A little more
Nepal.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Nepal: what to know before you go

Nepal runs from the subtropical lowlands of the Terai to the highest mountains on earth, with Kathmandu's temple-filled valley in between. It is one of the world's great trekking destinations, but also offers jungle safaris, Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites and old Newar towns. It suits trekkers, culture lovers and anyone happy with a little chaos.

Where to go

• Kathmandu Valley. Seven groups of monuments in the valley form a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, and the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan.
• Everest region. Most treks begin with a short flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla, then follow the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery.
• Annapurna region. The Annapurna Circuit crosses the high Thorong La pass, while shorter treks to Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp suit those with less time.
• Pokhara. A relaxed lakeside city on Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range on the skyline.

Best time to visit

October and November, after the monsoon, are the classic trekking months, with clear skies and stable weather; March to May is the second season, when rhododendrons bloom in the hills, though haze can obscure views. December to February is cold in the mountains, with high passes often snowbound, but lower treks and the Kathmandu Valley are pleasant.

Staying online in Nepal

Mobile coverage is good in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other towns, with 4G in many places. On popular trekking routes, coverage reaches some villages but is unreliable, and there is often no signal in valleys, on high passes and in remote regions. Many teahouses offer Wi-Fi, sometimes for a fee and often slow. Charging devices in the mountains can also cost extra, so bring a power bank. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land in Kathmandu.