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Overview | Draped along the spine of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best hiking trails on earth. It's a poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination.
It's the kind of country that lingers in your dreams long after you leave it. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for sculpted calf muscles. | When To Go | Always consider the climate when you plan a trip to Nepal. Judge it wrong and you may never see the mountains. The best time to visit is probably the start of the dry season in October-November: the weather is balmy, the air is clean, visibility is perfect and the countryside is lush and green following the monsoon. However, roads and trails damaged during the monsoon may not be repaired until later in the year. There are some important and colourful festivals to enjoy too, though the Dasain festival in October can be disruptive if you are on a tight schedule.February-April, the tail end of the dry season, is the second-best period: the weather is warm and many of Nepal's wonderful wild flowers are in bloom, but dust can reduce visibility and the pleasure of travelling by road.In December and January the skies are as clear as Swarovski crystal but it can be chilly: trekkers need to be well prepared for snow, and a warm sleeping bag is an asset in cheaper hotels, even in Kathmandu. On | Visas | All foreigners except Indian nationals require visas, which can be obtained in advance or on arrival with one passport photo and payment in cash US dollars are best. Single-entry tourist visas cost US30.00 for up to 60 days, or US80.00 if you require multiple entry. You can extend tourist visas up to a maximum stay of 150 days each additional 30-day period costs US30.00 at the immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Note that the final extension from 120 days to 150 days is only possible in Kathmandu.Visas allow travel to most parts of Nepal, with the exception of certain remote trekking areas, which may require an additional permit. Visitors to national parks must also pay national park entry fees - typically 500.00 to 1000.00. This includes trekkers visiting the Annapurna Conservation Area, Langtang National Park and Sagarmatha Everest National Park. Permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or through trekking agencies, while national park fees can be paid in Kathmandu or Pokhara, | Weather | Because of the varied topography, the weather in Nepal can vary wildly from one district to another. As a general rule, temperatures fall and rainfall decreases the higher up you go. In the high-altitude deserts of the Tibetan Plateau, temperatures hover just above freezing for most of the year and it almost never rains. From March to April and October to November - the best times to visit Nepal - days are generally warm with little rain, decent sunshine and temperatures in the 24-28°C 75-83°F range. From November to March, night-time temperatures can drop close to freezing, and snow can block mountain passes, though Pokhara and Kathmandu rarely see more than a few flakes. May and early June are unbearably hot and sticky and rain buckets down most days from May to September. Kathmandu is generally drier than Pokhara at this time of year, while the Terai positively drowns. | Getting There | There are few direct flights to Nepal, which means most travellers from Europe, North America and Australia have to change aircraft andor airline en route. Nepal's only international airport is Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport - several airlines fly here with a stop in western Europe or the Gulf, or you can fly into India and change to a local shuttle. If you want to see the mountains as you fly into Kathmandu, make sure you sit on the right-hand side of the plane. The departure tax for international flights is 1695.00,, or 1356.00 to destinations on the Indian subcontinent, payable in Nepali rupees. |
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 |  | Adventure Nepal | After exploring Kathmandu you’ll spend a night in the nearby one-time capital of Bhaktapur before travelling west to Pokhara. Here you embark on a fully supported trek into the foothills of the Himalaya, walking between remote villages and overlooked by the imposing Annapurna range. |
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|  | | | | Annapurna Circuit | After exploring the alleyways, Buddhist stupas and temples of Kathmandu, you drive over twisting mountain roads to Bandipur, from where you begin your trek. The trail passes many remote villages as you follow the Marsyandi River and you’ll be treated to incredible views of high peaks like Manaslu 8156m and Hiunchuli7893m. You climb steadily to Chame for your first views of the whole Annapurna range. |
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| | | | | Everest Base Camp | Your first stop is the bustling capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. You have time to wander the narrow streets here and will be able to discover the temples and stupas that provide much intrigue in this fascinating city. After exploring Kathmandu you fly to Lukla from where your trek to Everest commences. The trail follows the course of the Dudh Kosi, the ‘River of Milk’, gradually climbing through forests of rhododendron and magnolia. There are rest days at Namche Bazaar the delightful Sherpa capital and at Dingboche village set below the spectacular peak of Ama Dablam to help adjust to the altitude. All the while as you are trekking, the peaks of the Himalaya will loom above you, providing outstanding views as you walk. |
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| | | | | Everest Teen Trek Teenage Adventure | On this carefully designed holiday, you can experience the beauty and rich history of the Everest region on a six-day trek. You start in Kathmandu, with time to explore the many markets and colourful Buddhist and Hindu temples. A short flight then takes you to Lukla and the start of your trek in the Everest valley. |
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| | | | | Himalaya Discovery | A leisurely wander amongst the bazaars and temples of Kathmandu and the countryside around Bhaktapur gives you a wonderful introduction to everyday Nepali life. Leaving the capital behind, you enjoy the traditional atmosphere and hills of Bandipur, an undiscovered gem, before continuing to Pokhara, famous for its beautiful lake-side setting and for stunning views of the Annapurna. |
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| | | | | Himalayan Explorer | The Kathmandu Valley is a fascinating area full of contrasts. Exploring by bike or vehicle if you wish you’ll visit Durbar Square with its concentration of royal and religious architecture, and the sacred temples of Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath. You’ll spend a night in the one-time capital of Bhaktapur before travelling west to reach the lake-side town of Pokhara. From here you’ll enjoy your porter-assisted trek into the foothills – a relatively easy Himalayan walk, ideal for the first-time trekker. |
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| | | | | Himalyan Adventure Family Holiday | Your adventure begins in the twisting alleyways, colourful bazaars and charismatic ‘Monkey Temple’ of Kathmandu. Flying to Pokhara, you’ll then get your first glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalaya from your lakeside resort at Begnas. Porters will carry your luggage perhaps the kids too, for a price! as you walk into the foothills. During the trek you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the simple lives of the friendly Nepalese people. Parents and kids alike will love the contact with local villagers. |
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| | | | | Lhasa Overland | From Kathmandu you fly across the Himalaya taking in breathtaking views of towering peaks all the way. From here you’ll visit Tsedang and cross the river to Samye Monastery. In Lhasa discover the famous Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple – the religious centre of Tibetan Buddhism, encircled by holy Barkhor Square – Tibet’s largest bazaar. |
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