Nepal, a landlocked country between India and China, also known as the “roof of the world”, is a dreamland for travelers with its exquisite natural beauty and the iconic Himalayas running across the northern and western part of the country. Being the tallest peak in the world, Mt Everest is the most famed mountain but with its epic snow-covered mountain vistas, lush farmlands and the valley of Kali Gandaki, assumed to be the deepest gorge in the world, Annapurna is another popular trail in the Himalayas.
Nepal also covers four UNESCO world heritage sites – Kathmandu Valley with its seven monuments; Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha; and two natural sites of Chitwan and Sagarmatha national parks. The cultural traditions of Newars, the unique amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism, the rituals and the festivals all manifest into the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.
Kathmandu with its many stupas, temples, shrines and monasteries is a riot of sights, sounds and smells that can quickly lead to sensory overload and add to the delight of a Nepal holiday. Take a holy pilgrimage to Lumbini; enjoy the scenic beauty of Pokhara and Nagarkot and get a view of the Himalayas; or travel to southern Nepal and go on a safari to experience the exotic wildlife at Chitwan National Park, home to endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and numerous species of birds.
Autumn (Oct – Nov) is the most popular time to visit Nepal, ideal for trekking with warm, dry weather and clear blue skies. The two most widely celebrated festivals of Dashain and Tihar are also celebrated at this time. Spring (Mar – Apr) is second most popular with rising temperatures, blooming rhododendrons on the hillsides and tall grasses cut back in national parks making it ideal for wildlife spotting in addition to trekking.
