Exploring Nepal

Nepal is a country of contrasts: untouched natural riches, an energetic culture, and home to ten of the world’s 14 highest mountain peaks. While Southeast Asia has received its fair share of tourists in recent years, Nepal’s terrain has traditionally been traversed by climbers looking to conquer the tallest peaks in the world. That trend is changing though as the country opens to more traditional forms of tourism.

Nepal is a welcoming, unique, and deeply peaceful place; and its cities reflect that. Pokhara, an emerging hotspot, located in central Nepal on the edge of Phewa Lake, is the epitome of ‘laid-back.’ If you plan right, your trip to Pokhara can include accommodations that boast a spectacular view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Feeling adventurous?  Well, Pokhara is the place to be —between paragliding and white-water rafting tourists are sure to make lasting memories.

8 Things to Do in Nepal

1. Trekking in the Himalayas

There is no question that trekking in the Himalayas is a highlight of almost every  trip to Nepal; indeed, it’s arguably what Nepal is best known for. Despite the risk, reaching the peak has been on hiker’s bucket lists for years. Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit are the most popular treks, but there are other, well-marked trails that are less commonly traveled.

2. Explore Kathmandu Valley

There are many beautiful old cities to explore in the valley with ancient temples and squares. But that should surprise no one considering how old Nepal is — the city of Kathmandu itself was founded in the 8th Century.

3. Participate in a Homestay

There’s really no better way to embrace Nepali culture while backpacking Nepal than staying in the location villages. You’ll often find yourself being invited to stay with the locals when travelling the rural areas and the hiking regions. Take the offer. Not only is it a free bed and some awesome company, but it will be the highlight of your trip in Nepal.

4. Go White Water Rafting

With numerous river systems, there are plenty of opportunities to jump in a raft and go. You’ll be in for a thrill whether you take a guided rafting trip or jump in a solo kayak meant for the more experienced rafters. If you would rather watch the water for an extended period, there are also excursions that allow you to camp along the river banks!

5. Live it up in Thamel

Thamel has it all: whether you’re into shopping, drinking, partying or cheap accommodations, it’s in Thamel for you. The city is known for being incredibly backpacker friendly, so you’ll easily be able to get yourself a deal on whatever you’re looking for.

6. Hang out at the Pokhara Lake at Sunset

Watching the sunset at Pokhara Lake is absolutely breath-taking. That’s it. That’s the sweet. Nothing more. If you’re here, hire a guide with a boat, grab some friends. Grab a few beers, and kickback. Thank me later.

7. Track Rhinos at Chitwan National Park

There are few places left on earth that you can see rhinos so easily in the wild (just a heads up: it’s hot).

8. The Last Resort Bungy Jump  Nepal – 160 metres

Three hour’s from Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu, is the Last Resort’ Bhote Koshi Bungee Jump. This activity isn’t for the faint of heart,  this incredible bungee, off a suspension bridge, is 160 metres above the fast flowing Koshi River. As participants descend, they are able to get stunning views of this gorgeous green river gorge in the heart of the Himalayas, definitely a bucket list activity.