Nepal is the most beautiful country that has many scenic landscapes with copiousness of both natural and cultural heritage. There are a lot of beautiful places to visit in Nepal. Nepal, the official name of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia.
Nepal is right between two countries bordering China in the north and India in the west, east and south. Nepal is a piece of heaven on Earth.
It is a small country and a home to many Himalayan ranges, various animals, and plants, rich, for the rivers and water which is divided into three regions; Terai region, Hill region, and the mountain region.
Nepal is rich in biodiversity and unique in geography. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest lies in Nepal. Nepal is one of the best tourism destinations for spending holidays.
The specialty of this country is its multi-ethnic, multi-language, multi-culture. There are many places in Nepal to visit that make your journey memorable and fun.
Kathmandu : Town full of Temples
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is also known as the Dream City. It is the most crowded city, and most people from outside valley come to fulfill their dream in the Kathmandu.
It is an old city, historically termed as “Nepal Mandala” and has been the home of Newar Culture in the hilly region. It is the center of Nepal’s history, art, culture, and economy and a multi-ethnic population of Hindu and Buddhist religion.
In ancient times, Kathmandu valley was a lake before the Goddess Manjushree cut Chovar hill with her sword and drained all the water away.
Kathmandu city is a gate to tourism in Nepal and is famous for its cultural heritage such as The Kathmandu Durbar Square, The Royal Palaces, Hanuman Dhoka, Asan, Kritipur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Boudhanath.
The earliest is the Licchavi dynasty of Durbar Square. It had 50 temples and distributed in two quadrangles of Durbar Square.
The outer Quadrangles has Kasthamandap temple, Kumari Ghar and Shiva-Parvati Temple; the inner quadrangles have the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The royal family lived till 1886, and later they moved to The Royal Palace (Narayanhiti Palace).
Patan: Years old Cultural Heritage
Patan is located in the southern part of the valley, 5 km drive from the Kathmandu bus park. It is the oldest city also known as Lalitpur and by its Newari name, Yala. It is a city of Newari people and is also rich for cultural heritage, arts, and crafts; Patan Durbar Square, Ashoka stupa, Patan Museum, Statues, Godavari Botanical Garden, Patan zoo and many others.
The places are buzzing all the time with the locals and the tourist. The Patan Durbar Square served as the residence of the Malla rulers of the Patan states. It is divided into different chowks.
The Museum is in Keshab Narayan Chowk. Opposite to Patan Durbar Square, there is the stone temple of ‘Lord Krishna’ (Krishna Mandir) with its 21 spires and bas-relief art depicting scenes from the Mahabharat epics.
Also, the Ashoka Stupa lies in the east of the Patan. Patan is famous for the Rato Machchhindranath festival which is celebrated for a long time for almost one month.
Bhaktapur: Newari Culture
Bhaktapur, the smaller city of the valley located in the east corner, is approximately 13 km away from the Kathmandu. It is a city of devotees, Newar people and full of religious place. Bhaktapur was named as ‘Bhadgon’ or ‘Khwopa’ in the ancient time.
It preserved the historical monuments, palaces, courtyards, temple, a hand-crafted peacock that reflect the Hinduism. Bhaktapur is also famous for the marvelous crafts including pottery, weaver, thanka, and masks.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square (‘Layaku’ in Newari Language) is the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom.
The area is full of historical monuments such as the fifty-five Windows which is a masterpiece of wood carvings, Golden Gate, The Big Bell, Pashupatinath Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Statue of Bhupatindra Malla, Siddi Laxmi Temple and Vatshala Temple is a stone temple.
The next place is Taumadi, famous for the Nyatapola Temple. One of the oldest temples with a five-story pagoda style temple of the Goddess Siddhi Laxmi built by King Bhupatindra Malla.
The temple didn’t get destroyed during the earthquake in 1990 and 2015.
Dattatraya Temple is built in the pagoda style in three-level of Lord Shiva built by the Yaksha Malla. Also, there is a Pottery Square where people make the various designs of pots out of clay.
Another is the Siddha Pokhari (Ta Pukhu: Newar language) where the next day of the Indra Jatra devotees worship the Goddess Indrayani in the west of the pond.
The city is famous for the special curd called “Ju Ju Dhau.” JuJu means King and Dhau means curd. Whoever visits Bhaktapur they never forget to taste the curd prepared by the local people.
It is known as the city of festivals such as Bisket Jatra, Gai Jatra (Saparu), Pulu Kisi (Indra Jatra), Yomari Purnima and many more.
Pokhara: A gift of Nature to Humanity
Pokhara is one of the places with most beautiful scenery and natural lakes. It needs 5-6 hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara where you can explore the natural beauty. Pokhara includes various lakes and temples, such as Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Gude Lake, Neutani Lake and Maidi Lake, Barahi temple, Bindbyabasini Temple and many others.
The beautiful closer view of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Machhapuchre Mountain can be seen from the Pokhara. The Mahendra Cave, Bat Cave, and Gupteshwor are the known cave.
Sarankot is famous for the paragliding over the Phewa lake and land at the bottom of the city.
David’s Fall is an awesome and deepest waterfall located in the south-west of Pokhara. Close to the lakeside, there are many lodges and restaurants are available, and along with it, you can enjoy the stunning view from there.
Rara Lake: Peace and Beauty at a place
Rara lake is the biggest and deepest lake of Nepal located in Jumla and Mugu districts which lie at an altitude of 2990 meters and covers an area of 10.8 square kilometers.
Rara lake is the main feature of the Rara National Park. Rara lake has much unique flora and fauna importance of rare and vulnerable species. The lake is a popular destination with a rough route in Western Nepal for trekkers.
Lumbini: Buddha’s Birth Place
Lord Buddha, Siddhartha Gautam was born in 623 B.C. Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi District. The temple of Maya Devi is one of the most important sites in the Lumbini Garden where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to the Gautam Buddha.
The Ashoka Pillar is a stone pillar along with the four stupas and a pillar. Monks in saffron-robed clothing can also be seen there.
Gosainkunda: Awesome trek to go for
Gosaikunda lake is one of the most famous religious and pilgrimage sites of Nepal. It is located at an altitude of 4,380 m(14370 ft.), and surrounded by peaks in Langtang National Park in Rasuwa District with a surface of 13.8 ha (34 acres).
It is also surrounded by the mountain ranges, amazing scenario, and a delightful forest.
Every year in Janai Purnima, August full moon day thousands of pilgrims visit Gosaikunda, take a bath in the lake and worship Lord Shiva. Gosainkunda is one of the best places for trekking destination.
Panch Pokhari: Five lakes, one sight
Panch Pokhari is a group of five holy lakes, located in the Sindhupalchowk district in Nepal.
Panch Pokhari offers pristine mountain views, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty and features different biological diversity. Every year in the Janai Purnima, many Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims visit Panch Pokhari.
Tilocho Lake: Lake sky use to see itself
Tilicho Lake is one of the most popular sites, located in the Manang district of Nepal. Tilicho Lake lies at an altitude of 4,919 meters in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas.
The trekking route combines Annapurna circuit trekking.Tilicho Lake is surrounded by mountains of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and the Muktinath Peak that make the lake more delightful.
Everest Base Camp: Once is not Enough
Everest Base camp is the first and famous trekking destination on the entire earth. It is Situated in beautiful Khumbu region, Solukhumbu district of Nepal.
The Everest Base Camp is the most popular breathtaking, exciting and challenging trekking route to the Himalayas range. You need to take a flight to Lukla and move towards Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar is the gate to Everest where the journey starts to the many mountains. Also, you can explore Sherpa villages and ancient Thami and Tengboche. Kalapathar is the most visited point to have a view of Mount Everest.
Chitwan National Park: Jungle Safari
The Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal and stated as World Heritage Property. It is located in the subtropical southern part of the Terai region, also rich in natural beauty.
A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The best part of the park is a jungle safari where you can see different animals, and it is especially renowned for its protection of One Horn Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, and crocodile.
Janakpur: Where Lord Ram and Sita got married
Janakpur is popular for the pilgrims and the birthplace of King Janak’s daughter Sita. The city is also known as Janakpur Dham, and it is the capital of the Dhanusa district. Nepal Railways, which is the only railway in Nepal, connects Janakpur to Siraha at the Nepal-India border. The local people of Janakpur speak the Maithali language as it is the city of old Maithili culture. Every year, the festival ‘Ram Navami’ celebrates beautifully.
Annapurna Base Camp: Quaint Gurung Village
The Annapurna Base Camp is the second popular trekking journey in the Annapurna area after Everest Base Camp. The trek explores amazing views of the mountains and the rich culture, local communities and the traditional way of life.
The Annapurna Base Camp route begins from Ghandruk trail to Chomorong, and Deurali to reach Annapurna Base Camp and along this route, you can find splendid views of Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Mount Fishtail, and Annapurna.
Lukla: Doorway to Majestic Mt. Everest, Divine Scenery
Lukla is located in the Khumbu area of the Solukhumbu District in the Sagarmatha-Zone of north-east Nepal.
Although Lukla is well-known for the most dangerous airport in the world, it is also popular for mountaineering, trekking and visiting the amazing scenario of the Himalayas ranges. It is the most visited trekking route to Everest Base Camp, Namche Bazaar, Gokyo valley trek, and the Sherpa cuisine is the specialty of that place.
Nagarkot: A picnic Spot
Nagarkot is the best place to see the spectacular sunrise view and the Himalayas ranges when the weather is clear.
Many visitors prefer to visit in the Spring season, and also locals go for the picnic. Nagarkot can be easily accessed by hiking, cycling, bus or other means of transportation.
Bhote Koshi: Rafting or Bungee Jump?
Bungee Jumping is one of the adventurous sports in Bhote Koshi, Nepal.
In Nepal, there are two places where you can go for the Bungee jumping; Bhote Koshi River and Pokhara. The jump takes place at 160 meters above the Bhote Koshi River.
Mustang: Let’s get lost
Mustang is rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a historical place and situated in the Dhaulagiri zone in Nepal. This beautiful land is divided into two parts; the Upper Mustang and the Lower Mustang. The Lower Mustang is full of natural scenery, and Upper Mustang is popular for the adventurous trekking.
Snowfall mostly occurs in the winter season and visitors enjoy playing with snow during this season. In Mustang, There are different beautiful places such as Jomsom, Kagbeni, Lo Manthang and many others. Muktinath Temple is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Within, Hinduism it is called Mukti Kshetra which means the ‘place of liberation or moksha’ and had 108 water taps.
Khapdak National Park: Green everywhere
Khapdak National Park is in Seti Zone and is stretched over four districts of Nepal: Bajhang, Bajura, Accham, and Doti and covers an area of 225 square kilometers.
It has many different species of animals, birds and medicinal herbs and the landscapes consist of steep slopes, streams, and moorland.
Langtang: Monasteries
Langtang is nestled on the northern side of Kathmandu. Langtang National Park is home to the Langtang region.
Langtang is popular for trekking, extensive views, old monasteries, traditional Tamang villages and beautiful mountain scenery with rhododendron forests that bloom during the spring season. The religious Gosainkunda Lake and Briddim villages lie in the Langtang.
Swayambhunath: Guardian with two eyes
Swayambhunath is the second most holy place after the Boudhanath, located on the top of a hill in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The temple is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’ due to a big tribe of roaming monkeys are found there. The temple constructed in the fifth century. Both Hindu and Buddhist people are the pilgrims of the Swayambhu.
Boudhanath: World Heritage
Boudhanath is the biggest stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. Boudha stupa is also called Khasti (Newari tongue).
During Losar in February or March, there is the largest celebration of Buddhist people. There are 50 Gompas around the Boudhanath. Buddha stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is most popular tourist site in the Kathmandu.
Ilam: Try tea of Ilam
Ilam, famous for tea production, is a beautiful hill area located in the eastern part of Nepal.
Ilam offers a brisk walk in the tea garden, picnic, sightseeing spots, and a gentle slopes into the nearby woods. Some of the popular places to visit in Ilam are Antu Danda, Mai Pokhari, Sadakpur, Gajur Mukhi and Mai Beni. The time to visit Ilam is from October to December and from April to February.
Pashupatinath Temple: Lord Shiva temple
The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous and sacred Hindu Temple located at the bank of the Bagmati River.
Pashupatinath Temple is considered as the most important and holiest temple of Lord Shiva of Nepal. Every year on Maha Shivaratri in March there is a huge crowd of pilgrims. Near the Pashupati temple, there is another temple known as Gujheswori Temple. Many other temples are visited by people from all over Nepal and India.
Dhulikhel: Spectacular view
Dhulikhel is the administrative center of Kavrepalanchwok district, Nepal.
Dhulikhel is a popular destination to observe the view of mountains peak and hills side after some minutes of some walk, the arch of 1000 steps. At the top of the 1000 steps, there is the small temple of Kali where you can have the spectacular view.
Changunarayan Temple: 4th Century Temple
Changu Narayan, the oldest temple perched on the hill, built in the 4th Century during the Licchavi period is located in the north site of Bhaktapur.
The temple is decorated with ten incarnations of the Narayan and stone lion guard all around the temple. Garuda, half-man and half-bird knees in front of the temple. The local people are mostly Newar, Gurung, and Tamangs.
Phoksundo Lake: Not to miss Lake
Phoksundo Lake is a fresh alpine water lake, located at an elevation of 3,611.5 meters (11,849 ft.) above the Sea Level in the Dolpa District.
The snow-capped mountains surround Phoksundo Lake. There are more than 20 stupas and a gompa in the eastern side of the lake.
