Firstly, Nepal being a country overflowing with cultures and traditions, Himalayans, monasteries, and nature, the flow of tourists is endless. Many tourists come to take part in Nepal’s culture by arriving during the time of the year of those festivals. Now, due to the rise in the flow of tourists, tourism became one of the important factors of Nepal’s economic sector. Not only Nepal is a country with beautiful mountains. It’s also blessed in places or cities that tourists can pay a visit just while roaming around. They are able to have fun, know about many cultures even without the need to trek up to the mountains. Here we are providing Top 4 tourist Destinations In Nepal.
Tourists are usually focused on visiting the mountains, looking for trekking in Nepal that is suitable for them, so many are not aware of other places where they can visit. There are many places where one can go to just have fun and also know more about Nepal’s culture. Depending upon the time tourists come they may be able to enjoy various festivals celebrated by different religions i.e. Brahmins, Chhetri, Newar, Gurung, and others. Tourists need to make sure to visit certain places that are the prime of Nepal and provide them with unforgettable memories.
Table of Contents
Destinations to Visit in Nepal
Kathmandu
The first place any tourist will land in is Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu, a noisy and vibrant city filled with temples and history. It’s also the travel gateway to many other places of Nepal such as the Himalaya, a day trip to Bhaktapur, the temples in Patan, and the national parks. Kathmandu has many places that are rich in their culture with old houses and shops that provide products related to their culture. The flows of people in Kathmandu have now increased since the 2015 earthquake.
With religious places like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, and many more tourists will be able to take in the religions in Nepal. Another must-see attraction is the Royal Palace which is the site of the infamous massacre of the Royal family in 2001 which is now converted into the Narayanhiti Palace Museum.
The history of Nepal through generations to generations until the time of the Royal family can be seen in the museum. Various festivals or Jatras such as the Holi festival, Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra, Bisket Jatra, Maha Shivaratri, and many others. Such festivals are one of the main parts of Nepal as they tend to represent our culture, tradition, and religion. That’s why Kathmandu is the best tourist destinations in Nepal.
Highlights
- Visit world heritage sites like Boudhanath Stupa
- Visit religious sites like Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath Temple
- Enjoy festivals like Holi (festival of color), Indrajatra, Gai Jatra and many more
- Get to experience different cultures of all the religions like Hindus, Buddhism, Gurung’s, Newar, and others.
- finally, Taste foods of different religions and enjoy the different taste each food brings
Pokhara
Pokhara is one of the most sought out tourist destinations in Nepal. It offers people an exciting visit with the view of fishtail, Phewa Tal, and the various activities they can do here. Being a highly visited place by tourists, many restaurants, hotels are established fitting to the taste of the tourists. They may also be able to find restaurants providing the foods that they have when they are in their country. Spring is the best season to visit Pokhara to avoid heavy rainfalls and maximize your chances to see clear mountains.
An early morning start at SarangKot gives you a wonderful view of not only sunrise but also Himalayan peaks of Dhaulagiri, Lamjung, and Annapurna II. With Tal Barahi temple, located in the middle of Phewa lake. Many people take it as an opportunity to ride a boat and roam around the lake. Through the lush forest on the west of Phewa lake, with a 1-2 hour walk, you can visit World Peace Pagoda and if not interested in walking then there is an option for transportation as well.
There are many caves such as in bat cave, Mahendra cave, Gupteshwor Mahadev cave, and others situated that also adds to the beauty of the place. When there, be sure to visit museums that provide you with the cultures of Nepal and also visit the International Mountain Museum to know about various mountains.
Highlights
- Visit International Mountain Museum
- View of Mountain peaks like Annapurna II, Lamjung and Dhaulagiri
- Swim or take a boat around the Phewa lake
- Visit various caves
- Heritage sites like Tal Barahi Temple and World Peace Pagoda
Lumbini
Birthplace of Lord Buddha and one of the holy places of Buddhists that contains the evidence of Buddhist pilgrimage centers is Lumbini. People who have followed the footsteps of Buddha, follow the Buddhist religion or want to know more about Buddha’s visit to the place. In the birthplace of the Buddha, there is an ancient pond. Where it’s said Maya Devi took bath and gave him birth. There is also the establishment of the Ashoka pillar by an emperor Ashoka from India. It is one of the hottest places in Nepal.
With more than 25 Buddhist monasteries built by diverse countries like China, France, Vietnam, Japan, Myanmar, Srilanka, and many more they are a sight one should not miss. Each monastery is unique in its own way and people can admire the spectacular and diverse architectural designs they showcase. Be sure to visit the Mayadevi temple which dates back 2200 years.
Highlights
- Visit Mayadevi temple and the birthplace of Lord Buddha
- Admire the beautiful architectural design that each monastery provide
- Experience the peacefulness and tranquility through visits to the stupas and monasteries
- Visit Lumbini Museum
Chitwan National Park
Located in Chitwan known as the heart of the jungle with many species available in Chitwan National Park. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal to visit. The best time to visit Chitwan is between October and February to avoid the monsoon season. It’s recognized as the best wildlife-viewing national parks in Asia which provides a chance to spot endangered species.
To enter the national park, one can come through Sauraha or Meghauli. The park is home to leopards, royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, elephants, gharial crocodiles, hyenas, kingfishers, drongos, and other species. So, People can choose between a full day jungle walk with an overnight stay. Or jeep safari deep into the jungle, or elephant ride throughout the forest. Also, get to experience nature with the wildlife present in the park.
Highlights
- Get to experience the chance to spot endangered species like one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, gharials crocodiles, elephants and many other species of mammals, fauna, fish, and birds
- Moreover, Experience the wildlife with jeep ride, elephant ride or full-day walk on the jungle with an overnight stay
Conclusion
Not only the beautiful hiking trails and mountains that tourists love to visit. Nepal is also blessed with cities and national parks that have their own beauty. Make sure not to miss those places. If you are unable to visit all the places on your first visit to Nepal. Don’t worry be sure to come back again and travel to different places than before.
We have mentioned above the top four tourist destinations in Nepal. We hope it can help the people who are interested to travel in Nepal after Corona-virus is under control.
So, be sure to not miss out on such wonderful places rich in culture and beauty. Which place do you think is most suitable for your taste in travel in Nepal?