Our grading system explained
What makes Nepal so special?
Why are holidays in Nepal so special and memorable?
For visitors to Nepal, trekking is still the biggest draw but the bustling city life and rich cultural traditions provide plenty to keep you occupied away from the mountains. What many visitors think will be their one trip of a lifetime all too often turns into a long-term love affair with this wonderful country and its people. Whether you want to go trekking in Nepal or tour the highlights of the country, Mountain Kingdoms will have the perfect holiday in for you.
The epic scale of the Everest and Annapurna mountain ranges naturally make these the two most popular regions for trekking in Nepal – some of these routes, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit, are regarded as being among the best walks in the world. Venture further afield into ‘Wild Nepal’ and you will find pristine mountain scenery, remote villages and a culture still relatively untouched by tourism.
We also offer lots of exciting options for extending your time in Nepal from going on safari at Chitwan National Park to gentle rafting on the Seti River and from an indulgent stay in a stylish lodge near Pokhara to a tour of the cultural sights of the Kathmandu Valley.
Nepal walking & trekking holidays
Nepal is the most exciting of the Himalayan nations, with the highest mountains and most vibrant culture, and has rightly been a favourite destination for travellers and trekkers for many years.
27 Holidays
Save £110 this autumn
- A scenically spectacular little-known alternative to the Annapurna Sanctuary trek
- Wild terrain with towering cliffs, waterfalls, glaciers, a brilliant blue lake and a host of Himalayan giants
- Trek high point at French Advance Base Camp, 4,305m, with staggering 360-degree mountain views
- Four-star hotel in Kathmandu, exciting mountain road to the start of the trek, and a well-paced ascent
- Remote camping trek - the equal of anything in the Himalaya but in just two weeks London to London
- Enjoy the Laxmi Pooja festivities (on selected October departures)
Flight inclusive from £3365, Land only from £2085
Everest Base Camp Trek
19 day Strenuous Walking & Trekking
Save £150 this autumn
- Excellent acclimatisation, giving high success rates and greater enjoyment
- Trek to both Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar
- Highly experienced Sherpa leaders, some of whom are Everest summiteers
- November 2024 departure attends the Mani Rimdu Festival
- Four-star hotel with time to relax in Kathmandu
Flight inclusive from £3245, Land only from £2145
Namun La, Annapurna Wilderness Trek
16 day Vigorous / Strenuous Walking & Trekking
- An accessible yet genuine wilderness trek – few trekkers, or even locals, use this trail.
- A wild trek with breath-taking scenery that fits into a two week holiday.
- Cross the remote and challenging Namun Pass, 4,850m/15,912ft.
- Enjoy incredible views of the Langjung Himal, Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare and Manaslu.
Flight inclusive from £3215, Land only from £2195
Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes
21 day Strenuous Walking & Trekking
Save £180 this autumn
- Trek to both Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar
- Cross the Cho La and ascend Gokyo Ri
- Excellent acclimatisation and highly experienced Sherpa leaders
- Four-star hotel and time to relax and take in the sights of Kathmandu
Flight inclusive from £3780, Land only from £2495
- Climb airy stone staircases, and trek along exhilarating mountain ridges
- Trek through verdant farmland and explore unspoilt forests
- Marvel at the incredible mountain panoramas from the Sing La
- Visit remote Gurung and Tamang villages
- Relax after the trek in a four star hotel in Kathmandu
Flight inclusive from £2905, Land only from £1595
Five High Passes - Dolpo to Mustang Trek
23 day Strenuous Walking & Trekking
- Trek for 16 days through impressive high mountain scenery and isolated villages
- Camp by the turquoise waters of Phuksundo Lake
- Experience the ancient Tibetan culture of the region - little changed over time
- Enjoy first rate camping and a four star hotel in Kathmandu before and after the trek
Flight inclusive from £4835, Land only from £3685
Annapurna Sanctuary
16 day Vigorous Walking & Trekking
Save £165 this autumn
- Complete the classic trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary, trekking with a Sherpa guide
- Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp & Annapurna Base Camp, 4,130m/13,550ft
- Enjoy sunrise views from Poon Hill
- Follow the trail through picturesque villages and experience Sherpa culture
- Stay in traditional tea houses on trek and a four-star hotel in Kathmandu
Flight inclusive from £2815, Land only from £1695
Wild Mustang Trek
25 day Vigorous / Strenuous Walking & Trekking
- Trek to the remote villages, cave complexes and monasteries north of Lo Manthang and meet the local nomads.
- Return down the wild eastern side of Mustang.
- Stay in lodges in Mustang as well as enjoying a full camping experience in the ‘wild’ sections of this unique trek.
- Join in the flamboyant celebrations of the Tiji Festival on the May departure.
Flight inclusive from £4885, Land only from £3935
Makalu Base Camp Trek
22 day Strenuous Walking & Trekking
Save £240 this autumn
- Complete the spectacular trek to Makalu Base Camp where few others have ventured
- Cross the Shipton La pass, and three other high passes, on a single day of sublime trekking
- Enjoy a full day of exploration at Makalu Base Camp
- Encounter varied scenery in different temperate zones as you progress from 700m to over 5,000m
- Stay in tea houses on trek to experience remote village life and contribute directly to the local economy.
Flight inclusive from £3740, Land only from £2495
- Genuinely remote and culturally distinct, an area of Nepal where few westerners visit
- Phuksundo Lake, Shey Gompa and Crystal Mountain are just some of the spectacular scenic highlights
- Spend time with the people of Dolpo who have retained their ancient traditions and beliefs
- Excellent acclimatisation following Peter Matthiessenâs journey in search of the elusive snow leopard
- Enjoy first rate camping facilities on trek and a four star hotel in Kathmandu
Flight inclusive from £5065, Land only from £3750
Langtang & the Laurebina La
20 day Vigorous / Strenuous Walking & Trekking
Save £130 this autumn
- Towering Himalayan peaks, sacred lakes and deep hidden valleys - all within a day's drive from Kathmandu
- A culturally rich trek into the home of the Tamang and the Yolmo Sherpa people
- Traditional tea houses and a warm welcome on the trail
- 4* hotel in Kathmandu at the start and end of the trek
Flight inclusive from £3040, Land only from £1850
- Tour the ancient cities of Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Patan and visit Lumbini - the birthplace of Buddha
- Enjoy village walks with stunning Himalayan views of the Annapurnas and Everest
- Go wild at Chitwan National Park with two full days of wildlife watching activities
- Stay in top quality hotels and lodges including Dwarika's fabulous Heritage Hotel
- Join the Tihar celebrations on the 27th October 2024 departure
Flight inclusive from £4345, Land only from £3195
Long Trek to Everest Base Camp
24 day Strenuous Walking & Trekking
Save £150 this autumn
- Follow in the footsteps of early Everest pioneers on the original trail to Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy fabulous sunrise views from Pikey Peak, said to be Edmund Hillary’s favourite view of Everest.
- Visit both Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar and trek through beautiful Sherpa villages
- Trek in the company of highly experienced Sherpa leaders, some of whom are Everest summiteers
- Stay in a four star hotel in Kathmandu with a walking tour of the city’s key sights
Flight inclusive from £4145, Land only from £2745
Tiger's Nest Trek, Bhutan & Kathmandu Valley Trek, Nepal
15 day Gentle / Moderate Walking & Trekking
- A three day trek between villages and temples along the ridgeline of the Kathmandu Valley
- Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on the trail to the sacred temple of Namo Buddha
- An overnight camping trek in Bhutan to reach the Tiger’s Nest Temple of Taktsang
- Time to explore the heritage towns of Bhaktapur, Dhulikel and Panauti in Nepal
- Gentle walks in Bhutan and the cultural highlights of Paro, Punakha and Thimphu
- All the colour and celebrations of a traditional Bhutanese festival
Flight inclusive from £4510, Land only from £3435
Grand Annapurna Traverse
27 day Strenuous Walking & Trekking
Save £300 this autumn
- Experience a genuine wilderness trek in the heart of the Annapurna mountains
- Cross three challenging passes: the Kang La, 5,300m, the Mesokanto La, 5,120m and the Namun La, 4,850m
- Enjoy incredible close-up views of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchare, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri
- Camp at 5,000m at stunning Tilicho lake - a unique experience
- Explore the delightful mountain villages of Naar and Phu
Flight inclusive from £5400, Land only from £4085
Manaslu Circuit
18 day Strenuous Walking & Trekking
- A distinctive and improved version of the classic Manaslu Circuit with spectacular scenery from start to finish
- Excellent acclimatisation with rest days before crossing the Larkya La
- Explore picturesque Tibetan villages full of cultural interest
- Staying in tea houses on trek and a four star hotel in Kathmandu
Flight inclusive from £3310, Land only from £2025
Save £180 this autumn
- Achieve five superb objectives all over 5,000 metres: the passes of Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La, and the summits of Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar
- Trek in the more unspoilt valleys of the Khumbu approaching the Renjo La and Chukhung
- View Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Cholatse, the Himalayan giants, in their full glory
- Stay at a four star hotel in Kathmandu with time to relax or take in the sights of the city
Flight inclusive from £3855, Land only from £2495
Gentle Trekking & Luxury Lodges, Annapurna Foothills
12 day Gentle / Moderate Walking & Trekking
- Varied trekking through beautiful Himalayan scenery and delightful villages
- Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the cultural highlights of Kathmandu and a boat ride in Pokhara
- Stay at the best trekking lodges in the Annapurnas and a top quality hotel in Pokhara
- Relax in a fabulous 5 star hotel in Kathmandu after the trek
- Extend your holiday with a range of options
Flight inclusive from £3465, Land only from £2345
- Enjoy spectacular views of the Kathmandu valley and Himalayan peaks from Haatiban
- Relax at the Summit River Lodge with the refreshing sound of the Trusili River below
- Spend your last night at Dwarika's - one of the finest hotels in all Kathmandu
- See the real Nepal, go beyond the beaten track and discover untouched villages
- Stay in beautifully located lodges with comfy beds, hot showers and great food
- Sightseeing in Pokhara with a magnificent backdrop scenery of the Annapurna
Flight inclusive from £3565, Land only from £2445
Annapurna Base Camp in Style
16 day Vigorous Walking & Trekking
- Trek to Macchapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp
- Stay in up-market lodges, and the best tea houses higher up the trail with many extra services included
- A perfect Himalayan trek through classic high mountain scenery to explore the heart of the Annapurna
- Enjoy a high quality hotel in Kathmandu and tour the city's main sights
Flight inclusive from £4175, Land only from £3055
- Explore the artistic and cultural heritage of ancient Kathmandu
- Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountains
- Visit all the key cultural sights in Bhutan, including iconic Taktsang Monastery
- Experience traditional Nepalese village life in Bandipur
- Enjoy time in scenic Pokhara with a boat ride on the lake
- Stay in comfortable hotels throughout
Flight inclusive from £4865, Land only from £3470
Kangchenjunga North & South Base Camps
23 day Strenuous Walking & Trekking
- An opportunity to genuinely trek where few other westerners venture.
- Spectacular Himalayan scenery with views of many 8,000m peaks.
- Excellent acclimatisation and ample time to explore.
- Highly experienced Nepali leader and trek crew.
- Relax in a 4* hotel in Kathmandu.
Flight inclusive from £4510, Land only from £2955
Everest Base Camp in Style
20 day Strenuous Walking & Trekking
- For ten nights on trek stay in luxury lodges with excellent facilities, food and service.
- Five other nights are spent in the best tea houses available on the trail.
- Visit the Base Camp of beautiful Ama Dablam and trek to both Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar to gain the most stunning views of Everest
- Excellent acclimatisation and first rate leaders
- Stay in Kathmandu's best hotel - the Dwarika’s Hotel - a 5-star heritage property
Flight inclusive from £4445, Land only from £3325
Annapurna & Everest in Style
18 day Moderate Walking & Trekking
- Stay in high quality trekking lodges with lots of home comforts
- Relax at a high quality hotel in Kathmandu and tour the cityâs main sights
- Discover the Annapurna foothills and the Everest region on two well-paced treks with stunning views
- Enjoy the best trekking experience with excellent acclimatisation and first rate leaders
Flight inclusive from £5065, Land only from £3750
Mera Peak 6,476m / 21,246ft
22 day Expedition Grade Trekking Peak
- Carefully planned route that provides the best acclimatisation as well as stunning Himalayan scenery
- Highly experienced UIAGM qualified leader supported by Climbing Sherpas in the ratio of 1 Sherpa to every 4 clients
- Tea house accommodation on the trail with 2 nights camping at Mera Peak
- Four star hotel in Kathmandu with time for rest and relaxation after your trek
Flight inclusive from £4290, Land only from £2995
Luxury Lodges to Ama Dablam Base Camp
16 day Vigorous Walking & Trekking
- Stay in luxury lodges on trek with excellent facilities, food and service
- Trek the main trails of the Everest region including the old Tibetan trade route the Nangpa La
- Meet climbers or simply explore the Base Camp of beautiful Ama Dablam
- Enjoy the Mani Rimdu Festival on the November 2024 departure
- Relax at indulgent Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu
- Enjoy a walking tour of Kathmandu’s key sights
Flight inclusive from £4190, Land only from £3045
Kingdom of Mustang Trek
19 day Vigorous Walking & Trekking
- Visit a small Buddhist kingdom that until relatively recently was closed to the outside world.
- Attractive Tibetan-style villages with a strong, well preserved Tibetan culture and intriguing long-abandoned cliff dwellings and ancient cave monasteries.
- A dramatic desert landscape with incredible ‘organ-pipe’ cliffs, set against a backdrop of the mighty snow-capped Himalaya.
- While on trek stay in charming teahouses, small hotels and lodges
- 4* hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and a combination of tea houses and lodges on trek.
Flight inclusive from £4005, Land only from £3055
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Introduction
Nepal is perhaps the most exciting of the Himalayan nations with the highest mountains, most vibrant culture, and a friendly charm that has made it a favourite destination for travellers and trekkers for many years.
For the majority of travellers to Nepal trekking in the world’s great mountains is their primary objective but you don’t have to go far or particularly high to get a sense of the scenic, natural and cultural attractions of the country. Most Nepalese holidays start in the bustling capital of Kathamandu where Durbar square, Swayambanuth Temple and the tourist heartland of Thamel are among the main attractions. In the surrounding valley, the beautiful hilltop villages and World Heritage Sites of Patan and Bhaktapur can be explored on our Gentle Walking Nepal holiday as well as on our in-depth Definitive Cultural Tour of Nepal.
If you want to get into the high mountains though, we can arrange Nepal trekking packages to most places in the country. The Annapurnas offer trekking at all levels from a gentle trekking holiday in the foothills, staying in luxury lodges, to a more vigorous trek into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. There's also the classic Annapurna Circuit that crosses the Thorong La. Avoiding the crowds, you can trek across the high passes and remote valleys of the region with our Namun La, Langtang & the Laurebina La or Grand Annapurna Traverse treks. All of which offer a real sense of wilderness.
In the Everest region, completing the trek to Everest Base Camp is the goal for most experienced trekkers, and there’s even an Everest Base Camp in Style trek for those who prefer a few home comforts on the trail. If you want to recreate the route of the original Everest pioneers then the Long Trek to Everest Base Camp might be just the Nepal expedition for you. For those looking to explore the Everest region beyond Base Camp there are several options. You can trek to the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes, take the high altitude trek - the Three High Passes to Everest - or even challenge yourself on an Everest trekking peak such as Mera Peak. And if you can’t decide between Everest of Annapurnas, enjoy them both on our Annapurna & Everest in Style trek.
If you prefer a more remote experience, Wild Nepal will take you off-the-beaten-track. The little-explored area of Ganesh Himal, the mysterious landscapes of the Kingdom of Mustang, the remote base camps of Kangchenjunga and the traditional Tibetan culture of Manaslu on the classic Manaslu Circuit, all offer a different perspective on this beautiful and welcoming land.
Key Facts
- Capital city: Kathmandu
- Arrival airport: Kathmandu
- Population: 28,610,000 (2019 census)
- Area of country: 147,181 sq km
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee
- Time difference: GMT +5.75 hours
- Popular dishe/s: Dal bhat
- Popular drink/s: Chai tea and Raksi (an alcoholic homebrew)
- Power supply: 220v/240v
- Sockets: Round-three pin but can also be European or British variety sockets
- Official language: Nepali
- Religion: Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other 0.9%
- Visa: British nationals require a visa to visit Nepal. This can be obtained in advance or on arrival
- Did you Know: The flag of Nepal is the only national flag in the world that is not quadilateral in shape
- FCDO link: FCDO travel advice for Nepal
Climate
When is the best time to travel to Nepal?
It is possible to travel to Nepal throughout much of the year, though for walking and trekking in Nepal, the best time to go is in spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November). Our temperature and rainfall charts will give you a guide to the climate in Nepal.
Autumn is thought to be the best time to visit Nepal. With dry weather and crisp, clear skies, the mountain views are at their best. The countryside is green and lush, following the summer monsoon. However, during this period the popular trails can be busy, and flights book up quickly, so do book in advance if you want to trek in Nepal during the autumn. We've introduced many treks which will get you off-the-beaten-path, and away from the crowds during this season.
In winter, the days are generally dry and bright, though at altitude the evenings will be extremely cold, and some high passes can be blocked by snow. Although a high-altitude trek may not be possible, winter can be a great time to visit Nepal, as there are fewer tourists. There are some fantastic walking and trekking holidays which are perfect for an adventurous winter holiday. You could spend Christmas day gazing at a perfect snowy mountain scene!
Between March and April, the weather warms up, and a whole range of trekking options are available. Skies may be more cloudy than in autumn, but the beautiful rhododendron and magnolia will be in bloom. Some of our holidays are timed to depart during the Easter period.
In summer, from June to August, the monsoon rains make a Nepal holiday a more challenging proposition. We consider that some destinations, such as Everest Base Camp, are unsuitable for trekking. Internal flight schedules can be affected and the mountain views are limited, even if the trails themselves are fine for trekking. Trekking in the Annapurna and Everest regions may not be possible, but Mustang and Dolpo, which lie in the rain shadow, make the perfect summer trekking destination.
If you would like to discuss your group or Tailor Made holiday to Nepal with one of our destination experts, then please call us on 01453 844400.
Frequently asked Questions
- Where is Nepal?
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Bordered by Tibet to the north and India Nepal lies predominantly in the Himalaya. Its landscapes are surprisingly diverse rising from the flat, fertile plains of the Terai, through the picturesque foothills to the towering summits of the high Himalaya. It is home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains including, of course, Everest, the highest of them all at 8,848m.
- What is the best time to go to Nepal?
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Apart from the monsoonal summer months, when getting around is difficult, you can visit Nepal at any time of the year. If you’re planning to trek, especially at higher altitude, then spring or autumn is the very best time to go to Nepal as the trails will be snow-free, the views clear and the weather warm, especially during the day. If you are planning on walking or touring in the Annapurna foothills or the Kathmandu Valley, then the winter months are also fine to travel, although January and February can be very chilly. For the wildlife-rich parks of Chitwan and Bardia, the optimum time to visit is between October and early March before the heat and humidity gets too high.
- Is Nepal tourist friendly?
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Tourism is a mainstay of Nepal’s economy and very important to its people. You will always receive a warm welcome and generous hospitality, especially in the mountains, where the long-established tea house culture provides simple accommodation and hearty food for trekkers. We always recommend trekking with a guide as they know the trails back-to-front, understand the weather and natural conditions, and will make sure you are following good health and hygiene measures. They will also maximise your trekking experience through their excellent local knowledge. We include the services of an English-speaking guide on all our small group holidays. We also use good quality private vehicles for all road journeys in Nepal rather than public transport. This will give a good standard of comfort and safety when travelling between destinations in-country. Nepal’s main towns and cities are also very tourist friendly with low rates of crime, however you should of course exercise normal common-sense safety precautions when travelling to keep you and your belongings secure.
- Is Nepal a cheap country to visit?
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Yes is the simple answer. The cost of food, drink, accommodation and other travel-related services compare very favourably to other destinations, especially if you are not looking for high-end, luxury options. Naturally prices are higher in the peak spring and autumn seasons so travelling a little out of season can reduce costs, particularly for international flights to Nepal. All of our group and tailor made holidays to Nepal include most meals, airport transfers, accommodation, private transport, a guide and support crew, and sightseeing (as per the individual itinerary). That means you only have to budget for a few meals in the cities, tips for your guide and other staff, and any souvenirs or treats for yourself. We give comprehensive advice on how much money you might need to take with in our pre-trip dossier of information, you’ll probably be surprised by how little you will actually spend.
- Is seven days enough for Nepal?
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We don’t think so! If you only want to see Kathmandu and perhaps travel as far as Pokhara for some Himalayan mountain views, then a week might just be enough. But to even begin to explore further, you’ll need more time. Nepal has many attractions to tempt visitors from its incomparable mountain landscapes, to wildlife-rich parks, and from ancient Newari cities to important sacred sites. You can also do a wide range of adventurous activities such as trekking, mountaineering, cycling and river rafting plus more gentle walking in the lower hills or on-foot cultural tours. More time is absolutely essential if you’re planning on doing any trekking at altitude in the Everest region, the Annapurna mountains or beyond. This means having plenty of time to ascend slowly and including rest days to give your body time to adjust to the thinner air. To reach the Annapurna Sanctuay you’ll need to be on trek for at least 11 days in total and to make it to Everest Base Camp you should allow two weeks from start to finish of your trek. All of our trekking holidays are carefully designed to give excellent acclimatisation to minimise the risk of altitude sickness which can be very serious.