Nepal is one of the Himalayas' most extraordinary countries — wedged between India and China over 800 km, it houses 8 of the world's 14 peaks above 8,000 m, including Everest (8,849 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Kangchenjunga (8,586 m). 30 million inhabitants, democracy since 2008 (former monarchy), officially secular country but deeply living Buddhist-Hindu culture. Kathmandu, thousand-year-old chaotic capital, houses 7 UNESCO sites (Patan, Bhaktapur, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple). Pokhara, base for Annapurna treks, is the 2nd tourist city. Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace. Chitwan, national park with rhinos and tigers. World trekking capital — 200,000 trekkers/year on iconic itineraries (Annapurna Circuit, EBC Everest Base Camp, Langtang). Spiritual and physical destination, like Nepali devotion.
Duration : 16 days
Route : Kathmandu (3 nights) → Pokhara flight → Annapurna Sanctuary trek 10 days (Sinuwa, Bamboo, Deurali, Machapuchare BC, Annapurna BC 4,130 m, return) → Pokhara (1 night) → Kathmandu (1 night) → return flight
Duration : 16-18 days
Route : Kathmandu (3 nights) → Lukla flight (2,845 m) → 12-14 day trek (Phakding, Namche Bazaar 3,440 m, Tengboche 3,860 m, Dingboche 4,410 m, Lobuche 4,940 m, Gorak Shep 5,164 m, EBC 5,364 m + Kala Patthar 5,643 m) → Lukla return flight → Kathmandu (1 night)
Duration : 10 days
Route : Kathmandu (3 nights, 7 UNESCO sites) → Pokhara flight (3 nights, Lake Phewa, Annapurna view) → Chitwan (3 nights, safari) → return Kathmandu (1 night)
October-November is the ideal season (post-monsoon, clearest sky, mild temperatures). March-April is the 2nd best (spring, rhododendrons in bloom). Avoid June-September (monsoon, heavy rain, blocked views) and December-February (very cold, snow on passes above 4,500 m).
Very safe (almost no crime). Visa on arrival in Kathmandu ($40 for 30 days, $100 for 90 days). Altitude sickness: Diamox advised above 3,500 m, progressive ascent, hydration. Cards accepted in hotels, cash (NPR or USD) on treks. Avoid tap water (bottled water or tablets). Tipping 10% in restaurants, $5-$10/day for guide, $3-$5/day for porter. Recommended vaccines: DTP, hepatitis A, typhoid.
October-November (post-monsoon, clearest sky) or March-April (spring, rhododendrons). Avoid June-September (monsoon) and winter (closed passes).
10 days for Nepal without trek (Kathmandu + Pokhara + Chitwan). 16 days for Annapurna Sanctuary. 16-18 days for EBC.
€2,800-€3,800 per person for 16 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €4,500-€6,000. EBC helicopter: €7,500-€9,500. Flights: €600-€1,000.
Yes, on arrival in Kathmandu ($40 for 30 days, $100 for 90 days). Possible online before departure.
Annapurna Sanctuary (10 d, 4,130 m) more accessible — moderate level, spectacular landscape. EBC (12-14 d, 5,364 m + Kala Patthar 5,643 m) more legendary but harder — demanding level, uncertain Lukla flight.
Progressive ascent (300-500 m/day above 3,000 m), 2 acclim days at Namche (3,440 m) and Dingboche (4,410 m), Diamox advised, 4-5 L/day hydration, no alcohol, sufficient sleep.
From age 12 for treks (physical effort). For Kathmandu + Pokhara + Chitwan: from age 8, accessible.
Reputed world's most dangerous airport (460-m runway on a 2,845-m cliff, frequently cancelled for weather). Experienced pilots, acceptable safety statistics. Plan 1-2 buffer days for cancellations.
Yes: Nepal + Bhutan (Kathmandu-Paro 1-h flight), Nepal + North India (Kathmandu-Delhi 1 h 30), Nepal + Tibet (per political situation).
Yes: 10% in restaurants, $5-$10/day for trek guide, $3-$5/day for porter. Highly appreciated.