Nepal is an artwork created by Mother Nature, a piece of heaven falling from the sky and landing on Earth. The rustic beauty and the charms of Nepal are a gift from heaven, as well as a blessing from Nature, which will attract and bewitch any visitor. “The Roof Of The World” is one of the happiest lands in the world with the friendliness and the hospitality of local people. In Nepal, since there has a belief that a visitor is sent by the God, people in Nepal always welcome all tourists and travelers in the warmest and heartiest way, giving you the strong impression which you never forget. Enjoy your Nepal tours, you can both give love and receive love.
Best Places To Visit In Nepal
1. Kathmandu: The Capital Of Nepal
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, as well as one of the most worth-visiting destinations in Nepal. If you are on a Nepal trip, you cannot miss this never-boring capital. Being the most metropolitan city in Nepal, Kathmandu is crowded, bustling and is always the first stop of any tourist who is going on a Nepal vacation. One of the best things about Kathmandu must be Kathmandu is the mixture of various interesting things: ancient temples and shrines, historical sites, wonderful restaurants with tasty cuisines and the bustling streets. Besides, Kathmandu is an ideal place for mountain and trekking lovers, since here in Kathmandu you can buy a lot of trekking clothes and other kinds of stuff with reasonable prices and good qualities.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
One of the most wonderful places to visit in Kathmandu is the “Durbar Square”, or the “Hanuman Dhoka Square”, one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square is not only a complex of old temples, ancient streets and royal palaces but also the center of the social, religious, cultural and urban spotlight in Kathmandu. Here in Durbar Square, tourists will have the opportunity to witness wonderful scenes and impressive buildings.
Thamel
One more place which is always highly recommended is Thamel, also called as Tabitha Bahal, is the place where you can find most everything you need to buy, especially souvenirs to bring back home after your trip to Nepal. There are a lot of bookstores, clothing shops, and antique shops, as well as various restaurants and coffee shops, hotels and hostels in Thamel.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is the biggest Buddhist stupa as well as the most Buddhism sacred place in Nepal, which was constructed in the 14th century.
There are giant Buddha eyes on the top of the stupa, as well as a thousand of various colorful prayer flags hung everywhere, making the stupa become brilliant and eye-catching to the point that, once you see it, you will never forget it.
Patan
Although nowadays, the city name is Patan, a lot of Bhutanese people still call it by its Newari name, Yala or its original name Lalitpur, which means the “City of Beauty”.
Patan is probably the most ancient town in the Kathmandu Valley, showing off the most stunning and attractive collection of alluring palaces, antique temples, and priceless historical monuments. If you come to Kathmandu Valley, it’s worth paying a visit to Patan and explore the charms of Patan.
2. Pokhara: The Third Largest City in Nepal
Pokhara is the land of lakes and caves. Anyone coming to Pokhara is bewitched by its stunning beauty, untouched charm, fresh air, and friendly local people. People say Pokhara is the city of lakes since there are numerous lakes in Pokhara and some outstanding ones are Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, and Phewa Lake.
Phewa Lake
There are many activities you can do in Phewa Lake, such as boating, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, bird watching or angling.
By paying a small charge, you will have the chance to go on a boat ride on Fewa Lake, which will undoubtedly the experience of a lifetime. From the boat, you can see the mighty mountains, its reflected images, the glittering, sparkling and bright sunlight dancing on the surface of the river. Or, if you don’t want to go on a boat ride, walking on the Lakeside in one late evening and enjoying the peaceful and chill atmosphere can be a wonderful option also.
Davi’s Fall
Davi’s Fall is a little beautiful waterfall in Pokhara. The special thing about the waterfall is that before it disappears into an underground tunnel leading to the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, it runs down some rocks. If you come to Davi’s Waterfall, you will have the chance to listen to the painful legend of the waterfall and explore the mysterious beauty of it.
The Pokhara Old Bazaar
The Pokhara Bazaar brings you the most authentic Nepali atmosphere and the old Newari architecture. Red bricks were used, which is similar to Kathmandu. Almost no cars can be seen on the old, sleepy and quiet streets, and the local people are sitting, standing in front of their houses, talking to their neighbors or selling things.
Here, time seems to stop. Locals here have great hospitality with warm smiles and don’t be afraid to ask them if you need since they will answer with willingness and happiness.
Bindhyabasini Temple
The old Bindhyabasini Temple, dedicating to the goddess Bhagwati, is on the top of a small hill in Pokhara, so you have to climb to get to the temple, and it’s really worth-climbing. Since it is located at the altitude of 914m above the sea level, the temple brings astonishing panoramic views of the majestic Annapurna Ranges.
3. Chitwan National Park – A World Heritage Property
If you are a wildlife lover, who always wants to explore more natural things and wants your trip to Nepal a little more adventurous, Chitwan National Park is definitely the best destination for you to visit.
Chitwan National Park is the home to many kinds of flowers and animals. It is also famous worldwide for being the home to the last one-horn rhinos and the home to some other wild species like Bengal tigers, for example. Tourists come to Chitwan National Park not only to discovering wildlife and enjoy elephant riding but also to get to know more about the local lifestyle, culture and some traditional dances of some ethnic groups.
4. Nagarkot – Hill Station For Dawn And Dusk
Nagarkot is an ideal place for you if you are looking for a place offering the best view of the majestic Himalayan Range, a place allowing you to feel and love every mood of Nepal wonderful Himalaya Ranges In Nagarkot, you have an opportunity to stay in a lovely place and enjoy Nepali local daily life, witness Himalayan magnificent views during dawn and dusk.
If you are in Nargakot, try to spend at least one morning waking up early to enjoy the splendid sunrise, because if you miss, it will be the biggest regret ever.
5. Bhaktapur – Nepal’s Cultural Gem
Bhaktapur – locally called by Khwopa – is world famous for its graceful art, marvelous culture and native way of living. For its mighty monuments, colorful festivals and events, and the native Newars renowned for the long history of craftsmanship, Bhaktapur is also well-known as “The City of Culture” or the “Living Heritage”.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar is, an ancient city, a priceless gem of Nepal, and the most wonderful architecture here in Bhaktapur is the famous 55 window royal residence, which is considered to be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of woodcarving. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows is also one of the most antique monuments In Nepal. Besides the Palace of Fifty-five Windows, the Nyatapola Temple is also a famous attraction in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Nyatapola, in Newari, literally means five stories, which is the symbol of the five most basic elements. With the perfection in architecture and beauty, this is the biggest, highest pagoda in Nepal.
Two more attractions you can pay a visit here is Bhairava Nath Temple and the Golden Gate. The Golden Gate, also known as Soon Dhoka, is one of the most magnificent and aesthetic masterpieces of the antique Newari architecture. This door is decorated with monsters and some other mythical creatures. Once, a famous English critic and historian, named Percy Brown, said, “The Golden Gate is the most lovely piece of art in the whole Kingdom”.
6. Janakpur – Pilgrimage Site For Hindus
Janakpur is eminent as the birthplace of the Hindu Goddess Sita and also the place where Sita got married to Lord Rama.
According to the Ramayana, the Hindu epic, King Janak, whose name was used to name the original city of Janakpur, found baby Sita on a field. He brought her home and raised her as his daughter.
When Sita grew up, she had to choose her bridegroom at a ceremony called swayamvara, and all the princes from all over the land were called to string a giant bowl, which had never been lifted by anyone before. However, when Rama picked the bowl up, he strung the bowl and even broke it. After seeing that, Sita decided that she would choose Rama, and she indicated that by putting a garland around his neck.
Janaki Mandir
Janaki Mandir, commonly known as the Nau Lakha Mandir (Nine Lakhs), is the biggest temple in Nepal. Every year, a lot of pilgrims from Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, and some other countries come to Janaki Mandir to worship the Goddess.
When you approach the temple, you will be impressed by the giant, white building with big pillars, domes, and verandas. The glorious temple is an outstanding, unique fusion of Hindu, Kori and Mughal kind of architectures, which were made completely of white marble and it also occupies about 4800 square feet of the area.
Ram Mandir
Ram Mandir, which was built by a Gorkhali General, Amar Singh Thapa in the late 1700s, is among the oldest temples in Janakpur. As many shrines in the region, the architecture of the temple is the ancient, traditional pagoda architecture.
The Ramayana is not only about the love for each other of Rama and Sita but it is also about their loyalty, purity and their ability to become supreme beings. All of those things were put together, with other sacred beliefs, form an indispensable part of the Hindu Culture. Hence, Hindus worship Lord Rama along with Goddess Sita at her birthplace at the Ram Mandir in a charming courtyard near the Janaki Temple.
Jaleshwar
Jaleshwar, named after the holy temple of Jaleshwarnath Mahadev, is a municipality in Janakpur Zone in Nepal. Since Jaleshwar is eminent for the holy temple of Jaleshwarnath Mahadev, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, devotees from everywhere in the world come here to pay the respects to the Lord and his Consort, Parvati. The city has not only historical sites and cultural attractions but also parks and beaches; therefore, the city can make all its visitors feel pleased.
Ram Sita Vivah Mandap
Since this is the place where Rama and Sita got married, a lot of pilgrims visit Ram Sita Vivah Mandap every year.
Rolwaling Valley
Rolwaling Valley lies between the Everest and Langtang Himalaya Ranges, is the most thrilling Nepal trekking trail. Since the valley has a lot of alpine lakes, hanging glaciers, high pastures, moraines, waterfalls and an amazing view of snowcapped peaks. Rolwaling Valley is the home to a large number of animals, which is globally endangered and threatened.
Dolakha Bhimsen Mandir
It is said that Bhimsen Thapa, the legendary hero of Nepal, spent his 12 years exile in Dolakha. The temple, which is roofless, has a statue of lord Bhimsen, which is in a triangular shape. The first one is the lord Bhimsen, and the second one is the goddess Bhagawati and the third is Shiva.
It is believed that if the temple’s main shrine sweats, that means the country is facing a crisis. Because of that belief, a huge number of people visit and perform puja every week, on Tuesday and Saturday by the Newars, regarding Bhimeshwor as their own family deity.
Dhanush Sagar, Ganga Sagar, and Parshuram Kunda
“Dhanush Sagar” Parshuram Kunda and “Ganga Sagar” are sacred tanks located near the Ram Mandir. During the early hours in the morning, people perform religious ablutions. Nevertheless, during festivals, these places are extremely important since religious ceremonies are organized here. Here, you can also find a lot of cisterns around the place.
Janakpurdham is said to possess upwards 115 ancient lakes of verifiable and fanciful significance. Among the lakes, Ganga Sagar, Parshuram Kunda, and Dhanusha Sagar square measure two holy lakes organized on the brink of the Ram Mandir.
This, besides, has religious implications. The truth is told, these were worked by King Janak UN agency, predicted the landing of Gods once the heavenly wedding of avatar and Sita. In like manner, Parshuram Kunda is claimed to be the lake where Maharishi Parshuram showered to keep his anger under control once the encounter with Ram over the breaking of the holy bow of Shiva. The lake is beautiful and peaceful with the lotus blossoming and green trees on the banks.
Sagarmatha National Park
To continue your Nepal tour, you can pay a visit to Sagarmatha National Park, a wonderful destination to visit in Nepal, is the home to the highest peak in the world – Mount Everest (8848m). The park, established as a World Heritage Site, is also the home to numerous other peaks, and they are all above 6000m. If you’re lucky, you can have the opportunity to see some endangered species, like the snow leopard or red panda, or some kinds of national birds of Nepal. Besides, tourists can also see a variety of wildlife and more than 118 kinds of birds. In the forest, there are mainly silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and the juniper trees and a lot of animals, such as musk deer, the wolf, the serow, or the Himalayan black bear. Sagarmatha National Park is not only famous for different kinds of animals but also famous for amazing landscapes. Since most of the park is above 3000m, Sagarmatha has a lot of rugged terrain with gorges, glaciers and giant rocks.
7. Patan (Lalitpur) – The City of Beauty
Patan is the place you can’t miss once coming to Nepal. Patan used to be an independent city-state; however, now it’s a suburb of Kathmandu, which is separated by the Bagmati River. Although its recent name is Patan, a lot of local people still call it Lalitpur, which literally means the “City of Beauty”, or call it Yala, its Newari name. While Kathmandu is busy, frenetic, Patan is more peaceful and more Buddhist, with the finer things of life. Coming to Nepal, coming to Patan, tourists have a lifetime opportunity to get lost in a lot of amazing, colorful and beautiful things.
Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal)
The Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal) is the second most well-known destination in Patam, after Patan Durbar Square. The temple itself is a glorious example of the courtyard temple architecture. The doorway is guarded by two elephant statues, and the façade is covered by a host of the gleaming Buddhist symbols. A beautiful statue of Sakyamuni is inside the main shrine; however, no photos of this statue are allowed. There are two other statues to the left and the right corner of the courtyard. They are a statue of Green Tara and the statue of the Bodhisattva respectively.
There are a lot of things to see in the inner shrine, and if you leave the temple at the Eastern exit, you can look up to see a mandala mounted on the ceiling.
Outside the winter, tourists can look for the tortoises, the guardians of the temple, pottering around.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is one the most famous worth-visiting destinations in Nepal. Being known for numerous artistic heritage, it is one of the oldest Buddhist City in the world. Located in the center of Patan city, it is one of three major old royal Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Comparing with 2 other squares, it is the smallest one; however, Patan Durbar Square is the most beautiful. Patan Durbar Square is a mix of Newar, Buddhist and Hindu temple-architecture. Coming to Patan Durbar Square, tourists will undoubtedly fall in love with the authentic, ancient atmosphere, the indigenous patterns of art and the old Newari Architecture.
Patan Museum
Patan Museum, one of the national treasures in Nepal, used to be the residence of the Malla Kings. It is also the priceless introduction to the symbolism, the wonderful art and the specific architecture of the valley. To get in the Patan Museum, tourists have to go through the famous Golden Gate, which was topped by a golden torana. All of the collection is displayed in a series of timber and brick rooms, which are link by numerous narrow stairways and steep. Informative labels are put on every statue, carving, and object. If you want to understand more about Nepali, as well as to take a lot of extraordinary photos, Patan Museum is definitely the right place in Nepal for you.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Patan was originally built in the 14th century, then was expanded during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Behind the facade, with its delicately carved windows, impressive out hanging eaves and magnificent wooden screens, the courtyards are connected, and tourists can have a wonderful, interesting trip to explore the temples, which are dedicated to the valley’s main deity.
Krishna Mandir
The Krishna Mandir in Patan is considered as one of the most wonderful stone monument in Kathmandu and was built in the old Sikhara architectural style, which is often found in the subcontinent of India. The temple was established in 1637 AD, as a copy of a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in Mathura, India. The temple was made completely of stone, and the carvings are much more beautiful and amazing than those in other small Krishna temples in Patan Durbar Square.
Sundari Chowk and Mul Chowk
To the South of the Patan Museum, there is an entrance to Mul Chowk, which is the biggest and the oldest the Royal Palace’s three squares. The former, original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1662; however, they were reconstructed only 3 years after that by Srinivasa Malla. The temples in the courtyard were restored in 2014, and the walls and surrounding buildings were also restored after the earthquake in 2015.
To the South of Mul Chowk, there is Sundari Chowk, which is smaller than Mul Chowk and arranged around a sunken water tank called Tusha Hiti, This square was restored in 2014, and was restored one more time after the earthquake in 2015.
8. Lumbini – The Birthplace of Lord Buddha
Lumbini is a pilgrimage destination in Nepal since it is believed to be the place where the Lord Buddha was born. However, Lumbini is famous not only because of that but also because of the peaceful, tranquil surrounding and the ancient monastery. Lumbini can touch the deepest spot in your soul in a special way, and although tourists only need one day to go to every spot in Lumbini, it’s worth to spend one more day to immerse your soul in such a wonderful and mild atmosphere like the atmosphere in Lumbini.
Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi is the spiritual heart of Lumbini since it was the place where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. In the nearby sacred garden, tourists can find the Ashoka’s pillar, ancient relics of the stupas, and the maroon-robed monks and saffron-robed monks gathered under a Bodhi (pipal) tree, which was decorated with a lot of colorful prayer flags. The pond behind the temple is believed to be the place where Maya Deva took a bath before giving birth to the Buddha.
Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery
This classic monastery is one of the most impressive structures in Lumbini. Tourists can reach this Buddhist Monastery by a gateway guarded by dogs of Fo. Since it has an elegant pagoda-style, the monastery is like the miniature of the Forbidden City.
World Peace Pagoda (Bishwa Shanti Stupa)
If you are a person who wants to escape from the bustle of life, you deserve the peace of the World Peace Pagoda, a magnificent, gleaming-white stupa. Although the pagoda is located outside the main compound, it can be easily accessed by bicycle. World Peace Pagoda is one of the greatest stupas in the world, which was constructed by the Buddhists from Japan.
Cambodian Monastery
With the inspiration of Angkor Wat, this stunning fantasy was completed in 2018 and became one of the most attractive temples in Nepal. A square railing with four green snakes surrounds the temple, and the snakes’ tails entwine at the corners.
Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery
This monastery was built following the Thai-style monastery structure with gleaming white marble. Another wonderful piece of this architecture is the blue-roofed mediation center next door.
Best Things To Do In Nepal
1. Trekking in Nepal
Nepal is very famous for trekking, and it is not for nothing, Nepal is often called the trekking paradise and the finest destination for mountain lovers. Since this is the home to the majestic Himalayan, Nepal brings travelers the most exotic treks with the most vivid experiences in the world which nowhere else can obtain.
There are a lot of choices for trekking in Nepal. However, if you are still confused about where to trek, trekking in the Annapurna Region or Langtang Region is highly recommended. Annapurna is one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal. It takes trekkers through different amazing valleys, natural dense forests as well as semi-frozen waterfalls. Trekkers can expect everything from Annapurna, and it will bring travelers the greatest experiences going far beyond all the expectations. Travelers can be bewitched by the spectacular, panoramic views of mighty mountains and wide vista. Another lesser-known trekking region, Langtang Region, promises to give travelers many surprises with extraordinary wonders.
2. Flight Over The Everest
This is undoubtedly the experience of a lifetime. Although you may love trekking and have always dreamt of making to the Advance Base Camp of Everest, this is still worth trying, and you will definitely not regret after that. There is nothing more excited and thrilled than an hour sitting on a helicopter, witnessing the majestic beauty of the mountain ranges with snowcapped peaks.
3. Fishing On Lake Phewa
Since the country is the home to more than 4000 lakes and rivers, it is an ideal place for fishing. However, if tourists want to have the best fishing experience ever in Nepal, there is no spot which is more suitable than Lake Phewa, a charming lake in Pokhara valley. The lake has 22 native kinds of fish with extraordinary views. This is the right place for people who want to relax and free their souls, getting out of the bustle of busy life in the city.
4. Go On Safari At Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the most famous and the oldest Nepal National Park; therefore, it is one of the greatest places for tourists to visit with the most interesting and exciting safari experience ever. The endangered Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, and the mugger crocodile, and a huge number of bird species. Tourists can expect the greatest adventure ever by exploring the park in safari vehicles, or if you want, you can explore everything on elephants. At night, if you wish, it is possible to spend the night in watchtowers in Chitwan National Park, listening to the roar of the wild jungle and the breath of wildlife.
5. Pilgrimage To Buddha’s Birthplace
Lumbini, Nepal is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Lumbini is not only a peaceful, mild and tranquil place to visit, but also the most important pilgrimage site in the world for Buddhists. With all the golden temples, the shimmering and pristine grounds, coming to Lumbini is definitely is one of the most interesting to do in Nepal.
6. Paragliding In Pokhara
Are you looking for an adrenaline hit on your Nepal trip?
Paragliding is undoubtedly the coolest activity for you to take part in. Thanks to Pokhara’s one-of-a-kind marvelous landscapes and geothermal patterns, Pokhara has always been one of the best places to go paragliding in the world.
7. Motorcycle Across Nepal
You are looking for an independent and adventurous experience? Why don’t you rent a motorbike, and let the wind of Himalayan land blow your hair and clear all the worries in your soul?
8. Bungee Jump
Will you be brave and strong enough for a bungee jump in Nepal?
Nepal promises to give you the best experience of extreme sports, and if you’re disappointed, you might not be in Nepal. You can enjoy this sport in a spot which is not very far from Kathmandu, in a resort called The Last Resort, which has the world ninth highest bungee jump.
9. Party In Thamel
Thamel is the most lively district in Kathmandu, which has a lot of bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants. Local cuisines will be found easily, as well as a glass of local brew. Try to enjoy it, make new friends with local people, other travelers while enjoying loud music.
10. Souvenir Shopping In Kathmandu
After the trip to Nepal, before having to come back home, everyone wants to buy souvenirs to keep the memories live on, or to buy some gifts for friends and family members. Shopping in Kathmandu is highly recommended since it has various things to buy, and almost everything can be found here. Besides, souvenir shopping in Kathmandu can be one of the most interesting experiences also, as it has a lot of dedicate handicrafts, traditional products as well as local food to bring back home.
11. Enjoy Food In Nepal
Trying different cuisines of a new land is always an exciting and worthy thing to do. Food, somehow, reflects the thought, the feeling and the tradition of local people. Besides, the food in Nepal is really special and tasty, and as Nepal is famous for tourism, all the dishes are easy for tourists to eat. Momo, Pulao, Dal Bhat, Sel Roti, Thukpa, Gorkhali lamb and some other dishes are worth trying for at least one time in your life.
