Nepal is a mature tourist destination offering a wide range of activities and sights. You could go on a day trek in the Himalayas, take a flight above Mount Everest, or go on a jungle safari to see elephants and tigers. If you like exploring ancient relics, then Nepal has ancient Newari, Hindu, and Buddhist sites.
It usually takes a week to fully explore the country. You can easily cover Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park in a week. If you are looking to travel for longer, then visit nearby areas such as Lumbini, Nagarkot, and Bandipur as well.
If you want to take your time exploring Kathmandu, then visiting local bookstores and museums would be a good idea. If you like outdoor activities, then head to Pokhara for adventure sports, such as trekking, paragliding, rafting, bungee jumping, and more.
Quick Facts
- The best combination of cities to visit in Nepal is the Golden Triangle, comprising Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
- If you want to learn more about Buddhist culture, a visit to Lumbini is a must. Nagarkot and Kirtipur are good options to extend your trip from Kathmandu.
- Bandipur is a good place to visit if you plan to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by land.
- Head to Janakpur to see buildings with Indian architecture and culture.
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Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
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Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
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Jul 2023
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Very supportive
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Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
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Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
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Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
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Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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1.Kathmandu: World Heritage Sites
Recommended stay: 1–2 days
Kathmandu, with a history dating back nearly 2,000 years, was one of the three imperial cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The once primitive royal Himalayan kingdom has become a collection of ancient Newari culture, sacred Hindu and Buddhist temples, and heritage buildings.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the largest and most sacred religious sites in Nepal. You will find that both Hindus and Buddhists share this place of worship. The temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. On the other side of the riverbank is a cremation ground, where you can meet sadhus or Hindu ascetics.
Do visit the central area of Kathmandu, Durbar Square. Located 11 km (6 miles) from central Kathmandu is Boudhanath Stupa, which is visited by thousands of pilgrims every day. They walk around the central dome, spinning prayer wheels. Finally, climb up the top of Swayambhunath Stupa to watch and capture charming panoramic views of Kathmandu during sunset.
You can also take a walk through Kathmandu, or shop and eat delicious local food in the Thamel area. Don't forget to buy some exquisite handicrafts here.
How to get there: Kathmandu can be your first stop in Nepal.
2.Bhaktapur: Redbrick City
Recommended stay: 1 day
Bhaktapur is one of the three medieval cities in the Kathmandu Valley, around 12 km (7 miles) from Kathmandu city. It is also a pilgrimage site, with exquisite temples and other religious buildings. Redbrick buildings dot the ancient city.
The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the most important section of the city and was formerly the home of the royal family of Bhaktapur. There is a palace on the square which was the seat of power of one of the three capitals of Kathmandu Valley in the 15th century. The square has buildings with traditional Newari architecture.
Begin from Durbar Square and walk to Taumadhi Square, which is unique for its beautiful stone and wood carvings. Visit Nyatapola Temple where Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi is enshrined, and the National Museum of Art, which has several collections of different works of art.
A walk around Bhaktapur can be more relaxing and enjoyable than one in Kathmandu! Most tourists like to stay at one of the quaint hotels in the ancient city and explore the city on foot. Travelers highly recommend Hotel Peacock.
How to get there: Bhaktapur is 45 minutes by road from Kathmandu.
3. Patan: Lalitpur
Recommended stay: 1 day
Also known as Lalitpur, Patan is one of the best heritage cities in the Kathmandu Valley. It is a unique city full of exquisite architecture, wood carvings, and religious art, which has earned it the nickname of "the ciy of art".
Patan Durbar Square located in the middle of the heritage area of Patan is an important site. It is the smallest of all the durbar squares in Kathmandu Valley and full of beautiful temples which are located very close to each other.
Patan Museum is one of the best museums in Nepal and is a must-visit spot. It showcases elements of Hindu and Buddhist culture, particularly in the architecture style of buildings and religious monuments. Do visit the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), which is adorned in gold and bronze ornaments, the Mahaboudha Temple, with more than 1,000 Buddha statues, and the Rato Machhendranath Temple, where the Hindu god of rain is worshiped.
Several Newari festivals, such as Rato Machhendranath, are held in Patan throughout the year. As the streets are very narrow, it may become very crowded. Have your lunch on the balcony of a restaurant near the square. You can enjoy a good view of the area while staying away from the crowd.
How to get there: It takes 30 minutes by road to reach Patan from Kathmandu.
4.Nagarkot: Postcard Himalayan Town
Recommended stay: 1 day and 1 night
A village only 32 km (19 miles) from Kathmandu city, Nagarkot is a gateway to the Himalayas. You can see eight of the thirteen Himalayas ranges of Nepal from almost anywhere in this beautiful town. Hotels and restaurants are readily available.
Here are the top things to do in the hillside village.
Hike to the Panoramic Deck (12 km / 7 miles) from where you can see the peaks of several Himalayan mountains, including Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, Langtang, Jugal, Everest, Numbur, Ganesh Himal, and Rolwaling Himal. The panoramic view extends from Dhaulagiri to the west and to the nearly invisible peaks of Everest and Kanchenjunga to the east.
There are mountain bikes available at most hotels, which you can use to traverse the Nagarkot Hiking Trail. You can also try paragliding or just relax and unwind.
It is wise to book a hotel on the hill, preferably a room with its balcony facing the Himalayas, so that you can wake up in the dark and just step out of the room to watch the magic of the rising sun. Club Himalaya is the best hotel for this.
How to get there: By road, it takes around 1½ hours from Kathmandu, and 50 minutes from Bhaktapur.
5. Pokhara: Tourist Capital of Nepal
Recommended stay: 2 days
Pokhara is Nepal's tourist capital and the second-largest city in the Himalayan country. It is home to many beautiful historical temples and is a base for several famous hiking trails, such as the Annapurna Circuit, as well as many adventure activities.
Phewa Lake is an iconic spot in Pokhara. One of the most exciting and unforgettable ways to explore the lake and Pokhara is on a hot-air balloon ride from the lake. You will be swept off your feet by the spectacular views of the Himalayas. You can catch several breathtaking sights during sunset. If you are afraid of heights, then you could explore the lake on a boat ride — one of the most popular travel activities here.
Later, you can go rafting on Seti Gandaki River. Paragliding is a good way to see Pokhara from a bird's-eye view. Finally, hike up to Sarangkot Hill, located just on the edge of Pokhara, to see astonishing panoramic views of Pokhara Valley.
Pokhara is not only a tourist city, but it also the home base for popular treks. The Annapurna region is one of the major trekking destinations in the Himalayas. Travelers usually take a flight to Jomsom to reach Annapurna.
How to get there: It takes 30 minutes by air or 8 hours by road from Kathmandu.
6. Chitwan National Park: Wildlife Paradise
Recommended stay: 1 day
It is one of the oldest and best national parks in the Terai region of Nepal. The verdant forests of Chitwan National Park cover 70% of the land. Many wild animals have made their homes in this beautiful park, such as the Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, one-horned rhinoceros, and elephant. The park offers natural landscapes, diverse vegetation, and close encounters with wild animals.
The elephant safari in this park offers a unique experience. You can spot wild animals, such as rhinoceros, rhesus macaque, deer, and more on the safari. If you're not into elephant riding, then take the jeep safari. You can go further to the Gharial Breeding Centre in Kasara and see the crocodiles there.
Another interesting location to visit is the elephant breeding center, where you can see baby elephants. Feeding, washing, or even bathing with elephants in the Rapti River is a wonderful experience. Additionally, you can go boating and canoeing on Rapti River inside the national park.
November to December is an excellent time to visit when the weather is not too hot. There are higher chances of spotting animals at the end of the dry season, running from October to December, when the tigers and other wild animals come to watering holes.
How to get there: It takes 6 hours by land for Kathmandu or Pokhara; 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport and then another 30 minutes by land
7. Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha
Recommended stay: 1 day
Located in the Himalayas near the Indian border, the beautiful town of Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. It has several ancient pagodas and temples dating back to 2,000 ago. Travelers from all over the world visit Lumbini to learn more about Buddhism and the scriptures, as well as to try activities such as meditation, yoga, and hiking.
Maya Devi Temple is one of the most important and sacred places in the region. It is here that Buddha was born to Queen Mayadevi. Other important nearby attractions include the Bodhi tree, an impressive tree with prayer flags and the Ashoka Stupa, a stone pillar built during the reign of King Ashoka.
Since meditation is an integral part of Buddhism, there are several classes conducted in Lumbini. Travelers interested in learning the art can find many meditation centers in Lumbini.
How to get there: It takes 30 minutes by flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport and then another 30 minutes by road. Kathmandu to Lumbini by road is a 9-hour journey. Alternatively, you can travel 6 hours by road from Pokhara or Chitwan.
8. Janakpur: City of Ponds
Recommended stay: 1 day
Located in Terai district, Janakpur is also known as the City of Ponds as it has more than 70 ponds dotting its verdant landscape. Janakpur is unique for its fascinating temples.
Janaki Mandir has the largest temple complex in Nepal. It covers an area of more than 440 sq m (4,800 sq ft). The building is made of white marble, with a dome, column, and balcony like a grand palace. There are 60 rooms decorated with intricate lattice windows, stained glass, beautiful paintings, and charming sculptures.
Ram Mandir is another important temple in Janakpur, which highlights the ingenious Nepalese architecture and craftsmanship. Take a short tour of the Janakpur Dham Railway Station, which is the first and only railways operated in Nepal. Do check out the Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar tanks; they are the most sacred ponds in the region.
Janakpur is known to celebrate many festivals throughout the year, but Ram Navami is the most important one. The festivities are held between March and April. It is an ideal time to visit the Ram Mandir, as well as learn more about Hindu festivals.
How to get there: It takes 40 minutes by air and 10 hours by road from Kathmandu to Janakpur.
9. Bandipur: Remarkable Newari Town
Recommended stay: half day
The elegant hilltop town of Newari lies between Pokhara and Kathmandu. One good reason to visit Bandipur? Unlike most of Nepal's mountainous areas, Bandipur retains its ancient cultural attributes — temples, shrines, and Newari style buildings that date back to the ancient Kathmandu Valley.
The bazaar is the town center and full of Newari style old houses. Anytime you stroll through the clean streets, you will see the flowers on the balcony of people's homes. At Thani Mai temple, at the top of Bandipur, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets.
Bandipur is also the ultimate destination in the Annapurna Circuit trek. Many tourists choose to stay here for a night after a long journey. Homestays and old inns can be found everywhere.
How to get there: By road, it takes 3 hours from Pokhara and 5 hours from Kathmandu to reach Bandipur.
10.Kirtipur: Sleepy Town
Recommended stay: 1 day
Located 8 km (5 miles) southwest of Kathmandu, Kirtipur is a sleepy town quieter than other cities in the valley. The city is home to many sacred stupas and has attained a popularity for its authentic experience of Newari culture.
Bagh Bhairab is the most famous temple in Kirtipur. The three-story temple, built in the 16th century, houses the statue of the main deity Lord Bhairav, wooden pillars, and carvings of other Hindu gods and goddesses. The Naya Bazaar, located at the foothills, is a hub for trade and business activities.
Cycling enthusiasts can also cycle to and from Kirtipur.
How to get there: It takes 25 minutes by road from Kathmandu city to reach Kirtipur.
Explore Nepal with Asia Highlights
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