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Nepal Snapshot

Nepal's climate is primarily temperate, with some tropical and alpine regions. From June until August the monsoon hits, making it too wet and humid for trekking. The post-monsoon period from September to November is rice-harvesting season and is characterised by lush vegetation, clean air and excellent mountain views. Days are warm and sunny, although nights become increasingly cool. This is the start of the trekking season, which runs until May. Winter (December to February) is dry and clear with temperatures dropping below freezing at high altitudes, although in Kathmandu, it can still sometimes reach a pleasant 25 C. Spring (March to May) is warmer and is a particularly beautiful time to visit as the rhododendrons and the orchids are in flower.
  • Kathmandu weather chart

Eating and Drinking in Nepal

  • Kothey: These fried or steamed dumplings are usually filled with meat or cheese. Comparable to Tibetan momos, kothey are flavoursome snacks that can usually be bought cheaply from street stalls or markets.
  • Dal: Popular with vegetarians and vegans, this lentil soup is usually served with rice and found almost everywhere in Nepal. A safe yet tasty choice for everyone.
  • Masu: This spiced meat curry will usually consist of chicken, buffalo or mutton, as beef hardly features on the menu in Nepal for religious reasons.
  • Traditional Nepalese Curry on bed of Rice

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. With Tibetan, Chinese and Indian influences, Nepalese food is flavoursome without being too spicy, filling without being rich and reasonably priced for travellers on a budget.

Shopping in Nepal

  • Prayer Flags: You don't have to be a spiritual person to appreciate the beauty of vibrant prayer flags. Take some home to inject a bit of Nepal into your home or backyard.
  • Scarves and Wraps: Travellers will be able to find top-quality cashmere in the boutiques and markets of Nepal, so take the chance to stock up on colourful scarves, pashminas and wraps at good prices.
  • Buddhist Art: Beautifully painted, coloured thankas and mandalas are commonly found in the markets and shops of Kathmandu and make a meaningful souvenir to take back home.
  • Nepalese Colourful Himalayan prayer flags

Arguably, the most interesting shopping in Nepal can be found in Kathmandu - with its vibrant local artistic community populating the markets and laneway shops with colourful art and handicrafts.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring some items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Nepal you may find yourself staying in a:
Teahouse Lodge

  • Teahouse Lodge

  • Experience Nepalese hospitality in a traditional setting while staying in character-filled teahouses - a hallmark of travel in rural Nepal.
Camping

  • Camping

  • Rest your weary trekking legs and relish the beauty of the countryside while camping in remote Nepal.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Nepal, you may find yourself travelling by:
Travellers and local rafting on Nepalese river

  • Raft

  • Thrill seekers will enjoy getting active while river-rafting in Nepal.
Travellers on safari in Jeep keep a keen eye out for local wildlife

  • Jeep

  • Discover Nepal's national parks aboard a jeep made to tackle the rough terrain and maximise wildlife viewing opportunities.
Travellers being transported in the tight confines of a local traditional canoe

  • Canoe

  • Paddling a canoe through the pristine waterways of Nepal is a fun and active way to get to know the Nepalese countryside.

Shortlist

No trips.

Nepal at a glance

  • 41
  • Kathmandu (population 700,000)
  • 29.5 million
  • Nepali
  • NPR
  • (GMT+05:45) Kathmandu
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type M (see D)
  • +977

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