Nepal transcends the Everest Base Camp stereotype. While Himalayan trekking drives 40% of arrivals, the country offers spiritual depth in Kathmandu Valley, wildlife safaris in Chitwan, and adventure sports in Pokhara. Smart agents package Nepal across multiple demographics: hardcore trekkers, yoga retreat seekers, family adventurers, and cultural tourists.
Kathmandu: Chaos & Spirituality
The capital assaults senses—traffic chaos, temple bells, incense smoke, and vibrant street life create intense urban immersion. Durbar Square's pagoda temples (partially rebuilt post-2015 earthquake) and Swayambhunath's monkey-filled hilltop stupa provide historical context. Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest Buddhist monuments, hums with Tibetan pilgrims spinning prayer wheels.
Thamel district serves as tourist headquarters: trekking gear shops, budget hotels ($10-40), and restaurants serving momos (dumplings) and dal bhat (lentil rice). Higher-end travelers prefer Patan or Bhaktapur's restored heritage properties ($80-150). Allocate 2-3 days for Kathmandu Valley temples before trekking. Browse Nepal hotels from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Trekking: Beyond Basecamp
Everest Base Camp (12-16 days) remains the trophy trek but demands serious fitness and $2,000+ budgets. Annapurna Circuit (15-20 days) offers diverse landscapes from subtropical valleys to high passes. For agents selling to casual hikers, shorter options perform better:
Poon Hill (4-5 days): Himalayan views without extreme altitude, teahouse lodging, suitable for families. $400-600 all-inclusive.
Ghorepani-Ghandruk (5-7 days): Traditional Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, Annapurna panoramas. Budget $500-800.
Langtang Valley (7-9 days): Less crowded than Annapurna, closer to Kathmandu. $600-900.
All treks require TIMS permits ($10-20) and park fees ($20-30). Guides cost $25-30/day, porters $15-20/day. October-November and March-May offer ideal conditions; monsoon (June-August) makes trails muddy. Access Nepal trekking packages with licensed guides.
Pokhara: Adventure Hub
Pokhara's lakeside setting beneath Annapurna massif makes it Nepal's relaxation capital. Ultralight flights ($100-120) over Himalayas, paragliding ($75-90), and zip-lining create adrenaline alternatives to trekking. Phewa Lake paddling and World Peace Pagoda visits suit less active travelers. Hotels range from $20 lakefront guesthouses to $150 Temple Tree Resort. Two nights suffice unless using as trek starting point.
Spiritual & Wildlife Extensions
Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, draws pilgrims to monasteries built by Buddhist nations (Thai, Tibetan, Korean temples side-by-side). Combine with Chitwan National Park for 3-day jungle safaris spotting rhinos, tigers (rarely), and gharial crocodiles. Chitwan adds wildlife dimension to temple-heavy itineraries.
Yoga retreats in Nagarkot and Dhulikhel hills outside Kathmandu cater to wellness travelers. Multi-day meditation courses and Ayurvedic spa packages create spiritual tourism beyond sightseeing.
Agent Logistics
Visa on arrival ($30-50 depending on duration) at Kathmandu airport for most nationalities. Domestic flights to Pokhara (25 minutes, $100-130) beat 7-hour bus rides. Nepal uses rupees; ATMs widely available. Budget travelers manage on $30/day; comfort level needs $100/day; luxury trekking lodges (Everest/Annapurna) run $200+/day.
Package Nepal as "Himalayan Discovery" (Kathmandu-Pokhara-short trek), "Spiritual Summit" (temples, yoga, meditation), or "Family Adventure Nepal" (Pokhara activities, easy treks, Chitwan). Combine with India (Delhi, Varanasi) for 14-day circuits.
Register as an agent to connect with Nepal specialists offering everything from budget group treks to luxury helicopter tours, capturing this market's surprising diversity beyond the mountain climber stereotype.
