Trekking paradise to appreciate the Himalaya.
Mount Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp trekking is one of the most anticipated and best places for trekking in Nepal. Just only the name Mount Everest is exciting! On this 130-kilometer trail, you will experience incredible natural scenery, villages and monasteries, and unique culture through the mountains.
Although technically not as difficult as the name, high altitude can make long journeys challenging even for some of the healthiest people. It is recommended to take a full 12 to 13 days to complete.
Take a very small plane from Kathmandu to Lukla town to start the trek. You can go trekking with or without Sherpa guidance. If you are hiking without a guide, please leave early to ensure that you have enough time to get to the next accommodation. Along the way, you can buy breakfast, lunch and dinner at a lower price in the hotel, but to avoid stopping too long at lunchtime, please bring some snacks or lunch.
If you have a few more days of free time, consider hiking to Lake Gokyo. These clear blue lakes, located in the valleys next to them, will never let you down.
You must conquer the challenging Cho-La Pass, which is one of the most terrifying mountain passes in Nepal. A guide is necessary for trekking through the Cho-La Pass, especially if it is snowing or freezing. This route also adds to the long journey through the glacier, which is difficult to navigate in some places, and it is too dangerous without a guide. They rely on people who support the tourism industry to add less worry and fun to your hiking trips.
You need two permits to hike to the Everest Base Camp, as well as two passport photos and your passport. If you are hiking with a group, the first permit is $10, and if you are hiking without a guide, it is $20. These can be purchased at the tourist service center in Kathmandu. You will also need to purchase a permit for Sagarmatha National Park during the hike, which costs $30.
In addition to ordinary hiking equipment, be sure to bring a warm sleeping bag and a lot of toilet paper, because the price is expensive along the way.
Annapurna Circuit
Annapurna Circuit is another popular trekking route in Nepal. This beautiful and challenging route takes 14 days to complete and has a total length of 260 kilometers. The highest point is Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,400m, which requires a climb of 1,685m.
The trek starts in Besisahar and ends in Nayapul. You can take a bus or a jeep from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Bessi Shahar.
You can plan your route based on time, and 7 days is the shortest time. In this case, start at Jagat and end at Muktinath or Jomsom. However, less than 7 days is risky because you may not have enough time to adjust to Thorong La Pass.
You can hike with your guide, team up or go on your own. Every hiker needs a TIMS card (Hiker Information Management System) and Annapurna Reserve Permit, which can be obtained at the tourist information offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The trekking budget can be $25 per person per day, including trekking permits, transportation, accommodation, and food. The cost of hiring a porter is between US$20-25 per day. One porter can carry up to 20 kg, so one can be shared between 2 people. The guide costs US$25-30 per day, and up to 5-6 hikers can share a guide. There are many hotels and cafes along the way, so you don’t need to bring any camping equipment or food. It is important to bring enough cash， there are few places to accept cards.
Annapurna Base Camp
The Annapurna Base Camp trail is a great choice in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas, passing through the heart of the Himalayas, with magnificent scenery. The trek ends at Annapurna Base Camp at the foot of the most dangerous mountain in the world.
Head to the lakeside town of Pokhara as a base for trekking, about an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu. From there, the starting point of the trek, Nayapul, is only an hour’s drive from Pokhara. The hike takes about 7 to 12 days. This 115-kilometer-long route has a maximum altitude of 4,130m, and includes an early morning hike to Poon Hill, which has amazing scenery.
It is beautiful all year round. For the large amount of snow from November to January and the feeling of a real mountainous area, please bring enough warm layers and good quality sleeping bags. In summer, you can see beautiful flowers and green plants. You need a TIMS card and ACAP ticket to complete the hike. Please prepare a passport-sized photo.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
If you want to escape the crowds of the Everest and Annapurna regions, but want incredible scenery, Manaslu Circuit Trek is your best choice.
You will cycle around Manaslu, the 8th highest peak in the world, for a period of 14 days. It started in the jungle and climbed more than 5,000 meters over the Khao Lak Pass. Along the river, past spectacular waterfalls and iconic suspension bridges. The real attraction is the unique opportunity to experience Tibetan culture. The Manaslu area borders Tibet, and the local people have a higher degree of identification with Tibetan heritage than with Nepalese culture.
Take a 10-hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Arkhet Bazaar and start the trek. It ends in Bessi Sahar.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for those beaten track experiences who desire to combine epic high-altitude scenery with a unique cultural experience.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trek, so permits and guides are required. You can book in Kathmandu a few days before departure. It is more expensive than other hikes, with a budget of approximately US$1,200.
Most teahouses are only open during the dry season, namely October to December and March to May. You will stay in a tent at 4,200 meters above sea level on the 11th night. There are no toilets, WiFi, or hot showers. You mainly eat Dal Bhat.
Ghandruk Trek
Ghandruk Trek is suitable for short-distance hikers at low altitudes. The scenery along Ghandruk is beautiful, passing through picturesque rice fields, forests and stone steps to Ghandruk Village. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the southern mountains of Annapurna. The best time is from mid-September to May when the sky is clear.
The Ghandruk Trek takes 3-4 days, the trek does not exceed 2,000 meters above sea level, and there is no difficult ascent or descent.
There are tea houses and villages on the trails. You don’t have to worry about bringing food and water, but you should bring enough clothes for a three-day hike and a sleeping bag. There are blankets in the tea house and it will be very cold at night.
Ghandruk Trek requires a license that can be purchased from any travel agency in Nepal. Although a guide is not required, it is recommended if you are not an experienced hiker.
The starting point of Ghandruk Trek is Phedi, about an hour’s drive from Pokhara. If you are accompanied by a guide, they will arrange transportation for you, otherwise, you can book a bus or take a public bus through a local travel agency.
Historical and Cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Seto Machhendranath Temple
A hidden gem in Kathmandu is located between Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square. This temple, built in the 17th century, attracts Hindus and Buddhists, and it enshrines the god Seto Machindranath. Buddhists believe that he is a human form (Avalokitesvara) that represents the compassion of the Buddhas. Hindus believe that he is the incarnation of the Hindu Shiva.
In addition, there is a mysterious Western female statue in the courtyard, surrounded by candles, facing the temple.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Durbar Square is just a few steps away from Thamel and is the second most visited place in Kathmandu. It is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some buildings collapsed in the 2015 earthquake, showing the spectacular architecture and skills of Newar’s craftsmen. However, as the area is slowly being rebuilt, there are still a series of Buddhist and Hindu holy sites and temples, courtyards, former royal palaces, pagodas and statues that are worth visiting.
Old Freak Street
After arriving in the area, be sure to visit Freak Street, a small street south of the square. As early as the 1960s and 1970s, this street was a famous area where hippies flocked to Nepal. Mainly government-run cannabis shops, attracting hippies from all over the world. Until the government began to issue strict regulations on the appearance and dress requirements of tourists.
After such regulations, the hippie movement in Nepal disappeared in the late 1970s. However, the traditional form of tourism quickly replaced hippie tourism.
Today, this street looks no different from other streets in Kathmandu, full of shops, cheap hotels, trekking agencies, souvenir stalls, etc.
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Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is the third square in the Kathmandu Valley, located outside the capital. Nevertheless, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is still one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu.
Patan Durbar Square was built between the 14th and 18th centuries and also has typical Nivari wood carvings. Wander among Buddhist and Hindu temples, visit the Patan Museum, and admire the idols around the square. It is more relaxed than Kathmandu Durbar Square, there are no endless souvenir stalls.
Boudhanath Stupa
Not far from the Pashupatinath Temple, you will find the largest spherical stupa in Nepal and the Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tranquility of the pagoda and seeing the spiritual side of the city. Lined up with Buddhist prayer flags, the white-painted dome and the Buddha’s all-seeing eye are a fascinating landscape. In the 1950s, when refugees from Tibet, China came to Kathmandu to live and settle in the area around the stupa, the stupa became a religious site for Tibetan Buddhists.
At sunset, Tibetan Buddhists circle the stupa, chant and turn the prayer wheel.
Wildlife and Nature in Nepal
Bardiya National Park
Bardiya National Park is located in the westernmost corner of Nepal; it is very remote, actually closer to Delhi, India than to Kathmandu, and its isolated location protects nature and wildlife.
If you want to visit an almost unspoiled wilderness area, Bardiya is the place for you. It is one of the best places in the world to watch wild Bengal tigers, rhinos, and Asian elephants. Other wild animals include many birds, deer and monkeys.
Bardiya has some excellent eco-huts and homestays and can arrange many activities such as jungle trekking, jeep tours, and even rafting in the park. For your own safety, tour guides are indispensable. They are very professional and provide a wealth of information about nature.
The rafting trip is very calm but provides close encounters with crocodiles and the opportunity to see Ganges dolphins.
Most of the villages near the entrance of the park belong to the indigenous Tharu people. Cycling around to see the beautiful countryside and the rural lifestyle is just as meaningful as visiting the national park.
Koshi Tappu
Koshi Tappu is a wetland nature reserve located in eastern Nepal. It is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate after hiking the Annapurna Track. The reserve covers an area of 175 square kilometers and was originally established to protect the last remaining wild Asian buffalo.
You can see Ganges dolphins in the Koshi River, and birdwatchers can spot about 485 recorded bird species. On the edge of the nature reserve, you can visit the village of Tharu and observe their traditional way of life.
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp on the edge of the reserve is a great place to stay for exploration. The camp has 20 fixed safari tents and a restaurant serving delicious Nepalese cuisine. They also offer various activities, including bird-watching walks, jeep tours, and rafting.
To reach Koshi Tappu, take one of the daily buses from Kathmandu to Kakarbhitta or Biratnagar. Get off at Jamuha and walk 1.5 kilometers to the reserve headquarters in Kusaha Sunsari district. Or, fly to Biratnagar and take a bus to Jamuha.
Best foods and something you should know.
Local foods
It is always a good idea to enjoy local food in Nepal. Most teahouses have extensive menus, including Western dishes such as pizza, pasta, potatoes, macaroni, and fried rice. I suggest you eat local food during the hike. It’s really delicious, and it’s usually much cheaper. The two main local dishes are Dal Bhat and momos.
Dal Bhat is the national dish of Nepal. It is white rice, curry lentils, and some kind of local vegetable. Usually, the whole dish is vegetarian, but sometimes you can eat a little meat. Each chef’s approach is slightly different, so sometimes it is spicier than others, but it is always cheap.
Momos are dumplings filled with small meat and vegetables, a bit like Japanese dumplings or Chinese buns. They can be steamed or fried and come with dipping sauce. They are delicious!
If you see “buff” on the menu, it is not a typo. This means buffalo. Nepal is a country dominated by Hinduism, they do not eat cattle. But somehow, it’s okay to eat their cousin Buffalo.
Thamel District and Equipment to rent.
Hamel is one of the most popular areas in Kathmandu, full of tourists and crowds. Tibetan prayer flags dot the skyline. It is undoubtedly one of the best food and drinks areas, where you can find locals selling street food, fresh vegetables, bars, and cafes offering local or international cuisine. In addition, this is the best place to stay in Kathmandu, as some of the attractions are within walking distance. There are also clothes and souvenirs. One thing you need to pay attention to when shopping in Thamel or other places in Nepal is bargaining. If you plan to hike in Nepal, dozens of shops sell or rent this equipment.
In addition to all these shops and restaurants, Thamel has many places worth visiting. Its narrow alleys are filled with little-known and less crowded shrines and temples.
Drink clean water
Drinking water from mountain trails is not recommended. Annapurnas has a safe drinking water initiative. The stations that supply this treated water are marked along the way, such as in restaurants. The locals drink directly from the public taps found in each village. These are piped from a source on the top of the mountain, which should be a safe source of water.
It is recommended to use a portable filter that can kill bacteria and parasites, which is more reliable than using chlorine tablets.
Leech in the wind season
The Nepalese word for leech is “juka”. During the monsoon season, leeches will go all out on rainy days, especially in densely-vegetated areas. They range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters and have incredible ninja attack power. They can climb on your boots and socks, but you never feel them. On days when there are a lot of leeches, you may need to stop and check the leeches every few minutes.
Avoid hiking during the monsoon season from June to September. Sprinkling salt on the socks can deter leeches. If you are really bitten, just pull them off. It’s bloody, but it doesn’t hurt. If you react to insect bites, bring some Benedryl.
Arrival visa and traveling to Nepal
The regulations for the foreigners traveling to Nepal.
- You must have PCR test certificate showing negative result results and taken not earlier than 72 hours before their boarding or the certificate of full dose of vaccination. This provision will not be applied for children below 5 years of age.
- You must bear all the expenses of COVID-19 tests, hotel quarantine, hospitalization, remaining in isolation etc.
- If any symptom of COVID-19 is found or suspected you must make COVID-19 test as soon as possible and remain in isolation if found positive.
- Tourists can stay in hotel quarantine while other persons who are residing in Nepal can go to home quarantine provided they fulfill the requirements provided above.
- The list of hotels to stay in quarantine can be found here
- All persons traveling to Nepal must observe hygiene protocols approved by the Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal during their stay in Nepal.
Arrival visa
The Nepalese government has decided to reinstate visas on arrival for those who received the full dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before arriving in Nepal. The following regulations apply to visas on arrival:
1. In addition to the regular visa-related documents, visitors need to submit the following documents:
- The COVID-19 vaccination certificate shows a complete vaccination, and the last vaccination was at least 14 days before arrival in Nepal.
- COVID-19 test report (RT-PCR, Gene Expert, True NAAT or WHO accredited test) showing negative result done within last 72 hours of boarding from the first airport or, if the traveler is entering through land boarder, taken within 72 hours of entry. This report will not require for children below 5 years.
- Copies of permits for mountain climbing, trekking and other activities that require permits (if applicable).
- Confirm the hotel booked in Nepal,
A printed copy of the online form (Online Arrival Form for International Travellers) was completed by logging into ccmc.gov.np.
2. All foreigners arriving in Nepal must be tested for COVID-19 at the entry point in Nepal. If he/she is found to be positive for COVID-19, he/she should go to an isolation center or hospital designated by the Ministry of Health and Population.
However, if there is no such testing facility at the entry point, passengers must be tested for COVID-19 anywhere near their hotel and remain isolated in the hotel until the test result is negative.
3. Passport holders of those countries that are eligible for visa-on-arrival in Nepal can avail of this facility. If your country is not listed for visa-on-arrival in Nepal, you must take a prior visa to enter Nepal.
Travelers without full doze of vaccination.
Travelers without the certificate of full doze vaccination are not eligible for visa-one-arrival. They must take the visa from the Embassy to enter Nepal. Such persons require to go for 10 days of hotel quarantine in Kathmandu to the designated hotels (please click here for the list of hotels). On the 10th day, they have to test for COVID-19 on their own expenses and wait till the result. They can leave the hotel if the test result comes negative. Otherwise, if the test report comes to posit they will be sent to the isolation canter or hospital designated by the Ministry of Health and Population of the Government of Nepal.
If a person who has not completed full doze of vaccination before 14 days of arrival in Nepal wishes to apply for the visa to the Embassy, he/she should:
a. Submit a valid reason for not being vaccinated,
b. Submit health insurance that covers health expenses during his/her travel in Nepal.
c. Submit a hotel booking in the designated hotel of at least 10 days for quarantine in Kathmandu.
Useful Links
Nepal Embassy
Ministry of Health & Population
Immigration of Nepal
Nepal Tourism Board
The Offical Portal of Governmant of Nepal
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