2 Weeks in Nepal

What You Should Know Before Going On A Nepal Tour

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is located in Asia, sharing its southern border with India and its northern border with Tibet. The country runs long east to west, and encompasses much of the Great Himalaya mountain range. Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world, is on the border between Nepal and Tibet. The southern strip of Nepal is relatively flat, the central region is hilly, and the northern swath is dramatic Himalayan terrain.

Packing List for Nepal

Tours to Nepal vary in elevation, terrain, and environment, all of which greatly affect the requirements for your packing list. Will you be trekking above 10,000 feet, wandering through city streets, exploring vibrant jungles, or all of the above? Consider which parts of Nepal you plan to visit when creating your packing list.

If you plan to go hiking or backpacking in Nepal (known locally as “trekking”), you’ll need various layers of sturdy, reliable activewear to keep you warm and comfortable. Pack these if you already own these items; if not, you can buy them in Kathmandu for much less than what you’ll pay in America (plus, this a great way to support the local economy in Nepal, one of Asia’s poorest countries). Temperatures can and do drop below freezing in the mountains at night, even during the summer, so be sure you’ve got enough layers to keep you warm.

If your travels will only take you through the lower-elevation regions of the country, you can pack a bit lighter. 

Here are the essentials for your tour to Nepal:

• To respect the conservative cultural norms in Nepal, bring modest clothing that covers your shoulders, midriff, and upper legs. 
• Comfortable shoes are a must for walking through cities and towns, and you’ll need sturdy hiking boots for trekking through the mountains
• If you plan to use your phone or handheld device during your travels, bring a Type D adapter to plug your charger into the outlets in Nepal
• Consider bringing a water treatment device (like a Lifestraw or SteriPen) to protect yourself from waterborne pathogens
• Adequate sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat) is critical, especially at high elevations
• Rain is common, so bring a waterproof shell to keep you dry should you find yourself in a surprise storm

Everest Trekking Routes

Arguably the world’s most formidable mountain range, the Himalayas are Nepal’s main draw for international travelers. Most tours to Nepal include myriad ways to behold and experience this mighty mountain range. A trip to Everest Base Camp is a fantastic (albeit challenging) way to experience the beauty and awe of the Himalayas, but there are alternative routes that are just as stunning. While many more routes exist beyond these three, here are the most popular Nepal trekking routes.

Everest Base Camp

This classic Nepal trekking route starts with a flight into the town of Lukla, where a narrow airstrip is nestled into steep mountainsides. From 9,380-foot Lukla, the trek climbs in elevation through Sagarmatha National Park (the Nepali name for Mount Everest).

The trek includes stops at the villages of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Dughla, Labuche, and Gorak Shep before reaching Everest Base Camp, which sits at 17,600 feet. The round-trip trek takes about 12 days. There are many options for Nepal guided tours through this region.

Annapurna Circuit

One of Nepal’s most popular hiking routes, The Annapurna Circuit twists around the Annapurna Massif in the central part of Nepal’s Himalayas. The route begins in the town of Besishahar (a bus ride from Kathmandu), makes a 15-day loop through some of Nepal’s most majestic peaks and valleys, and ends in Nayapul (a bus ride from Pokhara). The highest point along the trek is 17,770-foot Thorong La Pass.

Manaslu Circuit

Closer to Kathmandu than the other popular trekking routes, the Manaslu Circuit boasts fewer crowds than Everest and Annapurna while still offering passage through Nepal’s breathtaking, high-elevation terrain. The trek takes about 13 days, reaching its highest elevation at 16,850-foot Larkya La, and showcases Manaslu Peak, the 8th tallest mountain in the world.

Weather in Nepal

As you can imagine, weather on Nepal’s 17,000-foot mountain passes varies greatly from weather in the country’s low-elevation jungles and river valleys. There are three distinct weather zones in Nepal:

• The Terai zone, along Nepal’s southern border, is composed mainly of jungle and farmland. The weather is warm and humid for much of the year. This zone is subject to heavy rains and floods during monsoon season, as is Pahar.
• Pahar, Nepal’s central zone, is composed of foothills and valleys. Temperatures are generally warm and pleasant year-round, although evenings may require extra layers for warmth.
• The Himalayas make up the northern strip of the country, and temperatures consistently dips below freezing, especially at night. Winter storms can be catastrophic. The upside? Some of these areas get less rain than regions farther south, due to the “rain shadow” effect (created by walls of towering mountains that rain clouds can’t pass through).

Best Time to Visit Nepal

Visits to the southern and central parts of Nepal are best between November and February, when the area’s winter conditions offer clear skies and moderate temperatures. While you’ll want to stay away from the Himalayas during this time of year, winter is the perfect time of year to visit places like Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Chitwan National Park.

Spring, between March and June, is the best time for Nepal trekking tours. The winter snows have begun to melt, wildflowers are abundant, and longer daylight hours offer more time on the trail.

The monsoon season begins in July, which consists of daily rain showers, high temperatures, humidity, and flash floods. If you choose to visit during the summer, you may want to check out western Nepal’s “rain shadow” region. Places like Mustang, Dolpo, and Tsum Valley receive far less rainfall than the popular areas in the central and eastern parts of the country.

Autumn is an especially lovely time to visit Kathmandu. The rains have washed away much of the city’s smog, so the views are brilliant. During October and November, the city celebrates two its most important festivals—Dashain and Tihar—which fill the streets with parades, decorations, singing, and dancing.