Sharing Spotlight on Nepal, the Roof of the World
Nepal is known as the Roof of the World, and for good reason!
It’s home to the Himalayas and Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world.
Whether you’re a trekker, nature lover or a culture vulture, you’ll find plenty to do when you travel to Nepal — let’s find out more!
Best time to travel to Nepal
Let’s get the practicalities out of the way first — when’s the best time to travel to Nepal?
This will depend on what activities you’re interested in and which part of the country you intend to visit.
If you’re planning on hiking or trekking in the mountainous north of the country, then you’ll want to avoid the freezing winter months from December to February. Instead, head there in October or November, with an average daytime temperature of 20° Celsius making physical activity pleasant.
In fact, the spring (mid-March to mid-May) and autumn (mid-September to mid-November) are probably the best times of year to enjoy any activities in Nepal, when the climate is forgiving and you can spend plenty of time outdoors enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Nepal is synonymous with festivals, so it’s also good to know when you can catch a celebration.
Don’t miss Holi, the Hindu spring festival, celebrated at the arrival of spring in March on the last full moon day of the Hindu calendar. It’s a riot of colour, with festival-goers throwing vibrant coloured powders and water at one another.
If you’re in Nepal in September, you can witness Indra Jatra, the festival to pray for a good harvest. You will be able to enjoy the spectacle of masked dancers in the streets and sculptures and images of Akash Bhairab, the god of the sky, displayed in communities.
What else can I do and see in Nepal?
In addition to majestic mountains and colourful celebrations, Nepal provides plenty of other experiences.
Love wildlife? You’ve come to the right place, as Nepal is home to a wealth of bird and animal species. Check out the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Terai in the south of the country, where over 500 species of birds have been seen. You may also spot endangered arnas — wild buffalos with magnificent curved horns.
History buffs will enjoy the medieval architecture of Kathmandu and the nearby cities of Bhaktapur and Patan. The distinctive shrines, temples and palaces are recognised by UNESCO as being a World Heritage Site, thanks to their majesty and cultural significance.
Foodies will also be spoilt for choice in Nepal, where there are plenty of tasty and healthy dishes on offer. Try the classic dish of dal bhat, a platter of rice with lentil soup and a vegetable or chicken curry. And while in Nepal, you must sample momos, steamed dumplings with a vegetable or meat filling and served with a spicy sauce — an ideal snack to get you through the next round of sightseeing!
Nepal key facts
By learning a few key facts about Nepal before you go, you’ll get the most out of your trip.
● Capital: Kathmandu
● Most famous for: Being home to Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain
● Climate: Cool summers and harsh winters in the north and subtropical summers and mild winters in the south of the country
● Key industries: Agriculture, forestry and tourism
● Population: Around 30,900,000
● Languages: Nepali is the official language, but there are many other languages spoken, including Maithili and Bhojpuri
● Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Kirat Mundum and Christianity
Get the heads-up on Nepal
Psst! We’re going to let you into a secret…Click and Trip has a brand-new itinerary to Nepal on the horizon!
Want to know more about travel to Nepal from Australia? Reach out to us to get the heads-up on one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet.
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