10 Fun Things to Do While Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal is more than just reaching a destination. It's a full-blown adventure packed with beautiful views, friendly people, and moments that stay with you for life. But here’s the thing—many travelers wonder if trekking will get boring or too tiring. Walking every day, for hours? What else is there to do?

You’re not just walking. You’re exploring, tasting, learning, laughing, and living every step of the way.

Here are 10 fun things you can do while trekking in Nepal to make your trip more exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable.

1. Try Local Nepali Food in Tea Houses

🍛 Ever had dal bhat power 24 hours?

If you ask any trekker what kept them going, they’ll probably say dal bhat — Nepal’s favorite dish. Most tea houses along the trails offer homemade food that’s simple but packed with energy.

Popular Foods to Try:

• Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables)
• Momo (Nepali dumplings)
• Thukpa (noodle soup)
• Tibetan Bread with jam or honey

Tip: Ask the locals how they prepare their food—it’s a great conversation starter!

2. Play Cards or Board Games with Fellow Trekkers

🃏 Waiting for dinner? It’s game time!

Evenings in tea houses are perfect for relaxing. Most trekkers unwind by playing cards or board games like:

• UNO
• Chess
• Ludo
• Local card games

It’s a fun way to bond with your group or meet new people from around the world.

Tip: Bring a deck of waterproof cards—they’re light and come in handy during long waits or rainy evenings.

3. Learn Basic Nepali Phrases

🗣 A few words can open many doors

Speaking a few words in Nepali can turn strangers into friends.

Useful Phrases to Try:

• Namaste – Hello
• Dhanyabad – Thank you
• Ramailo cha – It’s fun
• Khana mitho cha – The food is tasty

Locals appreciate it when you try to speak their language. It shows respect and curiosity.

Fun Challenge: Try to learn one new Nepali word each day of your trek.

Top 20+ Local Phrases to Know Before Trekking in Nepal

4. Capture Sunrise and Sunset Views

🌄 The mountains glow—don’t miss it

Some of the best moments on a trek happen early in the morning or late in the evening. Places like Poon Hill, Kalapatthar, and Ghorepani offer stunning views during sunrise.

Why it’s special:

• The Himalayan peaks change color
• The air is fresh and silent
• It’s perfect for photography and meditation

Over 70% of trekkers in Nepal list sunrise views as the most memorable part of their trip.

5. Take Short Breaks for Nature Photography

📸 You won’t find these views anywhere else

From hanging bridges to waterfalls to prayer flags, there’s beauty everywhere. Use your phone or camera to capture:

• Snow-capped peaks
• Local people and animals
• Wildflowers and forests

Tip: Respect locals—always ask before clicking their pictures.

6. Listen to Trek Stories from Other Travelers

🏕 Everyone has a mountain story

Tea houses are social hubs. People from all walks of life gather to rest, eat, and share their journey.

Questions to Ask:

• What trek are you doing?
• Why did you choose Nepal?
• What’s your best or worst trekking moment?

You’ll be surprised how inspiring or funny some stories are. It also helps you prepare mentally for what's ahead.

Idea: Start a small travel journal and write down cool stories you hear.

7. Explore Village Life Along the Trail

🏡 It’s not just mountains—it’s people too

Nepal’s trekking trails pass through villages where people live simple but rich lives.

Things You Can Do:

• Watch kids play with homemade toys
• See how locals farm and cook
• Visit local monasteries and schools

In the Annapurna region, you can visit Ghandruk Village, home to the Gurung community, with traditional houses and cultural museums.

Hidden Monasteries of Manaslu Region in Nepal

8. Meditate in the Mountains

🧘‍♂️ The silence is healing

High up in the mountains, where the air is clean and everything is still, it’s the perfect spot to sit quietly and reconnect with yourself.

Benefits of Meditating While Trekking:

• Reduces fatigue
• Increases focus
• Improves breathing in high altitude

Try This: Find a quiet rock, close your eyes, and take deep breaths for 5 minutes before your trek starts each morning.

9. Join Cultural Festivals (If You’re Lucky!)

🎉 Trekking season often overlaps with festivals

Nepal celebrates many local festivals that bring villages to life with music, dance, and food.

Common Festivals on Trekking Trails:

• Tihar (Festival of Lights) – October/November
• Mani Rimdu Festival – Celebrated in Tengboche Monastery (Everest Region)
• Losar – Tibetan New Year

More than 40% of trekkers who visit during festival seasons say it's the most joyful part of their trip.

10. Stargaze at Night

✨ Zero city lights = Million stars

High-altitude villages and base camps have no light pollution, making the night sky look magical.

Best Places to Stargaze:

• Everest Base Camp
• Langtang Valley
• Annapurna Base Camp

Book Trek to These Amazing Places Now!

Fun Fact: From Namche Bazaar, you can sometimes see the Milky Way with your naked eye.

Quick Recap – 10 Fun Things to Do While Trekking in Nepal

1. Eat local food in tea houses
2. Play cards or games with trekkers
3. Learn simple Nepali words
4. Watch sunrise and sunset views
5. Take nature and mountain photos
6. Share and listen to travel stories
7. Explore villages and cultural life
8. Meditate in peaceful mountain spots
9. Attend local festivals (if timing works)
10. Stargaze under clear Himalayan skies

How to Make the Most of These Activities

Here are a few steps you can take to add more fun to your trek:

Step-by-Step: Making Your Trek More Enjoyable

Step 1: Talk to your guide about cultural stops

Step 2: Carry a small journal or photo diary

Step 3: Pack games and a phrasebook

Step 4: Be open-minded and talk to locals

Step 5: Try everything—food, stories, and experiences

Final Thoughts

Trekking in Nepal doesn’t have to be just about reaching the base camp or walking long distances. Every day offers a chance to do something fun, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of steaming momos, watching the sun rise behind Everest, or playing cards with someone from another country, it’s all part of the magical journey.

So when you plan a trek in Nepal, don’t just ask: “How far is it?”

Ask: “What fun can I have along the way?”