Top 15 Places to visit in Nepal
- Friday February 14, 2020
- 0
Nepal attracts visitors for a variety of reasons. Many visitors are attracted by the mountains like Mt. Everest, Earth’s highest mountain in Nepal, while others are curious about the cultures, religions, and beliefs. Many more because Nepalese have cultures, religions, and religions that anyone wants to know about. Visiting Nepal can be proven the best travel choice for travelers, and it can be a life-changing experience, depending on how travelers travel or visit. Here are some important places to visit in Nepal.
A trip to Nepal is a top destination for travelers, whether climbing the slopes of Mt. Everest or paying homage to the birthplace of the Buddha. The country boasts some of the most diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to subtropical forests, along with the Himalayan mountain range between China and India in South Asia. Nepal’s culture is filled with various old temples and holy places and colorful ambulant festivals.
In Kathmandu, visitors can spend their time visiting various sacred and historical attractions and head out to other parts of the country. Pokhara, a popular area for trekking, and Chitwan National Park for viewing wildlife are some of the most popular locations outside the capital wildlife. Trekkers can find various options, with the most popular areas being the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions. A major earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, also recognized as Nepal’s black day, causing extreme damage in Kathmandu and other areas of the country. Before visiting any places, travelers should check on local conditions.
1. Kathmandu
Nepal’s capital and largest city are Kathmandu, which is like no other city in the World and is a prominent place to visit Nepal. The decaying buildings in the city’s heart that pass the streets contrast the lively atmosphere. People go about their daily lives; street sellers push their wares while the smell of incense wafts from the store’s sellers, all against a backdrop of historic temples and statues. For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. Durbar Square is the highlight of Kathmandu, the largest palace square in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Various shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths of temples and monuments can be found here. In the 2015 earthquake, Kathmandu’s Durbar Square was severely damaged, along with many historic buildings.
2. Bhaktapur
The third of the Royal Cities is Bhaktapur, which lies on the old trade route to Tibet. The trade route was a primary arterial source of wealth for Bhaktapur. The population of Bhaktapur is mainly Hindu, in contrast to Patan and Kathmandu. Durbar Square is the best place to begin a tour of the city. Moreover, the royal palace and several temples are also located. The whole area is enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the 2015 earthquake, many of the buildings of Bhaktapur were damaged. Bhaktapur, which was beautifully preserved, experienced a fair share of damage during the earthquakes. Luckily, most of the city’s temples and shrines, which are the main attractions in this place, escaped without any damage, like the City of Devotees. Bhaktapur, less crowded than Kathmandu, invites relaxing, peaceful walks through medieval squares and winding streets. In the National Art Gallery, a 15th-century structure, a famous site known as the 55-Window palace, is kept.
3. Boudhanath Stupa
The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the World’s largest Stupas of its kind, just outside Kathmandu. Boudhanath Stupa is believed to be built during the 5th century A.D. It lies on the old trade route to Tibet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site like Bhaktapur. During the 2015 earthquake, the Stupa faced minor damage; otherwise, it was in good condition. The Stupa symbolizes enlightenment, but Boudhanath symbolizes enlightenment more clearly and fairly, which is its best part. One of the five elements, i.e., earth, water, fire, air, and sphere, is represented by each shape, which is also the quality or character of the five Buddhas. It is believed that peace, satisfaction, and happiness can be felt after visiting Boudhanath Stupa.
4. Pokhara
Two hundred kilometers west of Kathmandu, there lies Pokhara, at the base of foothills surrounded by some of the highest mountains, i.e., Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna. Pokhara is also called the gateway to the Himalayas. For the Annapurna region, Pokhara is the starting point. Pokhara is mainly famous for trekking purposes. Pokhara is also famous for its beautiful scenery, attractive places, and environment.
It is the second largest town in Nepal after Kathmandu by population, but the fantastic thing is it still does not feel like a big and crowded city. The people from Kathmandu almost immediately notice much cleaner air and a pleasant climate. Lake Phewa, with lakeside hotels, restaurants, and shops, is best for visitors looking for relaxation and day tours.
Pokhara is a popular resort destination for travelers with its calm and gentle lakes and mountains view. In northwest Nepal, known as the gateway to the Annapurna region, the lakeside city offers a truce to hikers and provides opportunities for outdoor adventures. The largest one is Phewa Lake, which is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops among the three lakes. The lake also appears as an island with a temple devoted to the goddess Barahi Bhagwati, where ceremonies are held nearly every weekend.
5. Trekking in the Annapurna Region
Annapurna Base camp trek is named the most popular and fascinating trekking region. It is placed in the second position after the Everest Region. In Annapurna Base camp, you will commonly pass through the majestic and breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes. Annapurna Base camp is known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. You can enjoy the thick bamboo, full of rhododendron, pine forest, beautiful mountain views, and a mix of cultures unparalleled by other treks. Annapurna Base camp trek route will offer outstanding views of Himchuli, Annapurna I, Manaslu, Macchapuchhare, Poon Hill, and many other gorgeous mountains.
It is also known as the unique trek because it passes through the quaint Gurung and Magar villages, lush, dense forest, terraced farmland, and enormous glaciers. This Annapurna base camp is a beautiful combination of mountain scenery and cultural and traditional diversity, bisecting a broad range of lush rural farmlands and villages still carrying the old age fascinating culture and tradition. Annapurna region is also rich in wildlife and natural vegetation with different mammals, amphibians, reptiles, more than 450 birds, and various rhododendron species. There is also one attractive place named Jhinu, where you can get a natural hot spring to help you refresh. Annapurna region has many other fascinating trekking areas and routes like Upper mustang, Ghorepani Poon Hili, Annapurna Circuit, Dhampus trekking, Ghandruk Village trekking, and many more. Offering one of the most stimulating trekking routes throughout the whole World of Annapurna base camp is excellent for all those trekkers who want to feel some adventurous air of the World.
6. Chitwan National Park
Chitwan lies southwest of Kathmandu and is included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites. Chitwan National Park is the destination to experience different things about Nepal apart from the intrigue and the hiking of Kathmandu. This is where we can do several things like wildlife viewing, a Safari-type atmosphere, and many more. Chitwan National Park is at an altitude of only 100 meters in some areas, and this area has a tropical monsoon climate. Chitwan National park is usually quite different from what most people imagine discovering in Nepal.
Visitors come here mainly to see wildlife. Tours from the lodges take the company out into the park, either on foot, or additional often, on elephants for a close-up view of the animals. One of Asia’s most excellent wildlife-viewing destinations, the Chitwan National Park in south-central Nepal, offers needed refuge for rare and endangered species. The park is home to rhinos, leopards, Bengal tigers, sloth bears, deer, gaur (buffalo), and more wildlife. Freshwater crocodiles and dolphins (Gangetic) inhabit the rivers and streams but are rarely seen. Five hundred plus species of birds make Chitwan a paradise for ornithologists. The most significant time to visit Chitwan is from October to February. Average temperatures are about 25°C with high humidity, though the mornings can be pretty cool. critters
7. Trekking in the Langtang Region
The Langtang Region is an unbelievable area for hiking, with some high passes, old monasteries, extensive views, and beautiful mountain scenery full of rhododendron forests that bloom during the spring hiking season all over the way. However, it is less developed than other popular trekking areas in Nepal. Despite its proximity to Kathmandu, it is generally less busy on the trails. There are villages where facilities of guesthouses and food are all along the route.
Langtang region can be reached within 7 and 8 hours, making it tremendously convenient where flights are not required. When there is a clear day, the peak of Langtang Lirung is visible from Kathmandu city. Trekking duration will be short for a few days depending on your stamina and walking speed. Some trekkers combine the Helambu trek and Langtang for a longer trek.
8. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhunath is the second most significant holy place in the Kathmandu Valley after Boudhanath, which lies on a hilltop west of Kathmandu. Due to the occupant monkeys that inhabit parts of the temple, it is more warmly named the Monkey Temple. The design of the Swayambhunath Stupa is so attractive, painted with the eyes of the omnipresent God, which forms the centerpiece of the temple complex. It was a prehistoric cultural site. Swayambhunath plays a major for all of the Vajrayana Buddhists of Nepal and Tibet and especially for the Newari Buddhists of the Kathmandu Valley.
9. Everest and the Trek to Base Camp
The highest mountain on earth, the summit of Mount Everest, reaches 8,848 meters (29,028 feet) high. Trekking in the Mount Everest area became well-liked following the legendary first climb of this peak in 1953 by Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Sherpa Tensing Norgay from Nepal. Since then, many more have summited the mountain, but far more trek the route to Everest Base Camp for a quick look at the highest peak from far above. The 2015 April earthquake and previous avalanches and disputes between climbers on the mountain have absented their mark on Everest trekking and climbing.
The Everest Region is usually not regarded as the most picturesque region in the country for trekking, but the attraction of Everest draws climbers in large numbers. There are a variety of routes to access the base camp and quite a few options for planning a trip. Many trekking companies allow a guided hike with Nepalese or western-based companies. It’s also likely to hire a private guide or porter. However, all trekkers are strictly required to have a guide. The main hiking seasons are from March to May and September to December.
For those who are not interested in a trek to Mount Everest but want in heart to see the peak of Mount Everest, it is possible to view it on clear days from the Nagarkot near Kathmandu. Hotel staff will inform you on clear mornings if Everest is visible. This will be the lazy traveler’s best chance of seeing the World’s highest peak.
10. Lumbini
Kapilbastu, Lumbini, is famous for being the birthplace of the light of Asia, Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha Shakyamuni. Lumbini is situated near Kathmandu, almost 250 kilometers from Kathmandu. With archaeological finds that date back to around 550 B.C., the famous site attracts scholars, scientists, and curious visitors. Lumbini is a worthwhile detour on the route from Pokhara to the Chitwan National Park. You will feel tranquillity in this pilgrimage town, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Most of the visitors and trekkers who visit Lumbini are Buddhist pilgrims from around Nepal and World, retracing Buddha’s footsteps through the stations of his life. There is the Maya Devi Temple, which is highly dedicated to Buddha’s mother. And in that temple, some spot proves that there is the birth of Buddhas. In the center of a small park designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, the complex also features multiple monasteries, meditation centers, sacred ponds, and cultural facilities.
11. Helambu Trek
The Helambu region is one of the best and most famous trekking areas in Nepal. The Helambu region is occupied by the Sherpas and situated in the upper part of the Malechmi Khola valley. Trekking companies are offering guided hikes in this Helambu trek. This is mainly because it is close to Kathmandu and does not reach spectacularly high elevations but offers beautiful mountain scenery. Because of these kinds of reasons, many tourists want to tout the Helambu.
The Helambu Trek will start in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, and our itinerary will complete in five to eight days. The typical seven-day itinerary is circular, where the first day’s part is frequent at the end of the walk. However, many hikers who come to Nepal on tours find it more demanding than they feel they were led to suppose and more complicated than expected. Trekking in the Himalayas is always tricky, even though it is not as high as another trek. Helambu trek is still a physically and mentally demanding hike, and trekkers should be in good physical condition. With that in mind, this is a beautiful trek and well worth the effort.
12. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill is one of the most famous viewpoints in the World and Nepal. After Kala Pattar, it is almost certainly the second most famous viewpoint. There are many options to expand a trip here, and the only restrictions to the length of the trek are imagination and time. There are a lot of lodges all over the route, which will be proper for most people. Poon Hill extends in the foothills of the Annapurna in the Himalayas. At the same time, as it is below the snowline in Nepal year-round, it is an astonishing hill to hike up for the first light.
Poon Hill is located southwest of the Annapurna massif and crossways a large river valley; it also commands spectacular views of all-around four Himalayans. Annapurna, Machapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri South. The stride from Ghorepani to the peak is short, but if approaching from the north, be ready for a long, uphill day before the sunrise expedition with a 1,500m steep ascent.
13. Janakpur
The beautiful temple of Ram and Sita is located in south-central Nepal on the Terai plains, Janakpur. One time the Janakpur was the capital of a millennia-old Indian kingdom known as Mithila, and the Maithili culture still thrives here. Hindus consider Janakpur is the place where Lord Ram wed Sita. And also known as Janaki, thousands of Hindus from all over the Earth gather in the temple to celebrate the significant function, the anniversary of Ram and Sita’s marriage. There are three-story construction and 60 rooms; the massive 19th-century marble structure is the principal temple in Nepal. Janakpur is also famous because more than 100 sacred pools and ponds are scattered around the fair city.
14. Nagarkot
Nagarkot is one of the most known places in the Kathmandu valley. And mainly, it is perfect for travelers who want to experience the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas without strenuous physical activity or other activities. Kathmandu Nagarkot is also known as the best for its views of the Kathmandu Valley and the mountains. Landed on an extensive range to the northeast of Bhaktapur, the village of around Four thousand and five hundred residents requires views of eight Himalayan ranges. There’s a mixture of attractive hotels in every price range in Nagarkot, many of which are within walking distance. Nagarkot view tower is a beautiful place to hit in Nepal to observe the sun rising over the Himalayas and relax.
15. Gosainkunda Lake
One of the best places in our beautiful country is Gosaikunda lake. Gosainkunda lake has located at an altitude of about 4360m. Gosainkunda is considered Nepal’s most sought-after pilgrimage site. Gosaikunda is considered of Nepal’s most sought-after pilgrimage sites. The mountains mainly surround it, and a significant ensemble of nine other lakes accompany the Goiasaikunda. In August, Every year during Janai Purnima, hundreds of Hindu pilgrims visit here for a holy bath in the lake. The large rock at the center of the lake is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine. It is also claimed that the channel carries water from the lake directly to the tank at the Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan in the Kathmandu valley.