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The world's greatest mountain trekking, ancient temples, and a warmth that makes you want to stay forever.
The trekking is the main event but Kathmandu is a destination in its own right — chaotic, ancient, fascinating. The Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp are bucket-list treks; the Langtang Valley is the one most people regret not doing.
Each region has a completely different character. Here's what to expect from each area.
2–3 days to acclimatise and sort permits. Thamel is the tourist district (overpriced, convenient for gear and bookings). Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur) are extraordinary medieval palace complexes — go to Bhaktapur for the best preserved and fewest tourists. Pashupatinath temple's cremation ghats on the Bagmati River are sobering and fascinating.
The classic 12–14 day trek from Lukla. You don't need to be an experienced mountaineer but you do need to be physically fit and comfortable with altitude (base camp is 5,364m). The tea house accommodation en route is comfortable and includes meals. Acclimatise properly — Namche Bazaar rest day is non-negotiable. The views of Ama Dablam are more beautiful than Everest itself.
2–3 weeks, circumnavigating the Annapurna massif. Higher and harder than EBC but with more diverse landscapes — subtropical jungle to high-altitude desert. The Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the crux. The circuit has become partially roadable but the high sections remain wild. Pokhara is the gateway and worth 2 days in its own right (Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda).
Wildlife safari in the lowland Terai — rhinos, elephants, gharial crocodiles and occasionally Bengal tigers. Budget lodges cost from £30/night including safaris. Elephant bathing programmes have been discontinued at ethical lodges — opt for jeep safaris and canoe rides instead.
Nepal's second city sits on Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range as a backdrop — the views of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail mountain) from the lakeside are extraordinary. It's also the gateway for paragliding (one of the world's best sites, thermals here are exceptional, tandem flights from £70) and shorter treks in the Annapurna foothills.
Fly Kathmandu (2 nights) → fly to Lukla → EBC trek 12 days → Kathmandu (1 night) → fly to Pokhara (2 nights) → Chitwan (2 nights) → fly home from Kathmandu. 3 weeks.
£30–50/day in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
On the trek, tea houses cost £5–10/night including dinner and breakfast.
Dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables) is the staple — unlimited refills, the most nutritious meal on the trail, £3–5.
Permits: TIMS card £15, Sagarmatha National Park permit £25 for EBC..
Use a registered local guide — it's legally required in most restricted areas and directly supports Nepali livelihoods. Pack out all non-biodegradable litter. The deforestation around the EBC trail from burning wood for tea houses is a serious problem — stay at lodges with solar heating when available. Carry a reusable water bottle and use iodine tablets or a filter rather than buying plastic bottles.
Tell us where you want to go and your budget — we'll build a personalised quote with routes, hostels, and transport sorted.
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