FAQs

Explore Kathmandu & Beyond: Many of you are flying a long way, so here are ideas if you'd like to make a trip of it. Late January is a beautiful time to be here: dry season with crisp, clear skies and some of the best Himalayan views of the whole year. Days in the valley are sunny and mild (8–18°C / 46–64°F), but mornings and evenings are cold, so pack warm layers.

Kathmandu Valley (easy half- or full-day trips), perfect if you have a spare day around the wedding:

Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa — the valley's iconic UNESCO heritage sites, all within the city. Patan (Lalitpur) — exquisite Newari architecture and a gorgeous Durbar Square, just south of the city. Bhaktapur — a beautifully preserved medieval city ~15 km from central Kathmandu; one of the most atmospheric places in the valley. Nagarkot — a hill town about an hour out, famous for sunrise over the Himalayas. January skies are often the clearest of the year, with views of mountain ranges.

If you have a few extra days:

Pokhara — Nepal's lakeside city, a short flight or scenic drive west. Stunning Annapurna views, relaxed vibe, and gateway to easy day hikes like Sarangkot for sunrise. A touch warmer and clearer than Kathmandu. Bandipur — a charming Newari hill town midway to Pokhara, with mountain views and a cozy winter feel. Chitwan National Park — the warmer southern plains (~20°C / 68°F by day). One of the best months for wildlife safaris — rhinos, and if you're lucky, tigers. About a 5–6 hr drive or short flight. Short winter treks — lower routes like Ghorepani/Poon Hill (from Pokhara) stay accessible and gorgeous, with clear views and few trekkers. *High-altitude treks and 5,000m+ passes are snowbound and not recommended now.

Note: Morning fog in the plains and valleys can delay domestic flights, so build in buffer time around onward flights.