In this article, you will get to know the top things to do in Nepal from thrilling adventures to many more unique activities. Although being a small country, Nepal is one of the most chosen destinations by travelers.
Many foreigners haven’t heard about Nepal, but those who have heard know what this country offers.
With various diversity, Nepal is a place to pay a visit to once in a lifetime. But one trip is not enough to explore everything about the country of the Himalayas.
With so many things to do, we are going to highlight some of them. Trekking and Hiking, Bungee Jumping, Paragliding, White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Jungle Safari, Ultra flight, Sky Diving, Mountain Biking, Yoga, Meditation, etc. are the best things to do in Nepal.
Also, food junkies can try famous Nepalese food like Daal Bhaat, Momos, Newari Cuisine, etc. Moreover, you can visit different festival seasons.
Celebrate the major festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Holi, etc. with Nepalese people, which will be your lifetime unforgettable experience.
Top Things to Do in Nepal
Nepal always has been synonymous with adventure. With countless adventure activities, we are going to list only the top 15 things to do.
As the country of Mount Everest, Nepal is not only about trekking and hiking; instead, there are lots of activities to do.
Kathmandu and Pokhara are the main tourist hubs, but besides these, there are places like Chitwan, Bardiya, Nagarkot, etc. to do natural adventure activities.
| Things to do in Nepal | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Trekking & Hiking | Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp |
| Rafting & Kayaking | Bhotekoshi, Trishuli |
| Canyoning | Jalbire, Bhotekoshi |
| Bungee Jumping | Bhotekoshi, Pokhara, Kusma |
| Paragliding | Pokhara, Kathmandu |
| Zip Flyer | Pokhara, Dhulikhel |
| Skydiving | Pokhara, Khumbu Region |
| Mountaineering | Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Manaslu, Lhotse, Everest, Pumori, Amadablam, Baruntse |
| Bird Watching | Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, Koshi Tappu |
| Jungle Safari | Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park |
| Mountain Biking | Pokhara, Kathmandu |
| Yoga & Meditation | Kathmandu, Pokhara |
| Shopping | Thamel, New Road, Basantapur, Asan, Patan, Bhaktapur |
| Village Tours | Chitwan, Lamjung, Baithali |
| Fishing | Karnali, Bardiya |
1. Trekking in Nepal
Many travelers want to visit Nepal and the main reasons behind is trekking and hiking. As a country of the Himalayas, Nepal is famous for its awesome trekking trails.
Everest Base Camp Trekking and Annapurna Base Camp Trekking are the two famous trekking trails.
Also for hiking, many famous routes can be completed with ease. If you are looking for easy routes then you can visit the hill stations. Hill station trips are like short days hiking and enjoying the night at the lodge/teahouses.
Moreover, there are other famous routes like Langtang Valley Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek which have long trekking routes.
But also you can enjoy short trekking routes like Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Everest Panorama Trek, Sarangkot Dhampus Trek, Sailung Trekking, etc.
2. Rafting and Kayaking
With the high current flow of water from the highest mountain ranges, Nepal offers the best whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities.
Generally, Rivers are graded by the expert from extreme to Moderate levels.
Guided by the river expert, you can take part in these thrilling adventure sports. There are dozens of rivers in Nepal for rafting & kayaking.
Some of the popular names of the river for rafting are the Upper Seti River, Sunkoshi River, Tamur River, Karnali River, Kali Gandaki River, Trisuli River, Marshyangdi River, etc.
Normally, Rafting and Kayaking is a half-day trip but you can go for a multi-day tour so, you can spend a night in the nearby riverside resort.
Also for your information, rafter considered Sunkoshi River as the top 10 best rafting spots in the world.
3. Canyoning
Canyoning is about stepping down either by jumping, sliding, or abseiling through a steep wall and waterfall using a rope to a pool of water.
Canyoning in Nepal is one of the toughest adventure sports and top travel websites like Lonely Planet recommend it.
Thrill-seekers can enjoy the canyoning activities at Jalbire and Bhotekoshi.
Enjoy the slide, refreshing waterfall, and natural scene which helps to make yourself more energized, and relaxed.
4. Bungee Jumping in Nepal
Bungee Jumping in Nepal is the top thing to do in Nepal for adventure freaks. Few activities can be done without any training or preparation and one of them is Bungy Jumping.
The ultimate goal of doing the Bungee jump is all about free fall and the thrilling excitement.
With more places to expand, right now there are two spots for Bungee Jumping in Nepal.
Among two places, Bungee Jumping at The Last Resort, Bhotekoshi is popular. Another Bungee Jumping Spot is located at Kushma, Pokhara.
5. Paragliding
Flying like a bird in the sky is a dream for everyone. so for that, you should try Paragliding as it is one of the most loved adventure sports in Nepal.
You can do solo or tandem paragliding in Nepal. With the amazing view of the mountains, you will absolutely love the view of the city.
With the experienced pilots at Sarangkot, you can paraglide safely in the heavenly city of Pokhara.
Paragliding in Pokhara and viewing the snow-capped mountains over Phewa Lake is the best thing to do in Nepal for the adventure seeker.
6. Zip Flyer
Nepal offers the most incredible and steepest zip flyer in the world. Experience the world’s tallest, longest, steepest zip line located in the most beautiful city, Pokhara.
With a total length of 1.8 kilometers, 56-degree inclination, and a vertical drop of 600 meters, the zip flyer is a thing not to be missed while you are in Nepal.
You will face the picturesque view of the Annapurna Himalayas at 100+ km speed located at Sarangkot which is 30 minutes away from the main city of Pokhara. Keeping the priority on safety, a zip flyer is designed with international standards.
7. Sky Diving
Sky Diving is a new adventure sport in Nepal. As a country of mountains, there is a lot of difference in skydiving between other countries and Nepal. You will get to enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Himalayas.
In Nepal, there are two spots for a skydive, one is Everest, and the other is Pokhara. For this adventure sport, Everest is the most thrilling place to enjoy diving.
Everest skydiving takes place in front of the Highest Peak in the World “Mount Everest (8,848.86 m)“. The plane or chopper drops you near the highest point, Gorak Shep or Kala Pathar.
With the best aerial view in the world, Everest Skydiving will be your unique life experience.
If you are skydiving for the first time then Pokhara is the place for skydiving, which is less extreme than Everest Diving.
With the Professional Pilots and Diving team, Pokhara Skydiving is guaranteed to be safe. You will love the tall standing Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks, with the dropzone above the Phewa Lake.
Skydiving can be done solo if you are professional and have experience with it. Also, tandem service is available too.
so don’t miss the chance while you are in Nepal. Moreover, Skydiving is the highest-rated thing to do in Nepal.
8. Mountaineering
Nepal is the home of mountains and the world’s highest peak Mount Everest lies here. 10 out of 14 highest peaks above 8000 meters are located in Nepal.
With that, Nepal is the best destination for a mountaineering expedition. Mountaineering is an extreme sport and one of the toughest things do to it requires lots of physical fitness and technical experience.
With a highly skilled technical operator, you can always get to the top of the world. There are over 300+ famous spots for mountaineering in Nepal. It means you will have a great opportunity to explore the giant peaks.
Pumori, Amadablam, Baruntse, Mera, Island, and Yala peaks are among the most preferred mountains for expeditions in Nepal.
With highly experienced sherpa climbers, well-pieces of equipment, mountaineering training, and determination, you can climb peaks over 6500 meters to 8000+ meters.
9. Bird Watching
Almost more than 900 species of birds are found in Nepal, which is 9% of the total birds found in the world. It means we can say Nepal is the Home of Birds.
If you are fond of birds then Nepal is probably the best place in the world and we can call it a bird watcher’s paradise.
If you have long holidays then you can explore different parts like Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Chitwan National Park, and Bardia National Park for Bird watching in Nepal including migratory and non-migratory birds.
If you are a Bird Photographer then, these places are the best for a photography tour.
Moreover, for Bird watching nearby Kathmandu, you can visit places like Nagarjuna, Godavari, Suryabinayak, Phulchowki, Taudaha, Dakshinkali, Shivapuri National Park, etc.
Info: Lophophorous is the national bird of Nepal also known as Danphe (Local Name).
10. Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari is the best way to explore the amazing jungles and get close to seeing the wild animals, birds, etc. Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park are famous places to explore the jungles in Nepal.
Elephant Riding and Jeep are the two best ways to Jungle Safari in Nepal. Elephant Riding is the best way to see without disturbing the wildlife. Chitwan National Park offers the best jungle safari in the world.
If you choose the jeep as an alternative then the sound may disturb wild animals and you will get to see fewer animals.
In Nepal, you will get to see endangered species like one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tigers, etc. Chitwan and Bardiya National Park provide top-notch accommodation services for domestic and international tourists.
Also, there may be a chance for boating at the riverside where you can see crocodiles, birds, other water animals, etc.
Walking around the jungle is also possible under supervised wildlife experts but there are a few chances.
11. Mountain Biking
If you are a two-wheeler lover then Mountain Biking is the best thing to do in Nepal. As a hilly country, Nepal provides endless opportunities for bikers.
With dirt roads, steep downhills, and sharp turning points, Nepal is a perfect place for mountain biking.
The mountain region offers world-class tracks where you can experience the panoramic view of mountain ranges.
Pokhara, Kathmandu, Jomsom, Muktinath, Upper Mustang, Lower Everest, etc are the famous tracks for Mountain Biking in Nepal.
The rough and rugged roads with the green forest, mountain ranges, rice fields, glacial lakes, and caves are the best parts of doing Biking in Nepal.
12. Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and Meditation are part of Asian culture and Nepal is no different than that. A healthy mind, a healthy body, and a healthy soul are always needed to accomplish something good in our lives. so, the best practice is to start yoga to stay healthy and happy.
Yoga and Meditation are connected to each other. As there is written that in ancient times, the Hindu God and Rishis traveled a long distance to Nepal for Meditation. Meditation can heal your anxiety and find peace inside you.
In Kathmandu, you can attend different types of yoga sessions conducted by Yoga Academies.
As a country of Gautam Buddha, you can visit Lumbini or holy places like Boudhanath or Swayambhunath. Also, you can go Yoga Trekking in the Himalayan Region.
13. Shopping
You may have some questions regarding shopping in Nepal like
- What is famous in Nepal for shopping?
- Where can I buy it in Kathmandu?
- What can I buy in Pokhara?
- Is Nepal cheaper for shopping?
So, generally, there are unique things you can purchase before leaving Nepal. You can find a mall and department stores to buy branded clothes, electronic appliances, household items, food items, etc. These are the things that you can buy in any country.
But While shopping in Nepal, buy those things that are different and valuable for you, your family, and your friends.
Usually, foreigners prefer to buy Nepali souvenirs like Nepali Tea, Gurkhali Khukuri, Singing Bowl, Pashmina, Thangkas, Jewelry items, etc. Moreover, you can also buy handicrafts, religious stones, masks and statues, spices, etc.
In Kathmandu, there are places like Thamel, New Road, Asan, Basantapur, etc. to buy souvenir items for tourists.
In Pokhara, you can buy Nepali Cap(Dhaka Topi), Printed Nepali T-shirts, Earrings, and Nepali Traditional Coins.
Shopping at Pokhara can be done at famous places like Lakeside, Mahendrapul, Davis Fall, etc.
Furthermore, Nepal is a cheaper nation for travelers compared to other tourist countries. Usually, with less money, you can do more things.
The dollar rate is high here in Nepal. Normally the rate of 1 dollar equals to or even more than Nepalese 100 Rupees. so, shopping in Nepal is cheaper but it depends upon the things you are buying.
14. Village Tours
Roaming around the village is one of the prime things to do in Nepal especially if you are from a western country. You will discover lots of things while visiting rural areas.
Nepal is a culturally rich country with over 100+ ethnic groups and 90+ different spoken languages. While visiting the village area you will get to learn about the local people, culture, lifestyle, and traditions.
According to the World Bank 2018 Data, around 80 percent of the total population in Nepal lives in urban areas.
Most people are dependent on agriculture and farming. so, you will get the see the cultivable land.
Moreover, the hospitality of the local people will amaze you. You can learn a new language, and discover the local food. You will get fresh and positive energy and happiness inside yourself.
15. Fishing
Fishing is the last thing to do but one of the interesting sports to do in Nepal. Nepal is the world’s second-richest country in water resources so there are many spots for fishing.
Around 185 fish species are found in water bodies in Nepal. With that, Nepal is a prominent destination to travel for a fishing trip.
Fishing generally requires lots of patience because it may take a long time than expected.
Some of the most popular destinations for fishing in Nepal are Babai Valley in Bardiya National Park, Karnali River, Trishuli River, Pokhara, Chitwan, Indrawati, Dolalghat, Kodari Highway, etc.
Fishing in Nepal is getting popular these days. October, November, February, March, April, and May are the best season for fishing.
Where to go in Nepal?
With lots of beautiful cities and visiting places, you may be confused about “where to go in Nepal”. As there are numerous places to see in Nepal, we are going to list some places to visit.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is one of the recommended cities to travel to by numerous top online travel magazines. It is the capital city of Nepal also known as the city of Temples.
In Nepal, there are 10 World Heritage Sites and out of 10, 7 World Heritage sites are located in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu is a historical and sacred place with the famous Hindu Temple, Pashupatinath to visit.
Other than that you can visit Bouddhanath, Swaymbhunath (Monkey Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, Budhanilkantha, etc.
Pokhara
Pokhara is such a nice place that every tourist loves it on their first visit. Pokhara is the most visited city in Nepal along with Kathmandu. You will absolutely enjoy being in Pokhara, one should not miss this hidden gem.
Some tourist prefers to rush directly to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Travelers can visit Pokhara by bus or by airplane directly from Kathmandu.
Pokhara offers a wide variety of adventures just as Paragliding from Sarangkot, Bungee Jumping, hiking, trekking, etc.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the first national park of Nepal recognized as the best-protected area in Asia.
Chitwan is the home of the world’s most endangered animals like the One-horned Rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Chitwan National Park is the best place for a Jungle safari where you will see various wild animals.
Also, Bardiya National Park is the largest National Park located in the Terai region famous for eye-catching wildlife.
When to Vist Nepal
Every season is not the same, so among the four seasons, you can visit Nepal in the Autumn and Spring seasons.
To get the best out of the trip, October, November, March, and, April are the best times to visit Nepal.
Autumn Season (September – November)
Autumn is the best season to visit Nepal. Usually, Late September, October, and November are the best time for trekking in Nepal.
The sky is clear and warm and thousands of trekkers head to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, etc. for a long day trekking. The price rises in hotels/lodges as Autumn is the peak season.
Things to do in Nepal in October & November
If you are planning to visit Nepal then there are certain best things to do in Nepal in October & November.
Go for long Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp trekking, Langtang Valley & Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Explore Chitwan National Park.
Winter Season (December – February)
The Winter season is only a good time to explore the lower areas of Nepal. There will be a huge snowfall in the higher elevations so, it is not the best time to explore Nepal.
Things to do in Nepal in December
Due to the winter season, you can’t go trekking in the higher elevations, so, the best things to do in Nepal in December are to visit Kathmandu, Lumbini, Kapan Monastery, and Patan.
Spring Season (March-May)
Spring is the peak season and normally, March, April, and May are the months when rhododendrons bloom.
You will love the panoramic views of the mountains. The temperature is softly warm at low altitudes while moderate at higher altitudes.
Things to do in Nepal in March
Bungee Jumping in Bhotekoshi, Paragliding in Pokhara, Sky Diving, Ultraflight, and Jungle Safari in Bardiya National Park are the best things to do in Nepal in March.
Summer Season (June – August)
Summer is the season of Monsoon and there is daily heavy rainfall with thunderstorms. So, June, July, and August is not a popular time to visit Nepal.
The temperature rises higher in this season. The monsoon brings landslides, and mountains are covered with clouds but you will get a huge discount on the lodges/teahouses.
Things to do in Nepal in July & August
Though monsoon season is not a popular time to travel. But traveling to Upper Kali Gandaki, Upper Mustang, Jomsom, and Muktinath, are the places and fun things to do in Nepal in July & August.
Related: Best Season to Visit Nepal
Accommodation in Nepal
If you are thinking about “where to stay in Nepal” then don’t get worried as there are the best arrangements for accommodation.
The major cities Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan which are famous for tourists have basic to luxurious five-star hotels to stay in.
The pricing may differ but you will get excellent facilities. so, there won’t be any problem with accommodation in Nepal.
If you are trekking in Nepal then you have to adjust yourself in lodges or teahouses. As in the higher altitude, you may get fewer facilities as compared to the city area.
But you will be served good hygienic food, a clean room, and toilets in the mountain regions. The accommodation price in Nepal is affordable in the hilly region as compared to the city area.
Related: Accommodation at Everest Base Camp
Frequently Asked Questions
Before ending this long article, here are some questions we’re commonly asked regarding Nepal and things to do:
What are things to do in Nepal other than trekking?
There are plenty of things to do besides trekking in Nepal. You can go Bungy Jumping, Paragliding, Sky Diving, Ultra Flight, Boating, Fishing, Rafting, Kayaking, Canyoning, Zip Flyer, Bird Watching, Jungle Safari, Yoga, Meditation, Shopping, Village Tours, etc.
What are the things to buy in Nepal?
You can buy unique things in Nepal like Pashmina, Handicrafts, Thangkas, Organic Tea, Stone and Jewelry, Khukuri, etc. Also, you can buy statues and masks, spices, printed T-shirts, coins, Nepali caps, etc.
Why should you visit Nepal?
Nepal is the most suitable country for an adventure seeker that offers almost everything for travelers. First Nepal is a country where you can travel within a budget, you will find romantic places to visit. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest lies in Nepal. Also, Nepal is listed as 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
How long should I spend in Nepal?
If you have longer vacations then you can spend around 1 month in Nepal also if you have a shorter period then 1 week is a quick time to explore Nepal. But it is impossible to explore everything about Nepal in one trip.
Is Nepal safe for Female Travelers?
Yes, Nepal is totally safe for Female travelers than any other country. As you can see many females travel to Nepal with or without a guide. so, make sure to know about the dress code and everything related to Nepal.
Is it safe to walk around Kathmandu?
Yes, it is totally safe to walk around Kathmandu Valley. During the daytime, you can visit different places including world heritage sites and at night time you can walk around Thamel Street, enjoy the bars and clubs, enjoy folk music and dance at restaurants, etc.
Also Read: Female Travelers Smart Guide to Nepal
Conclusion
I hope this article helps you to know the top 15 things to do in Nepal.
Besides trekking, there are lots of things you can try while visiting Nepal.
What are your plans while traveling to Nepal?
Are you going to try Bungee Jumping? Or maybe you can try Paragliding in Pokhara.
Also, you can do thrilling adventure activities like white water rafting & kayaking.
Or maybe you have questions about the topic.
Either way, leave a comment/feedback right below in the comment section.
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Pokhara is a heaven for nature enthusiasts and adventure freaks. Camping, paragliding, and mountain biking are some of the adventurous activities in Nepal that can be done in this lakeside town.
Yes, Pokhara Indeed is one of the Best Places to Visit in Nepal.