The Ultimate Travel Guide for Nepal

A Detailed Travel Guide to Help You Plan Your Solo Trip to Nepal

            

Are you looking for a travel guide for Nepal for group travellers in their 30s and 40s? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover everything you need to know about travelling to Nepal!

Nepal is a beautiful country with diverse and historically rich cultural and historical landscapes. Home to many ethnic groups, scenic mountains, ancient cities, and rice-farming terraces, Nepal is a country worth visiting. 

Located in South Asia, where it shares borders with China, India, and Tibet, Nepal houses Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. However, it has a lot more to offer to tourists, including breathtaking landscapes, the Himalayas, historical and religious sites, delectable cuisine, colourful, bold, and unique festivals, and interesting traditions. 

So, without any ado, let’s take a look at this comprehensive travel guide for Nepal to figure out the best places to visit and foods to eat in this striking landlocked country!

Places to Visit in Nepal

Nepal is a beautiful country with many worth-visiting destinations. Here are some of the most popular must-visit places in Nepal:

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is where most group travel for people in their 30s and 40s begins. As the cultural capital, it’s a thriving metropolis with an eclectic mix of hotels, restaurants, tourist shops, trekking agencies, religious and cultural sites, and artisan workshops. It has the famous Durbar Square with its picturesque sculptures, the Swayambhunath with its sweeping views, and the Swapna Bagaicha, the Garden of Dreams. Spending a few days in Kathmandu will allow you to see some of Nepal's finest cultural and historical attractions.

Annapurna Circuit

Situated in northwest Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit offers hikers an unforgettable outdoor experience high in the Himalayas. You will witness breathtaking desert plateaus, plunging gorges, and lush subtropical valleys.

Lumbini

The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, attracts crowds of Buddhist pilgrims. With archaeological sites dating back to 550 BC, Lumbini is a historically rich site that features sacred ponds, monasteries, cultural facilities, and meditation centres.

                        

Bhaktapur

Known as the City of Devotees, Bhaktapur is home to many unscathed shrines and temples. It provides opportunities for leisurely walks through its winding streets, medieval squares, and pedestrian-only thoroughfares. Its must-see attraction is the 55-Window Palace, home to the National Art Gallery. 

Nagarkot

If you’re arranging group travel for people in their 30s and 40s who want to explore the striking beauty of the Himalayas without engaging in tiring physical activity, you must visit Nagarkot. Perched on a high ridge to the northeast of Bhaktapur, this village offers spectacular views of the Kathmandu valley and the eight Himalayan ranges. It has many affordable hotels located at a walking distance from the Nagarkot view tower, which is considered the best place to visit if you wish to witness the Himalayan sunrise. 

Khumbu

Khumbu is the place to visit if you want to trek to the summit of Mt. Everest. It’s home to the Sherpa village, where most Everest expeditions are staged. It also has the Tengboche Monastery, which is Nepal’s leading Buddhist centre. 

Chitwan National Park

One of the finest wildlife parks in Asia, the Chitwan National Park in south-central Nepal is home to rare and endangered species, such as the one-horned rhino and Bengal tiger. It provides visitors with a chance to have an up-close look at leopards, rhinos, elephants, Indian bison, sloth bears, and more wildlife. You can take jeep tours, ride elephants and canoes, and go on jungle treks in the park. 

Pokhara

With its lush shorelines, gorgeous mountain views, and serene lakes, Pokhara is the ideal lakeside city that offers multiple outdoor adventures, including white-water rafting and paddle-boat rides. It’s home to Phewa Lake, lined with luxury restaurants, hotels, shops, and bars. 

Foods to Have in Nepal

                         

Here are some delicious Nepalese foods that you must try when visiting the country:

Dal Bhat

A staple Nepalese rice dish served with a vegetable or chicken curry and lentil soup. 

Wo or Bara

Wo is a type of pancake made by the indigenous people in Kathmandu. Made with ground lentil batter, these patties are light and the ideal dish for non-vegetarians. Wo can also be made with battered eggs and minced chicken. 

Momos

Momos is a favourite among tourists. A momo is a small envelope made of white flour stuffed with minced lamb, chicken, or veggies. Served with various sauces and mayo, it’s a delectable snack.  

Everest Beer

Made with rice, this local beer is a cheap buy and a hit among beer lovers. 

Sel Roti

Sel Roti is a unique fusion of a bagel and doughnut. It’s a circular, deep-fried rice flour bread that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s sweet and tastes delicious with veggies or yogurt.  

Yomari

Made from rice dough and stuffed with a sweet concoction made of sesame seeds, molasses, and coconut, Yomari is a Nepalese festival food. It also has a spicy version made with lentils. 

Gorkhali Lamb

It’s a slow-cooked curry dish with lamb, potatoes, onions, spicy chilli, and more.

Juju Dhau

Made with buffalo milk, Juju Dhau is a type of thick, sweet, and creamy yogurt eaten as a dessert. 

Chatamari

Also known as Nepali pizza, Chatamari is a round rice flour crepe topped with minced meat, coriander, eggs, chillies, chopped onions, and lots of spices. 

Thukpa

Thukpa is a noodle soup with eggs, meat, or veggies. It’s served along with momos. 

Samay Baji

A spicy gourmet dish served on auspicious occasions, Samay Baji is a platter containing beaten rice, spicy potato salad, barbecued buffalo meat, and boiled eggs.

Best Time to Visit Nepal

The best time to visit Nepal is post-monsoon, i.e., from late September to late November. You will benefit from dry weather and excellent mountain visibility during these months. Even though it’s also the peak tourist season, it’s surely the best time to enjoy all of this country’s wonders. If you want warmer weather and longer days, visit Nepal in spring from February to mid-April. 

Transport in Nepal

Travelling in Nepal can be a bit challenging, especially when it comes to Kathmandu. The bus rides can be uncomfortable due to the traffic and questionable infrastructure. When in Nepal, you will have to rely on buses or hire a jeep. Alternatively, you can choose to walk around the city. 

How Safe Is Nepal?

Nepal is a fairly safe country for group travel for people in their 30s and 40s. It’s a peaceful country with fair political stability and incredibly friendly and generous locals. The main safety concern is in terms of hiking. If you plan to hike in the Himalayas, make sure to follow recommended safety precautions:

• Avoid going alone

• Don’t walk late at night

• Store your valuables in a safe place

The Bottom Line

If you want to explore ancient cities, magnificent jungles, and historic spiritual sites, you must visit Nepal. With fantastic trekking and hiking opportunities, it is arguably one of the best places for group travel for people in their 30s and 40s who harbour a love for the mountains.