This page is not available You may need permission to access this page. From trekking in the Himalayas and exploring historic cities to wildlife safaris and high-adrenaline rafting, kayaking and mountain biking, Nepal offers choila incredible range of experiences, activities and adventures.

With so many options, it can be tough to know where to start. Trek through the Himalayas Nepal is synonymous with trekking: trips are easy and inexpensive to organize and there is a mind-boggling range of trails, from easy self-guided day hikes to epic multi-week expeditions. The most popular treks are the Annapurna Sanctuary, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley routes, but there are lots of other less-well-trodden options, too. But don’t leave without trying the traditional Newari cuisine of the Kathmandu Valley. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter. The best time to visit is in the early evening when the temple is illuminated with lights and hymns drift gently through the air.

Spot one-horned rhinos in the Terai By the early 20th century, the greater one-horned rhino had been hunted to the verge of extinction in the Indian subcontinent, but dedicated conservation efforts have since helped the species to recover. Climb up to Swayambhunath High on a hilltop in the west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is a glorious Buddhist stupa, a dome-shaped monument featuring the painted eyes of the Buddha, topped with a gilded spire and surrounded by a complex of temples, shrines, rest houses, and statuary. With commanding views across the city and beyond, it is a wonderful spot to enjoy the sunset. The two-day Scar Road from Kathmandu, six-day Muktinath to Pokhara, and 12-day Jomsom to Lo Manthang routes are all excellent choices. Getty Images Watch the sunrise in Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, or Daman The Kathmandu Valley’s fringes are dotted with villages and towns whose elevated locations offer sublime views of the Himalayas, particularly at sunrise. Many of their guesthouses and hotels are oriented to allow you to gaze out at the world’s highest mountains from the comfort of your room or balcony, though there are also numerous viewpoints that can be accessed for free or a small fee.

To maximise the likelihood of clear, cloud-free skies, visit from October to December or from March to April. The spot is now marked by the Maya Devi Temple, which is named after his mother and is thought to date back some 2200 years. The Maya Devi Temple is part of a huge complex that includes a range of temples built by Buddhist communities across the globe, including China, Cambodia, and Thailand, as well as gardens, a museum and cultural center, and a gleaming peace pagoda. Kick back in Bandipur A picture postcard bazaar town perched on a ridge, Bandipur is the perfect place for a spot of idle relaxation. It is packed with attractive 18th-century townhouses, several of which have been turned into elegant boutique hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. Although you could head out for a walk, go rock climbing or even visit a nearby silkworm farm, it’s hard to beat simply ordering a coffee and watching the world go by or losing yourself in the superlative Himalayan views. For an economical introduction, take a one- or two-day trip along the Trisuli river, which is close to Kathmandu.

Alternatively, test yourself on the more challenging Bhote Kosi, Nepal’s steepest rafting river, which surges down from the Tibetan border, or try a week-long journey through the wilderness on the Sun Kosi or Tamur rivers. Bhaktapur are famous for their evocative medieval architecture. They collectively form a Unesco World Heritage Site, alongside several Buddhist and Hindu temples and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley, including Swayambhunath. Go birdwatching in Koshi Tappu In the eastern part of the Terai, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a birdwatching hotspot. At least 527 avian species can be spotted in its wetlands and grasslands, many of which are rare or at risk. They include the swamp francolin, the Bengal florican, and the red-necked falcon.

You may also see some of the last surviving arnas, endangered wild water buffaloes with giant sets of horns. Paraglide in Pokhara For adventure sports enthusiasts there are few better places on Earth than the chilled-out lakeside city of Pokhara. Nestled in the shadow of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, it offers everything from trekking and rafting to bungee jumping and canyoning. Pokhara is also an incredible place to go paragliding: after taking off from the nearby peak of Sarangkot and soaring through the azure sky on thermals you’ll be rewarded with mountain views of heart-stopping beauty. Its focal point is a monumental whitewashed stupa, which was built around 600 CE and draws pilgrims from far and wide. The surrounding streets and plazas are filled with monks and students in maroon robes, strings of colorful prayer flags, and stores selling butter lamps. Numerous monasteries and institutes in Bodhnath run courses for foreign visitors on Tibetan Buddhist theory, practice and meditation, ranging from introductory seminars to advanced study programs.

Stop off for tea in Ilam In the far east of Nepal, the lush hills around the pretty mountain village of Ilam produce exceptional tea. Darjeeling, which lies just across the border in India. November picking season, and sampling a brew is a must. Nepal is on our 2022 Best of Travel list.

For more stories from some of the world’s most exciting destinations click here. Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before traveling during Covid-19. Horse riding group travels through the mountains of Lesotho. Indian women carrying water from stepwell near Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Women and children often walk long distances to bring back jugs of water that they carry on their head. September 24, 2012: Monks prepare for a traditional dance at a Buddhist festival in honour of Guru Rinpoche. Male Indian tiger lying on the forest floor in Ranthambore at the beginning of the monsoon. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions.