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Explore Nepal

The Essence of Nepal

Sport or spiritual journey, nature-watch or relaxing retreat, whatever the reason for visiting, Nepal exceeds expectation, with temples, hill towns and trekking trails, Bengal tigers and the birthplace of Buddha, forested foothills and iconic peaks.

Why choose a tour in Nepal?

There is a something mystical about Nepal, inextricably interwoven in the panoramic Himalayan peaks, the sparsely inhabited landscapes of subsistence farming, the splendour of religious monuments, the Tibetan and Indian influences of its architecture, and the legendary friendliness of its people.

The capital, Kathmandu, is a balance of culture and chaos, where rickshaws career through unnamed backstreets, and banks of bright marigolds hem historic temples. After the devastating 2015 earthquake, which severely damaged the UNESCO site of Durbar Square, painstaking restoration work is restoring the temples, and the city is once again its colourful, fascinating self.

Amid the beauty of Kathmandu Valley, Patan mixes modern life and a metropolitan pace with myriad shrines; Boudhanath’s circular stupa is a beacon of Buddhist belief, while its Pashupatinath Temple is a holy Hindu site; and age-old Bhaktapur is Nepal’s ‘cultural gem’, a living museum of arts and heritage, with countless temples, and its own Durbar (royal) Square.

Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest city, with an easy tempo and beguiling views across its lake, a flotilla of boats in the foreground, a backdrop of snow-capped summits; while UNESCO listed Lumbini is known as the birthplace of Buddha, centred on the Maya Devi Temple, with lotus lakes, lavish pagodas, and an all-encompassing aura of peace.

Nepal’s natural wonders are on show in Chitwan National Park, where Asiatic rhinos and Bengal tigers are among the wildlife roaming its untamed miles of grasslands, cliffs, and riverine forests; and the stunning Seti Gandake (‘white river’) gorge is home to the crashing cascade of Devi’s Falls.

At an altitude of 2,000m, Kandani Danda is spectacularly positioned above a valley, where, if the weather is kind, it wakes to sunrise views of the Annapurna range; and high-altitude Gorkha is Gurkha country and a Hindu place of pilgrimage, its Manakamana (‘heart wish’) Temple offering a belief that those who come here and wish from the heart will have their wish fulfilled.

On a Bhutan & Himalayas tour, Jules Verne also teams Nepal with India, for days of discovery in ‘colonial Calcutta’ (Kolkata); and with neighbouring Bhutan, to visit Thimphu’s fort and Buddhist shrines, Punakha’s riverside ‘Palace of Great Joy’, traditional Paro in its verdant valley, and the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

When to go on Nepal holidays

There are huge variations in Nepal’s climate according to region and altitude, with winter weather snowy and bitterly cold in the Himalayan peaks, but sunny and mild on the southern plain. In general, across the country, April and May are very hot, sometimes peaking above 40°C; and summer is monsoon season, stretching from June to September, with temperatures between 30 and 38°, heightened by humidity.

This leaves March, October and November as the most comfortable months for touring, averaging a pleasant 22 to 25°; and Jules Verne’s journeys are in these three months.

Who are Nepal tours suited to?

Landlocked and tucked in the folds of the Himalayas, Nepal’s innate character is undiluted by the world beyond its borders; weaving seamlessly through past and present, cultural sites and spiritual creeds, diverse wildlife, blissful valleys, and barely accessible peaks. This is a spellbinding combination, bringing insight, inspiration, and a touch of magic to naturalists, philosophers, and adventurers, historians, artists, and trekkers.

Why book Nepal tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne takes you to iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites, with expert tour guides who share their local knowledge, and show you hidden gems. Varied experiences on our journeys in Nepal include exploring Kathmandu by rickshaw, a ‘singing bowl’ performance in Patan, a fantastic (optional) flight over the Himalayas and Mount Everest, and a jungle walk, jeep safari, and ox cart ride in Chitwan.

All our guided tours to Nepal are ABTA and ATOL protected, and we offer a 100% price guarantee, so you can book with complete confidence.

Discover Nepal

Explore the scenic splendour and spiritual aura of Nepal, from Himalayan gorges to Hindu temples, and from the birthplace of Buddha to Chitwan’s wildlife and lakeside Pokhara

More 12 nights from £3645
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470

Punakha Dzong, Bhutan

Bhutan & The Himalayas

A tour of temples, citadels, mountains and valleys, exploring the happy Himalayan heaven that is the Kingdom of Bhutan, and the legendary friendliness of Nepal

More 12 nights from £5525