October – November — Autumn (post-monsoon) : Best period for trekking: blue skies, crisp views of the Himalayas, pleasant temperatures. Trails are crowded but the beauty is unmatched.
March – May — Spring (rhododendrons) : Second best season: rhododendrons blooming along the trails, clear weather. Some clouds possible in April-May.
Weather in Nepal
Check the weather city by city, starting with Kathmandu.
[object Object]: daytime highs from 19 to 30 °C depending on the season, 125 mm of rain per month on average.
Pokhara: daytime highs from 20 to 31 °C depending on the season, 322 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Nepal?
Nepal is the roof of the world: 8 of the 14 peaks above 8,000 m are found here, including Everest (8,849 m). Beyond the legendary trekking (Annapurna, Everest Base Camp), the Hindu and Buddhist temples of Kathmandu, the rhinos of Chitwan National Park and the spiritual light of Pokhara make it an exceptional destination.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The EBC is the world's iconic trek: 14 days of hiking up to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m. Sherpa villages, cliff-perched monasteries, glaciers and panoramas of the 8,000ers await. Moderate difficulty given good physical condition.
Highlights : Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Kala Patthar (5 545 m), Khumbu Glacier.
Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit (12–21 days) is considered one of the world's most beautiful treks. Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) offers unforgettable scenery ranging from sub-tropical landscapes to the Tibetan plateau. Pokhara is the starting point.
Highlights : Thorong La Pass (5 416 m), Muktinath Temple, Manang (village), Poon Hill (sunrise).
Kathmandu & Valley
Kathmandu Valley concentrates 7 UNESCO sites including the Pashupatinath temple (a major Hindu cremation site), Boudhanath (a great Buddhist stupa), Swayambhunath (the monkey temple) and the palaces of the Durbar squares.
Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, protects one of Asia's last populations of one-horned rhinos as well as Bengal tigers. Elephant or jeep safaris and canoe rides are memorable experiences.
Nepal is very affordable, especially in the cities. Trekking involves extra costs (permits, guides, lodges). Pokhara and Kathmandu are well equipped for every budget.