Kathmandu
The capital of Nepal and an intoxicating mix of sights, sounds and smells which are often enticing and overpowering.
Nepal is a country offering incredible variety. Lush jungles creep in from the Indian plains and glacier-fed rivers swerve between rolling hills – and then, there’s the monumental Mount Everest.
At just 124 miles wide, Nepal is a small country; however, it encapsulates a varied terrain, from the Indian plain’s lush jungles to the soaring snow-capped heights of Everest at 8,848m. Between these two points, low stone villages nest in isolated valleys and rushing glacier-fed rivers chicane in this land of charmingly warm people.
The Nepalese people are fiercely proud and are committed to perfection in all things. Nowhere is this more obvious than when trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is nothing short of a miracle that you can wake to the smell of freshly-baked bread and eat toast and marmite for breakfast when you are miles from nowhere, and overlooking some of the most magnificent mountains in the world.
But a holiday to Nepal is not just about trekking. There is river rafting, elephant conservation and the opportunity to spot the one-horned Indian rhinoceros, or possibly even a tiger.
Nepal is firmly back on the map and open for business again in a very big way. Nepal sits in the 5th position among the “ten destinations you cannot afford to miss” as declared by Lonely Planet. It is heartening to see Nepal firmly back on the radar for discerning travellers. Visitors are returning, length of stay is increasing and the enthusiasm of travellers for Nepal’s cultural riches and scenic beauty remains unquenched.
Talk to our Nepal Travel Experts to learn how you can support this amazing country by visiting this year. Don’t put it off any longer.
It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.
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Transfers will vary between internal flights and for shorter distances, by car. Travelling by road is a great way to see the countryside and there are always opportunities to stop off en route to take in the stunning scenery.
Like many Asian countries, there are always different rules and etiquettes to follow when it comes to dress code. When visiting temples women must cover up bare shoulders and legs, and when out and about should dress conservatively. If entering a temple or Nepalese home, it is custom to remove your shoes before entering.
Home to the mighty Himalayas, lush national parks and the birthplace of Buddhism, Nepal has no end of things to see and do. Get lost in Kathmandu’s charming alleyways and visit its famous Durbar Square where you will come across ash-covered Saddhu’s (holy men). Out of the cities lies stunning mountain scenery and the world-famous Everest, but for less daunting treks then the Annapurna Mountains are perfect – weaving through scenic villages and stunning landscapes.
Transfers will vary between internal flights and shorter distances will be travelled by car. Travelling by road is a great way to see the countryside and there are always opportunities to stop off en route to take in the scenery.
Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies, although coverage is average. Pre-paid sim cards can be purchased on arrival and topped up throughout your stay. Charges for UK mobile calls are very expensive.
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Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT.
From London Heathrow to Kathmandu, the flight time is around 12 ½ hours.
Internet access is now growing throughout the country, with internet cafes found in tourist areas and at the luxury hotels. Connection speed can sometimes still be very slow in Nepal, so please bear this in mind.
Like many Asian countries, there are always different rules and etiquettes to follow when it comes to dress code. When visiting temples, women must cover up bare shoulders and legs, and when out and about should dress conservatively. If entering a temple or Nepalese home, it is custom to remove your shoes before entering.
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