Nepal in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited Nepal in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Annapurna Circuit without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Pokhara felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best thukpa noodle soup I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

genuinely warm and welcoming people was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.