Nepal Travel Guide
Priya Nair· Asia Editor
Updated September 20, 2026 · 8 min read
Nepal is the Himalayas made accessible: the medieval valley squares, the Annapurna and Everest trekking ranges, paragliding over Pokhara's lake, and a per-day cost (~$45) that undercuts everything the views deserve.
The classic route: Kathmandu (2–3) → Pokhara (2–3) with a Poon Hill trek (4–5) or the Everest mountain flight.
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The Kathmandu Valley's three Durbar Squares and stupas. Pokhara is the lakeside trekking hub. The treks: Poon Hill (4–5 days, easy), Annapurna Base Camp (7–10), Everest Base Camp (12–14). Lumbini is the Buddha's birthplace.
- Culture: Kathmandu 3 → Nagarkot 1 → Bhaktapur 1.
- Trek-lite: Pokhara 3 → Poon Hill 4.
- Big trek: EBC 14 with proper acclimatization.
The Trekking Windows
October–November and March–April are the clear-mountain seasons. The monsoon hides the peaks June–September; winter is cold but clear at altitude.
The Culture + Pokhara Week
Valley, lake and mountain.
Day 1 · Kathmandu — stupas
Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.
Day 2 · Kathmandu — squares
The Durbar Squares and Swayambhunath.
Day 3 · Nagarkot sunrise
The Himalaya view; Bhaktapur after.
Day 4 · Fly to Pokhara
Lakeside arrival under the Annapurnas.
Day 5 · Sarangkot sunrise
The paragliding or the viewpoint.
Day 6 · The Peace Pagoda
The hike and the lake boating.
Day 7 · Farewell
The momo farewell; KTM.
Practical planning info
Money
- About $45/day at the mid tier; treks $25–35/day with permits.
- The TIMS card and park entries are the trekking fees.
When
- October–November and March–April are the clear windows.
- The monsoon greys June–September.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to trek to enjoy Nepal?
No — the valley's culture plus Pokhara's lake and views work at any fitness level.
Poon Hill or Everest Base Camp?
Poon Hill for a first Himalaya trek (4–5 days); EBC for the committed two weeks.
How many days for Nepal?
A week does culture plus Pokhara; two weeks adds a proper trek.
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