Nepal is far more than mountains. Yes, eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks are here, and trekking is world-class. But Nepal also has subtropical jungles where you can track rhinos and tigers on elephant-back, medieval cities where artisans still carve wood and throw pottery by hand, whitewater rivers that cut through Himalayan gorges, paragliding thermals above lakeside towns, and some of the oldest living cultural traditions in Asia. Here’s what you can do.

Trekking & Hiking

Nepal’s number-one draw. Trails range from gentle day hikes in the Kathmandu Valley to multi-week expeditions crossing 5,000m+ passes in the shadow of Everest and Annapurna. Every fitness level and experience level has a route.

Popular treks we offer:

• Everest Base Camp Homestay Trek — 15 days, the classic Khumbu route with community homestays
• Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake — Nepal’s most diverse trek, from rice paddies to high desert
• Manaslu Circuit (GHT) — the quieter alternative to the Annapurna Circuit
• Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek — closest major trek to Kathmandu
• Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek — remote western Nepal, Peter Matthiessen’s Snow Leopard country

See all our Nepal trekking options →

Wildlife & Jungle Safari

Nepal’s Terai lowlands are home to some of Asia’s most exciting wildlife. Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites with healthy populations of one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, wild elephants, gharial crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

What you can do:

• Jeep safari: The best way to cover ground and spot rhinos, deer, and birdlife. Early morning drives offer the best sightings.
• Canoe trip: Drift down the Rapti or Narayani rivers spotting crocodiles, kingfishers, and river dolphins.
• Guided jungle walk: On foot with a trained naturalist — the most immersive way to experience the forest.
• Elephant breeding centre: Visit Chitwan’s conservation centre where orphaned baby elephants are raised.
• Tharu cultural program: The indigenous Tharu people of the Terai have their own dances, music, and traditions — evening cultural programs give a glimpse.

Our Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan Tour includes 2–3 days in Chitwan with all the above activities.

Cultural Experiences & Heritage

Nepal has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley alone — more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth. But the real cultural riches aren’t behind museum glass. They’re in the living courtyards, the active temples, and the families who still practice traditions that predate most European nations.

Must-do cultural experiences:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: The old royal palace precinct, crowded with temples, shrines, and Newari architecture spanning seven centuries.
• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. At dusk, monks circumambulate the dome while butter lamps glow and chanting echoes off the surrounding monasteries.
• Bhaktapur: A medieval Newari city where pottery is still thrown in open squares and pagoda temples are maintained by neighbourhood guilds. Our Nagarkot & Bhaktapur Day Tour is the best way to experience it.
• Patan: The city of fine arts — metalwork, stone carving, and thangka painting workshops line the streets around Patan Durbar Square.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple, where cremation ghats line the Bagmati River. Respectful visitors are welcome in the outer areas.
• Lumbini: The birthplace of Buddha — a UNESCO site with monasteries built by Buddhist nations from around the world. Can be added to any multi-destination tour.

Our Kathmandu Heritage Day Tour covers the valley highlights with a local guide who grew up in these neighbourhoods.

Adventure Activities

Paragliding

Pokhara is one of the world’s top paragliding destinations. Tandem flights launch from Sarangkot (1,592m) and soar above Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range as a backdrop. No experience needed — you fly with a licensed pilot. Flights run year-round, weather permitting.

White-Water Rafting & Kayaking

Nepal’s rivers — the Trisuli, Bhote Koshi, Seti, Sun Kosi, and Karnali — offer everything from gentle Class II floats to Class V expeditions. The Trisuli River (2–3 hours from Kathmandu) is the most accessible. Multi-day rafting trips on the Sun Kosi or Karnali are genuine wilderness adventures with riverside camping.

Mountain Biking

The Kathmandu Valley rim, the Annapurna foothills, and the Mustang region offer some of Asia’s best mountain biking. Routes range from single-track descents through rhododendron forests to multi-day rides through remote villages. Bike rental and guided tours are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Bungee Jumping

The Last Resort bungee near the Tibet border drops 160m over the Bhote Koshi gorge — one of the world’s highest commercial bungee jumps. A popular day trip from Kathmandu.

Rock Climbing

Nagarjun Forest, the Hattiban cliffs near Kathmandu, and the limestone walls near Pokhara offer sport climbing routes from 5a to 7b. Guided climbing with gear rental is available through local operators.

Spiritual & Wellness

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha and has deep roots in both Hindu and Buddhist contemplative traditions. Retreat centres in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and Lumbini offer everything from weekend meditation courses to month-long yoga teacher training. Kopan Monastery (above Boudhanath) runs popular introductory Buddhist meditation courses for foreigners.

Pilgrimage Tours

Our Mount Kailash Yatra is the ultimate pilgrimage — circumambulating the sacred peak in Tibet, departing overland from Kathmandu. Within Nepal, pilgrimage circuits connect Pashupatinath, Muktinath (in the Annapurna region), Lumbini, and the sacred lakes of Gosaikunda and Panch Pokhari. Our Panch Pokhari with Gosaikunda Trek links two of Nepal’s holiest lake systems.

Food & Cooking

Nepali cuisine is far more diverse than the dal bhat you’ll eat on the trail. The Newari people of the Kathmandu Valley have a feast culture with over 200 distinct dishes. Thakali cuisine from the Annapurna region is famous across Nepal. Tibetan-influenced momos (dumplings) come stuffed with everything from buffalo to jimbu (a Himalayan herb).

Food experiences we can arrange:

• Newari cooking class in a Kathmandu family home
• Momo-making workshop in Thamel
• Market tour and meal at a local restaurant with a food guide
• Homestay meals with families across different ethnic regions (the best way to eat in Nepal)

Festivals

Nepal has more festivals per capita than almost any country. Major celebrations include:

• Dashain (October): Nepal’s biggest festival — 15 days of family gatherings, kite flying, animal sacrifices, and blessings from elders.
• Tihar/Deepawali (October–November): The festival of lights. Houses are decorated with oil lamps, dogs and crows are honoured, and the goddess Laxmi is worshipped.
• Holi (March): The festival of colours, celebrated with water balloons and coloured powder in the streets.
• Tiji Festival (May): A three-day Buddhist ceremony in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. Our Mustang Tiji Festival Tour is timed for this event.
• Indra Jatra (September): Kathmandu’s biggest street festival, featuring the living goddess Kumari’s chariot procession.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do in Nepal if I don’t trek?

Plenty. Cultural tours in the Kathmandu Valley, wildlife safaris in Chitwan, paragliding in Pokhara, cooking classes, yoga retreats, heritage walks, festival tours, and scenic drives. At least half of what makes Nepal special happens below 2,000m.

Is Nepal good for families with kids?

Yes. The Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and Chitwan are all family-friendly. Children love the temples, the monkeys at Swayambhunath, the boat rides on Phewa Lake, and the jungle safaris. For families with older kids (12+), moderate day hikes are also an option. We design family itineraries regularly.

Can I combine trekking with sightseeing?

Absolutely — this is our most common custom request. A typical 2–3 week trip might include 2 days in Kathmandu, a 10–12 day trek, 2 days in Pokhara, and 2 days in Chitwan. We handle all the logistics, internal flights, and connections.

What adventure activities can beginners do?

Tandem paragliding (no experience needed), Class II–III rafting on the Trisuli River, guided mountain biking on valley trails, and rock climbing with instruction. All available as day activities from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

How do I get around Nepal?

Tourist buses and private vehicles connect Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Internal flights serve Lukla (Everest), Pokhara, Bharatpur (Chitwan), and remote western airports. All our tour packages include transport — you won’t need to arrange anything yourself.