Heaven is a myth, but Nepal is real.
You might have heard this quote several times. This is a modern quote about Nepal and its beauty.
A small country lies in the lap of the mountains and is surrounded by hills. Rich in culture, Natural beauty, and spiritual depth. Nepal has been the top destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
In ancient times, Nepal was called a holy place. Several dynasties ruled over Nepal. Leaving behind its own unique legacy and cultural significance. Reflecting its cultural diversity.
Despite Nepal’s small size. Nepal is more culturally and historically rich than many countries.
In this blog, we will be guiding you through breathtaking Places to visit in Nepal.
From iconic city Kathmandu to Pokhara to hidden gems tucked in the hills and valleys. Whether you are planning for your first visit or your fifth. This list will inspire you to visit again and again.
Best places to visit in Nepal
You might wonder where to visit. Don’t worry, we will be guiding you. Take a deep breath and begin your journey to Nepal.
Here is the list of the Best places to visit in Nepal:
- Kathmandu ( City of temples)
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the best place to visit in Nepal. It lies 1324 meters high above sea level.
This is the city of the living goddess. Where the living goddess Kumari is worshipped. Kathmandu is not a normal city. You will find more temples than houses in Kathmandu.
It is a city where you can get the opportunity to dive deeper into the history of Nepal.
Here are some places that you can visit in Kathmandu:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Here you will find several heritage sites to visit. You will encounter over 50 ancient temples and palaces.
- The Pashupatinath Temple:
The biggest Hindu temple where lord shiva is worshipped. This is an ancient temple with great history.
- The Boudhanath stupa:
The largest stupa in Nepal. The most sacred place for Buddhist people.
- Patan Square:
The square contains history about Malla kingdom rise and fall. You can find several old, structured temples and a durbar.
- Bhaktapur:
It is also known as Bhadgaon. This ancient city is popular for pottery and wood carving. You can still see the ancient art and design in people’s houses.
- Pokhara ( Tourism Capital of Nepal)
Pokhara is popularly known as the tourism capital of Nepal. It is located 200km west of the capital city of Nepal( Kathmandu).
A Nepal tour for tourists is incomplete without visiting Pokhara. Pokhara is also known as the City of Lakes. You can experience not only adventurous but also thrilling activities.
Here are some attractive places and adventure activities. That pokahra is popular for:
Places to visit | Adventure activities |
Phewa lake | Paragliding |
Begnas lake | Zipline |
Davi’s fall | Bungee jump |
World peace stupa | Boating |
Mahendra cave | Hot Air balloon trip |
Sarangkot | Hiking and trekking |
Chamero cave | Camping and skydiving |
- The Himalayas ( Treks that touch the sky)
Nepal is the eighth wonder of the world. Out of the top 10 mountains, 8 of them lie in Nepal. The world’s highest peak also lies in Nepal.
You will feel like touching the sky beneath the clouds. Here are some of the treks you can experience in Nepal.
- Everest Base Camp Trek:
- Annapurna Circuit
- Langtang Valley trek
- Manaslu Circuit
Here are the season for the trek, the difficulty level, and the days to cover the trek.
Treks | Season | Difficulty level | Days to cover |
Everest Base Camp trek | Spring/Autumn/ Summer | Difficult | 13 days |
Annapurna circuit | Spring/Autumn | Difficult | 14 days |
Langtang Valley trek | Spring/Autumn | Moderate | 8 days |
Manaslu Circuit | Autumn/Spring | Difficult | 14 days |
- Lumbini( The birthplace of Gautam Buddha)
Lumbini lies in the Rupandehi district of Nepal.UNESCO has listed Lumbini as a World Heritage site.
In Nepal, 8.21% of people follow Buddhism as their religion.
Lumbini is the place where Gautam Buddha was born. His real name was Siddhartha Gautam.
You can find several monasteries, Stupas built by Buddhist nations from across the world. Just after his birth, Gautama Buddha is said to have taken seven steps. You can visit the site that celebrates these first sacred steps.
Places to visit in Lumbini are:
- Maya Devi Temple
- Ashoka pillar
- Monastic zone with international monasteries.
- Lumbini Museum
- Chitwan National Park
Chitwan is a world heritage property. It also contains the Ramasar site, also known as the buffer zone. Chitwan National Park covers an area of 932 sq km.
The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife. This includes 68 species of mammals and 544 species of birds. It also hosts 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish.
The park is especially renowned for its conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros. In addition, the park plays a vital role in protecting the Royal Bengal tiger. It is also home to the endangered Gharial crocodile.
Here are some activities and places in Chitwan:
- Elephant polo
- Visit Devghat Dham
- Visit the elephant breeding center
- Visit Bis Hazari Tal
- Jungle safari on (Elephant)
- Bandipur: A living Newari heritage town
Bandipur is a town located in the Tanahun district. When King Prithvi Narayan Shah defeated Kathmandu. The Newari Merchant chose Bandipur as the trade route between India and Tibet.
Bandipur is famous for its warm hospitality and natural beauty. This place is also called as natural view tower. You can see the Annapurna range, Manasalu, Dhaulagiri, and Langtang.
Bandipur offers an experience of an old-aged Newari culture to the visitors.
Here are the places that you can visit in Bandipur:
- Siddha Cave
- Silkworm farm
- Tudhikhel
- Mahalaxmi temple
- Khagda Devi Temple
- Rara Lake (Largest Fresh Water Lake)
Rara Lake is also known as Mahendra Lake. It is the largest fresh lake in the Nepalese Himalayas. It is located in Jumla and Mugu District in Karnali province.
Rara Lake is nestled in Rara National Park. There is an interesting fact that Rara Lake changes color from blue and green.
Rara Lake is a hidden paradise full of natural beauty and a unique ecosystem.
- Gosaikunda Lake(Sacred lake)
Gosaikunda Lake which is located in Langtang National Park.
Gosaikunda is a holy lake and is most popular for pilgrimage for Hindu devotees. Nepali people travel especially during Janai Purnima.
The Gosaikunda lake trek provides breathtaking views. The views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang Himalayan peaks make it a worthy trip.
Other noteworthy places to visit in Nepal.
- Illam:
Illam is popularly known as the Tea garden of Nepal. Also known as the hill station of eastern Nepal.
- Janakpur:
Janakpur is a sacred city located in eastern Nepal. This city shows the Mithila culture and art. It offers visitors a unique blend of heritage and spirituality.
- Mustang:
Mustang, also known as” Last Forbidden Kingdom”. It has a desert-like landscape with caves, temples, and beautiful scenery, with Tibetan culture.
- Gorkha:
This is a historic place where King Prithvi Narayan Shah was born. He unifies the Scattered Kingdom into a Single country( Nepal).
- Kalinchowk:
A popular pilgrimage for Hindu people. Winter is the best season for visiting Kalinchowk. You can experience snow near Kathmandu.
Tips for travelers Visiting Nepal
Suppose you are thinking of traveling to Nepal. Here are some of the tips for you:
- Best time:
The best time to visit Nepal is the spring/Autumn season. You can try different outdoor adventures.
As there are minimal chances of rainfall this season. You can go hiking and trekking.
This is the perfect time to summit Everest and do a jungle safari. You can also be part of big festivals like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal.
- Cultural Etiquettes:
Nepal is rich in culture. Along with that, Nepalese people have diverse beliefs in their religion and their values.
Here are some basic Etiquettes that you should follow:
- Respect elders and be polite to juniors.
- Do Namaste by joining both hands. Nepalese people don’t like doing handshakes.
- Don’t take the topi off their head and play with the topi. It is not liked by Nepalese people often called rude in Nepal.
- You can’t have cow meat in Nepal. A cow is considered to be a holy animal for Nepalese people.
- Do not keep your shoes or sandals upside down. It is thought to mean bad luck.
- Use the right hand for offering and receiving the gifts.
- Transport in Nepal
As Nepal’s most parts are Hilly and mountainous. Due to uneven geography Nepal still lacks convenience in transport.
Here are some means of travel. You can experience while travelling in Nepal:
- Bus ( local / tourist)
- Airplane
- Train
# Note: Trains are available only from Janakpur to Jayanagar. As Nepal’s geography and economy don’t provide that flexibility.
Conclusion
Nepal is a small country but rich in Natural beauty, cultural depth, and spirituality. From the towering Himalayas to beautiful lakes to ancient temples, Nepal carries history.
You can also experience a vibrant festival. It carries Nepal’s story of resilience, diversity, and timeless charm.
Whether you are seeking thrilling treks, peaceful retreats, and cultural exploration. Nepal has something unique to offer every traveler.
So, pack your bags and open your mind. Once you visit Nepal, you won’t just take memories home, you’ll leave a piece of yourself behind.
Nepal isn’t just a destination- it’s a feeling. An unforgettable and sacred experience awaits you.
FAQ
- Which place is the most visited in Nepal?
Kathmandu is the most visited place in Nepal. It is also the capital city of Nepal. Nicknamed “ the city of temples” due to numerous pagoda-style temples and stupas.
- Is 7 days enough in Nepal?
No, 7 days are not enough to travel to all the places in Nepal. But some specific places can be visited in 7 days.
- Which time is the best time to visit Nepal?
October or November are the best months to visit. While seasons like spring and Autumn are also the best seasons to visit.
- What is the famous food in Nepal?
Dal bhat is the most famous food in Nepal. For snacks, momos are the most popular snacks for a Nepali household. Along with gundruk,dhido,selroti, Thukpa, etc, are the most famous foods in Nepal.
- What is Nepal’s national Animal?
The cow is the national animal of Nepal. It is considered to be holy because Hindus believe the cow is the form of the goddess. Consuming the meat of cows is considered a sin in Nepal.