Best Places to Visit in Nepal
With a country full of geographical and cultural diversity, Nepal is very unique. From high sky-touching peaks to flat fertile lands with calm rivers, there are so many places in Nepal to visit that a small list is not enough. Picking a select few from the many places, we have prepared a list of places in Nepal that you should consider traveling and exploring. From busy bustling cities to serene and beautiful scenery, here are the best places to visit in Nepal.
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square ( aka Basantapur ) was the previous Kingdom of Kantipur and is one of the three royal palaces in the valley. The Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is not difficult to figure out why. The Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once known for vibrant displays of artists and craftsmen.
The place showcases Nepalese architecture and craftsmanship with its stunningly decorated palaces and temples. If you are visiting Nepal, Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu.
Highlights
- Many beautifully carved out architecture with statues of deities. The palace is ornately carved with wooden windows and panels. Other famous temples like Kasthamandap are also in Basantapur.
- It contains the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum. The entire museum can be visited and explored. [Gaddi Baithak]
- Here lies Kumari Ghar which is resided by a Kumari, A young girl selected to be the human reincarnation of the Hindu Goddess Durga. This place also carries huge religious importance. Travelers will find wood-carved remnants of gods and symbols as they enter the Kumari courtyard.
- Freak Street, which lies the North-East of Kumari Ghar, is a small street popular for its rich Hippie history. The street is lined with many restaurants with cuisines from all over.
- The place also has many shops even out in the streets for buying antiques and souvenirs.
2. Patan Durbar Square
The Kathmandu valley is comprised of three cities, each previously ruled by its individual kings. Patan is the oldest of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The place is renowned for its rich artistic history. Patan is located across the Bagmati river on a plateau. In the present age, the city is known as Lalitpur.
Patan Durbar Square is the royal palace premises of the previous kings of the city. The place is rich with Buddhist and Hindu monuments with many tourists each year coming to Nepal to study and explore the place. The Square is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- Four stupas, one at each of the city’s cardinal points, serve as the four corners of Patan and encircle the whole area. The stupas are believed to be erected by Emperor Ashoka. Patan is full of architectural gems with rich Buddhist and Hindu monuments, temples, carvings, and buildings.
- The center of the Square is the former royal palace that is now a museum. This museum is dedicated to safeguarding and displaying religious artifacts and bronze statues. It is regarded as one of Asia’s top museums.
- Surrounding areas of the square are also filled with many restaurants and shopping areas where you can try out Nepalese cuisine and shop for gifts and souvenirs.
3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur is the smallest district of Nepal covering around 6900 square kilometers. Despite being small in size, the city is rich in terms of architecture and history. The square contains a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Although the remains of these 13th-century monuments and buildings have been lost over the centuries but the place is still enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire place is believed to have flourished during the reign of King Bhupatindra.
Highlights
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square provides both a religious and a historical trip as there are about equal numbers of temples and palace structures there. The former Royal Palace is one of the famous places in the square.
- The real fun of Bhaktapur Durbar Square is on Foot. Walking through the temples and monuments at one’s own pace is one of the most fun experiences. The place has its own shops and many different cuisines you can find in the alleyways and shops around the square.
- Exploring isn’t the only way you can spend your time in these city squares of the Kathmandu Valley. One may spend hours at these former palaces sitting on the temple or rest house pedestals admiring the art, architecture, and liveliness.
4. Thamel
Thamel has been and continues to be one of the most prominent and busy commercial areas in Nepal’s Kathmandu City. It is the hub for all Tourists and a must-go place to experience its chaotic one-of-a-kind lifestyle. Whether it’s cultural monuments or bars, cozy eateries, or spectacular temples, the small lanes of Thamel have never failed to boost the country’s tourism business in more than four decades. Whether you’re searching for tasty food or clothes, new music records, or hiking gear, Thamel’s street stores have you covered.
Highlights
- Along with the hundreds of pedestrians walking down the street, there is no shortage of vehicles, including cycle rickshaws, taxis, bicycles, and two-wheelers.
- Thamel also has a number of restaurants that provide delectable and diverse cuisine, which is guaranteed to appeal to any foodie.
- A prime entertainment district in the capital, the place features many bars, clubs, and casinos with most operating for 24 hours.
- Despite the bustling and lively environment of the place, the other side of Thamel is known to few. Thamel has many historical and religious sites dating back millennia.
Note: One can easily get ripped off or scammed in the area. So it is advised to keep away from dealers and services that are unnecessary. Many items here can also be bargained.
5. Phewa Taal
Pokhara is a very well-known travel destination among locals and tourists alike. There are many places in Pokhara worth traveling to and talking about. Out of many such places, Phewa Taal(Lake) is one of them. The lake is also known as Baidam Lake. Boating in the lake is a very popular activity.
Highlights
- In the middle of the lake lies Barahi Temple. The temple was built around the year 2017 B.S by the rulers of Kaski. Barahi is a popular temple for locals for religious purposes while tourists come here for exploring. One can enjoy the view of the mountain peaks and the lush green hills from the lake.
- One can find many restaurants, resorts, and hostels around the lake. You can find cuisines from all over the world and enjoy fine dining and accommodation in the hotels in Pokhara.
- The best time to visit Phewa Taal is during the spring although the place is lively all year round.
6. Sarangkot
Sarangkot is another popular place in Pokhara. The place is located on Sarangkot Mountain and is popular for its sunrise and sunset views. The village lies 1600 meters above sea level. Being on such heights, one can easily see the spectacular mountain peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other mountain ranges. People can get to Sarangkot via vehicles or a small trek of around 2.5 hours.
A wide range of plants and animals may be found in the thick forestation. As a result, the path is well-known for bird viewing and relaxing nature hikes.
Highlights
- The main attraction of Sarangkot is its amazing panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas. You can see the entire Pokhara valley from Sarangkot and enjoy nature walks, treks, and hikes through the village.
- The place is also famous for paragliding. Many sports enthusiasts and people come here to experience paragliding for themselves and enjoy the views.
7. Poon Hill
Poon Hill is a place that is on the route of a 6-day circular trek on Nepal’s trails. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an easy-going trekking trail in the lower part of the Annapurna range. This is perfect for starters or families as the route does not go to a high altitude and many facilities are present. Trekkers travel through the lush red rhododendron forests and paddy fields with an excellent view all trip long.
Highlights
- Poon Hill is the summit viewpoint where you can see amazing sunrise and panoramic views and peaks of the Annapurna Region. They include Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare and Manaslu.
- The weather is not extreme and is mostly dry and warm.
- The trek is a great opportunity to learn about the culture and norms of the Brahmins, Chettris, Gurungs, and Magars. From Poon Hill Trek’s summit, you can see the dawn and see a number of hot springs.
8. Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the first protected area of Nepal. The National Park covers an area of around 940 sq kilometers. The place was previously known as Royal Chitwan National Park but changed after the people’s revolution in 2006. The place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 due to its unique biological resources of outstanding universal value.
Highlights
- The park has an enjoyable temperature to travel from October through February and is characterized by tropical and subtropical forests. The place is full of grassland and riverine forests.
- Chitwan National Park is considered the best wildlife-viewing national park in Asia. Out of many animals you can find, Royal Bengal Tiger and the endangered One-horned Rhinos are special ones. Chitwan National Park is also an amazing place for birdwatching with up to 544 species of birds.
9. Lumbini
Lumbini is known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The place has a history millenniums old. According to the legend, Queen Mayadevi of Kapilvastu bathed in a pond and laid down under a sal tree in the Lumbini garden before she gave birth to Prince Siddartha. It also said that Prince Siddartha walked seven steps to the North immediately after he was born and announced that there would be no more rebirths for him. This prince later would be known worldwide for his teachings and principles.
Lumbini is an incredibly spiritual and sacred place. People can visit the sacred garden that surrounds the Mayadevi Temple. Prayer flags hang from the branches and sway with the light breeze. The entire area is peaceful and people can meditate in solitude.
Highlights
- The same pond where Prince Siddartha was given his purification bath lies in the garden. Pilgrims and travelers alike can explore the site to the fullest. It is also said that Lumbini is one of the four sacred sites that Buddha used to share his teachings with his disciples.
- Other historical attractions in Lumbini are Mahadevi Temple, Ashoka’s pillar, and other sites which are all open for the public to visit.
- Lumbini is a peaceful place and without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Nepal.
10. Muktinath
Muktinath is a very sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the base of the Thorong La mountain pass in the Mustang district. Mukti in the Nepalese language means freedom. Hindu people call the place Mukti Kshetra (area) which translates to place of salvation. This temple is also known by the Buddhists as Chumig Gyatsa, which translates to “place of 108 waterspouts”. The place is considered one of the most ancient temples of God Vishnu.
A human-sized golden statue of Vishnu as Shri Mukti Narayana is within the small temple. In addition to Mukti Narayana, the temple also has bronze representations of Bhoodevi (Lakshmi’s Earth-goddess form), Saraswati, Janaki (Sita), Garuda (Vishnu’s steed), Lava-Kusa (Rama and Sita’s kids), and the Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages created by Lord Brahma). Buddhist nuns lead the service and an elderly Buddhist monk is present at the temple.
Highlights
- This pagoda-style structure is viewed as a symbol of the religious connections between Buddhism and Hinduism. There are two holy water ponds, Laxmi Kunda and Saraswati Kunda which are situated in front of Muktinath Mandir. It is stated that “bad karma” is washed away by soaking in these waters. In the Gompa of the Jwala Mai temple, which is close to Muktinath, three constant flames light up all the time.
The above-given places are just a few best places to visit in Nepal. Nepal is a very beautiful country packed with natural beauty with its rich history tied centuries old. Many places of Nepal are yet to be explored and open to tourists even though Nepal has become a popular tourist destination over the years.
If you’re wondering what places to visit in the capital, this other article is perfect for you.
Best places to visit in Kathmandu
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