Nepal
A country on the southern flank of the Himalaya. Eight of the 8,000m peaks are here, with temple-filled valleys and subtropical jungle below them.
Landmarks
Mountains, temples, and jungle.
- The highest mountain on earthEverest, 8,849mKhumbu, east
Most people walk to base camp rather than climb, which takes around two weeks return. You fly into Lukla.
- The most walked trailsThe Annapurna regionCentral Nepal
A week to base camp, around a fortnight for the circuit. You sleep in village lodges, so packs stay light.
- A vast stupaBoudhanathKathmandu
A Tibetan Buddhist stupa more than a hundred metres across. Most people circle it at dusk.
- A cremation temple on the riverPashupatinathKathmandu
Hindu cremations are carried out openly on the ghats. Life and death occupy the same ground.
- Jungle with rhinos in itChitwan National ParkTerai, south
One-horned rhino and Bengal tiger live here. Jeep, canoe and walking safaris are offered.
- A lake that reflects the snow peaksPhewa Lake and MachhapuchhrePokhara
On a clear day the Annapurna range sits in the water. Known for paragliding.
World Heritage
Temple cities in the valley, a mountain, and the birthplace of the Buddha.
- Kathmandu ValleySeven monument zonesKathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur
The squares, temples and stupas of three royal cities inscribed as one. Restoration has continued since the 2015 earthquake.
- Sagarmatha National ParkThe Everest regionEast
Glaciers, deep valleys and Sherpa villages together. Sagarmatha is the Nepali name for Everest.
- Chitwan National ParkThe last jungle of the TeraiSouth
One of the few places where the original lowland ecology below the Himalaya survives.
- LumbiniWhere the Buddha was bornSouthwest
The Maya Devi temple and an Ashokan pillar. Monasteries built by many countries stand around it.
Where to go
In through Kathmandu, on to Pokhara, then up into the mountains.
- KathmanduThe capitalCentral valley
The only international gateway. Gear shops and guesthouses cluster in Thamel.
- BhaktapurThe best-preserved old cityEast of Kathmandu
Car-free zones keep it quiet. Staying overnight gives you the early morning.
- PokharaThe trekking baseWest centre
Lake and snow peaks in one view, and cheap. Annapurna trips start here.
- Namche BazaarThe Sherpa townKhumbu, 3,440m
The acclimatisation stop on the Everest trail. Plan two nights here.
- BandipurA hilltop villageCentral Nepal
An old trading-route town kept largely intact. An easy stop between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- MustangDry plateau beyond the HimalayaNorth centre
Culturally Tibetan, so the landscape and monasteries differ. Upper Mustang needs a separate permit.
When to go
The monsoon and mountain visibility set the calendar.
- AutumnOctober to NovemberEverywhere
The monsoon has cleared and visibility is at its best. Peak trekking season, so trails and lodges are full.
- SpringMarch to MayEverywhere
Rhododendrons flower and it is warm. Haze makes the views less sharp than in autumn.
- MonsoonJune to SeptemberEverywhere
Rain and leeches make trekking hard, and cloud hides the peaks. Rain-shadow areas like Mustang are the exception.
- WinterDecember to FebruaryHigh country
High passes close with snow and lodges shut. Lower routes are quiet and rather good.
- Dashain and TiharOctober to NovemberEverywhere
The biggest festivals, with shops and offices closed for days. Transport is heavily booked.
Before you go
Acclimatisation and permits are the core of the preparation.
- EntryVisa on arrival or applied in advanceEverywhere
Korean passports need a tourist visa, obtainable at the airport. The fee varies with duration.
- Trekking permitsTIMS and area entry feesMountain regions
Requirements differ by route, and solo trekking is restricted in some areas. Check before departure.
- Altitude sicknessLimit your daily gainAbove 3,000m
Do not gain more than about 500m a day, and build in rest days. If symptoms are severe, descending is the only answer.
- Mountain flightsFrequently cancelled by weatherLukla and Jomsom
Delays of several days happen. Always leave buffer days before your international flight home.
- MoneyRupee; cash only in the mountainsEverywhere
There are no ATMs on the trails, and prices rise with altitude. Carry enough cash up with you.
- Guides and portersRecommended, and required in placesMountain regions
They do more than show the way; in an accident, the call for rescue goes through them. Check that wages and insurance are fair.
- Emergency numbersPolice 100, ambulance 102Everywhere
Mountain rescue means a helicopter, and it is very expensive. Confirm your insurance covers high-altitude evacuation.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.