The Land of the Himalayas
Nepal is a small landlocked country packed with extraordinary geography and culture. Eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including Everest, are here. It is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and home to living Hindu goddesses (Kumari). Nepal offers everything from medieval city squares and ancient temples to world-class trekking and whitewater rafting.
Kathmandu
The capital is a UNESCO World Heritage city, with 7 monument zones in the Kathmandu Valley alone.
Must-See Sites
Pashupatinath Temple:: The most sacred Hindu shrine in Nepal, on the banks of the Bagmati River. A fascinating and moving experience, especially during evening aarti.Boudhanath Stupa:: One of the largest stupas in the world, a spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in exile. Circumambulate with pilgrims as monks chant mantras.Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple):: Atop a hill with panoramic views, guarded by rhesus macaques. The all-seeing eyes of Buddha painted on the stupa are iconic.Patan Durbar Square:: A well-preserved medieval city center with stunning Newari architecture, temples, and the Patan Museum.Bhaktapur:: A beautifully preserved medieval town 13km from Kathmandu, famous for pottery, wood carving, and the Nyatapola pagoda.
Nepal Himalayas
Pokhara
Nepal's tourist capital is a laid-back lakeside city with stunning views of the Annapurna range. Key experiences:
Phewa Lake:: Row a wooden boat to the island temple of Barahi. Reflections of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) on the lake are mesmerizing.Sarangkot Sunrise:: Wake up at 5am for the famous sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges β one of the most spectacular sights in the Himalayas.Davis Falls:: A dramatic waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel.International Mountain Museum:: Fascinating exhibits on Himalayan mountaineering history.Lumbini
The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sacred Garden contains the ancient Ashoka Pillar (marking the exact birthplace), the Maya Devi Temple, and dozens of monasteries built by Buddhist nations from Japan to Germany.
Best Time to Visit
October β November:: Post-monsoon. Clear skies, stunning mountain views. Peak trekking season.March β May:: Spring. Rhododendrons bloom, excellent visibility. Second peak season.
Kathmandu temples
December β February:: Cold but clear in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Mountains are snowcapped.June β September:: Monsoon. Lush but wet. Some trekking routes can be muddy.Visas
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, or apply for an e-visa online. Indian nationals do not require a visa β just a government-issued ID.
Getting There
We offer Nepal packages departing from Guwahati/Kolkata with comfortable vehicles. We handle all cross-border logistics. Alternatively, fly from Kolkata or Delhi to Kathmandu with Air India, IndiGo, or Himalaya Airlines.
Tips
Carry Nepalese Rupees (NPR) β Indian Rupees (βΉ100 and below) are accepted at most places.Respect temple etiquette: remove shoes, don't bring leather inside, dress modestly.Tipping is customary and appreciated.Try: Dal Bhat (lentil rice), Momo (dumplings), Sel Roti (ring-shaped fried bread), Tongba (millet beer).