- Kathmandu and Pokhara are the two bases, with treks starting from both
- October and November bring the clearest mountain views
- Visas are available on arrival or via an online form
- Guides are now required for most treks in national parks
- Airports
- Tribhuvan International, Kathmandu (KTM); Pokhara International (PKR)
- Flight time
- about 13-16h from London to Kathmandu, usually with one stop
- Best time to go
- October-November and March-April; avoid the June-September monsoon for trekking
- Currency
- Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Nepal packs eight of the world's fourteen 8,000-metre peaks into a country about half the size of the UK, and for many British travellers it is the trekking trip of a lifetime. But you do not need to climb anything to love it: the temple squares of the Kathmandu Valley, the lakeside calm of Pokhara and rhino-spotting in the lowland jungle of Chitwan make a superb two-week holiday on their own.
Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of the UK in winter and 4 hours 45 minutes ahead in British Summer Time. Plugs are mostly the round-pin types C and D, traffic drives on the left and costs are low by UK standards. It pairs well with India, and this Asia guide covers where to go, when, and how to get there.
Where to go in Nepal
Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is chaotic, dusty and fascinating. Durbar Square, the hilltop Swayambhunath stupa, the vast Boudhanath stupa and the riverside temples of Pashupatinath are the essentials. The neighbouring royal cities of Patan and Bhaktapur have better-preserved squares and are calmer places to stay. Thamel is the traveller district for gear shops and agencies.
Pokhara
Nepal's second city sits on Phewa Lake beneath the Annapurna range. It is the gateway to Annapurna treks and a relaxed spot for boating, paragliding and sunrise views of Machhapuchhre from Sarangkot. The bus from Kathmandu takes six to eight hours; flights take under 30 minutes.
The Everest region
Treks in the Khumbu start with a famously short runway at Lukla. The trek to Everest Base Camp usually takes 12-14 days return, passing Sherpa villages, Namche Bazaar and Tengboche monastery. Altitude is the main challenge, so acclimatisation days are essential.
Annapurna
The Annapurna region offers everything from the short Poon Hill trek (four or five days) to Annapurna Base Camp and the classic Annapurna Circuit. Road building has shortened some routes, but the mountain scenery is still exceptional.
Chitwan and Lumbini
In the steamy Terai lowlands, Chitwan National Park has one-horned rhinos, elephants, crocodiles and, with luck, Bengal tigers, seen on jeep, canoe and walking safaris. Further west, Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha and a peaceful pilgrimage site.
Best time to visit Nepal
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Autumn (October-November) | Peak trekking season, dry with clear views; busy trails |
| Winter (December-February) | Cold at altitude, high passes may close; fine in Kathmandu and Chitwan |
| Spring (March-May) | Second trekking season, rhododendrons in bloom, hazier views; hot in the lowlands by May |
| Monsoon (June-September) | Heavy rain, leeches, landslides and cloud; lush but poor for trekking |
Getting to Nepal from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK to Nepal. Popular one-stop routes are via Doha with Qatar Airways, via Dubai with flydubai or Emirates, via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, or via Delhi. Expect about 13-16 hours in total. Kathmandu's airport is small and often congested, so delays are common.
Entry requirements
British passport holders need a tourist visa, which can be bought on arrival at Kathmandu airport for 15, 30 or 90 days, paid in US dollars or other major currencies. To save time, fill in the online arrival form before you travel. Your passport needs at least six months' validity. Trekking permits (TIMS and national park or conservation area fees) are arranged separately, usually by your agency. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Nepal saw serious political unrest and protests in September 2025, so it is worth checking the latest situation before you go.
Getting around
Tourist buses link Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan and are cheap but slow, as mountain roads are winding and often damaged. Domestic flights save a lot of time but are weather-dependent, and Nepal's aviation safety record is poor, so choose flights with care. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Pathao and inDrive work in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Since 2023, foreign trekkers in most national parks and conservation areas are required to hire a licensed guide.
Build a spare day into your plans after a Lukla flight. Fog and cloud regularly ground planes for a day or more.
Money and costs
Nepal is very good value. A comfortable trip with decent guesthouses, meals and local transport costs about NPR 5,000-9,000 (roughly £30-50) a day. An organised Everest Base Camp trek with guide, porter, permits and teahouses usually costs about £1,000-1,800 plus flights. ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara but scarce on treks, so carry cash. Tipping guides and porters at the end of a trek is expected.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be fit to trek in Nepal?
For short treks like Poon Hill, reasonable fitness is enough. Higher treks such as Everest Base Camp involve long days and serious altitude, so train beforehand and allow time to acclimatise.
Can I trek without a guide in Nepal?
Rules introduced in 2023 require foreign trekkers in most protected areas to hire a licensed guide. Enforcement has varied by region, so check with a local agency before you plan to go solo.
Is travel insurance needed for trekking?
Yes. Make sure your policy covers trekking at the altitude you plan to reach and helicopter evacuation.
How long should I spend in Nepal?
Ten days covers Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. Add a week or more for a proper trek; Everest Base Camp needs about two weeks on its own.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
More from EmmaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
