Nepal Tours & Vacations

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 characterized 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.

With more than 30 different ethnic groups and a wide range of religions and language dialects, Nepalese society is rich in diversity. With Indian, Tibetan, Chinese and Mongolian influences, Nepalese food, clothing, customs and music vary, depending on what area you're travelling in and what ethnicity people belong to or identify with. Hinduism is the dominant religion, followed by Buddhism. Standing alongside these religions, there are also small populations of people who follow Islam and Christianity. Simultaneously, animist beliefs and belief in spirits is common throughout Nepal, particularly within rural communities. Like India, the caste system exists in Nepal, as does the custom of arranged marriage. As one of the least urbanized countries in the world, life differs greatly between the rural and city-dwelling populations, with rural people largely living a very simple, traditional life - slow-paced, village-based, in connection to their family and local community. Visitors will be charmed by the hospitality of Nepalese people, who are generally very friendly and welcoming of travellers.

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.

Things to try in Nepal

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Landlocked Nepal shares borders with China and India and is home to a wide range of landscapes and habitats. Possessing the world's highest mountain, much of Nepal's land is dominated by hills and mountain ranges. Much of the rest of the country is known as the Terai region, characterized by forests, plains, marshes and scrub. While Kathmandu is a busy city with a population of upwardly mobile residents, most of Nepal's people are rural-dwellers, with more than 80% of Nepalese people living in small towns or villages.

Early History

Nepal has been inhabited by people for more than 2,500 years, with evidence suggesting tribes of mountain-dwelling people moved to the area from China and other Central Asian regions. Due to a lack of archaeological evidence, little is known about the early periods of history in Nepal, with legend and folklore providing the backdrop to this kingdom of mystery. Ruled early on by the Kirati Dynasty, Nepal continued to be ruled by a succession of dynasties until the Malla Dynasty emerged in the 12th century. During this time, the kingdom expanded rapidly and widely before evolving into small communities with local rule. By the 15th century many temples and palaces had been built in Nepal, some of which are still in existence either as functioning temples or UNESCO World Heritage sites. The kingdom of Nepal was unified by King Shah in 1768, and went on to sign commercial treaties with Britain in 1792 and 1816 after hostilities with the British East India Company.

Recent History

Nepal held its first elections in 1959, but with the king dissolving parliament and banning political parties soon after, Nepal's monarchy retained power. After decades of pro-democracy movements, Nepal was finally declared a democratic republic in 2008, with Nepal's monarchy being removed from power after ruling for more than 240 years. Nepal celebrated its Year of Tourism in 2011, with arrivals increasing year upon year since 2006 due to increased infrastructure, expansion of air travel and the enduring popularity of the Himalayas and mighty Mount Everest.

1. Bhaktapur

This ancient, cultural gem draws people in with temples, grand palaces, colourful festivals, beautiful art and royal history. Walking the car, tuk tuk and rickshaw-free streets is a pleasant change from the electric energy of Kathmandu.

2. Langtang National Park

Featuring everything from tropical rainforest to perennial ice, Langtang National Park is an example of Mother Nature at her most extreme. With so much geographic diversity, it's not wonder you'll be able to spot a menagerie of creatures including red pandas, musk deer, rhesus monkeys and Himalayan black bears. Langtang is simply unmissable!

3. Kathmandu

Nepal's busy capital is an epicentre of trade, tourism and history. Acting as a launching point for international visitors, Kathmandu is a handicrafts hot spot, hippy hangout, travellers' rest stop and artistic enclave all at once.

4. Pokhara

Pretty Pokhara offers travellers attractive vistas, tranquil ambience and views of three of the highest mountains in the world. Lakes, waterfalls and canyons ensure visitors are well rewarded for the effort.

5. Bandipur

The hilltop town of Bandipur was once a very prosperous trading centre, and is now popular with tourists for its old-world charm, quiet atmosphere and nearby national park teeming with wildlife.

6. Chitwan National Park

A conservation success story, this park has managed to preserve one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Home to one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, hyenas, leopards and more than 450 species of birds, visitors will delight in the thrilling wildlife-spotting opportunities here.

7. Annapurna Range

This popular trekking region can lay claim to some of the most beautifully treacherous peaks in the world. Surrounding valleys of green fields, wildflower-studded meadows and lowland villages just add to the stunning views on offer.

8. Namche Bazaar

Once a trading post, now a popular stopover for Everest trekkers, the small settlement of Namche Bazaar is a fascinating place to spend a few days acclimatizing. With yaks, sherpas, small cafes, bakeries and a vibrant weekly market, Namche Bazaar is a microcosm of Everest-life.

9. Nuwakot

Experience an authentic slice of rural Nepal in Nuwakot. Organic farms, lush terraces, fresh mountain air and friendly locals make this idyllic country hideaway a rare find.

10. Everest Base Camp

Sherpas, yaks, travellers, climbers, teahouses and tent villages - nothing beats the electric energy of Everest Base Camp. All have come to either tackle the mighty mountain or stand in its epic wake, either way it's a privilege and the experience of a lifetime.

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.

Things to buy in Nepal

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Phalgun Festivals

Kathmandu explodes into a whirlpool of colour, dance, music and rhythm with the annual Phalgun festivals - Losar, Shivaratri and Holi. Expect everything from public bathing ceremonies to people committing extreme feats of weight lifting with their body parts! With Tibetan rice wine flowing and an amazing array of festive food on offer - this is a great time to be in Kathmandu.

Indra Jatra

This eight-day festival held in Kathmandu features ceremonies, dancing and displays of spirituality, but none of these events compare to the spectacle of the third day when Kumari (the living goddess) tours the city streets aboard a chariot. Other popular gods also come out to play and parade, as masked dancers perform in Durbar Square in this exceptional display of local culture.

Mani Rimdu Festival

Offering a rare chance to observe the Sherpa culture of the Everest region, this festival held at Tengboche Monastery features days of meditation cycles, religious ceremonies, masked dances and parades. This holy time for Buddhists sees locals travel by foot to receive blessings en masse against a stunning Himalayan backdrop.