Nepal Tours May 2022

Nepal Travel Guide

Nepal Tours Things To Do

• 
  Enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu from the Swayambhunath Shrine

  Regarded as one of the most sacred sites for Buddhist pilgrimages to Nepal, the Swayambhunath Shrine is a must-see when visiting. Views from the hilltop stupa and the Buddhist iconography instill a sense of peace for all who visit the site. Swayambhunath Shrine elevates over the Kathmandu Valley for panoramic views overlooking Kathmandu. The central stupa features a golden roof decorated to resemble Buddha's face. The site includes other structures such as temples, shrines, a monastery, and a library.  

  You Should Know

  The temple is accessible via climbing 365 stairs to the top or driving up the road. It's also referred to as a monkey temple because of all the monkeys living at the temple.

• 
  Admire the architecture surrounding the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square

  Experience the impressive Nepalese architecture and craftsmanship surrounding the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of three main squares, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Durbar Square translates to "royal palace" – it's in front of the former royal palace where visitors can immerse in Kathmandu's busy streets. Kathmandu Durbar Square is an open courtyard surrounded by temples, statues, monuments, etc. It's a popular gathering place for locals shopping at the street vendors or attending a festival.  

  You Should Know

  Many of the structures at the square were destroyed during a massive 2015 earthquake. Many of them are still in restoration to their original opulence.

• 
  Chant with monks inside of the Golden Temple

  The golden details built into the Golden Temple make it one of the most iconic temples in Patan. Patan is the third-largest city in Nepal – it's growing in popularity as a cultural hub, and the Golden Temple is a major landmark. Golden Temple, or Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, is a Buddhist monastery built in 1409. The temple is open to the public to explore each of the temple's three levels. There are many shrines and sculptures dedicated to Buddhist iconography, but showcase intricate details and artistic craft.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The Golden Temple is an active temple used by monks. Visit during chanting and worship time to get an intimate glimpse into the Nepalese traditions.

• 
  Trek to the Mount Everest Base Camps

  Experience why they call Nepal the "roof of the world" when you visit the Mount Everest base camp. Climb up the "stairway to heaven" to reach the foot of the world's highest mountain. Mount Everest has a record-breaking elevation of over 8,800 meters above sea level. While hiking to the peaks is reserved for professional climbers, Mount Everest Base Camps are a great alternative to experience it. Adventure travelers can go on hiking excursions through the Himalayan Mountain range for views overlooking the valleys, crossing high passes, glaciers, and stopping by local mountain villages where the traditional lifestyles are still the norm.  

  You Should Know

  Mount Everest Base Camps reach elevations of over 5,000-meters above sea level. The tough climbing conditions and high elevation can be challenging to even experienced climbers. Special permits are required before you're allowed to hike to the site.

• 
  Dine at a rooftop restaurant with views of the Boudhanath

  Boudhanath is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. The famous stupa is a worship site for Buddhism, Hinduism, and often ranked as the country's most visited tourist attraction. Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Kathmandu along a former major trade route. The stupe features a towering mandala reaching a height of 36-meters with lines of prayer flags extending from the roof. Various shops surround the religious site for souvenirs or rooftop cafes for incredible views of the stupa.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Bouddahanath throughout the day for a different experience every time. It's peaceful in the morning when it's a site for prayer. In the afternoon, several religious activities take place. At night, lights shine on the stupa for an unforgettable sight.

• 
  Visit the museums inside the Hanuman Dhoka temple complex

  The royal atmosphere surrounding the Kathmandu Durbar Square is preserved with the Hanuman Dhoka royal complex. Pass through the Hanuman Gate to enter the complex, which showcases royal residences, courtyards, museums, and more. Hanuman Dhoka is a temple structure complex, including the Royal Palaces for the Malla Kings and the Shah Dynasty. The name derives from the prominently featured stone statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman (or the Monkey God).  

  You Should Know

  The complex is open to the public to explore the various structures and courtyards dedicated to multiple religious or royal purposes. It also holds numerous museums featuring artifacts collected from former Kings, room recreations, and a history of past ruling dynasties.

• 
  Support the Tibetan Refugees by buying handmade goods in Jawalakhel

  Jawalakhel is a hub for handicrafts, introduced to Nepal from the neighboring Tibet region. The Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre was established in 1960 with the support of international aid to provide a new local livelihood for the Tibetan refugees. Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre is a Tibetan refugee camp where refugees are celebrated for their traditional style of handicrafts. The refugees introduced Tibet's craft to Nepal, creating a bustling industry that attracts tourists.  

  You Should Know

  Visiting the Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre is an excellent way to support the Tibet refugee communities residing in Nepal. It's a popular shopping destination for handmade clothing, fabrics, metals, and more.

• 
  Witness the cremation ceremonies at the Pashupatinath Temple

  Witness the reincarnation ceremonies held daily at the Pashupatinath Temple. The temple is among the top Hindu temples in Nepal, where large groups of worshippers visit daily for the cremation ceremonies. Pashupatinath Temple is located within a temple complex constructed in the 16th Century - the complex includes several temples, shrines, and other Hindu relics. The main temple is a pagoda-style building along the Bagmati River. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places to see a cremation ceremony (from either side of the river), which devotees believe aids the reincarnation process.  

  You Should Know

  Unlike westernized cremation, the process is completed in the open-air before the ashes are placed into the river. Be mindful of the smells and sights when visiting during the cremation.

• 
  Walk the old city center in Bhaktapur

  Walk the old city center in Bhaktapur to experience one of the best-preserved traditional cities in Nepal. The country's former capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its culture, history, architecture, and art. Bhaktapur is known as the city of temples – it has many preserved religious temples still in use today. Some of the landmarks include the Nyatapola Temple, Changu Narayan, Bhairavnath Temple, and the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.   

  Best Time To Visit

  Every month, Bhaktapur hosts city-wide festivals for various celebrations. Find when the next festival will occur before you visit so that you have a chance to join the festivities and experience the local heritage.

Nepal Tour Packages

• Autumn – September to November – High Season

  Nepal weather is ideal during the Autumn months. Monsoon season is over, so it has a much drier climate. The moderate weather is also perfect for hiking – it's cool enough to endure a long day of climbing and warm enough to avoid extreme weather in the high elevations. The sky conditions are clearer for incredible views.

• Winter – December to February – Low Season

  Winter is the coldest season, and the country receives significantly fewer travelers. One thing to note is that early December is still a great time to visit just before the cold weather arrives.

• Spring – March to May – Good Season

  Springtime in Nepal has similar weather to the autumn, so it's one of the best alternative times to visit. Nepal has beautiful natural settings outside of the city, so visitors can experience when the flora blooms.

• Summer – June to August – Low Season

  Many people avoid visiting Nepal in the summer because it coincides with the monsoon season. During these months, Nepal gets a lot of daily precipitation, lasting a few hours. One advantage of visiting during the summer is that it's more budget-friendly because of the low season.

Nepal Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Nepal Tours?

  Nepal Tours provide adventurous travelers with the experience of a lifetime through one of the unique countries in Asia. Explore the rich cultural heritage of Nepal with guided tours to some of the top attractions, including the Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Shrine, and views of Mount Everest in the backdrop. You'll have the best Nepal vacation ever!

• What’s included on Nepal Tours?

  Nepal Tours include multi-day tours around Nepal and neighboring countries of India and/or Bhutan. The tours are the perfect way to experience the region's best sites. Travel to the top cities in Nepal such as Kathmandu, the capital; Patan, the cultural hub; and the UNESCO recognized city of Bhaktapur. Tours offer an immersive experience into the Nepalese culture, or regional excursions to get a broad scope of Asia.

• What’s the best Nepal Tour?

  We offer the best Nepal tours for all kinds of travelers. Spend a few days exploring the local Nepalese heritage – the food, religious sites, cultural sites – or combine a trip to Nepal while visiting major cities across India and Bhutan. Whether you want to travel for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, Nepal Tours has a suitable tour to make the most of your experience.

• How much do Nepal Tours cost?

  Nepal Tours has trips for all budget types. It's a very budget-friendly travel destination with nature treks available for less than $500 USD. Travelers looking to explore more of the region can find all-inclusive trips to multiple countries for a significantly lower price than when purchased separately.