Nepal: Must-Visit Country in the World

Nepal is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations for travelers. If you are looking forward to planning your vacation, you can consider this blog your guide.

If you are expecting to discover unique cultures, participate in festivals, connect with nature, experience exciting adventures, or if you are on a spiritual quest, Nepal is the perfect travel destination for you.

We have listed the top tourist places to visit and the best things to do in Nepal. Therefore, read along to find out more about this beautiful country and its hallmarks.

Why Visit Nepal

• Pleasant weather all year round.
• 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Architecture and Artwork in Kathmandu.
• 11 different national parks across Nepal.
• Rich in natural vegetation and ecosystems.
• Nepali are warm-hearted and welcoming individuals.
• Adventure tourism is one of the biggest industries in Nepal.
• Wandering around peaceful places like Pokhara, Lumbini, and Dhulikhel.
• Nepal is a land of Mt.Everest (Sagarmatha), the world’s tallest mountain.
• Magnificent temples, monasteries, and historical monuments are in hefty numbers.
• Phenomenal lakes such as Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa Lakes, Tilico Lake make this destination a top choice among tourists.
• The landscape of Nepal is amazing as eight of the tallest mountains in the world and a land area just 60 meters above sea level can be found here.
• Iconic ancient structures in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Mountains

Nepal, the land of soaring mountains, paradise for adventure enthusiasts. The world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, stands tall here. Nepal has eight mountains higher than 8000m and many peaks higher than 6000m.

The mountains of Nepal are top tourist destinations as they flock to Nepal every year to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayan region. Nepal offers an unparalleled experience for mountaineering, hiking, and trekking enthusiasts.

Everest

Everest Region provides its visitors with the experience of stunning mountain views, unique local culture, and various monasteries. Many major tourist attractions lie in this area, one of them is the Everest Base Camp. From Namche Bazaar to Mount Everest, this area is full of beautiful views that take your breath away.

Highlights of Everest:

• Stroll around Namche Bazaar and visit the Sherpa Museum.
• Everest Helicopter Tour.
• Visit Sagarmatha National Park and witness the wildlife of the Himalayas.
• Trek to any of the passes: Everest Base Camp, Cho La, or Renjo La.

Annapurna

The Annapurna Region offers one of the best trekking trails among the mountains and is the most diverse trekking area in Nepal. This area’s most famous trekking route is Annapurna Base Camp. You have other options to trek in this region, but if you are a pro, you can summit Mt.Annapurna itself.

Other popular tourist areas around the Annapurna Region are Poonhill, Mardi Himal, Khopra Ridge, Tilicho Lake, and many more.

Highlights of Annapurna:

• Annapurna Helicopter Tour
• Trek to witness a panoramic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range and many mountains of 8000 meters.
• You also can trek up to Tilicho Lake.
• Experience the view of beautiful monasteries. 

Manaslu 

Mount Manaslu stands tall as the eighth tallest mountain globally, with a height of 8,163m. The Manaslu region is rich in heritage, culture, and a variety of flora and fauna. Different travel agencies provide a variety of trekking packages to choose from to trek in Manaslu. Some famous treks are Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Around Trek, Manaslu Circuit & Base Camp Trek, and many others.

Highlights of Manaslu:

• Trekking through Larkya La Pass
• Experience the richness and warmth of Tamang culture.
• Panoramic view of The Manaslu and Annapurna Ranges
• View of numerous high picks.

Cities

Nepali cities allure tourists worldwide with its multi fascinating charm such as cultural heritage, history, spiritual aura, thrilling adventures, beautiful nature, and warmth of people. The cities of Nepal give a lively, dynamic, and energetic vibe to its visitors.

People celebrate and display their lifestyle to tourists without a filter. Locals open their arms to celebrate various auspicious occasions, jatras, and festivals like Holi and Tihar with tourists.

Kathmandu: Nepal Capital

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and is a vibrant and bustling metropolis. Located in the central part of the country, Kathmandu is surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys. The city is known for its rich history, diverse culture, artistic expression, local cuisine, and festivals and celebrations.

Things to do in Kathmandu:

• Make a visit to the alluringly ancient Durbar Squares.
• Visit the temples, which attract thousands of Hindu devotees.
• Explore the most popular Hindu and Buddhist landmarks like Pashupatinath Temple and Swoyambhunath and Bouddhanath.
• Shop for souvenirs from local vendors and hippies from different parts of the city.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a city situated in the western part of the country and is famous for its astonishing natural beauty. It is popular for its serene lakes, majestic mountain views, and peaceful atmosphere. Pokhara is a popular destination for adventure lovers, offering activities like paragliding, trekking, bungee, and boating.

Things to do in Pokhara:

• Visit Shanti Stupa and Pumdikot after boating in Lakeside.
• Enjoy the nightlife of Lakeside Pokhara with international cuisine and drinks.
• Check out the International Mountain Museum, David Falls, and the Caves of Pokhara.
• Make a trip to Majhikuna to enjoy the view of Begnas Lake and fresh fish.

Mustang 

Mustang, also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” is an isolated and mystical region of Nepal. Located in the northwestern part of the country, Mustang is rich for its ancient Buddhist monasteries, unique Tibetan culture, and breathtaking landscapes. The region’s rugged terrain and deep canyons make it a paradise for trekkers. Tall and magnificent mountains are situated within the region of Mustang.

Things to do in  Mustang:

• Stroll and explore the culture and cuisine of the locals.
• Visit Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
• Visit Marpha village to explore ancient monasteries.
• Visit the apple garden and enjoy the wine.

Chitwan

Chitwan, situated in the southern part of Nepal, is a wildlife paradise. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Chitwan National Park is also situated here. The park is known for its abundant biodiversity, including endangered species like the Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, and elephants. Visitors can enjoy activities like jungle safaris, birdwatching, and elephant rides in Chitwan National Park.

Things to do in Chitwan:

• Enjoy a jeep safari around the forest to encounter Bengal tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, and the rare one-horned rhino.
• Enjoy a boat safari on the Rapti River to spot the gharial.
• Explore the local Tharu culture and food.
• Enjoy your time in Chitwan at the luxury hotels available.

Adventure

Nepal is the best place to visit due to its breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and incredible adventure opportunities.

Adventure is one of the most significant reasons to travel to Nepal. From the highest peaks of the Himalayas to the lush valleys and ancient temples, Nepal offers a wide range of adventures for travelers. Here are some popular adventure activities you can experience in Nepal:

Paragliding: Pokhara is a popular destination for paragliding with the view of the Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges and Fewa Lake. Soar like a bird over the stunning landscapes by paragliding.

Trekking and Hiking: The country is also renowned for its trekking trails, with the most popular being the Everest Base Camp trek. Other famous treks include the Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit, and the Langtang Valley trek. These routes lead you through stunning landscapes and offer the closest views of some of the world’s highest peaks.

Mountaineering: For experienced climbers, Nepal provides the ultimate and life-changing challenge of scaling some of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, the tallest of them all. Other peaks for mountaineering include Annapurna, Lhotse, and Makalu.

White Water Rafting: The flowing snowmelt rivers of the country, offer opportunities for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The Trishuli, Seti, Sunkoshi, and Botekoshi rivers are popular choices for water adventurers.

Mountain Biking: Experience Mountain biking in the uneven terrain of Nepal. The Annapurna Circuit and Mustang region offer some tremendous mountain biking routes.

Jungle Safaris: Explore Nepal’s rich biodiversity on a jungle safari in one of the many national parks of Nepal. Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, and Sagarmatha National Park are some famous tourist destinations. You can spot a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, elephants, and diverse bird species.

Rock Climbing: Rock climbing is also one of the possible adventures in Nepal, it is practiced in natural rock faces like Nagarjun Balaju, Hattiban, Nagarjun, Chomorong, and Khumbu. Also, many indoor climbing gyms are there in Kathmandu.

Cultural Visit: Visit historic temples, monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and history. Cultural heritage and architecture make Nepal the best place to travel for certain niches of tourists.

Bungee Jumping: Bungee jumping is another famous adventurous activity practiced in Nepal. Some of the famous bungee jumping platforms are:

Kusma: 228 meters (World’s Second Highest)

Bhote Koshi River: 160 meters

Pokhara: 20 meters.

Canyoning: Explore Nepal’s rocky terrain by plunging into waterfalls and narrow canyons. The canyoning is practiced in the following places:

 Lwang Ghalel

Jalbire Canyon

Sundarijal

Jagat Khola

UNESCO Listed World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sagarmatha National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Chitwan National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Bhaktapur Durbar Square

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Durbar Square

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Patan Durbar Square

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pashupatinath Temple Nepal

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Changunarayan Temple Nepal

Budget Friendly

Nepal is one of the most budget-friendly destinations for tourists to travel. Living and travel expenses here are relatively affordable compared to many countries, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Tourists on a tight budget can plan their vacation without overspeeding.

Visa Fees: Tourist Visas are normally available at the airport upon arrival and are affordable in general.

Transportation: Buses and taxis are inexpensive in Nepal. If you intend to travel on domestic flights, book tickets in advance to avoid high prices.

Experiences and Activities:  Experiencing Nepalese culture, festivals, and rituals often costs minimal. Activities, such as trekking, hiking, and exploring cultural sites, can be done on a budget. Permits for trekking and entry fees to historical and cultural sites are generally reasonable.

Accommodation and Food: Nepal offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets. 5-star hotels to backpackers hostels and everything in between is available, therefore choose what suits your budget.

Travel Nepal tips & tricks for a better experience

Respect the Religion: Nepal is a secular country, and people here practice many religions, mainly Hinduism and Buddhism. You will observe numerous holy places, such as temples, monasteries, churches, and mosques. While entering these places, dress and act modestly, remove your shoes, and avoid leather bags, belts, or jackets. Avoid drinking or smoking in holy areas.

Photography: Before taking photos, please ask for consent. Many temples, museums, and religious sites prohibit photography.

Cultural Etiquette: Avoid physical displays of attention if you are traveling with your partner. While eating, receiving, or giving things, use the right hand. Greet Nepali with a proper “Namaste”. Lastly, take off your shoes while entering people’s houses.

Trekking Safety: Hire a professional guide and carry all necessary trekking gear while trekking to your dream destination. Take the weather into consideration while planning a trip, as the weather in mountain areas is unpredictable. Carry all of your essentials with you.

Health Safety: Ensure you eat healthy and drink clean water. Do not consume anything without knowing its ingredients. Carry a small medical kit in case of an emergency. And if you are trekking or hiking longer trails, carry enough supplies of water and nutrition-rich food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)