himalayas

Nepal

The Himalayas at their most accessible, from Kathmandu to the trekking trails

Overview

Nepal is the gateway to the world's highest mountains: the chaos and charm of Kathmandu, the lakes of Pokhara, and the trails that lead toward Everest and Annapurna. We plan Nepal for travellers who want trekking, mountain views, spiritual culture and a country that is more varied than its peaks — with the timing, the routing and the rooms decided before you leave, and someone reachable while you are away.

A typical Third Door itinerary here leans on a sunrise flight over the Everest range, the old city of Kathmandu and the stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, trekking in the Annapurna foothills without going to altitude. We book direct with the properties we know, hold the details that matter — the room with the view, the table that is hard to get, the driver who knows the road — and keep the plan flexible enough to change once you are in it.

Quick facts

Best months
October to November for clearest skies; March to April for warmer trekking
Trip length
7–12 nights for Kathmandu and a short trek; longer for high-altitude treks
Feel
Mountain, spiritual, trekking
Ideal for
Trekkers, families, spiritual travellers, photographers
Pace
Three nights in cities, longer for treks
Budget
Low to high; Kathmandu and Pokhara are inexpensive, luxury lodges and helicopter trips are premium.
When to visit

Best times to go

Spring

March – May

Rhododendrons, warmer temperatures, clear mornings. Best for trekking.

Monsoon

June – August

Wet, cloudy, leeches in the low hills. Not ideal for trekking or views.

Autumn

September – November

The clearest skies, the best mountain views, the busiest trekking season.

Winter

December – February

Cold at altitude, clear skies, quiet trails. Good for lower treks and cultural touring.

Regions

Where to go

Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Temples, palaces, stupas and a living Newari culture.

CityCultureHistorySpiritual

Pokhara & Annapurna

Lake Phewa, mountain views, and the gateway to Annapurna treks.

MountainsTrekkingNatureLakes

Everest Region

Lukla, Namche, the Khumbu and the highest peaks on earth. Requires fitness and altitude respect.

MountainsTrekkingAdventureIconic

Chitwan

Terai jungle, rhinos, elephants and a lowland contrast to the mountains.

WildlifeNatureFamily
Where to stay

Hotels, lodges & villas we like

Dwarika's Hotel

Kathmandu

A heritage hotel built from salvaged Newari woodwork, the most atmospheric in the city.

CityHistoricCulture

Annapurna Luxury Lodge Trek

Annapurna Foothills

Comfortable lodges with hot showers, private rooms and excellent meals on the trail.

TrekkingLuxuryMountains

Meghauli Serai

Chitwan

A Taj safari lodge with rhino walks and jeep safaris.

WildlifeLuxuryNature

Begnas Lake Resort

Pokhara

A quieter lakeside option away from the Pokhara tourist strip.

LakesNatureRelaxation
Sample itinerary

A possible first trip

Phase 1

Arrive and settle — Kathmandu Valley 2–3 nights

Land, unwind, and get your bearings with a private guide who sets the context rather than reading a script. Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Temples, palaces, stupas and a living Newari culture.

Phase 2

The heart of the trip — Pokhara & Annapurna 3–4 nights

Lake Phewa, mountain views, and the gateway to Annapurna treks. This is where most of the trip's character lives, so we give it the most room.

Phase 3

Change of pace — Everest Region 2–4 nights

Lukla, Namche, the Khumbu and the highest peaks on earth. Requires fitness and altitude respect. A deliberate shift in rhythm before you travel home.

Phase 4

Home, well handled Departure

Private transfers, late checkout where we can arrange it, and a single point of contact from the day you land to the day you leave.

Where to eat

Restaurants worth the table

Krishnarpan

Kathmandu

Dwarika's traditional Nepali tasting menu, served in a wood-panelled room.

Moondance Restaurant

Pokhara

A long-standing favourite for lake-view dining and international comfort food.

FAQ

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Nepal?

October to November for clearest skies; March to April for warmer trekking is the window we recommend most often. Rhododendrons, warmer temperatures, clear mornings. Best for trekking. We will steer you by what you actually want from the trip rather than by peak season alone.

How long should we spend in Nepal?

7–12 nights for Kathmandu and a short trek; longer for high-altitude treks. Shorter is possible and we plan it regularly, but the pace changes: fewer bases, less driving, one region done properly instead of three done quickly.

What does a trip to Nepal cost?

Low to high; Kathmandu and Pokhara are inexpensive, luxury lodges and helicopter trips are premium. Once we understand your dates, party and the standard of stay you have in mind, we come back with a costed proposal rather than a range.

Do you handle visas, transfers and the practical detail?

Most visitors need a visa on arrival or e-visa. We plan acclimatisation carefully and only recommend treks that match fitness levels. We flag entry requirements early, arrange ground transport and private transfers, and keep the day-to-day logistics off your plate.

Can you travel with our dog in Nepal?

Pet travel here needs more lead time and, in some cases, a different destination. We will tell you honestly what is workable and what is not, and suggest alternatives if the regulations make it unfair on the animal.

Do we need to trek to enjoy Nepal?

No. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and a mountain flight give you a full Nepal experience without hiking.

Plan a trip to Nepal

Tell us your dates, party and the feeling you want. We will come back with a first proposal built around this destination.