →
IlamRolling tea gardens and misty green hills in the far east.Read guide →
Rara LakeNepal's largest lake, a sapphire jewel in the remote far west.Read guide → Nepal is a spiritual heartland for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Explore its most revered temples and shrines.
HinduPashupatinath TempleNepal's holiest Shiva shrine on the sacred Bagmati.Read guide →
Hindu & BuddhistMuktinathSacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike, at 3,710m in Mustang.Read guide →
HinduJanaki MandirThe birthplace of Sita and a marble marvel in Janakpur.Read guide →
BuddhistLumbiniThe birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Read guide →
HinduManakamanaThe wish-fulfilling goddess, reached by Nepal's first cable car.Read guide → Day-by-day plans you can follow or adapt — from a quick lakeside break to the classic Nepal loop.
3 Days in PokharaLakeside, sunrise at Sarangkot and a taste of the Annapurnas.Read guide →5 Days: Kathmandu & PokharaNepal's two great cities — heritage plus the Himalaya.Read guide →7 Days in NepalThe classic loop: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan jungle.Read guide →Janakpur Pilgrimage TourA devotional journey through the land of Sita and the Ramayana.Read guide → Nepal is the world's greatest trekking destination. Start with these classic routes.
Everest Base CampThe world's most famous trek to the foot of Sagarmatha.Read guide →
Annapurna Base CampInto the Annapurna Sanctuary, ringed by 7,000m+ giants.Read guide →
Mardi HimalA quieter ridge trek beneath the 'Fishtail', Machhapuchhre.Read guide →
Poon HillNepal's classic short trek — sunrise over the Annapurnas.Read guide → 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.
Each season opens up a different side of Nepal. Here's what to expect.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Live exchange rates for the Nepalese Rupee (NPR) against every world currency — handy for budgeting the prices in our guides.
Live mid-market rates. For information only — banks and exchanges apply their own margins.
Booking links may be affiliate partnerships — they help keep BriefNepal free and never change the price you pay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.