Nepal Travel Guide 2026: Trekking & Highlights

Nepal is a country you enter with one idea in your head and leave with something entirely different. The mountains are bigger than you imagined. The temples in Kathmandu are denser, older, and more alive than any travel guide conveys. And the people you meet on trekking routes, in teahouses in the evening, are the real strength of this country. Nepal isn’t for every traveler. If you dislike altitude, dust, and long days on foot, it will be hard. Everyone else comes back with a permanently changed relationship to mountain landscapes.

This guide covers the key stops, the best trekking routes for beginners, and what you genuinely need to know for Nepal.

What Are the Highlights in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is chaotic, loud, and unfiltered. It’s also one of the most fascinating cultural centers in Asia. The heart is Durbar Square, a complex of temples and palaces within the valley. Swayambhunath (the “Monkey Temple”) on the hill west of the city gives you perspective. Early morning, when the bells ring and monkeys climb the stone steps, it is unmatched.

Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most significant Hindu temple and an active cremation site on the Bagmati River. It’s not easy to witness, but it’s one of the most honest experiences this trip offers. Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Asia, isn’t far away. Tibetan monks, spinning prayer wheels, small rooftop cafes nearby.

The old town of Thamel is the tourist quarter: gear shops, restaurants, hostels. Good for initial acclimatization, quickly exhausting.

Which Trekking Route Is Right for Beginners in Nepal?

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC): 7 to 10 days, maximum elevation 4,130 meters. The classic entry-level trek. Variable difficulty, well-developed teahouse infrastructure, spectacular transitions through bamboo forests and rhododendron groves. No technical equipment needed. Starting point is Nayapul (bus from Pokhara).

Poon Hill: 4 to 5 days, maximum elevation 3,210 meters. Ideal for an absolute first trek in Nepal. Sunrise over the Annapurna massif. Short, affordable, and still deeply rewarding.

Everest Base Camp (EBC): 12 to 14 days, maximum elevation 5,364 meters. The most famous trek in the world. More physically demanding than Annapurna, more acclimatization required. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the world’s most dramatic landing strips). Not recommended as a first-ever trek for people without high altitude experience.

All three routes require a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and route-specific national park permits. Both available at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

When Is the Best Time to Trek in Nepal?

Two windows stand out:

March to May (spring): The most popular trekking season. Rhododendron blooms, stable weather on the routes, clear mountain views. Higher passes open in March. Ideal conditions for Annapurna Circuit and EBC.

October to November (autumn): Stable post-monsoon conditions. Crystal-clear skies, sharp views of the eight-thousanders. Slightly cooler than spring but still very comfortable for trekking.

Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains, mud, and closed paths. Possible but not advisable. Winter (December to February) works for lower routes but is too cold for EBC.

The Nepal Tourism Board provides current permit information and trail status updates.

How Much Does a Nepal Trip with Trekking Cost?

Nepal is one of the most affordable long-haul destinations in the world.

Flights (Europe to Kathmandu, return): 500 to 900 euros. Often with a stopover in Delhi, Doha, or Kuala Lumpur.

Accommodation in Kathmandu: Hostel 8 to 15 euros, guesthouse 20 to 40 euros.

Teahouses on the trekking route: 5 to 15 euros per night. Meals extra, 3 to 8 euros per dish.

Trekking gear: Everything you need is available in Thamel, from sleeping bags to trekking poles. Quality varies. Renting is cheaper than buying for single-use items.

Permits: TIMS card around 20 USD, Annapurna Conservation Area permit around 30 USD.

Total budget for two weeks including a 7-day trek: 1,200 to 2,000 euros.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Visa Do You Need for Nepal?

Nepal offers visa on arrival for most nationalities at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Costs: 30 USD for 15 days, 50 USD for 30 days, 125 USD for 90 days. You can also apply in advance online at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np. Bring your passport and a passport-size photo.

What Is a Teahouse on a Trekking Route?

Teahouses are simple mountain lodges along Nepal’s trekking routes. They provide sleeping space in basic rooms or dormitories, hot meals (Dal Bhat is the staple), and sometimes showers. The higher the altitude, the more basic the facilities. They form the backbone of the entire trekking system and make rucksack trekking without a tent viable for most visitors.

How Dangerous Is Trekking in Nepal?

The popular routes (Annapurna, Poon Hill, EBC) are well marked and well-traveled. The primary risk is altitude sickness. Symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea. The only correct response is to descend. Never continue ascending with symptoms. Plan acclimatization days and gain no more than 500 meters per day in altitude. With basic preparation and respect for elevation, Nepal is safe for healthy travelers.

What Do You Pack for a Nepal Trek?

Layering system: base layer, fleece, rain jacket, down jacket for high elevations. Waterproof trekking boots, wool socks, trekking poles, headlamp, first aid kit, water purification tablets or filter. SPF 50 sunscreen even on glacier paths. Sleeping bag recommended for ABC, essential for EBC. Bring cash in rupees: no ATMs on the trail.

Nepal Travel Guide: Highlights, Trekking, and Essential Tips