For adventure lovers (and adventurous married couples!) there’s hardly a more appealing destination than Nepal. Add the romance of stunning mountain vistas, luxury accommodation, and atmospheric cultural sites to classic adventure activities like trekking and paragliding and you have the ideal honeymoon destination.
Spending your honeymoon in a cookie-cutter resort is, shall we say, utterly passé! In these modern times, more and more couples, eager to embark on their married life with a bang, are opting to go on adventurous honeymoons. They seek to mark their union not just with rings and vows, but with a once-in-a-lifetime trip, an experience that will forever be etched in their memories. And when it comes to adventure, few places on this planet can rival the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Nepal. From challenging treks that test your limits to immersing yourselves in the atmospheric embrace of its ancient culture, and from exhilarating adventures to relaxing retreats that soothe the soul, Nepal offers a diverse range of experiences perfect for honeymooning couples. Here are some top suggestions, meticulously curated, for planning an unforgettable honeymoon in Nepal. Get ready to be amazed!
## Option 1: Trekking in the Majestic Himalayas
Depending on the amount of time you have available and your personal taste for adventure, there exists a plethora of great treks in Nepal that can perfectly match your preferences and fitness levels. Whether you are seasoned mountaineers or novice hikers, Nepal has something to offer everyone. To assist you in your planning, we have presented below two distinct trekking options, each possessing a specific appeal for honeymooners seeking an unforgettable experience amidst the Himalayas.
### Luxury Trekking: A Pampered Himalayan Experience
For those seeking the ultimate in comfort and luxury while exploring the Himalayas, you simply can’t surpass a luxury trek in the Everest region. The Everest region is undeniably a top honeymoon pick for discerning couples, and this is not only because of the world-class panoramic views and fascinating Sherpa culture that permeates the area. It is also due to the ready availability of superior accommodation options that cater to the needs of even the most demanding travelers.
Certain establishments stand out above the rest. Yeti Mountain Homes and Everest Summit Lodges are particularly noteworthy for honeymooners seeking a romantic and luxurious experience. These boutique hotel chains boast beautifully designed lodges equipped with excellent service and unparalleled comfort. They represent several steps up from the humble tea houses that are ubiquitous along Nepal’s well-trodden trekking trails. Here, you’ll find a comfortable and restful night’s sleep, hot showers that rejuvenate tired muscles, cozy and attractively designed interiors that exude charm, and some of the very best local cuisine that the Solukhumbu region has to offer. The mountain views are, of course, nothing short of spectacular, as these lodges are carefully and strategically situated to make the most of the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
If money is no object, a truly exceptional way of traveling around the Solukhumbu region is by chartering a helicopter. This dramatically reduces the amount of trekking time necessary to reach certain locations, and affords breathtaking, unparalleled views of the Himalayas from a unique aerial perspective.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a trekking honeymoon in the Everest region, incorporating exhilarating helicopter flights, designed to maximize your time and create lasting memories:
* Day 1: Take a helicopter from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the mountain town of Lukla (a short and scenic 45-minute flight); then trek to the charming village of Phakding (approximately 4 hours of trekking at a moderate pace), located at an altitude of 2610m.
* Day 2: Embark on a trek to Namche Bazaar (approximately 6-7 hours of trekking), the vibrant heartland of the Sherpa people, situated at a height of 3440m.
* Day 3: Enjoy an unforgettable helicopter tour: Soar over Everest Base Camp (EBC), witness the dramatic Khumbu Icefall, and marvel at the stunning Gokyo Lakes; then visit the Edmund Hillary school and the fascinating Everest Museum, all while based in Namche Bazaar at 3440m.
* Day 4: Take a scenic helicopter flight to Kongde, an elevated location at 4250m offering unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks.
* Day 5: Trek from the lofty heights of Kongde back down to the welcoming village of Phakding (approximately 5 hours of trekking), resting at 2610m.
* Day 6: Conclude your adventure with a final helicopter flight from Phakding back to the vibrant capital city of Kathmandu, carrying with you memories to last a lifetime.
### Budget-Friendly Trekking: Adventure Without Breaking the Bank
If you are not necessarily after luxury and prefer a more authentic and budget-conscious experience, rest assured that there are still plenty of amazing trails in Nepal that promise a memorable and adventurous honeymoon. And there’s definitely a unique and undeniable romantic quality about sharing a tent with your new spouse on a camping trek beneath the starry Himalayan sky!
The 13-day Dudh Kunda trek is a spectacular and rewarding camping and teahouse trek that is perfectly suited for a memorable honeymoon. This trek takes you off the beaten path, allowing you to explore lesser-known villages and the wilder, more pristine corners of the lower Everest region. The scenic route to Dudh Kunda lake passes through authentic Sherpa villages, enchanting forests teeming with the chance of spotting local wildlife, and ascends into the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape surrounding the sacred lake.
Your journey begins with a short and picturesque flight to Phaplu, from where you begin your ascent to the summit of Pikey Peak, arguably the best viewpoint for panoramic Himalayan vistas in all of Nepal. On a clear day, you can witness a breathtaking panorama stretching from Mt. Kanchenjunga in the east all the way to the majestic Annapurnas in the west! And of course, enjoy unobstructed, full-frontal views of the iconic Mt Everest.
From Pikey Peak, trek downwards to the large and culturally rich Sherpa village of Junbesi and pay a visit to the Thubten Choling Monastery, a significant first contact point for numerous Tibetan refugees and currently home to a substantial population of Tibetan Buddhists. Continue your journey upwards towards the pristine Dudh Kunda lake on the camping component of the trek, and then return to the welcoming town of Phaplu via the historic Chiwong monastery.
## Option 2: Immerse Yourselves in Culture & Adventure in Kathmandu
You needn’t venture far beyond the Kathmandu Valley to enjoy a romantic and enriching few days. If you don’t have multiple weeks available for an extended honeymoon but still want to enjoy the very best that Nepal has to offer, then consider sticking to Kathmandu and its surrounding areas. A well-planned week spent in and around the capital city, indulging in luxurious accommodation and engaging in immersive cultural activities, will surely make for a truly memorable honeymoon experience.
Base yourselves in the vibrant city of Kathmandu for a minimum of three nights, and consider staying at the gorgeous Dwarika’s Hotel if you’re not operating on a particularly strict budget. Alternatively, consider the charming Patan Inn if you desire a boutique hotel experience that’s a bit more affordable without sacrificing quality or ambiance. Spend a couple of days immersing yourselves in the city’s cultural highlights, such as the ancient Durbar Squares, which were once the opulent palaces of the kings of the Kathmandu Valley, and the revered Buddhist sites such as the iconic Swayambhunath and Boudanath stupas.
If you’re looking for a more unique and engaging way to visit these popular tourist attractions, consider adding a Vespa Valley tour onto your carefully planned itinerary. As the name aptly suggests, you’ll tour the city in style and comfort on the back of a classic Vespa scooter. While the traffic in the city can occasionally be challenging, zipping through the streets in a smaller vehicle is a fantastic way to navigate the congestion. Plus, you can easily tailor these unique trips to perfectly suit your own personal tastes and interests, such as checking out authentic street food places or exploring Kathmandu’s vibrant street art scene.
It would truly be a shame to visit the majestic country of Nepal without at least glimpsing the awe-inspiring Mount Everest. Therefore, we highly recommend taking a scenic flight early one morning. You are guaranteed a window seat with breathtaking views, plus you are even served a complimentary glass of champagne to mark this special occasion! This is definitely a memorable way to start your married life together. If money is not a major concern, you could even opt for a private scenic helicopter flight instead, which actually takes you all the way to Everest Base Camp–all before lunchtime!
Finally, spend a couple of days on the serene edge of the Kathmandu Valley, taking the time to enjoy the refreshing mountain air, panoramic views, and a much more tranquil and serene setting. Consider staying at Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel if you desire high-end accommodation with all the amenities, or the nearby Namo Buddha Resort in the small Buddhist pilgrimage town for quality lodging and excellent food at a more affordable price. Interesting and rewarding day hikes are easily accessible from both Dhulikhel and Namo Buddha, leading to ethnic Tamang villages, beautiful temples and stupas, and along scenic ridge lines offering truly fantastic views.
## Option 3: Discover the Tranquil Beauty of Pokhara
As an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the capital city, or perhaps as a supplement to your time spent in Kathmandu, consider exploring Nepal’s second largest city, Pokhara. It is incredibly scenic, has a very chilled-out atmosphere, and boasts lots of romantic and luxurious spots.
Take a short and convenient flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a quick hop of just half an hour. Be sure to request a seat on the right-hand side of the plane for the very best views of the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. The Temple Tree Resort is a particularly beautiful place to stay, and boasts a lovely swimming pool and spa to enjoy some pampering and relaxation.
While staying in the city, be sure to enjoy some leisurely activities, such as gently paddling on the stunning Fewa Lake, or something a bit more adventurous, like paragliding from the scenic viewpoint of Sarangkot. Whichever activity you choose, you’ll be doing it with a gorgeous mountain backdrop, as the uniquely pointed peak of Machhapucchare (also known as Fishtail) rises majestically behind the rolling hills surrounding the lake.
One morning, rise early to catch the spectacular sunrise from Sarangkot hill. On one side you can witness the Annapurna ranges spread out magnificently before you, and on the other is the town of Pokhara and the pretty lake.
If you’re feeling active and energetic, you can use Pokhara as a convenient base for embarking on some short and rewarding hikes in the surrounding area. The Poon Hill and Khopra Danda treks are particularly great options if you have up to a week to spare, but other shorter treks are also readily available near Pokhara, such as the popular Panchase trek.
## Other Intriguing Honeymoon Options in Nepal
* A rejuvenating yoga or meditation retreat. Mahalaya and Pranamaya offer well-regarded yoga retreats to various destinations throughout Nepal, and the meditation retreats at the Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu are particularly well-reputed for their quality and serene atmosphere.
* A thrilling multi-day white-water rafting or kayaking trip. Join a pre-existing group or hire a dedicated crew for a private expedition. GRG’s Adventure Kayaking offers thrilling trips lasting up to 11 days on a variety of different rivers throughout the country.
* Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure. The Chitwan National Park is easily accessible from Kathmandu and is particularly famous for its thriving rhino population. The Bardia National Park, located in the far west of Nepal, is more rugged, less touristy, and offers a higher chance of spotting a majestic tiger. Luxury and high-quality accommodation options are readily available in both national parks.
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