from left Nepali women cooking; Tiger, Bardia National Park
Author picks
Our authors have bussed, walked, rafted, paddled and biked the length and breadth of Nepal to research this book. Here are some of their favourite travel experiences and places.
Nepali people The Nepali people themselves are a major factor in making this country so special. Learning some Nepali, volunteering or simply accepting an invitation for tea are all great ways to get to know them.
Festivals Catch one of Nepal’s many religious festivals. It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget, and will show you an important part of Nepali culture.
Bardia National Park Skip the crowds of Chitwan and head east to explore the less-visited Bardia. It’s the best place in Nepal to spot tigers, too.
Treks The Everest Base Camp and Annapurna treks justify their fame, but going off-piste brings rich rewards. Manaslu has stunning scenery and far few visitors than the main routes. Not far north of Kathmandu, the Langtang valley is crying out for trekkers to return, now that the extensive 2015 earthquake damage has been repaired.
Newari cities Bhaktapur and Patan are arguably some of the best-preserved medieval cities in all of Asia.
Food Astounding pickles enliven the national dish of daal bhaat, while spicy Newari food is an adventure in meat-eating: try it in restaurants such as Kathmandu’s Thamel House, Tansen’s Nanglo West and, most authentically, Kirtipur’s superb Newa Lahana.
Janakpur Little visited by Western travellers, the fascinating Terai city of Janakpur is an important stop on the Hindu pilgrimage circuit, with an ornate temple and a bustling old town.
Our author recommendations don’t end here. We’ve flagged up our favourite places – a perfectly sited hotel, an atmospheric café, a special restaurant – throughout the Guide, highlighted with the 
symbol.