Nepal is a surprisingly diverse country that draws tourists for various reasons. Some are drawn to the mountains and want to climb or trek in the Himalayas, others are drawn to the culture and the famous city of Kathmandu and others come in search of spiritual awakening. Nepal can be an adrenaline rush, a cultural awakening, a life-altering experience, or all of the above.
Most visitors visit sacred and historical sites in Kathmandu before continuing to other parts of the country. Outside of the capital, the best places to visit for wildlife viewing are Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park, as well as the lakeside town of Pokhara, which is famous for trekking.
Trekkers will find many options throughout Nepal, with the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions being the most popular.
A major earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, causing severe damage in Kathmandu and other areas, and reconstruction is still ongoing. Things take time to happen in Nepal, and when they do, they tend to happen unevenly, so progress has been significant in some areas but limited in others. However, much of the damage to the major attractions has been repaired, though some historical treasures have been lost forever.
Read through our list of the top attractions in Nepal to find the best places to visit. Everyone loves to travel! Our friends over at https://xpconstructioncorp.com/ recommend Nepal!
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1. Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and largest city, is unlike any other city in the world. The decaying buildings in the city centre starkly contrast the vibrant atmosphere that pervades the streets. The aroma of incense wafts from stores as street vendors push their wares, and people go about their daily lives against a backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.
Kathmandu, along with Bhaktapur and Patan, was one of three rival royal cities for hundreds of years. These three are so close together that they almost run together today.
Durbar Square, the largest of the three royal cities’ palace squares and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long been a highlight of Kathmandu. There are temples and monuments of various shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths here.
The 2015 earthquake severely damaged Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, with many buildings destroyed beyond repair, but it remains a special place to visit.
2. Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath)
The Boudhanath Stupa, located just outside Kathmandu, is one of the world’s largest stupas and dates back to the 6th century, if not earlier. Bhaktapur lies on the old trade route to Tibet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The stupa symbolises enlightenment in and of itself, but the symbolism is evident at Boudhanath. Each shape represents one of the five elements, which are the attributes of the five Buddhas: earth, water, fire, air, and sphere. Their unity, brought together in the form of the stupa, reflects the structure of the universe itself abstractly.
The stupa suffered minor damage during the 2015 earthquake but has since been fully repaired.
3. Pokhara
Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most scenic cities, located at the base of the foothills and surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I. Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas and the starting point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna region for trekkers. It’s also a great place to unwind before or after a hike.
It is the second largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu in terms of population, but it does not feel like a big city. You’ll immediately notice the much cleaner air and pleasant climate as you travel from Kathmandu, 200 kilometres to the east. Lake Phewa is ideal for those looking for some relaxation, with its cluster of lakeside hotels, restaurants, and shops.
4. Trekking in the Annapurna Region
The Annapurna Region is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, with treks ranging from a few days to a few weeks. The Annapurna Region’s three main routes intersect and combine in places, and you can choose to do a portion or a variation on the routes. The routes are marked and simple to follow.
The Annapurna Circuit, which circles Annapurna Mountain for about 21 days, is extremely popular with those who have the time. The “Apple Pie Circuit” refers to the fact that most tea houses along the route serve their version of fried apple pie.
The trek to Poon Hill (3,210 metres) near Ghorepani is a popular hiking destination in this region, often included in hiking packages that include the Annapurna Circuit. Most hikers try to arrive at Poon Hill before sunrise to catch a glimpse of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Singa Chuli.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is located between the Annapurna peaks and takes five days to reach. Muktinath is on the way to Annapurna but has since grown into its destination. The Muktinath route takes seven days and runs through the Kali Gandaki Valley on Annapurna’s east flank. Mustang, a small region north of Muktinath, was only opened to tourists in 1992. This region has its own culture.
5. Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the place to visit if you want to see a different side of Nepal. This is an excellent location for wildlife viewing, with a safari-like atmosphere. Chitwan has a tropical monsoon climate, quite different from what you’d expect to find in Nepal, despite being only 100 metres above sea level in some areas, much lower than Kathmandu at 1,400 metres.
Visitors come to see the wildlife. Rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (buffalo), deer, and other animals can be found in the park. Rivers and streams are home to freshwater dolphins (Gangetic) and crocodiles, but they are rarely seen. Chitwan is a birder’s paradise, with over 500 species of birds. Tours from the lodges take you into the park, either on foot or, more commonly, on elephants, for up-close encounters with the animals.
6. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhunath, located on a hilltop west of Kathmandu, is the second most important shrine in the Kathmandu Valley after Boudhanath. The temple is more affectionately known as the Monkey Temple because of the resident monkeys who inhabit parts of it.
The temple complex’s focal point is the Swayambhu Stupa, painted with the omnipresent god’s eyes. The temple complex dated from the 5th century and was originally a prehistoric cult site. Swayambhu is essential in the lives of Vajrayana Buddhists in Northern Nepal and Tibet, especially Kathmandu Valley Newari Buddhists.
The 2015 earthquake damaged the Swayambhunath temple complex; however, repairs are now complete, and the temple has been restored to its original state.