Explore Nepal 2026 – 12Go's Complete Travel Guide
Nepal isn’t just mountains and temples; it’s noise, dust, color, and life rushing at you all at once. Kathmandu feels like chaos stitched together with incense smoke and motorbike horns, a city that keeps shifting.
The trails around Everest and Annapurna pull in trekkers, but the mountains are more than summits; villages and monasteries anchor the high-altitude silence.
Far south, Chitwan and Bardiya stretch out in grasslands heavy with rhinos, tigers, and humid heat—a different world from the thin northern air.
And through it all, from Lumbini’s sacred birthplace to the smallest roadside shrine, Buddhist and Hindu traditions weave the country into something both restless and timeless.
What is the best season to travel in Nepal?
Nepal can be visited year-round, but each season has its own character.
Winter, especially January, brings freezing nights and snowed-in passes, though lower-altitude treks remain open. Southern areas like Chitwan are accessible, but high-altitude trekking is often harsh.
Spring, from late February to mid-April, offers warmer weather, longer days, and rhododendrons in bloom.
Summer, from June to September, is the monsoon season, with heavy rains that lush the landscapes but often close trekking routes.
Autumn, from October to December, is the most popular time: clear skies, crisp air, and sharp mountain views. Mid-September can also be good, with fewer tourists and drying trails.
Timing your visit shapes the experience, from spring flowers to autumn clarity or monsoon greenery. Nepal is never entirely off-limits; it simply asks you to move with its moods. Planning around the seasons lets the country’s beauty speak for itself.
How to get to Nepal?
The easiest way to get to Nepal is by flying into Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, with connections from India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and China.
From India, you can also enter by land at border towns like Raxaul or Sunauli and take a bus or taxi to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Travelers from China/Tibet can enter via Kodari or Gyirong, but permits and rough roads make it less convenient.
How to get to Nepal from Europe?
From Europe, the easiest way to reach Nepal is via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or through Middle Eastern hubs like Doha (Qatar Airways) or Dubai (Emirates). A cheaper alternative is flying to Delhi and then catching a local flight to Kathmandu.
Southeast Asian stops like Bangkok or Singapore also work well if you find a good deal. For the best prices, book 2–3 months in advance and try midweek flights. Direct flights are fastest, but one-stop routes can save money if you’re flexible.
How to get to Nepal from Asia?
Flights from Asia to Nepal are quick: Delhi ~1.5h, Bangkok ~3.5h, Hong Kong ~4h, Singapore/Kuala Lumpur ~4.5h.
From India, you can also cross by land at Raxaul, Sunauli, or Birgunj, taking 6–12 hours by bus or taxi.
Travelers from China/Tibet enter via Kodari or Gyirong, but need permits and rough roads can slow you down.
How to get to Nepal from Australia?
From Australia, you’ll need to connect through hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Delhi to reach Kathmandu. Flights usually take 12–18 hours with layovers.
Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, or Qantas cover the route.
How to get to Nepal from the United States?
From the U.S., you’ll need to connect through hubs like Doha, Dubai, Delhi, Istanbul, or Bangkok to reach Kathmandu. The trip usually takes 20–30 hours with layovers.
Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and some Star Alliance partners offer good routes.
Where to travel in Nepal?
Kathmandu Valley
Ancient temples, palaces, and bustling streets; home to Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath.
Kathmandu Valley is Nepal’s cultural heart, home to three UNESCO cities: Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Each city carries layers of history, from ancient temples to royal courtyards, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Highlights include Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, and Durbar Squares, where architecture tells stories of the Malla period. Narrow streets reveal hidden corners, local markets, and quiet squares that invite lingering. Moving around is easy with taxis, rickshaws, or private cars. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to boutique hotels, while food offers both Nepali classics and international flavors.
Beyond sightseeing, the valley offers hiking, yoga, and cultural experiences. Despite the bustle, there’s a calm rhythm here—moments of stillness amidst temples and chatter.
Kathmandu Valley leaves a lasting impression, a place where past and present coexist naturally.
Where to go from Katmandu?
Kathmandu to Pokhara
You can travel by bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara for as low as NPR 854 (~USD 7). Alternatively, a flight option starts from NPR 854 (~USD 7).
Kathmandu to Delhi
You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Delhi with a starting fare of around ~USD 37. A flight option begins from ~USD 45-50.
Kathmandu to Chitwan
The best way to reach Chitwan is by using a bus. The starting price for travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan is NPR 747 (~USD 6-7).
Pokhara
Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city, offers a calm alternative to the chaos of Kathmandu, set against the backdrop of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna mountains.
It serves as a gateway for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit or shorter routes like the Poon Hill hike, and as a resting point for those returning from the trails.
Travel from Kathmandu is typically by bus, with flights available, and local transport or lakeside accommodation makes getting around straightforward.
Phewa Lake draws visitors for its calm waters, boat rides, and the small Tal Barahi Temple on an island at its centre.
Sunrise and sunset from Sarangkot or the World Peace Pagoda offer panoramic views of the city, lake, and surrounding peaks.
Nearby natural attractions include the thundering Devi’s Falls and the labyrinthine Gupteswar Cave, a quiet insight into local life.
For those seeking activity, Pokhara provides options from paragliding and rafting to helicopter flights over the mountains.
Bejnas Lake offers a more secluded alternative to the busier Phewa Lake, ideal for walks or quiet reflection.
Where to get from Pokhara?
Pokhara to Jomsom
Bus tickets start from $8.89 (~8 h), and flights begin at $48 (~20 min).
Pokhara to Chitwan
Bus fares start at $5.49 (~6 h), while flights begin at $452.
Pokhara to Nagarkot
Bus travel takes about 8 h (price not listed), and flights start at $87.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a rare haven of biodiversity.
The subtropical lowlands of the Inner Terai are home to one-horned rhinos, tigers, elephants, and sloth bears, which can be glimpsed on jeep safaris, walking tours, or canoe trips along the Rapti River.
Birdwatchers may spot the endangered Bengal florican among the park’s rich avian life. The Tharu people, indigenous to the region, offer a window into traditional ways of life that have endured alongside conservation efforts.
Nearby Sauraha provides eco-conscious lodges, ensuring visitors can experience the jungle without leaving a heavy footprint.
Highlights include the chance to observe elephants up close and guided walks that bring guests into intimate contact with the wilderness.
Thanks to sustained protection initiatives, populations of rhinos and tigers are stabilising, making Chitwan a rare success story in South Asian wildlife preservation.
Its proximity to Kathmandu makes it accessible for short trips or longer stays. The park is a place where adventure, wildlife, and culture converge, offering a deeply memorable experience.
Janakpur
Janakpur, in southeastern Nepal, is a city steeped in history and religious significance, known as the birthplace of Goddess Sita. Its landmark, the Janaki Mandir, is a white marble temple adorned with intricate Mithila art, while the nearby Ram Mandir and Shree Ram Janaki Biwah Mandir commemorate Lord Ram and Sita’s legendary wedding.
The city is dotted with more than 70 sacred ponds, including Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar, which continue to draw pilgrims and visitors alike. Janakpur is also a centre for Mithila culture, where traditional art, music, and craftsmanship remain integral to daily life.
Local markets offer a glimpse into this cultural heritage, alongside Indian street food and traditional sweets that reflect the region’s unique fusion.
Festivals such as Vivah Panchami, Chhath, and Ram Navami transform the city, providing a vivid window into its religious calendar. Accessible by road and Nepal’s only railway station, Janakpurdham, Janakpur is best visited between September and March, when the weather is most accommodating.
Visitors are advised to dress modestly and respect local customs, ensuring a more meaningful engagement with the city. Ultimately, Janakpur offers a layered experience of spirituality, culture, and history, where every temple and street tells a story.
Where to travel from Janakpur?
Lumbini
Birthplace of Buddha, with monasteries and sacred sites.
Everest Region (Khumbu) – Trekking to Everest Base Camp and scenic mountain villages.
Annapurna Region
Famous treks like Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill.
Bhaktapur
Medieval city with stunning architecture and traditional culture.
Patan (Lalitpur)
Known for art, crafts, and its beautifully preserved Durbar Square.
Mustang
Remote, desert-like landscapes with Tibetan culture and ancient caves.
Rara Lake
Pristine alpine lake in far-western Nepal, off the beaten path.
Transportation in Nepal
Nepal’s transportation depends heavily on geography: flat plains rely on buses and highways, while mountain regions need flights or sturdy jeeps.
Roads connect most towns, but many remain narrow, rough, and prone to landslides. Long-distance buses dominate intercity travel; tourist buses offer slightly more comfort, while microbuses and jeeps handle remote routes.
Domestic flights save time on hard-to-reach destinations like Lukla or Pokhara, with local airlines running frequent routes. Railways barely exist—only a small line in the Terai links to India.
In cities, public buses and microbuses run constantly but lack clear routes, while ride-hailing apps like Pathao or Tootle make taxis and motorbike rides easier.
Motorcycles are everywhere, weaving through traffic where cars get stuck. Rickshaws still appear in old Kathmandu streets for short rides.
Cross-border buses connect Nepal to Indian cities, making overland travel possible. Bicycles show up mostly in quieter rural areas, away from urban chaos.
Popular routes in Nepal
In Nepal, the busiest route is Kathmandu–Pokhara, linking the capital with the Annapurna gateway; it’s a 6–8 hour drive or a 25-minute flight.
Kathmandu–Chitwan takes you to the famous national park, about 5–6 hours by road. For Buddhist pilgrims,
Kathmandu–Lumbini leads to the birthplace of Buddha, usually a long bus ride or a flight to Bhairahawa.
Kathmandu–Lukla is the classic flight route for Everest trekkers, short but unforgettable.
From Pokhara to Jomsom or Muktinath, the road winds through Mustang’s dramatic landscapes, though flights are faster.
Kathmandu–Janakpur draws both religious travelers and those heading toward India. Overland buses also run from Kathmandu to Indian cities like Varanasi or Delhi via Sunauli.
These routes form the backbone of travel across Nepal, mixing practicality with adventure.
