09/06/2024
Places to visit in Nepal.
Nepal, officially called the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a beautiful landlocked country in southern Asia. Lying amidst the impressive Himalayas, Nepal has a massive range of world-renowned tourist attractions. Tourism plays a significant role in boosting the countryтАЩs economy. It is defined as a land of diverse geography and features colossal mountain peaks, fertile plains, subalpine
forest-covered hills, and various other types of terrain. Its capital and most populous city, Kathmandu, has been a prominent centre of the regionтАЩs history, culture and religion. In addition, it's gorgeous natural landmarks and diverse culture and traditions attract all kinds of tourists throughout the year.
Natural landmarks in Nepal make up a huge chunk of the regionтАЩs main tourist attractions. For instance, the worldтАЩs tallest mountain peak, Mt. Everest is located between the border of Nepal and Tibet. Other popular natural tourist attractions in Nepal include Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Phewa Lake, Barun Valley, etc. The country also houses various historical and religious sites, like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Lumbini, Kathmandu Durbar Square, etc.
Nepal is also an ideal hub for adventure activities in South Asia. From covering beautiful trekking trails to camping amidst the mountains, there are a lot of options to choose from. The cuisine of Nepal is greatly influenced by various cultures and traditions and offers a remarkable dining experience. Gift and souvenir shopping in the country is made possible due to the availability of several popular markets and stores. During your trip, you can dive into the regionтАЩs party culture and enjoy its phenomenal nightlife across various bars, cafes and pubs.
Attractions In Nepal
Sightseeing in Nepal is a refined experience and offers the best picture of the region. Here are some of the best Nepal tourist places, events and festivals that you can check out during your trip:
Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is one of the largest and oldest Hindu temples in the world. Located near the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, it is dedicated to the deity Pashupati, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The main temple has a beautiful Pagoda style of architecture, and the two-level roofs are copper-made with gold covering. It is one of the most sacred Nepal tourist places you can visit.
Boudhanath
The Boudhanath Stupa, located in Kathmandu, is a crucial religious landmark in the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited Nepal tourist places. The highlights of this stupa include its dome-shaped structure, painted huge Buddha eyes on all four sides, and the pyramid at the top. The stupaтАЩs site has around 50 gompas, providing shelter to Tibetan refugees since 1959.
Nagarkot
Located about 27 kilometres from Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers some of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas and the sunset. It is also one of the most popular Nepal tourist places for adventure activities. Its main tourist attractions are paragliding adventures, hiking trails, Buddha Peace Park, pine forests, etc.
Pokhara Valley
The Pokhara Valley is a well-known place in Nepal, visited annually by thousands of tourists. People go to Pokhara Valley to enjoy its famous tourist attractions, which include Phewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Chamere Gufa and so on. It is also one of the best Nepal tourist places for adventure tourism, offering activities like paragliding, trekking, river rafting, etc.
Mahendra Gufa
It is a massive limestone cave in the Kaski district, about 7 kilometres from the centre of Pokhara city. It attracts thousands of tourists who explore the site and look for the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites within the cave. It is named after the then-king of Nepal, Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, and houses a statue of Lord Shiva.
Lumbini
Lumbini is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Nepal. Known for being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, it is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and features several old temples, monasteries, monuments and a museum. Some of its main tourist attractions include Maya Devi Temple, the Bodhi Tree, Ashoka Pillar, etc.
Swayambhu Mandir
The Swayambhu Temple is a beautiful religious site nestled on top of Semgu Hill, about 4 kilometres from the centre of Kathmandu city. It is also called the тАЬMonkey Temple,тАЭ as hundreds of holy monkeys reside within its premises. The temple complex houses a stupa, which is the centre of tourist attractions, and several temples and shrines. It is one of the most visited Nepal tourist places.
Thamel Area
It is an iconic commercial hub in Kathmandu that tourists visit during their Nepal vacation. The area is filled with narrow alleys and hundreds of stores. The items sold at this place include adventure gear, clothing, food, etc. The streets of Thamel during the evening are one of the most Instragrammable locations in Nepal, drawing in both shopaholics and casual tourists. The region also houses a few prominent attractions that are a part of the Nepal sightseeing experience.
Mahashivaratri
Mahashivaratri is one of the biggest Hindu festivals, widely observed across Nepal. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, and marked by grand celebrations in the region. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Nepal as it offers a close look at the regionтАЩs culture and traditions. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is one of the most visited places in Nepal during Mahashivaratri.
Buddha Jayanti
This grand festival commemorates Gautam BuddhaтАЩs birth anniversary and is celebrated across various parts of the world. Tourists attend this festival to learn about NepalтАЩs impressive local culture and traditions. During this festival, the famous Bodhi Tree gets decorated with colourful flags, lamps, and flowers, and holy water is sprinkled onto the tree roots. Devotees meditate near the Buddha statue, while visitors light candles and offer fruits at the temples.
G*i Jatra
G*i Jatra, also called Sa Paru, is a significant festival in the country. It commemorates the death of relatives and loved ones and is observed by the people of the Newar community. The celebrations of G*i Jatra are prominent in the outskirts of Kathmandu, marked by dancing, singing and laughter. It is usually celebrated in the month of Bhadra per the Hindu calendar and is a popular tourist attraction.
Lhosar
It is a new year festival celebrated by people of various communities in Nepal. During this festival, people wear traditional dresses and march to stupas and monasteries to offer prayers. Losar is also marked by spiritual rituals, mask dance, festive cuisine, traditional music, etc. The Gurung community celebrates Tamu Lhosar, the Tamangs community celebrates Sonam Lhosar, and Sherpas celebrate the Gyalpo Lhosar.
Dashain
Dashain is another major festival celebrated in Nepal, deeply tied to the region's culture and traditions. Celebrated over a course of 15 days, Dashain is marked by family gatherings, merry-making, bonding with people, regional delicacies, animal sacrifices, etc. Tourists travel to Nepal from various corners of the world to attend the grand celebrations of this festival.
Activities In Nepal
The diverse terrain of Nepal makes it an ideal location for various fun activities and thrilling adventures. Here are some of the most fun things to do in Nepal:
Paragliding
Paragliding in the beautiful blue sky while witnessing the ancient monasteries, serene lakes, dense forests, and snow-clad mountains from above is a remarkable experience. Paragliding in Nepal is one of the most fun things to do in Nepal and is not for faint-hearted individuals. Pokhara and Kathmandu are some of the best places to visit in Nepal for paragliding activities.
Skydiving
It is the ultimate adventure experience that you can try during your holidays in Nepal. It allows tourists to get the best scenic views of the region from a birdтАЩs perspective. Pokhara and the Everest region are the best places to visit in Nepal for skydiving.
Zip Flyer Nepal
Zip Flyer Nepal is one of the steepest ziplines in the world, with a 600 metres vertical drop. The length of this zipline is 1.8 kilometres, and you can reach top speeds of up to 140 km/h. ZipFlyer Nepal is located in Pokhara and is a perfect adventure for thrillseekers.
Wildlife Safari Nepal
Going on a wildlife safari in Nepal allows tourists to witness the regionтАЩs diverse flora and fauna. The dense forests are home to various wildlife species, including elephants, tigers and one-horned rhinoceros. Some of the best Nepal places to visit for wildlife safari are Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and Parsa Wildlife Reserve.
White Water Rafting
The mighty rivers flowing through Nepal are ideal for whitewater rafting adventures. It is a fast-paced, group adventure activity that will surely get your adrenaline rushing. River Karnali, River Seti and River Trishuli are some of the best places in Nepal for white water rafting.
Camping
The pleasant weather, serene atmosphere and beautiful view of the Himalayas make Nepal a well-known hub for camping adventures. It is a laid-back activity that you can enjoy solo or in a group. Some of the best Nepal places to visit for camping are Nagarkot, Illam and Pokhara.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the most rewarding and laid-back activities you can try in Nepal. There are various prominent locations for fishing in the region, alongside the availability of fishing trip packages. Some well-known Nepal places to visit for fishing are the Karnali River, Pokhara Lakes and Tamor River.
Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping in Nepal is another popular adventure activity tourists can try during their holidays. It involves jumping down from a tall cliff while being connected to an elastic rubber rope. Many Nepal tourist spots, like Bhote Koshi Gorge and Hemja, offer this stimulating experience.
Shopping In Nepal
The intricate craftsmanship of local artisans entraps a part of NepalтАЩs beautiful culture in various speciality items. Here are some of the best places to visit in Nepal for souvenir and gift shopping:
New Road Nepal
It is one of the busiest marketplaces in Kathmandu city. Located minutes away from the city centre, the New Road market features large malls, local shops and branded stores. Tourists can find all types of commodities at this place, including clothing, jewellery, food, shoes, etc. It is one of the best places to visit in Nepal to shop for Pashmina products, Titaura, Lapsi and handicrafts.
Durbar Square
Durbar Square is one of the most sought-after locations for shopping in Nepal. Located in Kathmandu, the area has an extensive range of global branded stores, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, etc. It is one of the best places in Nepal to shop for singing bowls and unique handicrafts.
Freak Street
Jhonchhen Tole, sometimes called Old Freak Street, was the final point of the hippie trail during the 60s and 70s. Now, it is just an afterimage of what it used to be and is a decent place for casual shopping. The street has various cafes and restaurants and is a good place to shop for apparel, shawls and hand-made masks.
Makhan Tole
It is another well-known shopping area in Kathmandu, located north of Durbar Square. It remains filled with locals and tourists for the most part of the day. There are several shops in the area that sell all kinds of goods. Makhan Tole is one of the best places to shop for fine arts, like Paubha and Thangka.
Indra Chowk
This market square is about a few metres from Makhan Tole. Tourists can visit Indra Chowk between 11 AM to 7 PM and shop for quality products at reasonable prices. Some popular items sold at the Indra Chowk market area include colourful glass beads (pots), clothes, blankets, bangles, etc.
Food In Nepal
Nepal offers a unique cuisine inspired by the rich cultural diversity of the region. Here are some of the best restaurants and dishes that tourists can consider trying during their visit to Nepal:
Restaurants in Nepal
Utse Restaurant
It is a well-known restaurant in Kathmandu that serves Asian, Tibetan and Nepalese cuisines. Located in the Thamel neighbourhood, it is one of the oldest restaurants in the city, with a nicely decorated interior, attentive service and experienced chefs. Some of their must-try items include Gacok, Dhayshi, Tongba, etc.
El Mediterraneo
It is a Patan-based (Lalitpur) restaurant that serves Spanish, European and Mediterranean cuisines. El MediterraneoтАЩs elegant setting, affordable price tag and prompt service have won the heart of both locals and tourists. Some of their must-try items are steak, tapas and spaghetti.
Krishnarpan
Krishnarpan is a famous restaurant that tourists can visit for its signature ambience and slow-dining experience. Located at Dwarika Hotel, Kathmandu, it serves traditional Nepalese cuisine and features a cosy low-table seating arrangement. Make sure to try their popular Kukhura ko Masu, Bandel Tareko, and Raksi.
Bhojan Griha
Bhojan Griha in Dillibazar, Kathmandu, offers one of the most amazing dining experiences. It mainly serves Nepalese cuisine and Newari dishes and uses ingredients from its own farm. The folk music and dance at the restaurant add to its traditional ambience. Make sure to try their Kaju Fry, Khashi ko Sekuwa, and Kukhura ko Ledo when visiting.
Le Sherpa
Le Sherpa is one of the most elegant places to eat in Kathmandu. The restaurant is known for its unique and innovative dishes and attentive service. Some of their most popular dishes include Rabbit Croquettes, Sherpa Soup and Modern Patatas Bravas.
Saigon Pho
Located near Durbar Square, Saigon Pho is a well-known restaurant in Kathmandu. It is one of the best places to visit in Nepal for authentic Vietnamese dishes. The restaurant features a phenomenal dining ambience and an extensive menu. Some of their popular items are Bun thit nuong, Pho, and Stir-fried beef.
Cafe Soma
It is one of the best cafes in Patan (Lalitpur), serving European and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Cafe Soma is known for its beautiful atmosphere, food quality and pocket-friendly pricing. Some of their must-try items are Banana chocolate chip muffins, Chicken wings, and Coffee.
Chilly Restaurant And Bar
Located in Pokhara, this restaurant serves a wide range of cuisines, including Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, European, etc. Its key highlights are its indoor restaurant, roof garden restaurant and bar. Make sure to try the Phewa tal ko macha, hamburgers, soups, and Bhatmas sandeko when visiting this restaurant.
Dishes in Nepal
Wo
It is a type of thin pancake and is a delicacy of the Newari community in Nepal. Wo is prepared with green or black lentil batter and cooked on a tawa. The popular varieties of Wo include a mix of vegetables or minced meat. It is a delicious, must-try snack in the region.
Dhindho
Dhindo is a staple food in various parts of Nepal. It is a porridge made by adding flour to boiling water over time while stirring throughout the process. You can opt for a Dhindho Thali, which also comes with a variety of side dishes, like vegetable curry, pickles, butter, yoghurt, etc.
Gorkhali Lamb
It is a traditional Nepalese dish, popular among both locals and tourists. Gorkhali lamb is a curry-type dish made with lamb meat, onions, potatoes, and a few other ingredients. Grilling is also involved in the preparation process, and the final dish offers an exuberant burst of flavours that will leave you craving more.
Nightlife In Nepal
The pubs, bars and nightclubs in Nepal offer the best picture of nightlife in the region. Here are some of the best places to visit in Nepal for a wonderful evening:
Tom and Jerry Pub
It is an authentic British-style pub located in Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu. The place has a remarkable ambience and remains filled with locals and tourists during the evening. The highlights of Tom and Jerry Pub include live music nights, a spacious dance floor, sports screening, game nights and great drinks options.
Moksh Live Restaurant and Bar
It is a great place to spend an evening and meet new people in Lalitpur. Moksh is known for hosting live music performances by various local artists. Other highlights of this place include its electrifying atmosphere, karaoke nights, hospitable service, delicious appetizers and variety of cocktails.
Attic Bar
Located near Tangal, it is a fine place to hang out with friends and meet new people in the city. It is known for its elegant ambience and cosy indoor seating arrangement. Other highlights of Attic Bar are its live music performances, outside seating, Nepalese food and vast drinks menu.
Jatra
It is a famous cafe and bar on Thamel JP Road in Kathmandu. It features a beautiful ambience, friendly staff, WiFi and a wide range of food and drink options. Jatra cafe and bar is quite reasonably priced, and its selection of beer, cocktails and mocktails can be a perfect companion to your evenings.
New Orleans Cafe
It is a wonderful place you can visit with your friends in Nepal. The exceptional ambience and live music at the cafe will make your evenings in Kathmandu quite delightful. Alongside tasty food, the New Orleans Cafe also offers a wide drinks menu. The place stays operational from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM every day.
The best time to visit Nepal is between October and December, when the skies are a clear blue and the views spectacular. The weather remains dry until about April, with temperatures varying between regions. January and February can be very cold, especially at night, with average temperatures of 6┬░C.
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