Nepal Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country

Considering a trip to Nepal? Then take the guesswork out of it by allowing us to craft the perfect itinerary according to the destinations best suited to your interests. If you want to immerse yourself in local culture and history, then perhaps a tour of Kathmandu and its ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas is for you. Or you could delve deeper into this nation’s religious heritage and travel a few hours from Pokhara to Lumbini, a pilgrimage site known as the birthplace of the Buddha. Other unforgettable destinations include the jungle national parks of Chitwan and Bardia as well as the traditional indigenous village of Bandipur, which is surrounded by epic views of the Himalaya.

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Prayer flags against the backdrop of the Annapurnas
Nepal's Main Regions: Deciding Where to Go

Nepal is divided into three main geographical regions—the Himalaya in the north, the central hilly region, and the Terai (or jungle region) in the south. To help you decide where to go, we've broken these regions up into smaller, popular sub-regions which can be combined in numerous ways. There's an enormous amount of cultural diversity and natural beauty almost everywhere you turn, making it easy to find the perfect combination no matter how many days you have in Nepal.

Views from the ridge line new Bandipur
Discovering Bandipur: A Crown Jewel of Nepal

The Newari town of Bandipur is one of central Nepal's hidden gems. It combines traditional village architecture, epic Himalayan views, lovely countryside walks, local adventure sports, and excellent accommodation. It's also an ideal place to break up the drive between Pokhara and Kathmandu while getting a relaxing taste of rural Nepal in the process.

Tourists walking around a temple in Kathmandu, Nepal
24 Hours in Kathmandu

Kathmandu charms visitors with a mix of ancient history, striking Hindu and Buddhist sites, cheap and cheerful dining, and fun nightlife. If you only have a day, follow these tips to get the most out of your time in Nepal's busy capital.

Temple above the lake, Lumbini, Nepal
Ultimate Guide to Lumbini: Birthplace of The Buddha

When visiting Nepal, it's easy to set your sights firmly on Mt. Everest, Kathmandu, and Chitwan National Park — but don't overlook the religious site of Lumbini. As the birthplace of the Buddha, this is one of the world's great pilgrimage destinations. If you're interested in history, spirituality, or archaeology, add Lumbini to your Nepal wish list.

All-seeing eyes of Buddha at Swayambhunath
Ultimate Guide to Kathmandu's Cultural Highlights

Kathmandu is more than just a launch pad for trekking. Its cultural highlights, alone, warrant a visit to this Himalayan country. A melting pot of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, you’ll find incredible woodcarving, painting, sculptures, a unique architectural heritage, and living traditions that surround you with color and prayer.

Pokhara and Phewa Lake
24 Hours in Pokhara

If you're trekking in the Himalayas, you may spend a day or two in Pokhara along the way. But the lakeside city is more than a stopover: from spectacular sunrise views and paragliding to boating to a Buddhist temple and dining on traditional Tibetan food, there's plenty to see and do. Here's the perfect plan for spending 24 hours in Pokhara. Spoiler alert: you'll be getting up early.

Asian elephant in Chitwan National Park
Nepal's Jungle Region: Chitwan and Bardia National Parks

Most travelers to Nepal think of trekking in the Himalaya, but there's another entirely different landscape to explore in the south of Nepal—Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. Under the forested canopies of these two national parks, you'll spot rhinos, tigers, elephants, and a variety of birdlife. Here's a guide for planning trips to these two regions.

A safari vehicle in Chitwan National Park
Ultimate Guide to the Nepali Terai

Nepal is a geographically diverse place. Though many travelers associate the country with the Himalayas, a significant portion of Nepal's land is flat—including on the Terai, the plains and forests near the border of India. With this ultimate guide to the Terai, discover another side of Nepal, from national parks filled with rhinos to the birthplace of the Buddha.