Perched between two gigantic provinces and lying at the foot of the Himalayas, Nepal features some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes that can charm any traveler’s eye! Though smaller in size the country features magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks, pristine flora and fauna, as well as medieval and sacred cities with rich cultural heritage.
With a total area of 1,47,181 sq km and a handful of the population living in poverty, Nepal is not the most developed country out there. However, the natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its residence is what separates the country out of the rest. A trip to Nepal is bound to fill your pocket full of memories that you will cherish for your lifetime!
In this article, I will be explaining to you about some of the significant activities that you can opt while in Nepal and some tips to make your trip easier and memorable.
Let’s dive into it.
What To Do When You Are In Nepal?
Trekking
Nepal boasts eight of the ten highest peaks in the world, which makes it’s a trekker’s paradise! With incredible trails along the lush and verdant landscapes with mountains gleaming in the backdrop, it is a truly breathtaking experience!
Trekking to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp are the two most popular routes in Nepal. During the peak seasons, these routes witness heavy traffic of tourists!
These treks offer you incredible up-close views of the peaks along some off-beaten trails covered with blooming vegetation. These treks are relatively moderate, so, you can opt for them regardless of your trekking experience.
If long and strenuous treks is not your thing, then there are numerous simpler alternatives such as the Ghorepani-Poon hill trek, Tamang heritage trek and Chisapani -Nagarkot trekking. These treks conclude within a few days and are not as burdensome as the high-altitude treks.
Trekking in Nepal is not a recent act and has been in the picture since the early ’90s. However, the scenario today is much more advanced than the earlier days. Be it a trek involving crossing high passes or low-altitude panoramic trek, with today’s advanced trails and standard accommodation, trekking in Nepal can be a gratifying experience.
Fishing
Although not the most popular activity, Fishing in Nepal can be an incredible experience if you have some spare time and you’re passionate about fishing. Being the second most prosperous country in water resources, Nepal features plenty of lakes and streams which comprises of about 118 varieties of freshwater fish!
Anglers can try their luck in the waters of Pokhara and Chitwan or the rivers of Narayani, Rapti and Karnali. If done appropriately the waters of Nepal can bless you with some well-famed breeds of fish such as the Silver carp, Bighead carp, Grass carp, Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Brown trout, and Rainbow trout!
The most commonly sorted fish in Nepal is the ‘Himalayan Masheer’. Other fish such as the Goonch fish and Catfish are also quite famous amongst Nepali anglers.
If you are a passionate angler and looking forward to indulging yourself fishing in the waters of Nepal, separate a few days of your itinerary and carry along a good pair of rod and reel for the best fishing experience!
Peak Climbing
Peak climbing is not only an adventure! It is a definition of adrenaline where you climb through steep moraines filled with icy trails in freezing temperatures. One faulty step can leave your life hanging by a thread. So it is definitely not for novice climbers or the faint-hearted!
Being home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, peak climbing is a trendy sport in Nepal. Every year the country sees thousands of climbers flocking the country to conquer numerous peaks. The most famous one remains the Everest, which sees about 700-800 summit attempts every year.
However, you can also opt for the easier ones with lesser altitudes. For beginner climbers, peaks like Dhampus peak climbing, Mera peak climbing , Island peak, Lobuche, etc. can be a perfect alternative to start with. These peaks are comparatively more comfortable, and only a handful of climbers opt for them.
Peak climbing is not a piece of cake and requires strong physical endurance and strong willpower. Also, there are a ton of permits you need to acquire in order to attempt the summit. If you are really passionate about peak climbing, make sure to build up your stamina and perform hikes regularly before the climb.
Helicopter Tour
Helicopter tour in Nepal is an ultimate definition of luxury where you get to witness the up-close view of the majestic mountains without the long and strenuous days of trekking. The tour generally starts early in the morning, and you will be back at the capital exactly for lunchtime!
The most popular and loved helicopter tours in Nepal are the Everest Heli Tour and the Annapurna Heli Tour. You can also opt for the less mainstream ones such as the Langtang Heli Tour or Chitwan Heli Tour.
If your budget does not restrict you and you prioritize comfort over investment, you can opt for the Helicopter tours. Another alternative of the helicopter tour is the mountain flight conducted by regional airline services. However, the trips are much shorter and only provide a distant aerial view of the mountain range.
White River Rafting
With fiercely flowing streams and abundant rivers, Nepal is an ideal choice for rafting. The wild flowing rivers and the stony boundaries guarantee to provide you with a complete adrenaline experience.
The most common waters for rafting generally are Bhotekoshi and Trishuli. The currents of these rivers are much fiercer which add to a more thrilling experience. However, if you want more of a calmer experience, you can opt for rafting during the autumn seasons when the water is more pleasant.
Like any other adventure sport, safety is the primary concern of rafting. Thus professionals will guide you before the sport, and you will have proper safety gear that protects you against any unforeseen circumstances.
How Do I Obtain a Visa Of Nepal?
Obtaining a visa for Nepal is quite a simple process, and you can get them on arrival or prior to the visit by filing an application. The visa costs around 15 USD for a fifteen-day visit and 40 USD for a thirty-day visit. You can visit the website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal to know about the prices in more detail.
Note: Indian citizens do not require a visa and can use their citizenship as an identification.
How is The Food And Accommodation In Nepal?
From budget-rooms to luxury hotels, Nepal features them all. The capital city features 5-star deluxe hotels with high-class services. However, if you are a traveller in a tight budget, you can opt for more mid-range and affordable rooms. This way, you can save a ton of money that may prove beneficial in the future.
The accommodation, however, start getting more and more basic if you opt for treks in remote regions. They usually feature a double sharing room with a common bathroom. Wi-Fi may or may not be present depending upon the altitude of the location.
One of the best reasons to visit Nepal is for the variety of its delicious cuisines. The typical food here is the Thakali set which consists of Rice, lentils, meat and a variety of pickles. Mo:Mo, which is a dumpling filled with minced meat, is also quite popular around here. There are also plenty of western, Indian and continental cuisine you can choose from according to your preference!
What is the Best Time to visit Nepal?
Nepal typically has unpredictable weather due to its proximity to the Himalayas. The mountainous region usually witnesses a cold climate throughout the year with occasional snowfall. The lowlands of Nepal has extreme weather with hot and humid climate during the summer and cold days during the weather. The hilly region, however, maintains a tropical climate throughout the year.
If you are opting to visit Nepal, then the best time is around the autumn and the spring season when the climate is moderate, and there are low chances of rainfall. Also during this time of the year, the skies are more apparent, which can bless you with some magnificent view of the icy peaks.
Some Tips For Visiting Nepal
- Always carry a good pair of hiking boots and a sturdy backpack. Backpacks can be a life saviour to carry all your essential equipment securely. However, it is crucial to carry a sturdier one that can even withstand extreme conditions. So choose your backpack wisely prior to your trip.
- Since English is not the common language, communication can be a barrier, especially if you travel to more remote places. In such cases, taking a guide can prove beneficial as they can act as a translator.
- Street water in Nepal is not of the best quality and can cause water-borne diseases. To avoid falling prey to them always carry water bottles and purifiers with you.
- Be sure to grab all the necessary permits if you are opting for more significant treks.
- If you are trekking to the Khumbu or Annapurna region, make sure to check the weather and temperature of the locations as the weather is quite unpredictable and can drastically change from good to worse.
- Always carry a guide to avoid getting lost in the trekking trails.
- Choose the favourable seasons to avoid the fury of the cold winter or the monsoon season.
- Pre-book rooms and accommodations if you are travelling during the peak seasons.
- Be sure to carry a first-aid kit for unpredicted minor injuries.
- Be sure to get travel insurance if you are opting for high-altitude treks (read: preventing altitude sickness).
Final Say
Nepal is truly a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts! With magnificent peaks, verdant valleys, lush landscapes and vibrant cultures, a trip to Nepal grants you unforgettable memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and visit Nepal to immerse yourself in the majestic beauty at the foot of the Himalayas!
