The Helambu region is a popular trekking destination, especially for trekking companies that offer guided hikes. This is largely due to its proximity to Kathmandu, lack of astoundingly high elevations, and stunning mountain scenery.
It is frequently marketed as easy by tour companies for many of the same reasons. However, many hikers who come here on tours discover that it is more difficult and demanding than they were led to believe.
Trekking in the Himalayas is always challenging, and while this trek is not as high as others, it is still a physically demanding hike that requires trekkers to be in good physical condition. With that in mind, this is a lovely hike with beautiful rhododendron trees in bloom in March and April, and it’s well worth the effort.
The Sherpa-inhabited Helambu region is located in the upper part of the Malechmi Khola valley. The Helambu Trek can be started and finished in five to eight days from Kathmandu. The typical seven-day itinerary is circular, with the first day’s section repeated at the end. The stark contrast between the lower and upper lying regions, as well as their distinct cultures, is striking.
The Helambu short trek is the most popular trekking route in the Langtang region. Nepal Trek Adventure offers this circuit for 5 to 7 days at the best cost (price) and itinerary. This trek can be started from either Melamchi Bazar (60 km) or Sundarijal (26 km) from Kathmandu. It is located northeast of Kathmandu and stretches from Taramarang to the tree line of Gosainkunda Lake and the lower slopes of Jugal Himal. We come across several highland Tamang and Sherpa villages on both sides of the Melamchi Khola.…
The International Mountain Museum, located in the beautiful mountain town of Pokhara, is a must-see before embarking on a trek. This impressive modern structure is a bright and airy space that houses all the information you could ever want to know about Nepal’s mountains and the people who live in them.
The Mountain People Gallery is the first of three main galleries spread throughout the museum. Through exhibits and a video, you’ll learn about Nepal’s indigenous people, particularly those of the Khumbu region.
The second gallery focuses on the mountains themselves, providing detailed information on 14 peaks above 8,000 metres as well as an overview of the geology that formed them.
The third gallery delves into the mythology of the elusive Yeti and the equipment used in mountain climbing. In addition to the galleries, there is a Lakhang room for quiet reflection.
If you’re looking for other things to do nearby, there’s a tall triangular climbing wall outside, as well as a smaller version for those who are less adventurous.
Every year, over 100,000 domestic and international tourists visit the International Mountain Museum (IMM). IMM records, documents, and exhibits past and present mountain and mountaineering developments from around the world.
The museum’s main exhibition halls are the Hall of Great Himalayas, the Hall of Fame, and the Hall of World Mountains. There are exhibits on famous peaks, descriptions of famous mountaineers, the culture and lifestyle of mountain people, flora and fauna, and geology, all in an attempt to represent the Nepalese people’s traditional culture and values.…
Many people are surprised to learn that Nepal has vast lowland areas where Bengal tigers, rhinoceroses, crocodiles, and elephants can be found. Bardiya National Park is one of the best places to see these animals in their natural habitat (also Bardia National Park). Aside from the large animals, the park is a bird-watching hotspot, with over 400 species living in or passing through the area.
This area, located in northwest Nepal near the Indian border, is known for its river valleys, extensive grasslands, and tropical forest dominated by the Sal tree. Some areas of the national park were once the sole hunting grounds of Nepali royalty. It has grown over the years, and it now covers 968 square kilometres.
From adrenaline-pumping activities like mountaineering, kayaking, and paragliding to peaceful strolls among mediaeval temples and hidden palaces, this country offers more memorable travel experiences than a single visit can accommodate.
Bardiya National park is the largest national park in the lowland Terai covering an area of 968 sq.km. The park situated in Nepal’s Western Terai was established for protecting the representative ecosystems and conserving the habitat of tiger and its prey species. Initially, a small area was gazetted as the Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 1976. At that time, 1500 households of the Babai valley were relocated outside the park allowing the vegetation and wildlife to flourish. In 1982, it was renamed as Bardiya Wildlife Reserve, and in 1984 it was extended to its current size.…
Mount Everest, the highest mountain on the planet, has an elevation of 8,848 metres (29,028 feet). Trekking in the Mount Everest region became popular after the now-legendary first ascent of the peak by Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Sherpa Tensing Norgay in 1953.
Many more people have climbed the mountain since then, but far more people trek to Everest Base Camp just to catch a glimpse of the peak above. The mountain has seen its fair share of tragedy and drama in recent years. The 2015 earthquake and previous avalanches, as well as disputes among mountain climbers, have all left their mark on Everest trekking and climbing.
The Everest Region is not generally regarded as the most scenic trekking region in the country, but the allure of Everest makes it a popular destination for climbers and trekkers alike. There are several ways to get to base camp and several ways to organise a trip.
Many trekking companies offer guided hikes, whether they are Nepalese or Western-based. It is also possible to hire a private guide or porter and complete the trek on your own; however, all trekkers are technically required to have a guide. The main hiking seasons are spring and fall, from March to May and September to December, respectively.…
A trip to Nepal is a top destination for many travelers, whether they are climbing Mt. Everest or paying homage at the birthplace of the Buddha. The country, which is located in South Asia along the Himalayan mountain range between China and India, has some of the most diverse landscapes on the planet, ranging from snow-capped mountains to subtropical forests. Nepal’s culture is equally diverse, with centuries-old temples and shrines, a plethora of colorful festivals, and a plethora of exotic wares to peruse and purchase.
Crowds of Buddhist pilgrims are a common sight in Lumbini, the traditional birthplace of Lord Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. The legendary site attracts scholars, scientists, and curious visitors alike, with archaeological finds dating back to around 550 B.C.
Maya Devi, Buddha’s mother, gave birth near a tree in the garden, which is now a temple in her honor. The complex is located in the center of a small park designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and includes several monasteries, sacred ponds, meditation centers, and cultural facilities. Many people like to travel! Especially our friends over at booking.com. 🙂 …
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.