The main distinction of Nepal from other countries is the fact that it is a landlocked area nestled between India and China. It is bordered by the Himalayan mountain ranges and it has a very diverse topography, making it the perfect habitat for various species of flora and fauna.
Given its location, it is not surprising that Nepal is hailed as a top destination for hikers, trekkers, and mountaineers. With notable peaks such as the Mount Everest and numerous other peaks all over the country, it is easy to see that tourists flock to Nepal not for a cruise but for a hike or a trek. That said, if you are planning to go on a cruise, then you are better off picking a different Asian country, preferably one that is not landlocked. But that does mean that there is absolutely no way to go on a Nepal cruise?
Fortunately, there remains to be quite a few viable options.
Going on a Nepal cruise
If you are fixated on having a Nepal cruise, then there are a couple of things you must know. First, you have very limited options since the country is landlocked and there is not much going around the matter. Hence, you will have to content yourself with local cruises, typically along rivers within the country. Since Nepal is not exactly famous for its local cruises, you might find it quite challenging to find a lot of local cruising company.
In addition, such local cruises are not likely to last very long. After all, Nepal is quite a small country. If you want something a little more exciting, you might opt for international cruises that will pass by Nepal and other Asian countries. This way, you will be navigating international waters and will spend more time on the cruise ship. If you have a romantic getaway or an extended vacation in mind, this would be the better option for you.
Second, you should be ready to spend more if you intend on going on a Nepal cruise, mostly because this activity is not as popular and still quite exclusive.
Top Nepal cruise options
As previously mentioned, your options for cruising in Nepal are quite limited, so this list will be quite short. Your best bet is to check with your travel agent for Nepal cruise options to find out if there are seasonal offerings or if there are discounts you can avail of. If you are not planning to go through a travel agency, however, the following are good starting points:
1) Nepal River Cruises
If you are planning to stay in a location where there are rivers, then you could check with local agents for the availability of river cruises. Note, however, that a local river cruise (that is, just within Nepal) is not likely to be very long, so if you have a long romantic cruise planned, this might not be the best option for you. Nonetheless, going on a river cruise is a great option if you just want to have a better view of the surrounding landscape, or if you want to enjoy the majestic Himalayan ranges without having to actually go hiking or trekking.
Alternatively, you can also embark on an inter-country river cruise. Since Nepal is situated near India, some travel companies actually offer river cruises running from New Delhi to Kathmandu and vice-versa, so if you have some time to spare and want to see India, anyway, then this might just be the perfect opportunity for you to do so. To save on the price of the cruise, inquire with the travel company as regards promotions and off-season rates. Likewise, make sure to check with the local agent if there are papers which you might have to prepare in order to be allowed to enter the port in New Delhi.
2) Inter-country Cruises Passing by Nepal
If you want to venture into the high seas, however, there remains another option for you, albeit a more expensive one. You can opt to go on a cruise passing by Nepal and going to other countries (for example, some agencies offer cruises from Nepal to Singapore and vice-versa). Note, however, that since the voyage is longer in this case, you will also have to pay more. In addition, you have to make sure that you have the necessary documentation for when you reach the port of the other country.
Finding a Nepal cruise option
Finding interesting and cost-effective Nepal cruise options is quite challenging since this service is really not all that popular in the country. When you do come across new cruise services, however, make sure to compare prices first and inquire if there is a possibility of a sale or a discount in the near future. A cruise is certainly relaxing and romantic but do not forget that Nepal has so much to offer, so it is not exactly a wise move blow off all your cash on a cruise alone.
Moreover, you must also ensure the safety of whatever cruise services you intend to avail of. Before shelling out cash or signing contracts, make sure to go through reviews from former customers first. It also would not hurt to ensure that proper safety mechanisms and measures are in place before embarking on a cruise.
Nepal might be a landlocked nation, but this does not mean that you cannot enjoy water sports and other water activities every so often. As long as you know where to look and what you are looking for, you are bound to find something that will match your interests. That said, do not hesitate to socialize with the locals and ask for their input. Who knows? They might be able to hook you with a good travel agent or travel company who can make your Nepal cruise dreams come true.
Whichever step you might decide to take, just always remember to do your research first and make sure that all safety precautions are in place and working properly. Have fun!


If you want to see a temple with both religious and historical significance, then you should pay a visit to the Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest temple in Nepal. The said temples is adorned with the carvings of various Tantrik deities, as well as the stone statues of various animals. The Changu Narayan Temple features a two-tiered pagoda style architecture and is dedicated to Vishnu.
This temple is located around 20 kilometers from Jomson and at a height of roughly 3800 meters above sea level.
The Varaha Temple is ranked as one of the four greatest pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Nepal. The temple is adorned with 5th-century sculptures. Out front lies a stone which supposedly tests how free an individual is from sins. Anyone who can manage to lift the stone is considered to be free of sins. The temple is also filled with boar statues dedicated to Varaha, the third avatar of Vishnu. It is believed that the Varaha Temple was built on the same spot where Vishnu in the form of Varaha Avatar killed Hiranyakashipu.
Unlike the previous temple which is dedicated to Vishnu, the Manakamana Temple is a shrine dedicated to the Goddess Parvati. People who visit the temple fervently believes that whoever worships the temple by their heart, selflessly, will have all of their dreams come true. The temple is constructed in a distinctive square shape and is right under a big magnolia tree.
Located roughly 22 kilometers from Kathmandu, the Dakshinkali Temple is among the most revered temples for the Goddess Kali. During festivals, pilgrims flock to this temple to make animal sacrifices of cockerels and uncastrated male goats. The temple was built in the 14th century after the Goddess Kali supposedly appeared in the dream of a Malla King. Per the Goddess Kali’s command, the said king built the Dakshinkali Temple and adorned the same with four golden serpents, as well as the stone carvings of Bhairava, Asthamatrikas, and Ganesha.
This temple is located in Bhaktapur and is dedicated to Bajrayogini, one of the goddesses of wisdom. The Bajrayogini Temple is a Tantrik temple. The main temple is eye-catching, having been made to be three stories high and with keen attention to details. The Bajrayogini Temple houses a statue of the goddess, featuring a red face with three eyes and carefully positioned and well-decorated hands and fingers.
As with the Bajrayogini Temple, the Bangalamukhi Temple is also dedicated to one of the 10 wisdom goddesses. The temple, like the goddess it reveres, symbolizes the potent female force, much like Bangalamukhi who is known to have turned defeats into victories and failures into achievements. The Bangalamukhi Temple is especially popular among young people in Nepal, particularly women. Unmarried devotees also visit the Bangalamukhi Temple in hopes of getting divine help in finding their desired spouses. Married couples, meanwhile, visit the temple to pray for good children.
The Dantakali Temple is of interesting origin. The temple came to be because it is believed that its site is where Shiva dropped a tooth while roaming around after the death of Satidevi. In addition to the temple itself, the general area is also beautiful given the surrounding green hills. It also offers a great view of the Dharan Bazaar. The best time to visit the Dantakali Temple would be during the Dashain festival when devotees flock to the temple.
Regardless of what you have planned for your Nepal trip, paying a
While exploring Kathmandu, you might also want to drop by the
Also found in Kathmandu is the National Museum of Nepal – the perfect spot to visit if you want to learn more not only about Nepal’s ancient, but also its modern history. Both the art and history galleries of the National Museum of Nepal feature various items, displays, and artifacts relating the country’s rich culture and history. Buddhist arts and artifacts are also on display, along with bronze sculptures and scroll paintings.
For hiking, trekking, and mountaineering enthusiasts, the International Museum of Nepal located in Pokhara is a popular destination. The museum, with its displays, provide visitors with a fair idea of how Nepal has evolved to be the popular hiking destination that it is today.
Another unique museum located in Nepal is the military museum which, as you can easily guess, features displays relating to the Nepali military. The Military Museum serves as a walk-through as regards the battles fought by the Nepali military, making it a great destination for individuals who want to learn more about Nepal’s history.
When you hear the word “museum”, I am fairly sure that the first thing that comes to your mind are imposing structures and impressive, pristine galleries. That is certainly not the case with the Red House Kagbeni Gallery and Museum but, trust me, you will certainly enjoy the change of pace.
The answer depends on how you define “great”. That is to say – you cannot find a lot of places where you can stay until the wee hours of the morning, but there is significant nightlife in Nepal. Not to mention the fact that the Nepalis are naturally warm, hospitable, and accommodating, so you will find no difficulty in finding locals to hang out with. Also, with so many tourists flocking to Nepal especially during the peak hiking and trekking seasons, you will inevitably run into fellow tourists and travelers.
Nepal might seem like a cozy landlocked country, but its nightlife is by no means a snooze fest. That is, as long as you know where to spend the night. To help you experience Nepali hospitality in the context of great drinks, great music, and even greater company, here is a list of clubs and bars you should definitely check out in Nepal:
If you are not really into dancing or drinking but still want to experience nightlife in Nepal, then just head to the Durbar Square. Open 24 hours,
This is easily
For those who are going to Nepal on business but still want to squeeze in a little downtime, the Crown Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee might just be the perfect luxury resort. Located smack in Kathmandu’s business district and a mere nine-kilometer drive from the Tribhuwan International Airport, business travelers would not have any problems getting around the city.
For nature lovers,
Located near the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, the Radisson hotel is an easy favorite among locals and tourists alike. Aside from its amenities and top-class services, Raddison Hotel boasts of its exquisite terrace garden where one can enjoy the view of the surrounding area, all while enjoying a great cup of tea.
One cannot round up the top luxury resorts in Nepal without mentioning Dwarika’s Hotel, an award-winning heritage resort located in Kathmandu. Taking over 30 years to construct, this luxury resort receives more than 3000 visitors each day. Aside from its amenities, what sets Dwarika’s apart from other luxury accommodations is the its unique courtyard setting against a backdrop of traditional Nepalese-style accommodations.
If you are looking for a more exclusive luxury resort in Nepal,