Things to do in Nepal

Welcome to a beautiful and peaceful mountainous country: Nepal.
Nepal is a breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil landlocked country nestled in the midst of mountains. Home to the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest, Nepal has seven of the world's 10 tallest mountains. From leisurely hikes to challenging treks in the Himalayas, discovering the peacefulness of Buddhism, exploring historical royal cities, going on wildlife safaris, indulging in high-adrenaline water sports, and engaging in mountain biking, Nepal offers a wide range of experiences. Adventure seekers can also partake in activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, zip lining, and paragliding, catering to their interests.
Wondering what to add to your itinerary? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning one, there is always something new to see in Nepal. Here is a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Nepal, tailored to your interests, to assist with your trip planning.

1. Hiking and Trekking in Nepal

As a mountainous country, Nepal undoubtedly offers some of the best trekking experiences in the world. With a variety of routes catering to different interests, physical fitness levels, budget constraints, and time availability, there is something for everyone. From easy hikes to challenging multiday treks in the Himalayas, Nepal's scenic beauty never fails to impress. In fact, the country boasts seven of the world's ten tallest mountains, offering dramatic vistas along the way. Among the most popular trekking regions are Annapurna, Everest, Manaslu, and Langtang, and no trip to Nepal is complete without venturing onto its mountain trails.

2. Visit UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu, the city of heritage! To truly understand the religious, cultural, and historical significance of Nepal, it is essential to explore the many fascinating sights in the Kathmandu valley.
As one of the world's oldest capitals, Kathmandu Valley is home to seven UNESCO Heritage Sites that showcase a rich history spanning many eras and regimes. Among these sites is the Pashupatinath Temple, a holy site for Hindus located on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Another must-see heritage site is the Swayambhunath Stupa, believed to be one of the oldest structures in the valley. This iconic stupa is recognizable by its two eyes, which symbolize wisdom and compassion.
The three royal palaces of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur were once the capitals of three states within the Kathmandu valley during the Malla era. Each palace boasts unique architecture and intricate works of wood and metal, offering a glimpse into the valley's rich history.
Boudhanath Stupa, built in the 5th century in a mandala-style structure, is one of the largest monuments in Nepal and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. And atop a hill in Bhaktapur lies the Changunarayan Temple, a Newari settlement built in the 3rd century that is steeped in history and culture.
In short, exploring the many cultural and historical sights in the Kathmandu valley is one of the most important things to do in Nepal. We hope you enjoy your stay!

3. Discover inner peace and positive energy through meditation in Nepal

Nepal, a Himalayan country, is the perfect destination for meditation, relaxing yoga vacations, and immersive retreats. According to sacred texts, the Himalayas are a place where Hindu gods and rishis have meditated and relaxed for thousands of years. As the birthplace of Buddha and with mesmerizing mountain ranges, Nepal is a naturally profoundly spiritual place to reconnect with inner peace.
The Himalayan yoga and meditation tradition helps people become healthy and mentally aware of their qualities and explore the spiritual side of themselves. It also helps to find ultimate happiness and freedom from suffering and to share happiness, peace, purity, love, and self-realization through the practice of meditation and yoga. With its tranquil atmosphere, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage, Nepal offers the perfect environment for those seeking inner peace and positive energy through meditation.

4. Mountain Biking in the Himalayas

For adventure enthusiasts, mountain biking in the Himalayas is one of the best things to do in Nepal. It's time to push your boundaries and experience new mountain vistas that you may have never seen before. Nepal's top mountain biking trails offer stunning views of the Himalayas blanketed in snow and fresh air that will leave you with unforgettable memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Nepal offers a variety of mountain biking trails in different shapes and sizes. Some are rugged and wild, while others are located close to the city and offer limitless variations of rides, from day trips to week-long expeditions. Here are some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Nepal:

• Kathmandu Valley Mountain Biking

• Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour

• Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Trip

• Pokhara Downhill Mountain Biking

• Royal Mountain Bike Trail in Pokhara

5. Hunting in Nepal

For hunting enthusiasts, Nepal is one of the best destinations for wildlife as well as wild honey hunting. The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, known as a challenging and unparalleled location, is the only hunting reserve in the country. The reserve is home to 130 bird species and 32 species of mammals, including 200 Himalayan thars and 800-900 Himalayan blue sheep.
Other wildlife that can be found in the reserve includes Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, spotted deer, barking deer, red pandas, and Himalayan ghorals. However, hunting is only permitted during fixed seasons, from mid-September to mid-December, and from mid-February to mid-March.
Himalayan blue sheep and Himalayan thar are the main attractions for hunters visiting the reserve. In addition to Naur and Jharal, a foreign hunter can also hunt one wild boar, one barking deer, and 10 birds.
Wild honey hunting in the foothills of the Himalayas is one of the best and most thrilling adventure activities for adventure seekers. Nepal, being a country with exclusively rich mountainous formations, offers a unique opportunity for wild honey hunting. Most of the honeybee nests are located on steep, rocky hills, and honey hunters require exceptional skills as they have to hang using handmade ropes and bamboo.
Wild honeybees can be found in almost every hilly area, making them accessible to hunters. The experience of wild honey hunting in Nepal is not only adventurous but also provides a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. The honey is collected using traditional methods, and the process is carried out with great care and respect for the bees and the environment.

6. Paragliding in Nepal

Paragliding in Nepal is a dream comes true for every adventure enthusiast! Experience the thrill of flying like a bird and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas and landscapes from above. The green valleys, serene lakes, snow-capped mountains, gushing streams, and more make it an unforgettable experience worth having at least once in a lifetime. There are different packages available, with varying durations and locations to choose from. Some of the popular places for paragliding in Nepal are Pokhara, Bhedetar, Chapakharka, Kot Danda, Godavari, Phulchowki, and Bandipur.

7. Rock Climbing in Nepal

Nepal is renowned for its natural rock climbing opportunities, thanks to its mountainous terrain. Whether you have limited time or are an experienced climber, there are various rock climbing grades and locations to suit your needs. Basic rock climbing can be done in several spots around the Kathmandu Valley, while those new to the sport can explore areas outside of the valley.

Here is some popular rock climbing spots in Nepal:

• Rock climbing areas around the Kathmandu Valley:

• Nagarjun Forest is located just a 20-minute drive from Kathmandu

• Hattiban: located about an hour's drive from Kathmandu

• Nagarkot is a bolted climbing area that may be challenging to find without a guide.

• Rock climbing areas outside of the Kathmandu Valley:

• Thame Rock Climbing (Khumbu Region)

• Bimal Nagar is located just a 20-minute drive from Bandipur

• Rock climbing in Annapurna Conservation Areas: several locations

• Rock Climbing in Langtang

• Rock climbing in Rolwaling Valley

8. Experience the thrill of whitewater sports: rafting, kayaking, fishing, and boating.

Nepal is an ideal destination for those seeking adventure in white water sports such as rafting, kayaking, fishing, and boating. Rafting, in particular, has become a popular activity for people of all ages who want to experience a physical workout while enjoying the beauty of nature. Rafting can be done in various water bodies, such as lakes, oceans, and rivers, with Nepal boasting some of the world's top rafting destinations.
Rafting offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to different levels of difficulty and environments. With a wide range of gear available, anyone can participate in this thrilling sport, regardless of their skill level. The different classes of rafting also provide a unique set of challenges that appeal to adrenaline junkies seeking an unforgettable adventure.Nepal's rivers offer various white water rafting experiences, ranging from grade 2–5 rapids that provide non-stop excitement for adventurers.
Here are some of the popular spots for whitewater rafting in Nepal:

• Trishuli River Rafting

• Bhote Koshi River Rafting

• Marshyangdi River Rafting

• Bheri River Rafting

• Upper Seti River Rafting

• Lower Seti River Rafting

• Karnali River Rafting

• Sun Kosi River Rafting

• Tamur River Rafting

• Kaligandaki River Rafting

9. Canyoning in Nepal

Embark on an adventure that will nourish your mind and body by exploring the hidden canyons of Himalayan rivers and springs in Nepal. Canyoning is a popular activity during the summer and monsoon seasons, offering refreshing waterfalls formed among deep gorges. With options ranging from simple "rock and slide" to more adventurous routes, canyoning activities can be found at Jalbire, Panglang, Bhotekoshi, Pokhara, and Charaundi Canyon, all located along the white sandy banks of the Trishuli River in Dhading district. Specialized guides will lead you through intimate passages of contorted rock and powerful blasts of water as you abseil, slide, jump, and swim down steep canyon walls to pristine pools below. Experience one of Nepal's best-kept secrets and step outside your comfort zone.

10. Bungee Jump/ Swing in Nepal

For those seeking a heart-pounding thrill, Nepal is the perfect destination for bungee jumping and swing. The unforgettable experience of plunging off a suspension bridge above a river canyon attracts adrenaline junkies from all over the world. The Kushma Swing is the world's highest swing and second-highest bungee jump, and is located in the George of Baglung and Kushma district, stands at 228 meters on a 520-meter suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River in the George of Baglung and Kushma districts. Additionally, two other bungee jump spots exist in Nepal: The Last Resort and High-Ground Bungee Jump, offering thrilling drops of 160 meters and 70 meters, respectively.