Things to do in Nepal

2 destinations in Nepal, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Nepal

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Kathmandu: Fly in June through August (monsoon season) or January through February for the lowest fares, typically 25-40% cheaper than the peak trekking seasons of October and April. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to yield the cheapest bookings regardless of season.
Pokhara: Flying into Kathmandu in the shoulder seasons of March-April and October-November gives the best trekking weather, but the cheapest flights to KTM are in June-August (monsoon) and January-February (cold), when fares can be 25-35% lower than October peak. Traveling mid-week (Tuesday-Wednesday departures) typically saves an additional 10-15% versus weekend flights.

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Kathmandu: Patan Durbar Square stroll Wander one of Asia's finest medieval squares and soak in Newari architecture at no cost beyond the area entry fee
Kathmandu: Garden of Dreams A serene neo-classical garden oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, perfect for escaping the city buzz
Kathmandu: Boudhanath kora (circumambulation) Join monks and pilgrims in the daily ritual walk around the great stupa, peaceful, spiritual, and completely open
Pokhara: Lakeside Promenade Stroll Walk or cycle the bougainvillea-lined Phewa lakefront at sunset and watch the mountains glow pink for free.
Pokhara: Hike to World Peace Pagoda A rewarding jungle trail leads to the stupa with some of Pokhara's best panoramic views, no entry fee.
Pokhara: Devi's Falls & Gupteshwor Cave Watch a river dramatically disappear underground at this eerie waterfall and explore the sacred cave behind it.

OR2K in Kathmandu, Dal bhat set or shakshuka, generous portions in a relaxed courtyard setting Plates $3-6
Himalayan Java (Thamel) in Kathmandu, Buff momo (water buffalo dumplings) and masala chai Plates $2-5
Newari Kitchen (Patan) in Kathmandu, Newari samay baji platter with beaten rice, black lentils, and buffalo meat Plates $3-7
Momo Magic in Pokhara, Steamed buffalo momos with tomato-sesame chutney Plates $1-2
New Everest Daal Bhat Centre (Lakeside) in Pokhara, All-you-can-eat daal bhat with lentils, rice, curry, and saag Plates $2-3
OR2K Restaurant in Pokhara, Tsampa porridge, veg thali, and fresh lemon ginger honey tea Plates $3-5