Nepal
Nepal holds eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks, along with living temples, terraced hills and the warmest hospitality in the Himalaya. The Everest Base Camp trail is its most famous walk, a two week journey through Sherpa villages to the foot of the highest mountain on earth.
Why it is on my list
The trail to Everest Base Camp. It is on my list because it is a trip you earn step by step, with suspension bridges, prayer flags and teahouses along the way. Base Camp sits at about 5,364 meters, and the views of Ama Dablam and Nuptse on the way are worth the effort alone.
Best time to go
March to May: Rhododendrons in bloom, warm days and good views.
October to November: The most popular season, with clear skies and stable weather.
June to September: Monsoon, with cloud, rain and leeches. Lukla flights are often disrupted.
December to February: Very cold at altitude, though quiet.
Where to stay
Kathmandu, Thamel: Hotels and gear shops, ideal before and after the trek.
Namche Bazaar: The Sherpa capital and acclimatization stop.
Teahouses on the trail: Simple rooms and shared dining halls from Lukla to Gorak Shep.
Pokhara: Lakeside town for rest and a view of the Annapurnas.
Getting there and around
Airport: Tribhuvan International (KTM) in Kathmandu, with connections via Doha, Dubai, Istanbul or Delhi.
To Lukla: A short mountain flight from Kathmandu or from Ramechhap in peak season.
On foot: Around 12 to 14 days round trip, including acclimatization days.
Permits: A Sagarmatha National Park permit and a local municipality permit are needed. Rules change, so check current requirements.
What to eat
Dal bhat: Lentils, rice and vegetables, often with free refills.
Momos: Steamed dumplings, a Nepali favorite.
Thukpa: Noodle soup, warming on the trail.
Sherpa stew and tsampa: High mountain staples.
Newari food: Samay baji and choila in Kathmandu valley.
What to drink
Masala tea: Spiced and milky.
Butter tea: Salty, Tibetan style, common in the Khumbu.
Nepal Ice and Gorkha beer: Local lagers in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Raksi: A local distilled spirit.
Nepali coffee: Grown in the hills and found in good cafes.
Don't miss
Everest Base Camp: The goal itself.
Kala Patthar: A viewpoint above Gorak Shep with the best Everest views.
Tengboche Monastery: A highlight with Everest and Ama Dablam views.
Namche Bazaar: A Saturday market town.
Boudhanath Stupa: The heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath: A major Hindu temple complex.
Durbar Squares: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
Day trips and side trips
Bhaktapur: A medieval town on the edge of Kathmandu.
Nagarkot: A hill viewpoint for sunrise over the Himalaya.
Chitwan National Park: Rhinos and tigers, with jungle safaris.
Pokhara: Paragliding and the Annapurna views.
Festivals and events
Dashain: The biggest festival, usually in September or October.
Tihar: The festival of lights, usually in October or November.
Holi: Usually in March.
Mani Rimdu: A Sherpa masked dance festival at Tengboche, usually in October or November.
Everest Marathon: Usually in late May, starting from Base Camp.
Music and dance
Sarangi: A bowed folk instrument, played by street musicians.
Cultural shows: In Kathmandu's Thamel, with traditional dance.
Sherpa dance: Festivals in the Khumbu.
Nightlife
Kathmandu has a lively bar and live music scene, while trail nights are early and quiet. After a trek, Thamel's rooftop bars are a classic reward.
When people go out: Dinner at 7 pm and bars until about 11 pm.
Where the action is: Thamel and Jhamsikhel in Kathmandu, and Lakeside in Pokhara.
Good to know: Many bars close early by law, so plan the night accordingly.
Photography spots
Kala Patthar at sunrise: Everest glowing in first light.
Tengboche: The monastery with a mountain backdrop.
Namche viewpoints: The terraced town below.
Boudhanath at dusk: Butter lamps and pilgrims.
Drones: Permits are needed, and flying in national parks and near temples is restricted, so check current rules.
Cost of living
Overall: $ (far cheaper than New York).
Coffee: $2 to $4.
Local lunch: $3 to $6, rising on the trail.
Dinner for two: $15 to $35.
Beer: $2 to $4, more at altitude.
Mid-range hotel: $40 to $90.
Daily budget: $40 to $90 in the city, $50 to $90 on trek, excluding flights and guide fees.
Cheap, though flights to Lukla and permits add up. Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.
Working remotely
Wi-Fi: Decent in Kathmandu and Pokhara, paid and slow on the trail.
Coworking: A small number in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Time zone: UTC+5:45, about 9 hours and 45 minutes ahead of US Eastern in summer.
Visa for longer stays: Tourist visas can be extended. Check current rules.
Nomad rating: 3/5.
Good to know
Language: Nepali. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Nepalese rupee. Carry cash for the trail, since ATMs are scarce above Namche.
Plugs: Types C, D and M, 230V.
Entry for US citizens: A visa on arrival or online application is typically available, so check current rules.
Getting around apps: Pathao and inDrive for rides in Kathmandu.
Tipping: Guides and porters expect tips at the end of a trek, often around 10 to 15 percent of fees.
Water: Purify or treat water on the trail.
SIM/eSIM: Ncell and Nepal Telecom, with Everest Link coverage in the Khumbu.
Useful phrases
Namaste: Hello.
Dhanyabad: Thank you.
Kati ho?: How much is it?
Bistari: Slowly, the trekkers' motto.
Mitho cha: It is delicious.
Meeting people
Social scene: Teahouse dining rooms are the social hub, with trekkers swapping stories.
Apps: WhatsApp and Facebook groups for guides and group hikes.
Etiquette: Walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls, and use your right hand for giving and receiving.
Stay smart: Hire licensed guides and agencies, and check reviews.
Staying safe
Altitude sickness is the main danger. Follow gradual ascent rules and descend if symptoms worsen.
Carry insurance that covers helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters.
Drink purified water and eat hot, freshly cooked food.
Keep flexible dates for Lukla flights because weather delays are common.