7 Best Places to Explore During your Summer Holiday in Nepal
1) Upper Mustang and Dolpo:
If you're a trekking enthusiast and can only visit Nepal during summer, your best trekking options are the Upper Mustang trek and the Upper Dolpo trek. The Upper Mustang and the Upper Dolpo are rainshadow areas. So, these regions do not see rainfall even during the monsoon season. The region remains dry and barren throughout the year.
Both treks start from Kathmandu, so you will face rainfall and its hurdles until you enter the upper parts of these regions. Once you are in the upper limits, there is no issue with rainfall, muddy trails, or poor visibility. Do note that Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo are restricted areas in Nepal, so you have to trek in at least a group of two trekkers.
The Upper Mustang is one of the top trekking regions in Nepal. Lo Manthang is the main destination of this trek. It is known as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal and the walled city. Reaching here needs at least five days of walking from Jomsom. The trail is offbeat and steep and crosses many passes under 4,000 meters. You will explore many centuries-old stupas and monasteries and enjoy trans-Himalayan landscapes.
You can also do an Upper Mustang Jeep tour if you want a slightly more manageable and comfortable option.
The Upper Dolpo is also a rain shadow area in Nepal, so there is no rainfall here. It is one of the most untouched trekking regions in Nepal. Trekking to Upper Dopo requires strong fitness and previous experience. Trekkers have to be self-sufficient and camp in many villages. The tourist facilities along the Upper Dolpo trek route are extremely limited.
However, it is also one of Nepal's most beautiful trekking regions. You will explore the stunning Phoksundo Lake. The mountain views are heavenly and unlike any other trekking route. The terrain is steep and offbeat, so we recommend the Upper Dolpo trek to strong and experienced trekkers.
2) Chitwan and Pokhara
Chitwan and Pokhara are the two most visited cities in Nepal by foreigners after Kathmandu. Both cities are tourist-friendly and offer a fantastic gateway to nature. Chitwan is known for jungle safaris, canoeing, water rappelling, and more. If you want to see one-horn rhinos, elephants, etc. Chitwan is your destination in Nepal.
Pokhara is known as the city of lakes. It is also the gateway to the Annapurna region. This city surprisingly co-exists with nature. You can see mountain views of Annapurna and Fishtail from most parts of the city. Likewise, the city has many lakes, caves, and waterfalls. The bustle is minimal but good enough to have a city vibe.
Both cities have luxury and standard hotels/resorts, so you can enjoy the trip according to your budget.
Check out these packages:
3) Lumbini:
Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. This entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered holy. Every year, pilgrims from all over the world flock to Lumbini to connect with the roots of Buddhism. Here, you'll discover centuries-old temples, shrines, monasteries, and holy gardens, each carrying a profound history and spirituality.
The temperature is high during the summer, but it will not affect your tour. You can explore the city in the morning and evening and rest during the day. A range of hotels are available to cater to travelers in the city. You can also join yoga sessions, meditation, etc.
Our two packages include the Lumbini- Nepal Cultural Tour and the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour.
4) Explore Kathmandu and Nagarkot:
Kathmandu itself is enough if you want to have a summer vacation in Nepal. This is the capital of Nepal and the gateway to all the activities in the country. Known as the city of the temple, Kathmandu offers numerous monuments, hiking routes, hill stations, and a wide range of activities.
Foreigners can spend up to 10 days just in Kathmandu doing different things. First, it has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many other temples. These places present a rich history, culture, and Nepali architecture. You will explore bustling markets and can try delicious Nepali delicacies.
There are many day hiking routes and hill stations around the city. Nagarkot is one of the famous hill stations around Kathmandu. It is a fantastic break from the bustle of the city and offers a view of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest (on a clear day).
Likewise, activities like potter class, cooking class, mandala art class, shopping, cafe hopping, indoor wall climbing, and many more options are available.
We highly recommend you customize your trip to Kathmandu.
5) Bandipur:
Bandipur is a beautiful town located at the foothills of the Himalayas. This place is famous for its well-preserved Newari architecture, stunning vistas, and cultural richness. You can combine Bandipur in your tour during summer or just travel here from Kathmandu to relax and unwind. The place has incredible facilities for tourists.
6) Illam:
Illam is a less popular tourist destination in Nepal but an amazing place to explore. It is also a small town with pristine landscapes and tea gardens. Illam is the tea capital of Nepal. Some of the finest teas are produced here and exported worldwide.
Your summer vacation will be fantastic as you can experience the rich vegetation and beautiful tea gardens. If you love tea, we highly recommend combining Illam in a tour during summer. You can taste different types of teas and also buy them as a souvenir.
7) White-Water Rafting:
Nepal is known for its white-water rafting adventure in the monsoon season. The country has some great rivers with high currents, ideal for experienced rafters looking for adventure. However, beginner rafters can also enjoy rafting. You will raft with professional rafters who will ensure your safety.
Check out our White Water Trishuli River Rafting, Similarly, you can also curate a rafting trip in the Bhote Kosi River or Kali Gandaki River. All these rivers are around Kathmandu and Pokhara.
