Nepal

Why Nepal

There are destinations that change the way we look at the world. Nepal is one of them. Between India and Tibet, this country of 28 million inhabitants concentrates on a territory the highest peaks on the planet, a thousand-year-old civilization with golden temples and a human warmth that travelers invariably cite as the strongest memory of their trip.

The Kathmandu Valley is home to three former royal cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bhaktapur, Patan and Kathmandu itself. In their cobbled streets, daily life has been organized for centuries to the rhythm of Hindu and Buddhist rituals, flower sellers and the bells of the stupaS. 200 km away, Pokhara sets up its café terraces by the lake facing the Machapuchare, a summit forbidden to climb for its perfect beauty.

And then there are the mountains. Eight of the fourteen peaks over 8,000 m are in Nepal, including Everest. The Annapurna and Khumbu trekking trails are among the most spectacular in the world, accessible to well-trained travelers without the need for mountaineering. Nepal is not a destination: it is an experience.

When to go to Nepal

Nepal has two ideal trekking windows and a long de facto closure during the monsoon.

Autumn (October-November): the high season. The monsoon has just receded, the sky is crystal blue, the peaks sparkling. It is also the time of the great festivals Dashain (October 11-21, 2026) and Tihar (November 6-11, 2026), which animate villages and cities in an explosion of colors and fairy lights. Crowds on the trails, prices at their peak.

Spring (March-April): the second best season. Rhododendrons in bloom (red, pink, white) line the high-altitude trails from 2,000 to 3,500 m. Visibility is excellent before the first mists. Slightly less busy than autumn. March also sees the festival of Holi (March 3, 2026), a show of colors in the streets of Kathmandu.

Monsoon (June to mid-September): to be avoided for classic treks. Rainfall reached 470 mm in June and 753 mm in July in Kathmandu. Trails become dangerous, landslides regularly cut off the roads, and the peaks disappear behind cloud screens for weeks. Exception: the areas of Mustang and Dolpo, sheltered by the terrain, remain accessible and superb during the monsoon.

Winter (December-February): the altitudes are cold (frost at night above 3,000 m) but the Kathmandu valley remains pleasant (5-18 °C). The cultural circuits are pleasant, the crowds are absent and the prices attractive. The low-altitude treks (Ghandruk, Ghorepani) remain practicable.

How much does it cost in Nepal

Nepal is one of the most affordable destinations in Asia for a European traveler. Local life is cheap: a meal in a street restaurant (dal bhat, the national dish of lentils and rice with vegetables) costs €3 to €5, and a bed in a mountain teahouse costs €5 to €12.

A low-budget traveler travelling by local transport and sleeping in a hostel will spend €35 to €50 per day excluding flights. In the mid-range (comfortable 3-star hotels, private guide, transfers included), count €80 to €120 per day. A 10-day organized group tour starts at around €1,050 (excluding flight). A 15-day guided trek (Annapurna Circuit) with a certified guide and porter is offered from €1,800.

The most important item remains the plane. Without a direct flight, a round trip from Paris to Kathmandu with a stopover (Doha, Dubai or Istanbul) costs €550-700 in the low season and €900-1,100 in the high season. Trekking permits are modest: about €28 for the Annapurna (ACAP + TIMS) and €34 for the Everest area.

Where to go in Nepal

The Kathmandu Valley: three cities in one day

Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan form a 20 km triangle where most of Nepal's architectural heritage is concentrated. Kathmandu fascinates with its stupaS (Boudhanath, Swayambhunath), its Hindu temples (Pashupatinath) and its Thamel district, a crossroads for trekkers from all over the world. Bhaktapur has kept its medieval heart intact: the sculpted fountains, the five-roofed Nyatapola temple and the streets paved with red bricks seem to come from another era. Finally, Patan is the capital of Newari crafts: bronzes, brass and thangkas are displayed in the shops next to the royal courts.

Pokhara and Annapurna: the blue dream

Pokhara is the gentlest city in Nepal. On the shores of Lake Phewa, the Annapurnas are reflected in the calm water in the early morning. It is here that treks to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC, 4,130 m) start, accessible in 7 to 10 days of walking to well-prepared hikers, and the great Annapurna circuit (15 days, crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m), considered one of the most beautiful treks in the world. Thrill seekers will also come for paragliding: take-off over the mountains, landing by the lake.

Chitwan: Terai Jungle Safari

In the south of the country, at an altitude of 150 m, the Chitwan National Park is completely different. Here, the tropical vegetation is home to the Asian one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger. Safaris by jeep, canoe or elephant allow you to get up close and personal with these rare animals in a natural setting that has been preserved since 1973. It is also an opportunity to meet the Tharu community, the indigenous people of the Terai, and to attend their traditional dances.

The Everest region: the roof of the world on foot

The Khumbu region, accessible by the spectacular flight to Lukla (the cliff landing strip), is the scene of the trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC, 5,364 m). In 12 to 14 days of walking from Lukla, you will come across Sherpa monasteries, yaks loaded with equipment and increasingly breathtaking views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Everest itself. The highest point of the trek is Kala Patthar (5,545 m), from where you can see the summit of Everest in all its majesty.

Our itineraries

Nepal in pictures

Practical advice

Entry requirements

French nationals obtain their visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Bring your passport (valid for 6 months minimum), a passport photo and cash in foreign currency (USD preferred). Prices 2026: 30 USD for 15 days, 50 USD for 30 days, 125 USD for 90 days. The official e-visa portal also allows you to obtain the visa before departure. No vaccinations are required to enter Nepal, but several are recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies for treks in remote areas.

Getting around Nepal

In the Kathmandu Valley, taxis and rickshaws abound. Negotiate the price before you get on. Between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, air-conditioned tourist buses (5 to 8 hours drive) are the cheapest option (€10-20). Domestic flights connect Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes) and Lukla (35 minutes), essential to reach Khumbu quickly. On the trekking trails, porters (doko) carry bags up to 25 kg, freeing up the hiker to enjoy the scenery.

Culture and uses

Nepal is at the crossroads of the Hindu and Buddhist worlds: the two religions coexist harmoniously. In temples and monasteries, remove your shoes before entering, always turn clockwise around stupaS and prayer wheels. Avoid touching statues and religious objects. The gesture of greeting is the "Namaste" (hands clasped in front of the chest), universal and appreciated. Politeness and patience are essential virtues: never show anger in public. Tips: 10% in restaurants, 5 to 10 USD per day for a guide, 3 to 5 USD for a porter.

Frequently asked questions