The ‘Roof of the World’

Nepal is a spectacular, landlocked country of magnificent mountains, valleys, jungles and plains. The mighty Himalayas rise to the north, separating Nepal from Tibet. South of the mountains the landscape descends to undulating hills and lowlands, known as the Terai. Here national parks such as Royal Chitwan are home to wildlife including tigers, rhinoceros and elephants. Trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas is an experience not to be missed. Terraced hillsides. Rhododendron forests, spine-tingling views and smiling villagers greet visitors. The feeling of exhilaration as you see the Himalayas laid out before you, their snowy peaks glinting pink in the sunlight, is monumental. Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, is a vibrant, interesting city and a great place to spend some time before heading out to explore the rest of the country. Laid-back Pokhara with its luminous Fewa Lake and stunning Himalayan backdrop is enchanting.

Why Go?
Go for Nepal’s breathtaking scenery, flora, fauna and delightful people. Seeing the Himalayas’ is mesmerizing, take an exhilarating jungle trek and spend time in a town or village. A visit to Nepal will leave you with memories that last forever.

When to Go?
Nepal’s dry season runs from October to May. The best time to visit is probably from March to May, before the sweltering heat of the summer months. The monsoon usually runs from the end of June to the middle of September. In winter the lowlands are warm, while in the mountains temperatures vary according to altitude. If you are trekking the Annapurna Circuit, you will be fine in a t-shirt during the day, but at night temperatures drop dramatically.

How to get there?
Flights from London and Manchester to Kathmandu take around 11-12 hours, with stopovers in Doha or Delhi. Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the only international airport in Nepal, and is four miles from the city. There are 44 airports in Nepal, and almost all the major towns are served. Popular domestic routes include Kathmandu to Lukla, Jomson and Pokhara airports. If possible, book domestic flights ahead as they get busy.

Must see
Stay in Kathmandu and visit Pashupatinath in the morning to see the sacred Buddist temple and Stupa. Head to Pokhara and laze by the Fewa Lake. From there, trek the Annapurna Circuit to see the magnificent views at sunrise from Poon Hill. Chat with other tourists and locals in the Tea Houses high in the Himalayas. See Mount Everest from afar or trek to Base Camp. Visit Chitwan National Park and take a jungle ride on top of an elephant, looking out for the Bengal tigers and the one-horned Rhino.