At almost any time of the year, numerous attractions of Nepal and high-class hotel service are available to tourists. Here you can organize a vacation for every taste, starting from immersion in the world of spiritual teachings, ending with SPA treatments. And no matter how luxurious the hotels in Nepal are, the most beautiful thing is beyond them. Stunning views, a variety of types of active entertainment, ancient temples and an abundance of sacred sites await foreign guests. It is extremely difficult to say what to see in Nepal in 1 day, because there are dozens of beautiful and interesting places for tourists here. We have compiled a rating that presents the best attractions – you can use it to navigate when preparing a trip. Wherever you decide to go, do not forget to buy souvenirs (teas, ceramics, clothes and blankets made of natural materials) that will remind you of the trip.
What to see in Nepal first of all
When choosing what to visit in Nepal, you should start from who you are traveling with (alone, with family, friends), for how long and what ideas you have about a good vacation. The choice of place of residence also depends on preferences. It is mostly mountainous here, so it is inconvenient to travel long distances every day, and the main attractions are scattered throughout the territory. Initially, decide what you want more – to make tracks, see ancient buildings, visit national parks, etc.
These are the sights of Nepal that are definitely worth considering as elements of a tourist route:
1. The city of Kathmandu
Panorama of the city of Kathmandu
The city of Kathmandu is a non–standard metropolis, which has a special atmosphere of antiquity due to the many buildings of ancient construction. Don’t know what to see in Nepal after arriving in the capital for just a day? We recommend visiting temples, walking through narrow streets, observing the local way of life, and be sure to visit at least a couple of museums and palace complexes with truly priceless objects. If you can’t book a hotel, contact the newly opened tourist center near the Palace Square, where there is wireless internet, rooms for overnight stays and an inexpensive cafe.
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2. Durbar Square (Kathmandu)
Durbar Square – the historical center of Kathmandu
Durbar Square (Kathmandu) is a unique space in the capital, where there are about fifty objects recognized as the cultural and historical heritage of the country. A significant nuance is that in order to see the archaeological sites, the tourist will have to pay for an entrance ticket valid for a day. Not all buildings have been preserved in good condition – this is largely due to the destruction after a strong earthquake in the thirties of the last century. The most interesting place for travelers will be inside the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex, if desired, you can see the city from a bird’s-eye view by climbing the tower.
Official website: http://dbrevisited.weebly
3. Kathmandu Valley
View of the Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Valley is a well–known landmark of Nepal, attracting a huge number of historical and archaeological memorabilia (the total number exceeds 130 objects). During an excursion or an independent visit, you can see buildings erected in the first century, as well as inspect the decoration of temples that are considered sacred to followers of Hinduism and Buddhism.
4. Lumbini
The Lotus Stupa in Lumbini
Lumbini is the most popular place among Buddhists – it was here, according to ancient legends, that Shakyamuni Buddha was born. Keep in mind that pilgrims and ordinary tourists come here all the time, so be prepared for a large number of people around. However, the size of the complex allows you to enjoy exploring stupas, temple buildings and monasteries. The list of the main attractions of Nepal includes the Maya Devi temple with the nearby column of ruler Ashoka – you should definitely get into it.
5. The ancient city of Patan (Lalitpur)
The square of the ancient city of Patan (Lalitpur)
The ancient city of Patan (Lalitpur) is now practically a part of Kathmandu, which used to be a separate settlement with temples of various divine entities. A visit to a real Buddhist monastery will be very interesting, especially since it was here that the coronations of Nepalese rulers once took place. Other popular attractions are souvenir shops and a zoo, where children will especially like it.
See the beautiful places of Nepal in this wonderful video!
6. Pokhara City
Magnificent panorama of the terraces of Pokhara city
The city of Pokhara is one of the most populated cities in the country and is the starting point for travelers climbing the peaks of the Himalayas. Mostly, guests of the city spend time on the shores of Lake Phewa, enjoying amazing views, and in its surroundings, where hotels, cafes, restaurants operate and there are even several nightclubs.
Official website: https://pokharamun.gov.np
7. Kangchenjunga Mountain Range
Nepalese prayer flags on the Kanchenjunga Mountain Range
The Kanchenjunga Mountain range includes five mountain peaks forming a natural border with neighboring India. For the first time, it was possible to ascend Kangchenjunga only in the fifties of the last century, although attempts to do so were made back in 1905. The massif has a high level of climbing difficulty, so it is worth going here only for those who have been professionally engaged in mountaineering for several years.
Official website: https://www.summitpost.org
8. Jomolungma Mountain peak (Everest)
The majestic mountain peak of Jomolungma (Everest)
The Jomolungma Mountain Peak (Everest) is a mountain that has made Nepal a world–famous tourist center. Having the highest height among the existing peaks, Everest attracts ordinary people and climbers with different levels of training. Due to the weather conditions, it is best to climb the mountain in the autumn-spring period, and it is not necessary to reach the top. Special camps are equipped for less prepared travelers at an altitude of 6.4 and 5.3 kilometers. Going to the mountains, you should take into account the significant cost of money and time, because it takes at least 60 days to prepare for the ascent.
9. Annapurna National Park
Tilicho High Mountain Lake in Annapurna National Park
Annapurna National Park is a place to go in Nepal for anyone who loves mountains, but is not necessarily an experienced climber. The most interesting things in the park, which has been operating since 1986, are tracks, mountain landscapes and holy places, some of which tourists are not allowed to enter. Professionals can climb Annapurna after completing a training course and hiring a guide among local residents.
Official website: https://www.ntnc.org.np
10. Sagarmatha National Park
Dudh Kosi River in Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park covers an area of more than a thousand square kilometers and includes the highest peak in the world – Jomolungma. Tourists can chat with representatives of the Sherpa people, and if desired, hire them as guides for mountain climbing. It is worth taking the time to get acquainted with the architecture and interior design, as well as the way of life of Tiangboche and other Buddhist monasteries located here.
11. Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Royal Park Landscape
Chitwan National Park is one of the Nepalese attractions, where you can not only have fun, but also stay overnight. Special houses for several people are provided for the accommodation of travelers. Due to the large area of the park and the animals living outside the cages and aviaries, it will not be possible to explore it on foot – you can choose a jeep as a vehicle or take an unforgettable ride on an elephant. The park area is under the protection of the authorities, and to get to it from the capital, you will need to cover a distance of two hundred kilometers. By the way, it was once here that the local kings loved to hunt.
Official website: https://www.chitwannationalpark.gov.np
12. Dharahara (Bhimsen Tower)
Dharahara Tower (Bhimsen Tower) with Sugat Shrestha Spiral Staircase
Dharahara (Bhimsen Tower) is one of the attractions of Nepal that have been lost forever due to natural disasters. Built in the nineteenth century in the center of the capital, the structure used to consist of two towers Bhimsen and Dharahara of eleven floors each. They were used to detect the enemy on the outskirts of the city. Now both structures have been destroyed as a result of the strongest tremors in 1934 and 2015.
13. Swayambhunath Temple Center
Wild monkeys at the Swayambhunath Stupa in Nepal
The Swayambunath Temple Center is an important place for Buddhists on the border of the Kathmandu city limits, where people come for close communication with numerous monkeys, visiting the main stupa with the same name and 365 steps, as well as visiting local monasteries and walking through the picturesque park area.
Official website: https://swayambhu .buddhism-foundation.org
14. Pashupatinath Temple
View of Pashupatinath Temple from the hill
Pashupatinath Temple is located in the eastern part of the largest Nepalese metropolis, being a place of constant visit for followers of Hinduism. Many travelers from other countries come here, who are interested in seeing real yogis and hermits living in numerous caves. The main tourist attraction is the main temple, where the funeral ceremonies of the deceased take place. You can watch this action, but only from the other side of the river.
Official website: https://pashupatinathtemple.org
15. Kopan Monastery
Embroidered walls near the main gate of the Kopan monastery
Kopan Monastery is a wonderful choice to visit in Nepal to experience the positive effects of meditation on your own. In Kopan, Buddha is worshipped, and you can easily get there by car or public transport in the capital. The monastery has been open for almost 50 years, and anyone can enter for free. But you will have to pay for Lamrim lessons and other teachings. Famous actors, musicians, athletes and politicians regularly come here to learn certain spiritual practices (many have their own personal mentors).
Official website: https://www.kopanmonastery.com
16. Bodnath Temple Center
A large Buddhist stupa in the Bodnath Temple Complex
Bodnath Temple Center is a large–area complex, which has everything you need for an exciting pastime for foreign guests: souvenir shops, a mandala-shaped stupa in the central part, meditation schools, monasteries and restaurants where you can taste traditional Nepali dishes.
Nepal’s Attractions: what else to visit in Nepal
In addition to the listed attractions of Nepal, there are still a huge number of places that travelers should devote time to. In our review, we will mention those that are most popular so that you can fully appreciate all the delights of a vacation in this amazing country. Please note that most of them involve ordering a guide in Nepal – this is due to the need to negotiate special transport, rental of equipment, etc.
So, here are five more options for what to see in Nepal:
17. Kumari Ghar Temple (Temple of Goddess Kumari)
Kumari Ghar Temple Palace on Durbar Square in Kathmandu Bijay chaurasia
Kumari Ghar Temple (Temple of Goddess Kumari), built three centuries ago to worship the human incarnation of Talej. The place is unique, because inside there lives a girl who, through numerous checks, is chosen among hundreds of other representatives of the Shakya caste and revered as a goddess. It is considered an incredible luck to see the earthly Kumari, so there are always people near the windows who are waiting for it to come out.
18. Lake Phewa (Feb)
Paragliding over Lake Fewa
Lake Phewa (Fewa) is a landmark of Nepal, which is often visited by connoisseurs of natural wonders. The freshwater lake is surrounded by mountain peaks, and in the very middle there is an island where pilgrims and ordinary tourists who want to see the Bahari temple complex with their own eyes go by boat. If you look closely, Annapurna is visible in the purest water in calm and sunny weather.
19. Mehendra Cave
Descent to Mehendra Kamalbeloved Cave
Mehendra Cave, inside which thousands of bats have found shelter. If you are not afraid of these animals, then, armed with a lantern and a guide, you can go inside to admire the unusual stalactites. Outwardly, many of them bear a resemblance to Shiva, one of the most revered Hindu deities. If you have claustrophobia or fear of the dark, then it is better to consider other options for what to see in Nepal.
20. Rafting in Nepal
A calm stretch of river among the wildlife of Nepal
Rafting in Nepal is an entertainment that will give an extravaganza of positive emotions, because the local rivers are quite stormy and have many rapids. There are many rivers in the Himalayas suitable for rafting, including those that will surprise professionals in this sport. It is necessary to decide where to rafting, taking into account your preparation and desire to take children on rafting. Of the difficult trails, San Kosi is popular, Trisuli is suitable for families, and Bhote Kosi is a universal choice for beginners.
21. Tracks in the mountains of Nepal
Trekking in the mountains of Nepal is an affordable type of outdoor activity
Trekking in the mountains of Nepal is attracting more and more connoisseurs of hiking due to the availability of routes of varying complexity, including to the foot of Mount Everest and other peaks. Not everyone can get to the base camps at a decent altitude, but there are much simpler tracks that even a person without special training can do.
As you can see, there are really a lot of attractions in Nepal, so there will be no problems with drawing up a route, no matter how many days you come. Do not forget to check the weather forecast beforehand, because, for example, during the rainy season, it is not so pleasant to explore interesting places. A good option is to view descriptions, photos and reviews of the main attractions and book excursions in Nepal in advance. In this case, you will not have to waste extra time during the journey.
For those who travel with children and choose what to see in Nepal, it makes sense to combine a relaxing and active holiday so that the kids do not get too tired. And finally, one more recommendation for tourists going on a trip: observe safety measures during your stay in the mountainous area, so as not to get injured and get lost. Read also about the sights of Brunei and plan your further trip to Asia!
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