Everest Base Camp 2

 Along the way there are ancient monasteries, delicious bakeries, and some of the most exquisite views you’ll ever witness.

This isn’t a walk in the park, though — expect to be challenged, especially during the final two days, when the altitude and colder temperatures start to effect even the hardiest of hikers.

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EVEREST BASE CAMP

 The 12-day, 130km round trip to Everest Base Camp is among the best treks in the world, and in Mark’s opinion, just shades the Annapurna Circuit in the beauty stakes.

Commencing in Lukla (after no doubt the scariest plane ride of your life!), the trek follows through quaint mountain villages, dense forests, over glacial rivers and up many, many hills before arriving at the notorious Everest Base Camp for a celebration chocolate and photo.

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The Annapurna Circuit 2

 From day seven onwards, it’s tough work - the days are long, the weather changeable, the altitude hard to manage, and the sleeping situation uncomfortable. But reaching the highest point, Thorong La pass, is one of the best feelings in the world.

If you’re looking to trek the Annapurna circuit, we recommend booking in advance with a reputable tour company such as G Adventures (check out their 18-day trek here!). They take safety seriously, and also respect the environment and local cultures.

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Long/Epic Hikes In Nepal:

 The Annapurna Circuit

The 16 or so days spent hiking the Annapurna Circuit are some of the most inspiring and challenging you'll ever encounter.

Trekking between some of the world’s tallest mountains, through diverse climatic zones (from tropics to alpine peaks), passing quaint mountain villages while enjoying the incredible Nepali hospitality is a wonderful travel experience. Nowhere else on earth can you sip chai tea and bask in the sun while admiring 8,000m peaks in all directions.

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Nepal’s Best Treks

 Trekking in Nepal is without a doubt one of the greatest things to do, anywhere in the world.

There’s something about walking in Nepal that puts the mind and body at ease - it may be the sense of scale and perspective that only the Himalayas can give. Or perhaps it’s the fresh air, filtered by the surrounding forests and powerful winds.

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Kathmandu, Nepal

 While Thamel is a cool place to hang out in and meet fellow travellers, it can pull you in and not let you out. Make sure you make the effort to escape its grasp and go explore the surrounding areas.

Walking through Asan markets in Kathmandu, Nepal

Experience Nepal’s Best Treks Amongst The Glorious Himalayan Mountains

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Backpacker District, Thamel

 You could spend hours exploring the streets and meeting all the smiling locals.

It’s also the place to find all your trekking gear (mostly imitation but still good quality), with literally hundreds of stores selling pretty much the same stuff. It’s worth the effort to haggle the prices down as you can save up to 50% from the first offer.

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Top things to do in Nepal -

 #1 Wander (And Shop) In The Backpacker District, Thamel

Most travelers spend most of their time in Thamel, Kathmandu’s not-so-sleazy answer to Bangkok’s Khao San Rd. Right in the heart of the city with all the major attractions and transport routes close by, it’s colorful, busy and brash!

Thamel’s a complete rabbit-warren of narrow streets and alleyways, and has everything a traveller needs; hotels and guesthouses, restaurants, bars, top quality bakeries (seriously, they are that good!), supermarkets, book stores, pirated DVD’s and everything in between.

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Kathmandu Homestay

 Homestay participants get close to the authentic lifestyle of the Nepali people, learning to cook traditional food, such as dal bhat and yomari (which Mark completely failed at!), harvest fresh produce, and build an understanding of the local culture and traditions. 

There are also local hikes into the surrounding lush hills, or the chance to explore the beautiful local village (full of the most warm locals you’ll meet in Nepal).

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Panauti Kathmandu

 More importantly, it’s home to the Panauti Community Homestay project, where a group of strong, independent Nepali women are stepping outside their comfort zones, building profitable businesses, and transforming the idea of a what a woman in rural Nepal is capable of today.

 The premise of the homestay is simple: connect global travellers on homestays with local women and their families. The project was launched in 2013 with just 2 women, a number that’s swelled to 20 women and families today.

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Kathmandu #12

 Just 32km and two hours drive from Kathmandu is Panauti, the stunning Newari village complete with red-brick buildings and intricate wood trimmings, surrounded by rice terraces carved into the foothills of the Himalayas.

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Kathmandu #11

 chilling in the Garden of Dream in Kathmandu is one of the best things to do in Nepal

If you’re keen for a super authentic Nepal experience, that empowers women and gives back to local communities, then you can’t miss a community homestay.

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Kathmandu #10 ENJOY A COMMUNITY HOMESTAY IN PANAUTI

 chilling in the Garden of Dream in Kathmandu is one of the best things to do in Nepal

If you’re keen for a super authentic Nepal experience, that empowers women and gives back to local communities, then you can’t miss a community homestay.

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Kathmandu CHILL OUT IN GARDEN OF DREAMS

 When the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu gets you down, pop into the Garden of Dreams just outside of Thamel for a relaxed oasis of tranquility. In this beautiful neo-classical garden you’ll find pavilions, verandahs, fountains and a relaxing amphitheatre where you can chill out on one of the pillows provided. 

It’s also evidently the romantic destination of choice for Nepalis, with lovebirds on every corner!

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Kathmandu

 There is no doubt in our mind we would never have found these food stalls without this tour, and we highly recommend it as one of the best things to do in Nepal.

There’s also the Kaiser restaurant which does a damn fine hamburger if you’re craving a western delicacy!

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Kathmandu The doorways are not high

 It’s fair to say that each stop was a taste sensation; we just didn’t realise that Kathmandu had such a thriving street-food scene.

While the food was delicious (like, really delicious!), stepping off the well worn tourist path and into local bahas and through narrow alleyways, while learning all about the history of Kathmandu from Sandib was an unexpected benefit. A word of warning through - if you’re taller than five feet, mind your head — in Nepal the mountains are high but the doorways not.

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