Is Nepal Worth a Visit if You’re Won’t Into Hiking?

Nepal is a known for trekking adventure but apart from treks. Nepal offers tours that does not require hard trekking. If you are someone out of shape, have a medical condition, or don’t like walking long stretches, then you can do a Nepal tour without trekking.

In this article, we will discuss how to explore Nepal in most beautiful way without hard trekking. If you are not into trekking but still love to explore Nepal then this article will help you have some ideas.

Nepal is mostly famous for trekking and Hiking because the most iconic trails in the world are situated in Nepal, like Everest Base Camp Trek. Apart from trekking, Nepal offers equal options for tours that do not require long days of trekking. You can explore the following places in Nepal if you have hard time trekking. 

Explore Kathmandu Valley

If you are an international tourist, Kathmandu is the gateway to Nepal’s exploration journey. It is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, and it is not too hot, not too cold, but has mild temperatures.

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, and there are so many attractive short trips and tours that you can take. Here is the list of major attractions of Kathmandu and why you should visit these places.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath is also called Jarung kashor, Khasti Chaitya or Khāsa Chaitya in the Newari language (Ancient community of Kathmandu). It is one of the biggest stupas in the world and a powerful symbol of Tibetan Buddhists.

The ambience is peaceful; only being here feels so fresh and spiritual. Boudha is also one of the top destinations in Kathmandu, and it is most visited by foreign tourists.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a beautiful open museum in the heart of Bhaktapur city. It lies east of Kathmandu, about 8 kilometres (5 miles) away.

In Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you can see the intricate wood carvings, 55-window palace, Vatsala temple and Nyatapola Temple (9 storey temple), traditional pottery houses, and ancient style brick paved streets. Being here feels like we teleported back to the ancient settlement of the Newari community.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of Kathmandu, a UNESCO world heritage site with a rich history. You get to observe the house of the living goddess “Kumari”, who still lives there and blesses the visitors.

Some other attractions are Taleju temple, Hanuman Dhoka, Kaal Bhairav Statue and Gaddi Baithak (A white building). The Kathmandu Durbar Square is full of life with pigeons, pilgrims and street vendors.

Swayambhunath stupa

Swayambhunath stupa, also called Monkey Temple is located on the hilltop. You will have to walk the stairs for about 10 minutes to get to the top of the Swayambhunath temple area. It is one of the oldest temples and is highly revered by Buddhists.

You can observe the beautiful view of Kathmandu city and observe the playful monkeys in the surrounding. Go through the shops that sell paintings, thangka and Tibetan jewellery and interact with shopkeepers to understand their essence.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is the holy Hindu Temple dedicated to lord Shiva. You will have different experiences while visiting this location. Pashupatinath temple is a place where both life and death meet. People worship Lord Shiva from the front, and the cremation takes place in the back of the temple.

Pashupati Aryaghat is a place where cremation takes place by the Bagmati River; you can observe it.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is one the hilltop villages just like Swayambhu, located just 20 kilometres (12.42 miles) away from Jadibuti, Kathmandu. Nagarkot is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views and views of mountains and Kathmandu city.

For the best experience and deeper immersion into local culture, you can take a taxi to Nagarkot from Kathmandu and return to Changunarayan on foot. It’s just a 3-hour hike that provides you with cultural insights and an understanding of ancient Nepal.

Pokhara: The Best Location for tour without Trekking

Pokhara is the favourite destination of international tourists coming to Nepal. Aesthetic cafes, peaceful and vibrant lakeside settings, and mountainous surroundings make it feel perfect for unwinding and soaking in nature. Pokhara is also the gateway to amazing treks like the Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Pokhara offers numerous locations to explore without hard trekking, such as;

Ghandruk village

A traditional Gurung settlement with beautiful ancient stone houses. Ghandruk village is surrounded by mountains, and it is the best destination to be close to mountains without trekking.  

Australian Base Camp

A beautiful and scenic hilltop spot near pokhara offering wide range view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and other mountains. 

Sarangkot

A hilltop village full of greenery that provides a beautiful sunrise view over the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. Sarangkot can be reached by bike, car and Bus. 

Pumdikot: Hilltop location with a huge lord Shiva statue offering a beautiful view of Phewa Lake and Pokhara City. Just a few kilometres away lies White Peace Pagoda, also called Shanti Pagoda, which is a Buddhist monument known for its relaxing surroundings and tranquillity. 

Lumbini

Lumbini is not surrounded by mountains, but it’s in the southern plain of the Terai region, Nepal. There are beautiful locations in Lumbini that will not put a strain on your legs. Lumbini is famous as the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. Places to visit in Lumbini without trekking are; 

Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi Temple is a location where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Buddha. Walking around Maya Devi feels so pure and relaxing, surrounded by ancient ruins and bodhi trees. Near the Maya Devi Temple lies the Ashoka pillar, which marks the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It was erected by emperor Ashoka in 249 BC. 

Sacred Garden

Encircling the temple and pillar is the Sacred Garden, a sanctuary of shade and stillness. You won’t need hiking gear here, just a gentle pace and an open spirit.  

Lumbini Museum & Lumbini International Research Institute

it is the location for knowledge and reflection where you can learn about the evolution of Buddha through manuscripts, rare photos and maps. Visiting this location will help you understand the life and teachings of Buddha more deeply. 

Kapilvastu

It is located 40 km away from Gautam Buddha International Airport. Kapilvastu is a location where Gautam Buddha spent his early life before giving up the material world. Known today as Tilaurakot, this archaeological site whispers echoes of royalty, quiet gardens, and the first stirrings of enlightenment. 

Some other places to visit are Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and Monastic Zone. These places are deeply connected with Gautam Buddha and his life. If you are a Buddha pilgrim or like to study the life of Gautam Buddha, then this is the best place. You can take a road trip or a flight, and it does not require you to trek or hike.  

A Journey to the Highest Mountain in the World Without Trekking

Seeing Mount Everest from the air feels unreal. Soaring over the Khumbu region and observing Mount Everest, sherpa settlements, and the eerie mountainous landscape is a thrilling experience. Everest Mountain flight is there for you if you want such an experience. 

If you want to explore Everest more closely, then the Everest Helicopter Tour is there for you. You will be landing at Kalapatthar, where you get the best view of Mount Everest, and that’s the closest you can get to Everest without trekking.  

Cultural festivals tour

Nepal has many cultural festivals all around the year, but two of the biggest festivals are Dashain and Tihar. These two festivals fall under the autumn season, which is the peak season for visiting Nepal. During your visit, you can take a tour towards Nepali Villages for a more raw experience of Nepali cultural festivals. Cultural dances, rituals, and different practices are carried out in an emotional and fun way. These festivals strengthen the bonding among families and friends. Nepali people are very kind and friendly. They do not refuse if you ask to be part of it. 

Some other cultural festivals to be part of and experience their beauty are; 

Holi festival is a festival of colours. People play Holi by smearing colours on each other. 

Maha Shivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, and people celebrate it by worshipping Lord Shiva. 

Buddha Jayanti is a deeply spiritual and peaceful festival dedicated to Lord Gautam Buddha. People reflect on compassion, non-violence, and wisdom, often doing acts of kindness or offering food to the poor. 

Try Nepali and Newari Cuisine

Nepalese and Newari dishes are a big part of Nepali lifestyle and culture. Different local spices induce flavours that will remain with you for a lifetime. Local Nepali dishes like Daal Bhat consist of Daal (lentil soup), Bhat (rice), Tarkaari (Vegetables), and sometimes chicken curry. Daal Bhaat is also a staple meal of Nepalese people.

Some of the occasional foods include Selroti, sukuti, mutton curry, yomari, chhoila, etc. Within Nepali cuisine, the Newari cuisines that you can try when in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur exploration are Chatamari, Samay Baji, Yomari, Chhoila, Bara, Sapu Micha, and Kichila.

Momo is the most iconic food in Nepal and its national obsession. Yomari is the newari dish, and it has its own festival to be eaten.

Whether you’re dining in a local home or hitting up street stalls and traditional restaurants, both Nepali and Newari dishes bring you closer to the soul of Nepal. Eat with your hands, try the spice, and say yes to seconds. It’s part of the journey.

Learn How to Make Nepali Cuisine on Nepal Tour

Nepali people welcome international tourists with open hands. If you want to learn about Nepali cuisines, keep your approach gentle and respectful towards Nepalese. They will surely invite you into their kitchen.

Also, Nepal offers a lot of adventure sports that thrill true adventure sports fans. The following are the most exciting ones.

Ziplining

Adrenaline rushes instantly when you get dropped from the height and glide to another end. Even though you have hard time trekking, you surely love extremes. One of the best ziplining experiences you can have in Nepal is in Sarangkot, Pokhara, at Highground Zipflyer Takeoff Station.

You get dropped from 600 meters (1968.5 ft), gliding 1.8 kilometres (1.1 miles) all the way down to another end. It feels unreal gliding down with snow-covered mountains surrounding you. You can also find ziplining adventures at Nagarkot, which is a location a few kilometres away from Kathmandu.

Bungee Jumping

Pushing yourself beyond your limits, overcoming fear and anxiety. The best bungee jumping experience in Nepal is in Kushma Bungee Jumping, The Last Resort, Hemja Bungee Jumping and Highground Adventures at Pokhara. You can reach all these locations without trekking hard and still have great fun.

Paragliding

There are so many adventures that feel far better than trekking in the rugged terrains of Nepal. If flying like a bird is your dream, then Pokhara offers the best paragliding experience, taking you above green hills and around snowy mountains.

From Sarangkot, Pokhara, you take a flight and soar above Phewa Lake and Pokhara City. It’s truly an unreal therapy for people looking to unwind.

White Water Rafting

Powerful rivers like Trishuli and Seti flow from the glaciers of the Himalayas down the Nepalese plane. The rivers are white, cold and powerful, and rafting becomes exhilarating. It’s a ride through powerful currents, jungle-covered gorges and hidden river beaches. Trishuli river rafting is one of the most preferred adventures by tourists coming to Nepal.

Hot Air Balloon ride

If you are someone who likes calmer adventures, then Hot Air Balloon Ride is perfect for you. It’s a gentle start with a few people on board and a peaceful experience.

You float gently above Pokhara city, traditional villages, terraced fields and Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain views surround you. The Hot Air Balloon ride is only available in Pokhara, and you can reach it without trekking.

Canyoning

Canyoning is a physically exhausting but true adrenaline-pumping adventure where you rappel down waterfalls, jump into natural pools, and slide along smooth rock faces. If you are someone who likes extreme adventure apart from trekking, then canyoning is best. Some of the places you can visit are Sudarijal, Annapurna region, Pokhara outskirts, and Jalbire in Chitwan.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a strenuous adventure activity like trekking, but the experiences are different. Nepal offers mountain trails where you can ride through ancient villages, terraced fields, and lush forests.

Some of the mountain trails in Kathmandu where you can do mountain biking are Kathmandu Valley Rim, Nagarkot-Dhulikhel-Namobuddha, Suryachaur, Gurje Bhanjyang. Tokha (Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park), and Kakani-Budhanilkantha.

There are few trails in the Annapurna region and Pokhara region, too, but they are very challenging. It takes more energy than trekking, which might not suit a person looking to explore Nepal without trekking. 

Why Nepal Tour Without Trekking? 

Nepal is famous for trekking and hiking trips to the remote mountains. Adventure enthusiasts from around the world make their journey to Nepal because they want to see the beautiful mountains, mountain lifestyle, remoteness, and high-altitude beauty.

Nepal is not just a trekking paradise but a holiday destination, too, where you can explore Nepal with your family or a couple. Nepal offers tours apart from trekking that are equally thrilling. If you are a family man or have a medical condition where you have to restrain from high-altitude hard trekking, then a Nepal tour without trekking is the best.

How many days is enough in Nepal?

According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), more than 1.147 million tourists come to Nepal. Everyone comes for different purposes, like holidays, trekking, and mountaineering. We cannot just say the exact number of days because it depends on the purpose of your visit. But usually, 2-3 weeks are good if you are thinking of visiting Nepal without any rush.

Cultural and Natural experience in Nepal tour without Trekking

Nepal is a country with diverse ethnicities and cultures, with more than 142 castes and 124 languages. Different ethnicities have different cultures, languages, cuisines and lifestyles. You can have a Newari cultural experience in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, but for a more diverse experience, the Chitwan tour is best.

On this tour, you can go on the Chitwan Jungle Safari and go on a cultural tour. Chitwan National Park is one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in Nepal, with the rarest one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger and more than 500 species of birds.

The Tharu community resides mainly in the Terai region of Nepal, including Chitwan. The Tharu community has rich cultural traditions, including their own language, cuisine, customs, and dances. In the evening, during Dashain, Tihar and Maghi, you can watch or participate in Cultural dances where they dance wearing white cultural dresses.

They have different unique Tharu dishes like Dhikri, Ghongi, and Bhakkha etc. Tharu people are soft-speaking and very welcoming. A tour through the Tharu settlement in Chitwan is a different experience as you will be observing one of the unique ethnicities of Nepal. 

In Chitwan National Park, you can do Chitwan Jungle Safari, where you will be observing different wildlife species in a Jeep, such as one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, elephants, birds, and crocodiles. You can also take a canoe ride down the Rapti or Narayani River, where you will float past crocodiles basking in the sun, playful water birds, and dense riverbank forests.

Chitwan is the best place to explore the wildlife and unique culture of Nepal without hard trekking. Of course, short walks will be part of your journey, but not long strenuous walks like trekking. 

Upper Mustang tour: A complete tour without trekking

Upper Mustang is a high-altitude region with 4250 meters (13,878 feet) height and can be accessed without hard trekking. The Upper Mustang Overland Tour provides an opportunity to see ancient Tibetan traditions, wind-eroded cliffs and hidden Himalayan caves without engaging in trekking activities.

An upper Mustang tour with a jeep is one the best ways to explore the rawest Nepali style. A jeep tour to upper Mustang will take you off-roads, high-altitude barren lands and Tibetan-influenced villages.

The Upper Mustang motorbike tour is the perfect option for thrill seekers. Going through off-roads, high passes, riverbeds, bridges, and surreal desert landscapes is a true adrenaline-pumping adventure. For bike tours, you can find bike rental services in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

The major highlights of this tour are Lomanthang (An ancient walled city), Jomson and Kagbeni, which are famous for their breathtaking scenery, and Muktinath temple, a sacred Hindu temple.

FAQs

Can you explore Nepal Tour Without trekking?

No doubt! You can explore Nepal without trekking; there are so many places or mountain routes you can go without hard trekking, like Nagarkot, Kakani, and Dhulikhel.

How can you be near mountains without trekking?

There are so many options to experience the mountains in Nepal without trekking. You can be near mountains by taking scenic mountain flights, Helicopter tours, and Hilltop village tours like Sarangkot, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel. Mountain flights and helicopters can be expensive.

Is Nepal worth visiting without trekking?

Yes, apart from high-altitude trekking expeditions, Nepal offers a number of amazing cultural tours, local city tours and different types of exploration options that will leave a lifelong mark on your memory. The rivers, local cuisines, Indigenous people and their unique dishes, National parks with rare animals and local markets are must-experience things.

Can you see Everest without trekking?

You can have a view of Everest without trekking from hilltop villages like Nagarkot and Chandragiri. If you want to have a closer look, then you can take an Everest Mountain flight or Everest Helicopter Tour.