Autumn brings the best of Nepal. The season sandwiched between the scorching hot summer and the chilling winter is best suitable for tourism in the country. The time between September to end of November signals the arrival of days with clear blue skies and picturesque natural light perfect to observe the natural beauty of this amazing Himalayan country. The autumn season also marks the celebration of major festivals and feasting as the Nepali people ready themselves for the unforgiving winter. As monsoon has passed, you will enjoy undisturbed transportation services to desired destinations and unhinged travel plans. Here is a list of things to do in autumn to enjoy your stay in Nepal during the autumn season.

Best time for trekking in Nepal

The best time for trekking in Nepal is the autumn season. The visibility is amazingly clear and bestows you the most surreal views of magnificent Himalayas. Off the beaten trekking trails are easily accessible and the risky terrains are somewhat subtle for safe and most enjoyable journeys. Meaning all official trekking routes are open for you to choose from – ranging from short and easy trekking such as Heritage trekkings, popular trekking routes in Annapurna region, Everest region, Langtang to challenging and unexplored areas of Khaptad, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, etc. You can plan for the more than dozens of newly introduced destinations of Mardi Himal, Khayel taal, Tsum valley, Upper Dolpo with Mustang, Mohare danda and so on. Options for solo travelers are also available whereas group travelers especially family and friends are also popular among foreigners and the local Nepali as they travel vacation trips to entertaining Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Landruk, and the day-long hiking sites of Nagarkot to Changunarayan, Chisapni, Dhampus, Rara Lake Trek, Royal trek in Pokhara etc. You can always go for the peak climbing Mera Peak, Island peak, Lobuche, Yala peak, Tharpu chuli, or the gorgeous Ama Dablam to experience the thrill of climbing a real mountain for both the veterans as well as newbies in climbing sports. The locals will always welcome you with open arms, big smiles and warm hospitality.

Extreme sports

A Heli tour over the high Himalayas and towards the base camp is among the most sought extreme adventure sports in Nepal. You will have amazing views of the Himalayan ranges from the safety of the helicopter hovering over thousands of trekkers walking on the trails. White river rafting is also popular among the tourists, paddling and tearing through the chilling currents of the glacial rivers. Motorbike and mountain-bike ride adventures to the ancient villages of Manang and Mustang will remind you of the hollywood modern western style. You can chill out in the comfort of your respective hotels or take a step forward at the edge of the suspension bridge with a cord tied to your legs and jump off the 160 m high gorge at the Bhotekoshi river for the extreme bungee. Your wildest dream of flying with the birds will come true when you para glide in Pokhara and Kathmandu. An ultra-light flight is an easy way to capture the Himalayas from a very close range and ariel sightseeing of wonderful landscapes. And how about the ultimate skydiving from a helicopter at 7000 m facing the great Everest. Dropping real hot, spreading your arms and finally pull the cords of the parachute to safely land in the world’s top drop zone at Ama Dablam Base Camp. Very few activities will ever top this one.

Day tours

What a simple and easy way to understand local culture and people – through day tours. Usually, day tours can extend from one day to at least 4 days at max. The shortest day tour or one-day tour includes a mountain flight, short hike to the nearest hill station and a transcending visit to the popular historical and religious sites enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites in the capital city. You can extend a day to this tour and visit the other two major cities that are at par in artistic and rich history all the while preserves their unique features and values. It also includes a visit to popular religious shrines and temples.

Nagarkot- Chisapani and heritage sites tour is usually completed in three days. Pokhara tour is also suitable and in demand among the tourists, You can either take the tour of Pokhara solo or combined with Kathmandu valley tour along with a short trip to the nearest hill station at Sarangkot and World Peace Gumba.

Jungle Safaris

Nepal is a haven for wildlife and forest lovers. A perfect trip to wild adventure, you can enjoy nature, watch birds and wild animals, study and research rare plants, interact with local people residing in and around the protected areas. Some of the endangered species are well preserved and protected in the jungle. Fun fact, national parks, and conservation areas cover almost 20% of land in the country. There are nine different national parks, three wildlife reserves, six conservation areas and one hunting reserve. Chitwan National park, Bardiya National Park and Koshi tapu wildlife reserve are famous destinations for jungle safaris. These areas are covered with tropical forests that provide a home for diverse species of wild animals, birds, vegetation both native and migratory ones.

Jungle safari includes different modes of transportation of your choice from elephant back, jeep ride or the river canoe. You can also choose to try all three exclusively. Few enthusiasts choose to explore the jungle on foot, however, taking a certified guide with you is mandatory for jungle walks for the sake of the safety of the animals and plants. After pulsating safari, a tour of local villages and cultural dance performances will open up your mind towards the unique lifestyle and culture of natives in autumn season trek.

Explore old cities

Do not let the glitters of major cities fool you. There are hundreds of ancient alleys waiting for you to explore in Kathmandu valley alone. Explore old towns the likes of Tokha, Khokana, Kirtipur, Sankhu, Panauti, Dhulikhel located in the proximity of Kathmandu valley to understand deep-rooted cultural values that define indigenous people, their culture and traditions. Bandipur, Gorkha, Lamjung, Besi Sahar are some popular destinations you can enjoy the roughness of ancient practices as well as the balance of the modernization.

These are as are exemplary in home stay services. Home stay provides a pure insight into the grassroots culture, way of living and gives you ample of chances to interact directly with your hosts and their neighbors. You will also be contributing their livelihood by being a guest for home stays. Enjoy local cuisines and relax your mind and body in autumn seasons.