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Nepal

Nepal is where Himalayan peaks meet deeply rooted spiritual traditions. Prayer wheels spin beside mountain trails, ancient stupas rise above city skylines, and festivals bring streets to life with music and color. In Kathmandu, centuries-old temples stand beside buzzing markets, while the Annapurna and Everest regions offer quiet paths through villages shaped by faith and resilience. Everywhere, Nepal’s blend of natural grandeur and cultural richness leaves a lasting impression.

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Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Nepal.

READ BEFORE YOU GO
Two Buddhist monks walk together in the courtyard of a mountain monastery in Bhutan; the exterior is decorated with painted woodcarvings.
Spring 2026
The Busy Person’s Guide to Slow Travel: 20 Thoughtful Trips for Every Type of Traveler
Trip ideas for staying in the moment, from a music-focused itinerary in the American South to an English garden tour (with plenty of stopping to smell the roses).
April 24, 2026 10:31 AM
 · 
Ellen Carpenter
Driving through the Sahara Desert with Accessible Morocco Consultants, Morocco.
Outdoor Adventure
I’ve Dived, Trekked, and Safaried the World in a Wheelchair—Here’s Who Made It Possible
March 20, 2026 11:13 AM
 · 
Sophie Morgan
Views of Nepal's Himalayan Mountains
Solo Travel
I Spent a Month Solo Hiking in the Himalayas. I Recommend It to Everyone.
August 13, 2025 12:41 PM
 · 
Kate McMahon
Two people standing under a traditional Japanese gateway by a lake in rural Japan.
History + Culture
5 Off-the-Path Experiences You’ll Never Forget
Sponsored by
As we trekked from Namche to Thame, we stopped in Thamo for lunch. The village was busier than usual, as the community worked on building a new stupa. These Buddhist dome-shaped monuments are frequently found throughout the area, and are filled with relics. Tree branches and pine needles burned on a pile of rocks to fill the air with incense as the men worked hard to construct the stupa.
In the Magazine
I Spent 12 Days Trekking to Everest Base Camp. Here’s the Story in Photos.
November 6, 2024 08:43 AM
 · 
Michelle Heimerman
HOTELS
This guest room at Shinta Mani Mustang in Nepal has stone walls and floor to ceiling windows facing alpine views.
Stay Here Next
This Design-Centric Lodge Is Nepal’s Most Exciting New Luxury Hotel
A stay at the new Shinta Mani Mustang in Nepal puts sublime landscapes, ancient kingdoms, and remote monasteries within easy reach.
January 8, 2024 09:00 AM
 · 
Katie Lockhart
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
Fall 2024
I Took the Paths Less Traveled to Everest Base Camp
A long-distance trek through Nepal’s Everest region offers lessons in Sherpa culture, rural mountain living, and humility.
October 30, 2024 12:24 PM
 · 
Sarika Bansal
Packing Tips + Gear
I Just Hiked to Everest Base Camp—Here’s Everything I Packed for the 12-Day Trek
Afar’s director of photography breaks down (almost) every single thing she wore and carried to Nepal, including the best base layers for Base Camp.
October 25, 2024 03:39 PM
 · 
Michelle Heimerman
Sustainable Travel
Hike, Stay, and Make Cheese With Local Residents on These International Trips
Community-based projects in Ecuador, Nepal, and beyond help locals achieve economic independence while providing travelers a chance to experience everyday life.
July 31, 2024 02:59 PM
 · 
Hannah Singleton
Outdoor Adventure
The Tallest Mountain in the World May Not Be What You Think
It’s all depends on whether you measure from sea level, sea floor, or even the planet’s center.
July 1, 2024 06:27 PM
 · 
Susan Portnoy
Off The Tourist Trail
9 Under-the-Radar Places You Must Visit
Amazing places don’t have to come with crowds.
October 7, 2023 11:42 AM
 · 
Meagan Drillinger
Where to Travel Next
Where to Go in 2020
36 destinations to kick-start your travel dreaming and scheming.
December 9, 2019 09:45 AM
 · 
Laura Dannen Redman