Join one of our Nepal tours to visit this spiritual place and blow your friends’ minds with your travel tales. If you love mountains, there are no better examples on the planet, but there’s much more to this awe-inspiring land.
Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, and multicultural state, so while small, it’s incredibly diverse. The rumored birthplace of Buddha, divided by towering ranges, offers much to see and learn.
Landscapes vary from the highest peaks in the world to a unique savannah and safaris in the lowland Terai region. The resilience of the land has produced eight 8,000 meter (five mile) peaks, and its people are equally tenacious.
They shrugged off the monarchy in 2006 and staggered through the seismic upheaval of the devastating April 2015 earthquake. Rebuilding continues, but now, the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is officially looking forward.
Top points of interest in Nepal
Nepal packs a considerable punch for a relatively small country. While the Himalayas are the primary drawcard, don’t overlook the lowlands, especially Chitwan National Park.
Our Exoticca travel experts understand that the combination of planned events and free time makes or breaks holiday packages to Nepal. We ensure you have the freedom to explore on your own to create lasting memories by immersing yourself in the culture.
Everest
Only about 6,000 people have stood on top of Mount Everest, but many more can gaze in wonder at the highest mountain on earth. At 8,849 meters (29,031 feet), it straddles the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China east of the country.
Also known as Chomolungma or Sagarmatha, depending on which side you are. A few visit Nepal to climb it or the myriad of other peaks. Around 35,000 others trek to Everest Base Camp yearly to see it up close.
Some are satisfied to see the spectacular three-sided pyramid of the peak from a distance, and there’s no doubting its humbling effect. Others take awe-inspiring sightseeing flights from the local airport or enjoy a thrilling helicopter flyby on one of our Nepal adventure tours.
Chitwan
Chitwan National Park opened in 1973 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Located in the sub-tropical Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal, the park offers an alternative landscape and altitude ranging from 100–815 meters (330–2,674 feet).
Home to 68 mammal species, the undoubted star of the show is the Bengal tiger. Our Nepal tours from the UK traverse the alluvial floodplain that provides excellent tiger habitat. An initial population of 25 of these gorgeous beasts grew to nearly 100 by 2022.
It’s possible to spot Indian leopards on the fringes of tiger territory, and Chitwan has a high density of sloth bears. There are otters, Bengal foxes, striped hyenas, and wild dogs. It also boasts the largest population of Indian rhinos in the country.
There are spotted linsangs, honey badgers, Indian bison, jackals, macaques, langurs, pangolins, porcupines, flying squirrels, and over 500 bird species.
Kathmandu
The Nepali capital is a captivating city with a stack of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and teasing vistas of the Himalayas. Swayambhunath Temple overlooks the sprawling city across to the Himalayas, with gangs of macaques earning it the nickname “monkey temple.”
Consider visiting Pashupatinath, the most important Shiva temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, which contains Buddha’s remains and relics. The latter also includes a massive mandala that makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the country.
You won’t miss Durbar Square amongst the maze-like alleys of the old town on one of our Nepal guided tours. The earthquake of 2015 caused damage to several historic buildings, which they’re carefully rebuilding.
Thamel is the capital’s entertainment center and nightlife zone with hotels, bars, and casinos. It still draws tourists as it did in the late 1970s when it was part of the hippie trail.
Nagarkot
Central Nepal tours take you to this village on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. It commands some of the broadest views of the Himalayas. It’s 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of the capital and offers striking vistas at sunrise and sunset.
Most visitors come for a glimpse of Mount Everest, but there are many other significant Himalayan peaks and epic panoramas of the valley. Nagarkot is about 2,200 meters (7,000 feet) above sea level and offers hiking and trekking opportunities.
Don’t miss the ancient Changu Narayan Temple, which is nearly 2,000 years old and honors Lord Vishnu. It’s significant for Hindus and has intricate carvings. There’s even paragliding to take it up a notch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Nepal: Off the beaten track
Our local experts provide exotic experiences that are safe, thrilling, and educational. Let them guide your adventure into uncharted territory to discover some hidden gems. Off the beaten tracks in Nepal provide a unique experience.
Pokhara is the second-most populous city in the country, with half a million inhabitants. It sits beside the tranquil Phewa Lake from where you can view the Annapurna range, 28 kilometers (17 miles) away.
Pokhara reaches around 822 meters (3,000 feet), while the Annapurnas include three of the world’s top ten peaks. It’s as if you can reach out and touch the snow-covered mountaintops on clear days.
The Manaslu region is pristine and virtually untouched, with glacier lakes, towering peaks, and rich biodiversity. Trekking requires a special permit.
While the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Sanctuary treks seem popular, they also take you off the beaten path. In summer and winter, tourist numbers drop significantly.