Nepal Vacations

Nepal is a culturally diverse country having over a hundred ethnic groups. More than 120 languages are spoken in the country. The majority of the population practices Hinduism, with Buddhism being the second most popular religion. The dhaka topi (hat) is a symbol of Nepalese nationality and is worn by men.

Nepal has a rich tradition of folk and classical dances. Different ethnic groups and tribes perform their own dances during festivals and family occasions. According to Hindu mythology, the beloved Hindu god Shiva performed his cosmic dance in the Himalayas.

The major festivals celebrated here are Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of Gautam Buddha, Dashain, a festival celebrating the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, and Maha Shivaratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, on which locals smoke charas, handmade cannabis. The Nepalis also believe in ghosts and supernatural beings, and practice tantric and shamanic techniques.

Handicraft production is an age-old practice in Nepal. The country has a thriving handicraft export market. The handicraft industry helps in preserving the heritage and culture of the country, while also providing employment opportunities and helping alleviate poverty. The most popular handicraft product is the pashmina, a soft and delicate fibre collected from the mountain goats in the Upper Himalayas, and made into shawls, scarves, and sweaters. 

The best time to visit Nepal is from October through November when the skies are clear and the weather pleasant for outdoor activities. Being peak season, accommodation prices are higher than other times of the year. Popular areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara tend to attract large crowds during this time.

The off-season is between June and August, when heavy rains can be expected. But the monsoon showers bathing the landscape produce a unique allure, which visitors are able to enjoy, perhaps more intimately given the smaller tourist crowds.

The popular seasons for trekking are March to May and October to November. In the spring, the weather is mild and the rhododendrons are in full bloom, making outdoor sojourns more visually gratifying. Migratory birds arriving in the spring attract bird watchers.

Autumn days are warm and nights cool. The clear skies provide beautiful views of the Himalayas. The trails take on a new life and create an energetic atmosphere. Autumn festivals like Dashain allow visitors to soak in the local culture alongside trekking expeditions. 

A curated Nepal trip can pack a number of amazing adventures. If you're a trekking enthusiast, join a tour designed just for you. For example, the popular Ghandruk Trek that takes you on an exploration of the Annapurna Range, with sherpas guiding you. You'll pass picturesque towns and sights on the way. It is easily accessible from Pokhara via a combination of road travel and trekking. The route is not particularly difficult and manageable for moderately fit travelers.

When trekking, it's best to start early and wear warm and comfortable clothes. Hire a guide or porter if you or anyone in your trekking group is unfamiliar with the route.

A different kind of trek - a jungle trek - takes you through Chitwan National Park. The World Heritage Site is a five-hour drive from Kathmandu and spans hundreds of miles of sal forests, grassland, and marshes. The park is home to majestic Bengal tigers, the Asian one-horned rhino, bison, langurs, fish-eating crocodiles called gharial, wild elephants, 150 varieties of butterflies and over 500 species of birds. The best time to visit the park is March or December.

Stay in Kathmandu and wake up to views of the Himalayas every day. Popular destinations in Nepal's largest city include the Swayambhunath Temple, the Boudhanath Stupa, and the Garden of Dreams. Go hiking, rafting, paragliding, and bungee jumping. Shop at the city's lively commercial area and indulge in local delicacies. 

The common ingredients in Nepalese cuisine are lentils, potatoes, tomatoes, coriander, chillies, peppers, garlic, and mustard oil. The national dish dal bhaat is a rice and lentil stew, and is available as street food. A must-try during Nepal tours. Meat dumplings or momos are popular; meat may be substituted with veggies, and the momos may be steamed or fried. If you have a sweet tooth, bite into Sel Roti, a chewy doughnut-shaped dessert seasoned with cardamom.