Tourism in Nepal
Modern tourism in Nepal commenced in 1950, when the advent of democracy opened the nation to international visitors. Prior to this, Japanese scholar Ekai Kawaguchi had journeyed to Nepal in 1899, offering an early glimpse of the country to the outside world. The first organised guided tour to Kathmandu was arranged by Thomas Cook in 1955, marking a pivotal moment in Nepal’s tourism history.
This landlocked Himalayan nation is globally renowned for its superlatives: the world’s highest peaks, the profound Kali Gandaki Gorge — one of the deepest on earth at 6,967 meters — and a cultural tapestry woven from sacred monasteries, ancient temples, living traditions of reincarnated monks, vibrant festivals, diverse ethnic performances, and the revered Living Goddess, Kumari. Gurkha heritage, pristine fishing rivers, and tranquil boating lakes further enrich its appeal.
Since 1979, UNESCO has inscribed four Nepalese treasures as World Heritage Sites: Sagarmatha National Park, Chitwan National Park, Lumbini — the birthplace of Lord Buddha — and the Kathmandu Valley.
Optimal Travel Season
The prime window for travel extends from September to May. Although the monsoon season from June to September often obscures Himalayan vistas, cultural day tours operate year-round in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visitors typically stay in tourist-standard lodges or luxury hotels offering both Nepalese and international cuisine.
Travelling through Nepal immerses you in birdsong, terraced hillsides, and the commanding presence of snow-capped summits.
Hiking in Nepal
Hiking in Nepal is an exhilarating adventure, involving five to seven hours of trekking daily along rugged trails that traverse the world’s highest mountains and deepest valleys. Available across multiple regions for groups of all sizes, each day’s hike progresses from one camp to another, unveiling new experiences: snow-clad peaks, varied landscapes, seasonal alpine blooms, elusive wildlife, glacial rivers, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque mountain villages.
Nepal is a trekker’s sanctuary — a land where the grandeur of the Himalayas and the depth of Tibetan-influenced culture captivate and console the soul. The Himalayan region remains a remote realm, sustained by the resilience and traditions of its local communities.
Everest Base Camp Trek: Classic 15-Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1,337 m)
Day 02: Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley — 6 hours
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Phakding (2,652 m) — 4 to 5 hours
Day 04: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) — 5 to 6 hours
Day 05: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m) — 5 to 6 hours
Day 07: Trek Tengboche to Dingboche (4,400 m) — 5 to 6 hours
Day 08: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Day 09: Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930 m) — 4 to 5 hours
Day 10: Trek Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) via Gorak Shep (5,180 m) — 6 to 7 hours
Day 11: Trek Gorak Shep to Pheriche (4,250 m) — 7 to 8 hours
Day 12: Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) — 7 to 8 hours
Day 13: Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860 m) — 7 to 8 hours
Day 14: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350 m) — 30 minutes
Day 15: Departure from Tribhuvan International Airport
Premier Destinations in Nepal
Nepal’s breadth of attractions is remarkable: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Daman, Janakpur, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Rara Lake, Sinja Valley, and community homestays in Namje, Sirubari, and Ghale Gaon. Wildlife sanctuaries include Chitwan, Bardia, and Koshi Tappu. Pilgrimage and trekking domains span Lumbini, Gosaikunda, the Annapurna and Everest regions, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Rolwaling, Dhaulagiri, Upper Mustang, Ilam, Nepalgunj, Muktinath, Halesi Mahadev, and Kakre Bihar.
These destinations are celebrated for panoramic Himalayan views, artisan shopping, ancient monuments, palace squares, serene lakes, birdwatching, angling, guided tours, trekking, sacred sites, natural caves, living culture, artistry, festivals, vibrant nightlife, conference facilities, and profound tranquillity. Cities, villages, viewpoints, and pilgrimage sites enchant both international and domestic travellers alike.
Kathmandu: The Cultural Capital
Kathmandu denotes a city, valley, district, and the nation’s capital. Spanning 395 sq. km and perched at 1,350 meters, the bowl-shaped valley was, according to legend, once a primordial lake of the Nagas. The valley floor is marked by ancient river terraces and encircled by forested hills. The sacred Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers originate in Shivapuri National Park and exit through the Chobhar Gorge.
With 3,000 years of continuous civilisation, Kathmandu is a city of temples. Notable quarters include Thamel, Ason, New Road, Baluwatar, Naxal, Durbar Marg, Baneshwor, Kirtipur, Balaju, Ratna Park, Maharajgunj, and Lazimpat. As a metropolitan hub, it hosts Tribhuvan International Airport, connecting Nepal to the world. Just 6 km west of TIA lies Thamel, Nepal’s principal tourist enclave, anchored by seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and complemented by shopping districts, educational institutions, hospitals, administrative centres, and enduring Newar settlements.
Pokhara: Gateway to the Annapurna
Pokhara, the principal city of Kaski District in Gandaki Province, is Nepal’s adventure capital. The country’s second-largest valley, at 466 sq. km, it offers spellbinding views of snow-clad giants, Ramsar-designated lakes, idyllic villages, and trailheads to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions.
Situated 202 km west of Kathmandu at an elevation of 827 meters, Pokhara’s topography blends rivers, hills, forests, and verdant farmland. From its lakeshore, the Annapurna (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), and Lamjung Himal dominate the skyline. Lumle, near Pokhara, records Nepal’s highest annual rainfall.
Lumbini: Birthplace of the Buddha
Lumbini, in Rupandehi District, lies 302 km southwest of Kathmandu in the Terai foothills at an elevation of 150 meters. It is 22 km west of Bhairahawa Airport and 25 km north of Sunauli on the Indian border. Here, Prince Siddhartha Gautama — later the Buddha — was born in Lumbini Garden on the full moon of May, 623 BCE. The site remains a global sanctuary for peace and compassion.
The Lumbini Development Trust, established in 1985, oversees preservation and development. UNESCO designated Lumbini a World Heritage Site in 1997.
Excavations in 1930 by Keshar Shumsher Rana revealed a Marker Stone, nativity sculptures, a gold casket, terracotta Bodhisattva figures, and charred human remains. Former UN Secretary-General U Thant’s visit prompted Nepal to develop Lumbini as an international pilgrimage centre. Japanese architect Prof. Kenzo Tange designed the Master Plan in 1970, approved by the government in 1978.
The Master Plan encompasses 1 × 3 sq. miles and integrates the Sacred Garden, Monastic Zone, New Lumbini Village, a library, museum, canals, and visitor amenities. A 1.6-km central canal flanked by brick walkways connects the garden to international monasteries.
Emperor Ashoka of India made a pilgrimage here in 249 BCE and erected a stone pillar inscribed, “Hida Budhe Jate Sakyamuniti” — “Here the Buddha Shakyamuni was born.” Chinese pilgrims Tseng Tsai (4th century), Fa-Hsien (5th century), and Hiuen-Tsang (7th century) recorded visits. King Ripu Malla of the Karnali Kingdom left an inscription atop the Ashokan Pillar in 1312: “Om Mani Padme Hum Ripu Malla Chiranjayatu.” General Khadga Shumsher Rana and Dr Alois Führer rediscovered the pillar during a 1896 archaeological survey.
Lumbini’s residents represent diverse ethnicities: Yadav, Muslim, Tharu, Harijan, Lodh, Chamar, Gupta, Mallah, Bahun, Chhetri, Shreevastav, Kohar, Muray, and Goswami, speaking Nepali and Bhojpuri.
Accommodations range from budget lodges to luxury resorts in Lumbini and nearby Bhairahawa. Rickshaws and bicycles provide transport within the Master Plan area. Flights to Bhairahawa take 30 minutes; buses require 8 hours from Kathmandu. Private vehicles reach Lumbini in 9 hours from Kathmandu and 7 hours from Pokhara. Temperatures peak at 40°C in summer and drop to 7°C in winter.
A journey through Nepal yields countless photographic treasures and indelible memories. You are warmly welcome to experience Nepal’s finest tours, complete with complimentary expert guidance.