Tour guides Nepal

5 ideas for guided tours in Nepal

• Kathmandu

  

  After the 2015 earthquake, many of the buildings in Nepal’s capital still bear the marks of the disaster, and its effects can still be seen today. Kathmandu remains, however, a destination like no other — a place where discoveries seem endless.

  What better way to start exploring than with its most famous neighborhood? Thamel is a maze of bustling streets where getting lost is part of the fun. Your wanderings will eventually bring you to Durbar Square, a center of life and spirituality, where you can admire the Taleju Temple and the Jagannath Temple with its intricate erotic carvings.

  For a panoramic view of the city, climb the 140 steps to the Swayambhunath Stupa, known as the “Monkey Temple.” After about a 30-minute walk, you’ll reach the Boudhanath Stupa — a truly magical site. Venerated by Tibetan Buddhists, it is built on three terraces forming a giant mandala, topped by a white dome painted with the eyes of Buddha.

• Bhaktapur

  

  Bhaktapur is located just about fifteen kilometers from Kathmandu. This medieval city holds the best-preserved squares and temples in the valley, despite the damage caused by the 2015 earthquake.

  Here you can admire what many consider the most beautiful building in Nepal. The Nyatapola Temple, a five-tiered pagoda built in 1702, rises with five levels of roofs. At its center, a staircase flanked by large statues at each tier leads you to the altar of the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi.

  Nearby lies Durbar Square with its expanse of red bricks. Look up and you’ll see the Nge Nyapa Jhya Laaykoo monument, better known as the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows. Its wooden window frames are carved like lace, a masterpiece of Newar craftsmanship. Continue wandering through the narrow alleys and you’ll come across other marvels — workshops and artisans keeping Newar traditions alive.

• Chitwan National Park

  

  At the foot of the Himalayas, in the heart of the Terai plains, Chitwan National Park was created in 1973 on what was once the royal hunting grounds of Nepal’s aristocracy and their foreign guests.

  Thankfully, today this vast 930 km² park protects an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and the greater one-horned rhinoceros.

  You might also spot leopards, macaques, hyenas, and numerous elephants during a safari organized with a local guide. Some jungle tours are still done on elephant back, and in the early morning you can watch them being bathed in the Rapti River by their mahouts.

  Before nightfall, set out on a dugout canoe excursion. It’s a special moment when you may see crocodiles and a wide variety of bird species up close.

• Pokhara

  

  Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest city and is best known as the gateway to treks in the mighty Himalayan ranges.

  This charming town moves to the rhythm of its Phewa Lake. Once you’ve rested from your high-altitude treks, take time to explore it. Start by heading up into the hills to visit Ananda Hill and the Shanti Stupa Buddhist Temple — the Peace Pagoda.

  Then make your way back down to the lake and cross by boat to reach the city center. For even more tranquility, take a bus out to the freshwater Begnas Lake, where you can swim with the rice fields as your backdrop.

  For the most stunning mountain view, climb to Sarangkot Hill, perched at 1,600 meters, and in the evening watch one of the region’s most spectacular sunsets.

• Poon Hill Trek

  

  Going to Nepal without trekking in its mountains would be such a missed opportunity. There are countless routes, ranging from easy half-day walks to climbs toward some of the highest peaks on Earth.

  One of the most popular hikes is the Poon Hill trek. It can last anywhere from three to five days and is full of breathtaking scenery and unforgettable moments. The route is gentle, even if it’s quite busy. Sherpas will be there to guide you, carry heavy bags, point you in the right direction, and in the evening quickly find the best places to stay.

  At the top, you’ll reach Poon Hill near the village of Ghorepani at 3,220 meters, where the view of the snowcapped Annapurna peaks is spectacular. These same trails are also used by trekkers heading to the ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) — but that’s another adventure entirely!

  You’ll be immersed in grand, untouched nature — mountains, forests, and the sounds of streams and waterfalls. You’ll meet locals carrying goods on muleback and spend the night in small villages like Tadapani and Ghandruk, where true authenticity is still alive.