Whether trekking to the base of the world’s highest mountains or indulging in various cultural activities, Nepal tour is an experience of a lifetime. Situated along the Himalayan mountain range between China and India, this pea-sized country on a world map boasts varieties of landscapes, culture, and adventure, stretching from sub-tropical jungles of the great Himalayas in the north within a distance of mere 200 Km. If you don’t know what is the best time to visit Nepal then you can make a decision after going through the following list of best places to visit in Nepal.
Nepal’s culture is just as varied, as its landscape. Decorated with centuries-old temples and shrines, a profusion of colorful festivals and an abundance of vivid celebrations and a lot of fascinating products to examine and buy. While many travelers opt for a Nepal trip to view the majestic Himalayas or to trek through the mountain region of Nepal, there is indeed a great deal more to this country.
Nepal is one of the highly underrated travel destinations in Asia and this is the reason why it doesn’t receive the recognition which it truly deserves. There are several reasons that separate this incredible nation from other countries and it is a place equal to heaven for nature lovers. Whether it is tranquil mountains of Himalaya or extraordinary culture, Nepal is calling you to discover its hidden jewels. If you have made your mind to visit this spectacular country then here are the best places to visit in Nepal that will make your job easy. In this article, we have listed all tourist places in Nepal that you may include during your upcoming tour:
1. Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital and the largest metropolitan city in Nepal, is like no other cities in the world. It is one of the most visited Nepal tourist places in Asia that features several sightseeing locations. This may be due to the only air terminal that is situated here. However, there is more to this city. This city is a “Living Cultural Museum”. The monuments you see here dates back to the 16th and the 17th century. Whether it be buzzing around the city in a taxi through crowded streets, walking down the narrow winding alleys, marveling at Durbar Square packed with extraordinary temples and beautiful courtyards or avoid the street hawkers, Kathmandu can be amazing, exhausting, and interesting place.
Kathmandu is also a cultural capital of Nepal. This city houses 7 of the 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites thereby making it part of the best places to visit in Nepal. Furthermore, for most of the Nepal tours, Kathmandu is the starting point.
2. Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur, the third major town in Kathmandu valley after Kathmandu and Patan, lies on the old trading route to Tibet. Its relative remoteness of the time enabled the city to grow autonomously and in manners which distinguishes it from the other two urban communities of Kathmandu and Patan. Rather than Patan and Kathmandu, the number of inhabitants in Bhaktapur is basically Hindu. The best spot from which to start a Bhaktapur tour is Durbar Square decorates with several medieval architectures, temples, and courtyards. The cobblestone street links various temples, monasteries, and courtyards inside Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The entire zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Foreigners, visiting the Durbar square will have to pay hefty Rs1500 (USD 15).
The cultural life of Bhaktapur is vibrant, with the presence of strong communities of potters, weavers, and woodcarvers. If you love to experience pottery making, make sure to include Bhaktapur Durbar Square in your upcoming trip to Nepal.
3. Patan
The Bagmati river separates Kathmandu and Patan and is a second largest town in the valley. This city has a long influence of Buddhism and the four corners of the city are marked by stupas said to have been erected by the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka around 250 BC.
Far greater concentration of architecture and temples decorate Patan Durbar Square as compared to Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. This city is another UNESCO World Heritage Site inside the Kathmandu Valley. Numerous diverse style temples, as well as bahals (Buddhist monasteries), are all around this fascinating old town.
Patan makes a great day trip from Kathmandu. Further, Patan is the best place to visit in Nepal to purchase the exquisite carefully assembled silk saris that used to be the article of clothing of decision for the nation’s royalty. It is one of the most sought after places to visit at Nepal that attracts tourists in huge numbers.
4. Nagarkot
Nagarkot lies on the eastern edge 30 Km from Kathmandu city. There are different slope towns around the edge of the Kathmandu city which offers extraordinary mountain sees. Among them, Nagarkot stands the top. The view broadens right from Dhaulagiri in the west, passing Mount Everest to Mount Kanchenjunga in the east. It is the best spot close to Kathmandu for mountain viewers. Between October till December and March till May an excursion to Nagarkot will be rewarded with the view of the Himalayan range.
If you want to capture some of the breathtaking views of Himalaya and Mount Everest then come to Nagarkot. It is situated next to Kathmandu Valley making it easy for travelers to cover multiple destinations in one go. Here you can take an overnight halt to enjoy sunrise views which is a rare sight to watch when sunrises from misty mountain ranges. If you can’t catch the sunrise, don’t worry as you can wait for sunset which is also an extraordinary site to witness.
5. Pokhara
If you are planning to discover diverse kinds of Nepal tourist attractions then Pokhara is the must-visit destination in this incredible country. Pokhara ticks all the benefit boxes, with marvelous views, adventurous activities, accommodations, and food galore. This is the reason why Pokhara attracts a large number of domestic and international travelers.
Besides, Pokhara distinction has come about because of its lakeside mood and its close proximity to the world best Annapurna region trek. It’s totally expelled loosened up climate from the hectic bustle of Kathmandu. The lakeside zone is the significant vacation destination, along which is the constant stretch of inns, restaurants, and shops.
Phewa Tal or Phewa Lake is the explorer’s point of convergence in Pokhara. One of the highlights here is rowing around the lake appreciating the quiet lake and truly flawless scenery of snow-topped Himalayas.
Moreover, different attractions in Pokhara include the Varahi Temple devoted to Lord Vishnu in his hog manifestation, the Binde Basini Temple, Seti River, Davi Fall otherwise called Patale Chango, Tibetan Settlement and Monastery. At that point after, for excellent dawn see and awe-inspiring Himalaya display Sarangkot is the best spot.
It is settled next to Annapurna Himalayan Range and recognized as the second biggest valley in the country. Tourists who want to experience real magic of nature from very close distance come to this place to enjoy its ultimate charm. It is one of the most visited destinations in Nepal which offers several opportunities to adventure activities for travelers. You can try hiking, trekking, water rafting, and river boating in cold waters to experience the ultimate thrill of your life. All these reasons make Pokhara one of the must-visit tourist places at Nepal.
6. Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s most visited national park because of its easy accessibility. Besides, this is one of the outstanding Nepal visit places which is well-known for elephant safari and wildlife viewing. Today this park offers one of the best wildlife encounters in Asia.
You’ll have a fantastic plausibility of spotting one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys and a part of the more than 500 species of birds. In the event that you’re inconceivably lucky, you may spot a leopard, wild elephant or sloth bear. Notwithstanding, it’s the special chance to recognize an elusive Bengal tiger that is the head fascination.
Besides, there are varieties of wildlife activities to keep you engaged other than elephant back safari. These include jungle walks, canoe ride, visit to the tribal Tharu village, visit of elephant breeding center to name a few.
Nepal is blessed with so many natural offerings and Chitwan National Park is a perfect example of this fact. If you want to see some of the extraordinary wildlife creatures of Asia then come to this park which is recognized as an ideal family vacation destination in Nepal tourism. You have an option to do the entire tour on feet or opt for an elephant ride that will take you through the park slowly. Here you can discover sloth bears, leopards, rhinos, gaur deer, Bengal tigers and more than 450 different species of birds.
7. Lumbini
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This famous tourist destination in western Nepal is a Mecca for Buddhist. Situated in the western Terai of Nepal, this well known Buddhist pilgrimage site doesn’t take long to cover.
The Maya Devi Temple, one of the most venerated sites here, and the spot where Buddha was conceived. Other attractions in Lumbini include Ashokan Pillar, Sacred Pond and the Tibetan religious communities. Besides, there is an overall grouping of cloisters. Being harassed by heat for around nine months of the year, it is ideal to visit different sites in Lumbini in the early mornings or late evening.
8. Bandipur
Bandipur is one of Nepal’s most enchanting hilltop towns. Sitting on a sensing edge, giving a sublime perspective onboard clear of the Himalaya from Dhaulagiri to Langtang. This town is a living historical center of Newari culture. The architecture of the buildings and the atmosphere of this enchanting town is medieval.
Time seems to have stopped here. One can simply walk around this benevolent and wonderful Newari town. In any case, it is considerably more intriguing to contract a neighborhood guide and visit the destinations, including the Thani Mai temple. The main reason to hike to Thani Mai sanctuary is for the astonishing sunset view from Gurungche Hill. An indisputable morning offers without a doubt the most basic 360-degree vistas, with the Himalaya relaxing up along the horizon, and the valley underneath covered in a thick fog that resembles a white lake.
9. Daman
Daman is halfway between Kathmandu and Hetauda at 2,322 meters above sea level. The Daman distinguishing strength is that it seemingly offers the most astounding perspective on the Himalayan range. Moreover, the view extends from Dhaulagiri to Mount Everest. On the off chance that you are in a Nepal tour and have a chance to visit this spot, it ought not to be missed. Moreover, Daman is one of the ideal Nepal tour places to observe snowfall from mid-January until February.
Alongside the astounding Himalayan views, lovely rhododendron woods (which especially blooms during spring), and extraordinary views of Terai swamp makes this spot probably the best viewpoint in Nepal.
A portion of the attractions here includes Daman Mountain Resort View Tower. From this view tower, one can have a widely inclusive point of view about 300 miles of the Himalayan range. To see a stunning point of view on the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest, Daman is most likely the best spot in Nepal. Towers offer the absolute best perspective on the Himalayas.
10. Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit in northwest Nepal offers explorers an outside encounter at its best. Exhibiting the varied culture, scenery, and landscape of the Annapurna Region, the great trek leads travelers high into the Himalayas, crosswise over plunging gorges, over desert plateaus and through lush subtropical valleys with terraced farms. The trek likewise passes through the highest pass of the world ” Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters)”.
Trek begins from east of Pokhara, the adventure taking around three weeks to finish, however, numerous trekkers walk half of it by flying out at Jomsom Airport. There is additionally the shorter yet no less lovely Annapurna Sanctuary Trek that takes around 8 to 12 days. This is one of the most mainstream treks in Nepal with hotels and tea stops at hourly intervals or less. No wonder it is also listed in one of the highly recommended Nepal places to visit without fail.
11. Boudhanath Stupa:
Also recognized as a Bodhnath, it is one of the unique stupas, which is reputed as the largest in its category. The history of this masterpiece dates back to the 6th century and it is reputed as a UNESCO heritage site. During the earthquake of 2015, this Stupa has received a small form of damage but it has successfully held its original beauty. It is a perfect symbol of enlightenment and each of its shapes represents different elements such as the sphere, air, fire, water, and earth. It is one of the untouched places to visit in Nepal that you should be part of your itinerary.
12. Pashupatinath Temple:
Your tour to Nepal will be only complete when you visit this sacred place at least once in your itinerary. The very famous Bagmati River also flows close to the temple thereby creating it an absolute rare site to watch. Photography lovers will love to capture some of the most scintillating moments of this destination in their camera. It is also listed on the UNESCO heritage site and this is the key reason why it attracts foreign tourists in such a huge number. This immense temple features several other small temples along with inscriptions and ashrams which are considered as a resident of devotees.
Nepal is such a magical country that has always recovered from any difficult challenge thrown to it by destiny. The credit goes to the courage and hardworking ability of Nepalese people who welcome tourists with open hands. So don’t forget to add Nepal in your itinerary in your upcoming tour to Asia. Once you visit this serene travel destination, you will love to visit it again and again. If you want to know the list of top things to do in Nepal then check out our other travel guides.