Nepal lies along the southern slopes of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. It is a landlocked country located between China and India. Its area is 1,47181 sq.km and current population is 30,631,644 as of May 12, 2023. Apart from the world's highest peak, Mount Everest Nepal has many more to offer. Nepal is the solitary country in the world with non- quadrilateral National Flag. Nepal is the only country in the world to have a living goddess, the Kumari. The worship of the goddess in a young girl signifies the worship of heavenly female energy. Nepal is called the Amazon of Asia. The hidden treasure of its rich biodiversity is not yet fully explored.
Nepal’s culture is just as diverse, filled with centuries-old temples and monuments, and a wealth of colourful festivals. Here are the top 10 places one must visit in Nepal.
Kathmandu
The country’s capital is Kathmandu. A crowded metropolis of more than 1 million inhabitants, Kathmandu is a combination of tourist shops, trekking agencies, hotel, restaurants, religious sites and artisan workshops.
Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, also this is the one of the largest and oldest temples in Nepalese History. According to Hindu religion, Pashupatinath is considered as protector of the universe and the guardian of Nepali people.
The famous Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom. Several building, temples collapsed due to a major earthquake 25 April 2015 still undergoing restoration, but there are many intact sites well worth exploring.
Set atop a forested hill, the ancient Buddhist complex Swayambhunath also known as Monkey Temple is a can’t miss attraction that offers sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhu means “self-existence”. The stupa has two giant Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows, wisely looking out over the peaceful valley which people believe in.
Thamel is a lively, visitor- friendly area. People here are multilingual which makes it convenient for foreigners to stay. It is more famous for its nightlife. We can experience bars and lively eateries that serve Nepalese and international dishes.
Garden of Dreams is the old neo-classical garden in Keshar Mahal. Within the Garden walls are pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture, and European enthused features such as verandas, pergolas, balustrades, urns and birdhouses. Each six pavilions, providing the Garden’s architectural framework, is dedicated to six seasons of Nepal.
Boudha Stupa is on the ancient trade route from Tibet which enters the Kathmandu Valley by the village of Sankhu. Boudha Stupa is semicircle shaped and contains the remains of Buddha. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. Boudhanath stupa has stood as an inspiration of Buddhist belief, rising over the surrounding town as a giant mandala of peace and beauty.
Chandragiri Hills provides panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Everest. To reach the top of the hills is easy and comfortable with a 9 minutes cable car journey covering the length of 2.5 KM.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a former Royal Palace located in Bhaktapur. The Durbar Square is a common name of the Malla palace square.
Bhaktapur was considered the biggest and the grandest along with the independence.
It is also known for its traditional art and architecture with many examples of sculpture, woodcarving and immense pagoda temples focused on different gods and goddesses.
Among the brick’s walls, with the courteous setting and sculptural design, is an upper tier of fifty-five windows, considered to be a unique masterpiece of woodcarving also, it is one of the oldest monuments present in Nepal.
Apart from Bhaktapur Durbar Square we can also visit Nyatapola Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, Taumadhi Square, Pujari Math, Dattatreya Temple not to forget Pottery Square.
Bhaktapur is famous for its amazing “Juju Dhau” also known as “King of Curds”. It is made of fresh buffalo milk and served in a small clay pot.
Bhaktapur is an ancient city and is well-known for its sophisticated art, tremendous culture, colourful festivals, traditional dances and the original lifestyle of the Newari community.
Patan
Patan is also known as Lalitpur. It is best known for its amusing cultural heritage, mainly its tradition of arts and crafts. It has a dominance of Hindu and Buddhist religions having cultural beliefs.
Patan Durbar Square is the ancient royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur are located.
The Durbar Square is a marvel of Newar architecture. The square floor is tiled with red bricks which itself is an attraction for the visitors. The Square also holds old Newari traditions which are the centre of both Hinduism and Buddhism.
Krishna Mandir is the most important in Patan Durbar Square. It’s a variety of Shikhara style called Granth Kuta, a three storied structure. The stone and beam carving can be seen in first and second floor pillars.
Bhimsen Temple is very famous for its three interconnected golden windows. In the Newar community, this temple is worshipped as a god of business and trade.
Vishwanath Temple is worshipped as God Shiva. With erotic carvings are decorated at the roof supports.
Taleju Bhawani Temple is a five-storey temple with triple roofs. Taleju Bhawani is the royal goddess of the Malla dynasty of Nepal.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is famous for the scenic beauty of the place which makes it very popular for tourists. It is approximately 7000 ft (200m) above the sea level and 28 km from Kathmandu International Airport.
Nagarkot gives us the widest views of the Himalayan in Kathmandu Valley (out of 13 from here 8 Himalayan ranges of Nepal). The ranges include Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, Mahalangur range (Everest range), and Number range with views of the Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National Park.
There are many hiking opportunities in and around for active nature lovers and those who are outdoor enthusiasts. Nagarkot eco trail (nature walk) along with Nagarkot panoramic hiking trail are the popular ones.
Nagarkot is a very unique and worthwhile place to visit. October to April is the best time to visit this place.
The Nagarkot View Tower (Nagarkot Geodetic Survey Tower), is an exceptional place to get a 360-degree view of the mountain and to energise your thoughts in the beauty of nature. It is the best place to see the sunrise and the sun set.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the first park of Nepal which was established in 1973 as the Royal Chitwan National Park. It covers an area of 367.81 sq mi. It is located in Inner Terai Nawalpur, Parasi, Chitwan and Makwanpur.
The wide range of vegetation types in the Chitwan National Park is the haunt of more than 700 species of wildlife. Apart from king cobra and rock python other 17 species of snakes are found inside it. It is a home for 68 mammal species. Chitwan has particularly rich plants and wildlife and is home to one of the last populations of single horned Asiatic Rhinoceros and is the last refuge of the Bengal Tiger. Wild elephants, four horned antelope, Pangolin, Golden monitor lizard, Python, Bengal florican are also found inside the park.
Visit the Park through elephant rides which usually have three times: early morning, mid-morning and late afternoon. You can do a Jeep Safari private or shared, short safari or full day safari.
Pokhara
Pokhara is a metropolitan city in central Nepal which is also the capital of Gandaki Provenience. It is considered one of the tourism cities. Pokhara is known for its Himalayan range, lakes along with adventure activities such as boating, trekking, rafting, canoeing, and bungee jumping.
Phewa Lake is a perfect place to visit. You will fall in love with nature which offers you a pleasurable experience that you can enjoy with your near and dear ones. You can hire a boat, paddle on your own or you can get a boat person along with you speed on enjoying the water below.
Begnas lake is close to the Phewa Lake which is very picturesque and anyone would fall in love with beautiful waters and lush greenery.
Devi’s fall is locally known as Patale Chhango, which means underground falls. The water struggles sideways with rocks of the hills to get itself into the laps of Mother Nature.
Bindhyabasini Temple is located on a hilltop and is a place to go in Pokhara. We can see mountains from this temple which is very scenic and photography.
Mahendra Cave is the best experience you can have in Pokhara. Adventure loving people will love this place as you will be in a whole different world of dark caves, so don’t forget to carry a torch or headlamp along with you.
Tal Barahi is a small serene temple of Goddess Durga. This temple is located in the midst of Phewa Lake. It is a place enclosed by big trees which provide you all the experience of eternity in a view.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is an excellent natural architecture work. Pokhara visit remains incomplete if you don’t visit this cave which takes you to the “Shivling”. Here you can also enjoy the view of the waterfall.
Chamera Gufa which is also known as Bat cave is one of the famous and liked tourist places. It is also known for the natural habitat of the horseshoe bats residing in the cave. The bats are everywhere which makes this place more adventurous.
Seti River is a must go place in Pokhara because the water flows directly from the Himalayas, which is so extremely clear and calm. This river is approximately 60-80 metres deep. This river will make a place in your heart.
Sarangkot is an outstanding place to visit for paragliding. The thrill Himalayan gives is a feeling of high. For sunrise and sunset this is the perfect place to be.
Shanti Stupa is situated at hilly edges of the Himalayas. The silence you found here is beyond imagination because here you are able to hear your own breath. Once you reach the top of the stupa, the view is breathtaking.
Lumbini
Lumbini is a Buddhist religious site in the Rupandehi District of Lumbini Province in Nepal. This is the place where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam at around 566 B.C. According to Buddhist Tradition it is said that Gautam Buddha was enlightened around 528 B.C.
Maya Devi Temple is the heart of Lumbini. Its families the Marker Stone, the Nativity Sculpture and physical remains, all related to the birth of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha. The Nativity Sculpture and Marker Stone shows the exact birth scene and birth spot of the Prince Siddhartha.
Ashok Pillar was founded by the Emperor Asoka to mark the birthplace of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha and remember his visit to Lumbini. This pillar is over 22 feet tall and well-preserved engraving in five lines states that it stands in the area where the birth occurred.
Lumbini complex is a holy site of Lumbini surrounded by a big monastic zone in which only monasteries can be built, no shops, hotels or restaurants.
Janakpur
Janakpurdham or Jankpur is a holy land of Goddess Sita. Which is believed to be the incarnation of goddess Laxmi. Daughter of Earth who was found ploughing a field as ritual to please God for rain in his Kingdom.
Mithila Art is famous all over the world made by Maithili women of Janakpur. Apart from being Ramayan, Janakpur is also famous for temples, ponds and vibrant festivals.
Janaki Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Sita. This Mandir is a religiously important monument and heritage site but is also an active temple for devotees.
Ram Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Janakpur but was built in late 1700 B. S. On the occasion of Ram Navami and Dashain we can see numbers of devotees here.
Ganga Sagar is a huge and famous lake in Janakpur. People come here to relax and spend their time on this lake.
Dhanush Sagar is located near Ram Mandir. It is also the biggest ceremonial site in the city. Taking a bath at the ghat is considered blessed by the devotees.
Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base camp is one of the treks whose aura will make you fall in love with landscapes and the peaks. The Annapurna Base Camp lies at an altitude of 4130m. It is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. Trail is a royal one that will take you through rice paddies, lush rhododendron forest, and high-altitude landscape with Annapurna Range approaching in front of you most of the time.
The Annapurna range has such stunning views which are the most awaited time for every mountain paramour. You will be met with views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli even before you set foot on the trek, which surely add on advantages for trekkers.
It will be a 9 day trek starting from Pokhara . The path passes through the Annapurna Reservation which is the residence of billions of wildlife. What a lifetime experience indeed!
Tilicho Lake
World Highest Tilicho Lake which is located in the Managg district of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres, and is 4 km long. It is one of the popular destinations of Annapurna Circuit trek. The studies show that no aquatic organism has been recorded in the lake so far.
Hindus believe that Tilicho lake is an ancient Kak Bhusundi lake which is mentioned in the epic Ramayan.
All around the year trekking to Tilicho can be done but to experience and witness Tilicho lake its best to trek in autumn or spring. During this season, there will be a pleasant climate, clearer will be the sky as well as snow -covered Himalayas in full view.
Nepal is a naturally beautiful country with different settings, where people here are friendly along with rich culture and traditions. Apart from the above -mentioned 10 places there are many other places to visit in Nepal which will definitely offer a unique experience for travellers.
Comments