Nepal draws trekkers for the Himalayas, but the country is more than a mountain backdrop: Kathmandu’s temple-dense old city, Pokhara’s lakeside calm, and a culture built around Buddhist and Hindu traditions layered over centuries make it worth more than a quick trek-and-leave trip.
Kathmandu (2-3 days)
Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) on its hilltop overlooking the city, and the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world, anchor a few days acclimatizing before heading to altitude. Thamel is the backpacker and trekking-gear hub, worth a wander even without a trek planned.
Trekking options for every fitness level
Everest Base Camp (12-14 days) and the Annapurna Circuit (15-20 days, though shorter variations exist) are the two headline treks, both genuinely demanding but achievable for reasonably fit trekkers without technical climbing skill. For a shorter taste, the Poon Hill trek near Pokhara delivers spectacular Annapurna range views in just 4-5 days and suits less experienced hikers.
Pokhara (2-3 days)
A noticeably more relaxed pace than Kathmandu, set on Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range visible on clear days. It is also the starting point for most Annapurna region treks and a good spot to decompress after a longer trek.
Practical planning
October to November and March to April are the two prime trekking windows, offering the clearest mountain views and most stable weather; the June to September monsoon makes trekking miserable and often dangerous on exposed trails. A trekking permit and, for many routes, a licensed guide are required and best arranged through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,000 meters regardless of fitness level, so building acclimatization days into any itinerary above that altitude is not optional.