When you think of Nepal, is Mount Everest the first thing that pops into your mind? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Just like the Eiffel Tower is France’s most famous landmark, Nepal is known for the dramatic heights of Everest. And while Everest is worthy of any travel list, we’re here to tell you that there are plenty more jaw-dropping reasons Nepal is worth a visit.
Nepal is home to many amazing treks beyond Everest
While trekking to Everest Base Camp is still iconic, many travellers in 2026 are looking beyond the obvious.
Routes like the Annapurna Circuit and Langtang Valley offer equally dramatic scenery with fewer crowds, for the seasoned hikers out there.
And if you’re newer to hiking or want something less arduous, the Kathmandu Valley hikes are calling your name! Not sure where to get started? Excuse the cheeky plug, but we’ve got the trip for you.
Over five days you could immerse yourself in the wilderness, starting at Kathmandu and heading to Sundarijal. From there, you’ll go through Chisapani, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel and find yourself in the sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage site of Namobuddha.
This type of immersive journey will take you to hidden places you never knew existed. Think local tea shops, panorama views of Kathmandu Valley, mid-hill settlements, lush pine forests, and sunset views that will stay imprinted in your mind forever.
2026 tip: Many trekking regions now require licensed guides and updated permits, so plan ahead and build that into your budget!
Visit Nepal for the mountains, stay for the momos
Nepalese cuisine is a rich mix of Thai, Tibetan and Indian flavours that warm your belly and leave you wanting more.
You must try momo dumplings and dhal. If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll be right at home in this Hindu country, but meat (no beef – only lamb, chicken and pork) is still available for a higher price. Whether it’s street food, a home-cooked meal or a restaurant, don’t be surprised if you’re invited to dine on the floor with your legs crossed, it’s the Nepalese way.
And if you’re a coffee lover, good news! As Nepal is where Arabica beans are grown, make sure you start the day and top off every meal with a fresh cup of coffee.
Image source: Photo by Abhishek Sanwa Limbu on Unsplash
Explore ancient cities and immerse yourself in culture
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a crucible of culture and has many UNSECO World Heritage Sites.
The city is charming chaos with something exciting happening at every turn. With a wealth of temples, squares, palaces and places of note, you’ll want to spend some time here soaking up Nepalese culture and its history (which goes back a LONG way!).
Our must see, Durbar Square, an old royal palace that is living history both modern and ancient, as parts of it were tragically destroyed in the earthquake of 2015.
Image source: Photo by Aaditya Shah on Unsplash
Nearby Bhaktapur and Patan feel like open-air museums… except people actually live there, festivals still happen, and the traditions are very real.
Speaking of…
Time your trip to Nepal with a festival
Image source: Photo by Roshan Shrestha on Unsplash
If you want to experience Nepal at its most dynamic, time your visit around one of its major festivals. They’re not just events, they shape the rhythm of daily life.
In March, Holi festival brings an explosion of colour and street parties to celebrate the arrival of Spring.
Come September, Indra Jatra takes over Kathmandu with masked Lakhe dances, living goddess processions and towering chariots pulled through the old city in one of the capital’s most important cultural festivals.
Nepal’s biggest celebration is Dashian & Tilhar, a festival filled with family rituals, blessings, and music, with family homes illuminated with oil lamps and lights.
Just remember, if you’re travelling during the big festival seasons to book accommodation early!
Take in the epic sunrises and sunsets across Nagarkot
With all the soaring landscapes Nepal can brag about it’s no surprise that everywhere you turn there’s a new view and come dawn or dusk you’ll be there to witness the magic. Sunrises and sunsets are even more gorgeous against a backdrop as impactful as the Himalayas.
The sunrise at Nagarkot especially attracts thousands of visitors every year to witness the golden sun stretching over the glittering Himalayas as it rises.
Visit sacred sites like Namobuddha, rich with fascinating stories
Image source: Photo by Raimond Klavins on Unsplash
With a rich history and diverse religious background, Nepal is home to some truly jaw-droppingly remote and gorgeous temples. While the population is now mainly Hindu, Nepal has a history or religious tolerance and has quite a multicultural approach to customs and worship.
You can find a lot of Buddhist sites, but there are also Islamic, Christian and Kiratism as well spread across the land. Be sure to visit Kali Mandir, a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, as well as Namobuddha, a sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage site that rests at a cool elevation of 1750m where a legendary prince sacrificed himself to feed a starving Tigress with several young cubs.
And of course, you can’t go to Nepal without seeing the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet and largest stupa (a Buddhist shrine), the Boudhanath Stupa. The building represents the stages of enlightenment, the elements and the all-knowing benevolence of the Buddha.
Ready to do something outside of the norm this year? Browse our Nepal adventures here.
