Nepal Information

There are few countries on the earth that match Nepal’s combination of spectacular scenery, exotic culture and hospitable people. Along with the world's deepest canyon and eight of the world's ten-highest mountains, Nepal also has steamy jungles and terraced valleys laced with ancient villages, remote temples and wildlife preserves. The colors, sounds and feel of Nepal will surprise and delight you at every turn, and the roads, people, and places will challenge you to see the world as you never have before. Whether you are a trekker in one of the many mountain areas, a climber on your way to Everest, or a seeker on the path to enlightenment, Nepal is a powerful and exhilarating country.

Join Adventures Around the World as we take you from the mountains to the jungle and allow you to have new, exciting and meaningful experiences.

Nepal Adventure Regions
Nepal Activities
Nepal When to Go

Traveling to Nepal is as easy as ever with help from Adventures Around the World. We handle the details so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Nepal Adventure Regions

KATHMANDU VALLEY

The Kathmandu Valley is the political center of Nepal and the starting point for our adventures. This sheltered mountain valley has seen the rise and fall of many sophisticated kingdoms and consists of three cities—Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. With the rise of the valley’s population, these cities are slowly becoming one, but each still maintains its own character and culture. The valley is scattered with breathtaking temples, frenetic city life and scattered sites of art and culture. The most popular temples are the Swayambhunath, Bodhnath and Pashupatinath temples, each with its own character and religious importance.

POKHARA

Pokhara is Nepal’s center for adventure tourism. This enchanted city is nestled in a tranquil valley located on the shore of beautiful Phewa Lake. The shore of the lake is a place where hipster backpackers and intrepid travelers crowd the many vivacious bars and restaurants, exchanging stories of adventure and excitement. Hike up to the World Peace Pagoda, paraglide from Sarangkot, raft the mighty Kali Gandaki River or just relax lakeside with the prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

THE TERAI AND SOUTHERN NEPAL

Below the spectacular Himalayan Mountain Massif and above India lies the Terai region of Nepal. This area contains a large part of Nepal’s population, agriculture and ancient Hindu temples. Located on the northern border of the Indian Plateau, the religious influence of the south nurtures ancient temples, the birthplace of Buddha, and Bardia and Chitwan National Parks.

CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

This enormous nature preserve in south-central Nepal is another popular destination for travelers. The park is a case study in community forestry and buffer zones. Through difficult work by the government, various organizations and community members, the wildlife is being conserved against all odds. The park is a refuge for tigers, leopards, rare gangetic dolphins and the rare and highly protected one-horned rhinos.

LUMBINI

This small and isolated area in Nepal supports one attraction—the birthplace of Gautama Siddhartha Buddha, the man who would achieve enlightenment and inspire an entire religion of reflection and peace. As one of the most important religious sites in the world, the low-key character and remoteness are humbling to visitors.

THE MOUNTAINS

The Himalayan Mountain Massif extends along the entire northern border of Nepal with many different choices for destinations. The main areas of travel are to the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Region. Other lesser known areas include Langtang, Helambu, Makalu-Barun, and Kanchenjunga. Trekking in Nepal means traveling along well-established trails through remote villages and valleys. Lodging is easily accessible in local teahouses or in tents where lodges are not available.

THE EVEREST REGION – SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK

Hiking to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world takes dedication, time and some serious hiking. There are three valleys in the Everest region, each maintaining its own trekking character, and each can be linked by the valley trails or over the high-mountain passes during the right seasons. A full trip to the base camp takes between 15 and 21 days, including acclimatization. Along the way you will visit famous locations such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar and Tengboche.

THE ANNAPURNA REGION

This is the most popular trekking area in Nepal and provides many amenities and lodges. There are two main trails in this area, the first is the entire Annapurna Circuit, which takes 16 to 18 days to complete. The second is the Annapurna Sanctuary, which takes 10 to 14 days. For a shorter trip, a good option is to either fly into or out of Jomson, which is halfway through the trek and will take 6 to 9 days on the trail. This is a perfect starter trip, as it is slightly less strenuous than the Everest Region.

Nepal Activities

HIKING AND TREKKING

Nepal is one of the world’s best trekking destinations. Nepal has eight of the ten highest peaks in the world and ranges in elevation from the top of Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) to just above sea level on the India Plateau. Trekking in Nepal includes many national parks and mountain zones that lead you through some of the most spectacular scenery and mountain views in the world. Day trips are possible, but we recommend at least a six-day tour to get into the mountains. Some routes are up to three weeks in particular areas. The most popular areas are the Everest region and the Annapurnas, but other less-traveled regions near Helambu, Langtang, Kanchenjunga and the Makalu/Barun are incredible places to see as well.

MOUNTAINEERING

Nepal has 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world at least partly within it’s borders. Many peaks in and around the trekking areas have optional climbs for those with the desire to reach one of the highest points on earth. Beginners to the sport can arrange to climb one of the local peaks over a short multi-day expedition, and for others there can be multi-week experiences that require skill and perseverance by all the participants. Adventures Around the World can easily arrange a mountaineering add-on to any of our Nepal trips.

WHITEWATER RAFTING/KAYAKING

The Nepal topography creates some of the best whitewater rivers in the world for rafting and kayaking. Trips vary from scenic floats for wildlife viewing to adrenaline-charged canyons and big-volume wilderness rivers that take up to 12 days to descend. A multi-day float will take you through the rural areas of Nepal rarely traveled by visitors. Great day trips are available as well. Our most popular whitewater runs are on the Marsyandi.

CULTURAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Nepal is a very diverse and religious community. Its location between India and Tibet has created a myriad of languages, customs and beliefs. In addition to active and exciting activities, we always build incredible cultural sights and sounds into our trips. Adventures Around the World works hard to find unique and immersing activities to educate you on the people and places of Nepal. Our years of experience here allow us to create unique experiences, and we build these activities into every itinerary.

CAMPING

Most trekking areas of Nepal are developed with quaint teahouses and some modern amenities, but many trekking groups prefer to be self-sufficient with their own camping equipment. We also travel some routes that require us to have our own equipment to make it through the high-mountain and unpopulated areas. Options are available no matter how you want to travel.

BIRD AND WILDLIFE WATCHING

Due to the varying climates in Nepal’s topography, many unique animals can be seen while on our adventures. Birds are abundant in this Himalayan Kingdom, with over 850 species being known as regular residents. March to May is the main breeding season and, depending on our location, we can find anything from huge raptors to incredible water birds like storks and cranes. We always have a few pairs of binoculars and ID books with us on all of our trips, but some locations do have built-in bird outings. In the larger national parks in southern Nepal we can find animals such as the Bengal tiger, the spotted leopard, the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and the ever-present primates. Depending on your interest and desires, we can customize your trip for an incredible wildlife experience.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

The Kathmandu Valley is rimmed with temples and small villages that can be put together as a two- or three-day biking tour. With leisurely village trails in the Kathmandu Valley, challenging climbs with spectacular viewpoints and exhilarating descents mountain biking in the valley, Nepal offers many unique opportunities for the adventurer. Trips can also be arranged throughout Nepal between city and village destinations.

PARAGLIDING

Imagine flying high above the mountains in Nepal on a silent flight below a glider. Paragliding courses and trips start near Pokhara. Amazing views of the Annapurna region abound as you glide above the majestic Phewa Tal Lake. Ranked as one of the best paragliding spots in the world, you can either join an instructor on a tandem flight or take a multi-day course and fly solo after learning the skills from one of the local companies.

CANYONING

This unique sport is a spectacular combination of rappelling/abseiling, sliding, swimming and climbing down steep-walled canyons and creeks in the mountains of Nepal. We explore different canyons depending on the water level and the season, but all guarantee excitement and great experiences.

BUNGEE JUMPING

The “Ultimate Bungee” lies in a tight canyon just 12 km from the Tibetan border and plunges a heart-stopping 160 Meters into the Bhote Kosi Gorge. It is one of the world’s longest bungee jumps and is complete with a lunch—wisely served after your jump.

OTHER EXCITING ACTIVITIES

Different regions of Nepal offer exciting opportunities for the adventurous traveler. We happily arrange activities such as horseback riding, kayak clinics, and mountain-view flights.

Nepal When to Go

Nepal is a mountainous country located in Central Asia between India and Tibet. Nepal has a monsoonal, two-season year. The rainy season (monsoon) is from June to September, and the dry season is from October to May. The best time to travel in Nepal is in the fall, September to October, and in the spring, March to May. Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations, and winter temperatures drop to freezing with a high level of snowfall in the mountains. A winter trek just means more clothing and fewer tourists. The rainy season is best to avoid because of travel delays and difficult trekking.

AVERAGE NEPAL TEMPERATURES AND RAINFALL