Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
Nepal is a country that entices only the most daring, most adventurous travelers out there. Although you may feel adventurous on your way, once you arrive you will be overwhelmed with a sense of stillness and peace. Nepal is known as “The Land of Solitary Meditation and Penance” for a reason.
This small but majestic nation is home to many secrets, and mysteries and is a perfect place for adventurous travelers to explore – an experience enhanced with the guide of many of the best Nepal tours
Nepal is home to the largest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, Standing at 8,849m tall, Mount Everest is the main source of tourism for Nepal and a place only the most adventurous go. Nepal is also home to one of the largest Buddhist populations in the world and can be seen as a pilgrimage to some. The energy in Nepal is quite unique and not something you can feel everywhere.
The country is nestled in the southern portion of the Himalayan Mountains. Nepal can be seen as a blend of both Chinese and Indian influence and is something truly extraordinary. The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is the largest city in the country.
Nepal had been a country closed to outsiders and remained a mystery until the 1950s when the country joined the U.N. and began establishing ties with the world.
Kathmandu, often known as Kantipur, is the capital of Nepal. Formally known as Manju-Patan, the capital was founded in 723 AD and the name was changed over to Kathmandu in the late 1590s when Raja Lachmina Singh constructed the entire temple out of only one tree. Kathmandu means “Wooden Temple.
With a total height of 1,324 meters above sea level, it is a city well into the Himalayas, with mountainous terrain and climate. This means that the temperature in Nepal is warmer during the day and freezing at night. The city is full of things to do and see including stunning Temples, and market stalls and the hustle and bustle of the city makes it the perfect place to start your Nepali Adventure.
Pokhara, another city in Nepal is also famed by tourists and is known as the tourist hub of Nepal with many hikes departing from here including the famous Poon Hill Tea-Trekking Hikes. It’s also the second largest city in the country and home to some of Nepal’s most stunning natural beauty. Several small lakes and forests, with a combination of stunning wildlife, create the perfect atmosphere to have a great outdoor adventure.
Some of the best places to visit in Pokhara are Phewa, Begnas and Rupa Taal lake, Devi’s Falls, Shree Bindhyabasini Temple, Tal Barahi, Chamero Gufa, and the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. As you can see, there is a lot to do in the city of Pokhara. So if you’re a nature lover or perhaps you’re looking to embrace the wildside of Nepal, this is a perfect place for you to visit.
Chitwan National Park, located in Chitwan, at the base of the Himalayas, is considered one of the last remaining areas of the Terai Region which was once part of India and Nepal’s famous foothills. The park is home to some of the last Bengal Tigers and the single-horned Asian Rhinoceros, and a place that most of the best Nepal tours will visit. It is also one of Nepal’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The overwhelming array of ecosystems, and plant and animal life, with some breathtaking views of the Himalayas, creates a perfect place for an adventure. Due to its setting in a river valley basin, steep hills with great views, and exotic animals along the river banks, the property is one of the most well-liked tourist attractions of its kind in the region.
However, there is more to do than just explore the wilderness of the park, View Chitwan’s two most well-known religious sites. Both Bikram Baba in Kasara and Balmiki Ashram in Tribeni are referred to as pilgrimage sites by the Hindu community and are well known for their significance.
Thus, if you do decide to come, you must do it with the utmost respect. Chitwan National Park is a great place to visit and is one of the top spots in Nepal for tourists.
Planning a trip to Nepal can be confusing and frustrating. There is so much to see and do. Sometimes it’s hard to plan everything out day by day or perhaps it’s tough to gain access to certain activities without a guide.
That’s why it’s always important to choose a knowledgeable guide and the right group tour in Nepal so you can plan your trip at ease knowing the guide will take care of all the hard work for you. Much like we found when exploring the best Sri Lanka and Cambodia tour options, quality varies greatly and there are tons of group tours to choose from in Nepal. So, you will likely need some help narrowing your options down.
So let’s dive into some of the best Nepal tours on offer…
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Everest Base Camp Trek
G Adventures
The 15-day Everest Base Camp Trek Group Tour can be seen as a perfect way to get the full Everest experience without completely climbing the mountain. This tour takes you to 11 different spots in Nepal giving you the option to see almost everything there is to see while giving you the chance to finally see and climb Mount Everest.
The tour begins and ends in Kathmandu and includes accommodations, meals, transportation to each destination, and an expert guide to give you the best experience possible. Please note that flights, extra excursions, insurance, and gratitudes are not included at this time.
This trip is perfect for travelers over 18, couples, solo travelers, and group travelers. Here is a breakdown of the day-to-day itinerary.
- Day One: Kathmandu, Nepal: Arrival day. This is when you’ll arrive and get the chance to meet your tour guide as well as your tour director. You will also get to meet the rest of your travel group.
- Day Two: Kathmandu and phakding. A mountain flight to Lukla, view the Himalayas, meet the Sherpas, and trek to Phakding via Dudh Kosi.
- Day Three: Hike to Namche Bazaar, The Gateway of Mount Everest, and spend two nights acclimatizing for the trek upwards It is important to note that An acclimatization day allows for a visit to Thame and Khumjung, the green village.
- Day Four: Namche Bazaar. Hike to Syangboche which is roughly 3860m high. After the hike, you will return to Namche Bazaar and have free time for the rest of the day.
- Day Five: 7-hour trek to Tengboche.
- Day Six: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche.
- Day Seven: Hike to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak,view Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Amphu Lapcha.
- Day Eight: Khumbu Glacier, Lobuche, and take in the views of Nuptse.
- Day Nine: Changri Glacier, Gorakshep, and reach Everest’s base camp.
- Day Ten: Kala Pattar and Pheriche.
- Day Eleven: Pangboche and Kenjuma.
- Day Twelve: Visit the small village of Monjo.
- Day Thirteen: Descend back to Lukla.
- Day Fourteen: Catch the flight to Kathmandu from Lukla.
- Day Fifteen: Departure Day.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is unique in the sense that it offers travelers the opportunity to not only see just Kathmandu and the biggest cities but even the small villages in the mountains. Getting the chance to see some of the locals in the smaller towns gives travelers another point of view of the country and can give travelers the full scope of both Urban and Rural Nepal.
The tour itself is operated by National Geographic’s “G Tours” and is rated very highly with an overall rating of 4.6 out of five stars. G Tours is one of the most highly rated multi-day tour companies in the world.
Operated and owned by National Geographic, the company aims to give travelers the most authentic experience whilst traveling abroad. So you will often find that the G Adventure Tours are very authentic and include a wide variety of places and things to do within the country.
We recommend you consider this tour when planning your next exotic adventure to Nepal. Not only will it leave you inspired but will leave you with a sense of accomplishment, adventure, and, of course, memories that last forever.
Nepal Wildlife Adventure Tour
World Travel Experiences
Do you have a passion for animals? Or perhaps you have a passion for the outdoors? This may a tour of interest to you. Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this eight-day wildlife adventure visited 3 cities in Nepal including lodging, meals, flights, an experienced guide, and, transportation.
However insurance and gratitudes are not included at this time and your departure flight to Nepal is not included, only the flights between the cities of Pokhara and Kathmandu. Here’s a lot in the eight-day itinerary included in this tour.
- Day One: Arrive in Kathmandu. This is your chance to meet the guide and your travel group for the excursion.
- Day Two: Kathmandu sightseeing with your choice of either a mountain flight or exploring Kathmandu City, visit Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan City.
- Day Three: Drive from Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park.
- Day Four: Canoe Safari, Elephant Safari, Elephant Breeding Centre, and Elephant bathing.
- Day Five: Drive to Pokhara.
- Day Six: Early morning visit to Sarangkot, Sightseeing in Pokhara City, Seti River Gorge, Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Tibetan Village, Tal Barai, and, Bindhyabasini Temple.
- Day Seven: Fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara.
- Day Eight: After breakfast, you may leave for your departure at any time.
This Eight-day wild adventure is meant to engage with your wild side and guide you through some of the best places to spot and engage with the wildlife of Nepal. The Tour is offered by World Travel Experience and has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars. World Travel Experiences is one of the highest-rated tour companies in India where the company is formally based.
With five-star reviews on Tripadvisor, it’s no wonder travelers are raving. This tour can be seen as unique to others for its focus on wildlife. Most tours of Nepal are more focused on Mount Everest rather than the wildlife or lowlands of Nepal. This allows you to indulge in a different side of Nepal and experience the true wonders of the Nepali Lowlands.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Outfitter Nepal Treks and Expeditions
The cold dry air of the mountains is calling you. It’s your choice. Are you going to answer the call? Or are you going to willingly decline?
If you’re ready, it’s time to pack your snowsuit, and your hiking poles and set off to whistle mountain winds of the Ghorepani Poon Hill. The Ghorepani Poon hill is a famous mountainous spot located in the Annapurna Massif and the Dhaulagiri mountain range of Nepal.
From Ghorepani Poon Hill, you can see the views of several mountains and postcard-perfect scenery you can’t see anywhere else. This tour highlight’s the best of Ghorepani Poon Hill and will leave you in awe at some of the draw-dropping views.
This tour starts in Kathmandu and ends in Kathmandu. You will visit Kathmandu and three other cities across Nepal. This 10 outdoor adventure includes tons of hiking with a professional expert guide, meals, lodging, and, transportation are all included in this tour. However, it is important to note, like most tours this does not include airfare, insurance, or gratitudes.
The tour starts in Kathmandu and will also end in Kathmandu. The tour lasts 10 days and includes Kathmandu and three other cities across Nepal. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Tour is recommended for those over 18, solo travelers, couples, or group travelers. The itinerary can be considered jam-packed and full of things to do and see. Let’s take a look at what you would be doing day to day.
- Day One: Arrive in Kathmandu. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel by one of the Tour Representatives and dropped off at your hotel. This is your free day to do whatever you like.
- Day Two: Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Visit Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and Baudhanath Stupa.
- Day Three: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
- Day Four: Visit Tikhedhung and Birethani on the way to Nayapul.
- Day Five: Trek to Ghorepani in 6 hours.
- Day Six: Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani.
- Day Seven: Trek to Ghandruk.
- Day Eight: Trek back to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara the same day.
- Day Nine: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Day Ten: Departure day. Depart any time.
Overall, this ten-day trip will leave you in awe at the perfectly crafted combination of both Nepali culture and beauty. Travelers who have taken this tour are raving as the reviews are upwards of 4.6 out of five stars.
Travelers believe the tour was well put together and organized. Not only that, the Tour Operator themselves, Outfitter Nepal Treks and Expeditions has a very high rating of 4.5 out of five stars. The company was established in 2008 and has been working hard to strive for the best and most entertaining tours and excursions in the country of Nepal.
In conclusion, this is a great option for those looking for a different take on Nepal and who would like to travel around at the same time. This tour is considered to be recommended and one you should consider while planning your dream vacation to Nepal.
Rara Lake Tour
Adventure Himalayan Travels
The majestic lake breeze in combination with the calm still nature and peaceful scenery creates the perfect retreat to take in the naturalistic energy and indulge in the uttermost relaxation and peace in Rara Lake.
Though physical activity is a must in this tour, the majestic waters of the lake and the park close by with a combination of physical exercise and movement create an almost therapeutic atmosphere to let you decompress and enjoy life outside the office.
Rara Lake and Park are considered very special places, Rara Park was extended to Rara Lake In the mid-seventies and since has become a protected place by Nepali officials. It’s an underrated spot in Nepal that you certainly don’t want to miss.
You will start your journey in Kathmandu and you will also end your journey in Kathmandu. This nine-day adventure tour takes you through Kathmandu and two other cities in Nepal. You can take a sigh of relief knowing your accommodations, flights, meals, transportation, and a local expert guide are all included in this tour.
It’s really important to note that only the flight from Talcha – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu is included and not your airfare from your country of origin. Insurance and gratitudes are also not included at this time. It’s important to note that at this time, the Rara Lake Tour is offering vegan, vegetarian, and kosher meals.
This tour is recommended for travelers over the age of 18, solo travelers, group travelers, or couples vacations. Let’s take a look at your day-to-day itinerary for this tour.
- Day One: You will be picked up by the Tour Representative that will transfer you to your hotel where you will get to meet your tour guide and ask any questions you may have.
- Day Two: Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swyambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Patan City.
- Day Three: Drive to Nepalgunj and on the way visit Gabher Valley homestay.
- Day Four: Make the long journey to Kalikot and stop in both Surkhet and Dailekh.
- Day Five: Visit Rara Lake.
- Day Six: Hike to Marma Top and after the hike, head back to Rara Lake.
- Day Seven: Explore and meet the locals of Rara Lake. Head to Talcha Airport in the evening.
- Day Eight: Scenic flight from Talcha to Nepalgunj and take a connecting flight to Kathmandu.
- Day Nine: Depart after breakfast. You will be transferred directly to the airport before your departure time.
Rara Lake is by far one of the most spectacular destinations out there. The calm breeze of the lake in combination with the wildlife and lush greenery makes this a perfect place to engage all your senses and enjoy the adventure of your dreams.
This tour is offered by Adventure Himalayan Travels and has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Built on the idea of providing affordable, almost all-inclusive, enjoyable vacations to Nepal for everyone. From family adventures to honeymoons, this tour operator not only has great reviews but a wild variety of tours and excursions to choose from.
Nepal Multisport Luxury Adventure
Ace the Himalaya
Your Luxury Nepali Adventure is just around the corner. Are you ready? This luxury, perfect Nepali vacation, can be seen as the jewel in the crown of almost all tours offered to Nepal. A jam-packed, exciting adventure that will keep you on your toes the entire duration of the tour. This tour highlights some of the best things to do in Nepal and will take you on a wild journey you will never forget.
Your journey comes complete with your meals, transportation, domestic and scenic flights, and, lodging. Additional services include; Hotel pick up and drop off, Airport transfer, 1-hour scenic mountain flight, farewell dinner in Kathmandu, all ground transportation for the entire
duration of the tour, all domestic flights, a one-hour yoga class, a two-hour massage or body scrub, entry permits for all temples, parks, monasteries, historical and cultural sites, and all government taxes. You will start your journey in Kathmandu and end your journey in Kathmandu as well.
This 11-day journey will take you to Kathmandu and four other cities in Nepal, giving you the ultimate guide to Nepal. With that being said, here is a breakdown of what your vacation may look like.
- Day One: Arrive in Kathmandu where you will pick up at the airport by one of the tour representatives, and transferred to your hotel for your chance to meet your guide as well as collect your free Company memorabilia.
- Day Two: Mountain Flight and Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Day Three: Drive to Charaundi (3 hrs) for Rafting and Continue to Pokhara (827m, 3hrs)
- Day Four: Paragliding and Guided Sightseeing in Pokhara
- Day Five: Hike up to Sarangkot and Back to Pokhara
- Day Six: Bungee Jump
- Day Seven: Drive to Chitwan (415 m, 5hrs)
- Day Eight: Activities in Chitwan National Park
- Day Nine: Fly to Kathmandu and Yoga Class and Spa in the Evening
- Day Ten: Biking In and Around Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner
- Day Eleven: Depart from Kathmandu at any time.
This itinerary gives not only an amazing unforgettable, experience but also is unique in the sense that the tour includes a bit of everything to give you the ultimate Nepali experience and includes relaxation elements as well as thrill-seeking that you’ll be talking about forever.
This tour doesn’t discriminate and is available for almost anyone including solo travelers, group travelers, honeymoon or holiday vacations, or family vacations.
The tour company Ace the Himalaya, which is rated 4.6 out of five stars, is one of the best local tour operators in Nepal. Not only does this tour offer one-of-a-kind, unique experiences, but the company also works hard to ensure all guests in Nepal have a great time.
The Tour is rated 4.0 out of five stars, and according to travelers who have been on the tour, the tour is well organized and well put together. At this time, travelers recommend this tour.
In conclusion, while planning your dream trip to Nepal, this is an option you should consider if you’re looking to get a taste of almost everything Nepal has to offer. This is also a great option if you’re looking for a relaxation element to your vacation or you’re just looking to completely indulge in the Luxury of this tour.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
Asian Heritage Treks & Expeditions
The Buddhist religion is a vital part of Nepali culture and symbols of the religion can be seen all over the country. Buddhism is seen as a religion of peace and tranquility among other things. Taking this tour can be the ultimate for Buddhist travelers out there and other travelers interested in learning About Buddhism and the culture of Nepal.
You will begin your journey of peace in Kathmandu and you will also finish your journey in Kathmandu. This super detailed, in-depth 10-day tour allows you to witness the Buddhist culture of Nepal firsthand and become immersed in the moment. You will visit Kathmandu and five other cities across Nepal.
This tour includes your lodging, meals, transportation, and an expert guide that’s there to answer and listen to all your questions and concerns. This tour is recommended for solo travelers, group travelers, couples, families with older children, and holiday vacations. Let’s take a look at what your Buddhist Pilgrimage tour would look like over the course of your trip.
- Day One: You will be picked up from the airport by one of our tour representatives where you will be transferred to your hotel and briefed on your upcoming tour.
- Day Two: Bouddhanath & Monastery visit
- Day Three: Swayambhunath & Patan
- Day Four: Kathmandu to Namobuddha
- Day Five: Namobuddha to Bandipur
- Day Six: Bandipur to Lumbini & Sightseeing
- Day Seven: Tilaurakot & Drive to Pokhara
- Day Eight: Pokhara Monastery
- Day Nine: Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day Ten: Departure from Kathmandu.
This tour almost exclusively highlights Buddhism in a very detailed depth manner designed to give the ultimate experience possible. That’s what makes this tour so unique. Its focus on Buddhism is what makes this tour so special for Buddhist travelers, travelers or journalists studying the religion, or backpackers just looking to visit some of the best Nepali Buddhist temples.
The tour is operated by Asian Heritage Treks & Expeditions and has an overall rating of 4.8 out of five stars and the tour itself has five out of five stars. Travelers recommend this tour.
Founded in 2002, Asian Heritage Treks and expeditions work endlessly to ensure that travelers to South Asia, or more specifically, Nepal will have the ability to immerse themselves completely in the fusion of cultures and traditions around the region.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to learn a bit about the religion of Buddhism or you are a Buddhist yourself looking to take this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, this is something you should consider while planning your stay and choosing what you would like to see or do while in Nepal. This is something you don’t want to miss out on.
Nepal can be seen as a diverse place in many different ways. Not only are the culture, the food, and the traditions diverse, the excursions, things to do, and the religious presence of Nepal are what truly make this country diverse and unique. Whether you’re looking to study the culture of Nepal, you’re learning about Buddhism or you’re adventurous enough to climb mount Everest, all these options are available to you all at once.
The tranquility of Nepal cannot be matched by any other country. Not a single one. The only way to experience this type of peace is to come and experience it yourself. Visit Nepal.
If none of these tours work for you in Nepal, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in Nepal now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
