Things to do · Nepal
The Best Things to Do in Nepal
Treks, safaris, temples, rafting and paragliding — the best things to do in Nepal and where to do them.
The best things to do in Nepal range from the world's most famous mountain treks to lowland jungle safaris, sacred temples, white-water rivers and the living medieval cities of the Kathmandu Valley. Few countries pack so much variety into so small an area, climbing from steamy Terai plains to 8,000-metre peaks in a single day's drive. This guide sorts Nepal's signature experiences so you can match them to your time, energy and interests.
Trek in the Himalaya
Trekking is the heart of any Nepal trip. The classic routes are the Everest Base Camp trek for its dramatic high-altitude scenery and the Annapurna circuits for their variety, but gentler options like Ghorepani Poon Hill suit newcomers. Read our Nepal trekking guide for permits and seasons, and the adventure activities guide for the bigger picture.
Ride the rivers and the sky
Nepal's snowmelt rivers make it a premier rafting destination, with the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi the most popular runs. Over in Pokhara, tandem paragliding from Sarangkot is among the best in the world, soaring above Phewa Lake with the Annapurnas behind. Bungee jumping and canyoning near the Bhote Koshi round out the adrenaline menu.
Meet the wildlife
In the southern lowlands, Chitwan National Park offers jeep and canoe safaris in search of one-horned rhinos, gharial crocodiles and, with luck, a Bengal tiger. The wilder Bardia National Park in the far west has the country's best tiger-tracking and far fewer crowds.
Explore temples and culture
The Kathmandu Valley alone holds seven UNESCO World Heritage monument zones. Wander the things to do in Kathmandu, then dig into the country's spiritual side with our guide to the famous temples of Nepal, from Pashupatinath to Muktinath. For an artisan day, cross to Patan via our Patan and Lalitpur guide.
Find the views
You do not need to trek for a Himalayan horizon. The hill stations near Kathmandu — Nagarkot, Dhulikhel and Daman — deliver sunrise panoramas by road, while Pokhara's Sarangkot is the classic dawn viewpoint above the lakes.
Slow down and reflect
Nepal is also a place to pause. Join a meditation course at a hilltop gompa, circle the Boudhanath stupa with pilgrims, or follow the Tibetan Buddhist sites near Kathmandu. For the full menu of experiences in one place, see our Nepal bucket list, and time your trip with the best time to visit Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nepal most famous for doing?+
Nepal is best known for trekking in the Himalaya, including Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna routes, but it also offers world-class river rafting, jungle safaris in Chitwan and Bardia, paragliding over Pokhara and an extraordinary density of temples and festivals in the Kathmandu Valley.
What can you do in Nepal in one week?+
A week comfortably covers the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO sites, a short trek or hike, a couple of nights in Pokhara for lakes and mountain views, and a quick visit to a hill station such as Nagarkot for sunrise. Add Chitwan if you would rather swap a trek for wildlife.
Is Nepal only for trekkers?+
Not at all. Many of Nepal's best experiences need no trek — exploring the durbar squares, rafting the Trishuli, paragliding in Pokhara, watching rhinos in Chitwan and circling the Boudhanath stupa are all easily reached by road and suit every fitness level.
When should you do these activities?+
Autumn and spring give the clearest skies for trekking and mountain views. The lowland safaris of Chitwan and Bardia are best in the cooler, drier months from October to March, while rafting runs strongest just after the monsoon.
