Nepal is an incredibly diverse country that attracts visitors for a variety of reasons which includes a list of numerous astonishing Nepal tourist attractions. Some are drawn to the mountains and seek to trek in the Himalayas, while others are drawn to the culture and famous city of Kathmandu and still others come in search of a true awakening called a spiritual awakening. For any tourist, Nepal can be an adventure, a cultural expansion, a life-changing experience, or a combination of the three.
The majority of visitors spend their time in Kathmandu visiting historical and sacred sites before traveling to other parts of the country. Besides the capital, some of the best places to visit in Nepal include Chitwan National Park for wildlife viewing and Pokhara, a lakeside town popular for trekking trips. Not only these places are well-known Nepal tourist attractions trekkers will also find a variety of destinations throughout Nepal, with Mount Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang region worth traveling to.
1. Kathmandu
Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and largest city. The collapsing buildings in the city center contrast sharply with the vibrant atmosphere that pervades the streets making this place one of the worthy Nepal tourist attractions. As hawkers push through and people return to their daily lives, scents waft from the shops, all against a backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.
Kathmandu, along with Bhaktapur and Patan, was three rival royal cities for hundreds of years. But they have been at peace for quite a long time. Durbar Square, the largest palace square of the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long been a highlight of Kathmandu. Temples and monuments of various shapes, sizes, styles, and beliefs can be found here.
2. Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur, the third city of the “Royal City,” is located just outside Kathmandu on the old trade route to Tibet. This place is highly recommended as one of the best Nepal tourist attractions that tourists with a love for culture need to visit. The trade route was a lifeline for Bhaktapur. Because of its remoteness at the time, the city was able to develop independently and in ways distinct from the other two.
In contrast to Patan and Kathmandu, Bhaktapur has a predominantly Hindu population. Durbar Square, which houses the royal palace as well as several temples, is the best place to begin a tour of the city. The entire area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Boudhanath Stupa (Bodh Gaya)
Talking about top Nepal tourist attractions without mentioning Boudhanath is a great mistake. The Boudhanath Stupa, located just outside of Kathmandu, is one of the world’s largest stupas of its kind and dates back to the 6th century, if not earlier. It, too, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located on the old trade route to Tibet.
The stupa is a symbol of enlightenment in and of itself, but the symbolism is especially clear in Boudhanath. Each shape represents one of the five elements, which are also attributes of the five Buddhas: earth, water, fire, air, and earth. Their unity as stupas abstractly reflects the structure of the universe itself.
4. Pokhara
Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most scenic cities, located in the foothills and surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and mount Annapurna. Pokhara is the Himalayan gateway and the starting point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna region. It’s also a great place to unwind before or after a long hike to other Nepal tourist attractions.
In terms of population, it is the second largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu, but it does not feel like a big city. As you travel 200 kilometers east from Kathmandu, you will notice much fresher air and a more pleasant climate almost immediately. Lake Phewa is ideal for relaxation, with its cluster of lakeside hotels, restaurants, and shops.
5. 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 several weeks. The three main routes in the Annapurna Region intersect and combine at various points, and you can choose to trek all or some of them. The routes are well-marked and simple to follow.
The Annapurna Circuit, which circles Mount Annapurna in about 21 days, is extremely popular with those who have plans for Nepal tourist attractions. This route is also known as the “Apple Pie Circuit,” because most of the teahouses along the way serve their own version of fried apple pie.
Poon Hills
The trek to Poon Hills near Ghorepani is a popular long-distance trekking destination in this region, often included in long-distance trekking packages that include the Annapurna Circuit. Most long-distance trekkers seeking these Nepal tourist attractions try to arrive on Poon Hill early in the morning to catch the sunrise and enjoy the stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Singa Chuli.
Annapurna Sanctuary
The Annapurna Sanctuary is located among the Annapurna peaks and takes 5 days to reach. Muktinath was originally a stopover on the way to Annapurna, but it has since evolved into a destination in its own right. The Muktinath route takes 7 days and runs through the Kali Gandaki Valley on the eastern slopes of Annapurna. The culture of the region is fascinating enough to seduce culture lovers tracking this place.
The Annapurna Region, north of Pokhara, is indeed an ideal trekking destination and one of the best Nepal tourist attractions in many ways. The dramatic contrast of rural Nepal is especially visible, from the subtropical vegetation of the Pokhara Valley to the dry rain shade with Tibetan plateau features. People and cultures differ in many ways, including facial features, food, housing, lifestyle, customs, and religion. In 1986, the Annapurna region was designated as a protected area. Most importantly, it has adequate infrastructure to support the large number of trekkers passing through the area. The roads are in good condition, and there is plenty of food and lodging.
6. Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is a place to visit if you want to see a different side of Nepal. This is an excellent place to see wildlife, with a safari-like atmosphere. Chitwan has a tropical monsoon climate that is completely different from what you would expect in Nepal, despite being only 100 meters above sea level in some areas, much lower than Kathmandu at 1,400 meters.
Visitors come to see wildlife animals like rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs (buffaloes), deer, and other animals living in the park. Freshwater dolphins (Gangetic) and crocodiles can be found in rivers and streams, but they are rarely seen. With over 500 bird species, Chitwan is a birder’s paradise. Tours from the lodges take you into the park, trekking or, more commonly, riding elephants for a close-up look at the animals.
Chitwan is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and is recommended among Nepal tourist attractions if you go with a tourist guide. It is located southwest of Kathmandu near the Indian border and is best visited between October and February. Although the morning here can be quite cool, average temperatures hover around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), with high humidity. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, with frequent heavy rains.
7. Trekking in the Langtang region
The Langtang region, which includes Langtang National Park, is an incredible area for long-distance trekking, with high passes, sweeping views, ancient monasteries, and stunning mountain scenery. The azalea forest, which blooms during the spring trekking season, adds color to the scene. Despite its proximity to Kathmandu, this area, inhabited by Sherpas, is less developed than some of Nepal’s other popular trekking areas and has fewer people on the trails. Along the route, villages with guesthouses and food can be found, though they are more spread out than in other trekking areas.
The area is easily accessible by a jeep from Kathmandu in 7 to 8 hours. On a clear day, from Kathmandu, tourists can see the peak of Langtang Lirung (7,245 meters high), which dominates the surrounding area of the same name. Long-distance trekking in Langtang can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the route. For a longer trek, some trekkers combine the route of both Helambu and Langtang to create their own list of the best Nepal tourist attractions.
8. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhunath, located on a hilltop west of Kathmandu, is the second most important temple in the Kathmandu Valley after Boudhanath. In combination with Boudhanath, these two places have become one of the most sacred Nepal tourist attractions. Because monkeys are frequently roaming the temple grounds, it is colloquially known as the Monkey Temple.
The Swayambhu Stupa, the temple complex’s focal point, is painted with the omnipresent deity’s eyes. The temple complex dates back to the 5th century and was originally a prehistoric place of worship. Swayambhu was an important figure in the lives of Vajrayana Buddhists in Northern Nepal and Tibet, especially of Kathmandu Valley Newari Buddhists.
9. Mount Everest & Trip to Base Camp
Mount Everest, the highest point on the planet, rises 8,848 meters in height (29,028 feet) and is the best Nepal tourist attraction every people seek when it comes to Nepal. Trekking in the Mount Everest region became popular following the historic 1953 climb by Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tensing Norgay. Obviously, this is the most challenging Nepal tourist destination for rock climbing and adventure lovers. Many others have crossed the mountain since then, but many treks to Everest Base Camp are simply to catch a glimpse of the summit above. The 2015 earthquake and previous avalanches, as well as disagreements among climbers, all left their mark on Everest’s journey.
The Everest region is not widely regarded as the most scenic trekking area and the most famous Nepal tourist attraction, but Everest’s allure makes it a popular destination for both climbers and trekkers. There are numerous routes to the base camp and several ways to organize the trip. Many companies offer guided trekking, either through Nepalese companies or through companies based in the West or in Asia. You can plan the trips yourself or hire a private guide or porter, the best recommendation is that you acquire a professional guide.
The main reasons for long-distance trekking are spring and autumn, from March to May and September to December, respectively. Those who do not want to climb Everest but want to see it can sightseeing on clear days from the hill town of Nagarkot near Kathmandu. If Everest can be seen on a clear morning, hotel staff will knock on the guest house door, which might require you to book rooms from a hotel with a great view. If you book rooms via Booking.com, they might give you a Booking.com $25 off coupon for it, but this is only available for early booking, which you should pay attention to seek rooms with the best sight view.
10. Lumbini Buddhist site in Lumbini Province
Lumbini is well-known for being the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Shakyamuni Buddha. Lumbini, nearly 250 kilometers from Kathmandu, is a worthwhile detour on the way from Pokhara to Chitwan National Park.
There is a sense of calm in this Buddhist pilgrimage town because the majority of visitors are Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world retracing the Buddha’s steps through his life’s stations to this Nepal tourist attraction site. The Buddha is said to have been born in the Maya Devi Temple, which is dedicated to the Buddha’s mother. It houses an ancient stone relief from the second century that depicts Buddha’s birth. Lumbini is without a doubt the most sacred Nepal tourist destination. Pilgrimage to the birthplace of Buddha is clearly a spiritual watershed moment.
11. Helambu Trek
And what is more wholesome than finishing your list of Nepal tourist attractions with the Helambu trek route? The Helambu region is a popular long-distance trekking destination, particularly for long-distance trekking companies that offer guided treks. This is largely due to its proximity to Kathmandu, which, while not particularly high in altitude (which can be advantageous for those unfamiliar with altitude), does have some stunning mountain scenery. It is frequently promoted by tour groups for many of the same reasons. However, many hikers will find it more difficult than they anticipated and not as simple as the local tour companies claim. Trekking in the Himalayas is always challenging, and while this trek is not as high as others, it is still a physically demanding climb that requires the trekker to be physically fit. With that in mind, this is a lovely trip that is well worth the effort.
The Sherpas live in the Helambu region, which is located in the upper part of the Malechmi Khola valley. The Helambu Trek begins in Kathmandu and takes 5 to 8 days to complete. A typical seven-day itinerary is circular, with a portion of the first day repeated at the end. The stark difference in culture between the lower and upper regions is striking. In the village, there are motels and guest houses where you can stay.
Summary
A major earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, causing severe damage in Kathmandu and other areas, but restoration is well underway and progress is being made. Although much of the damage has been repaired, some historical treasures have been lost for good, which is sad news to those who going to Nepal for its rich history. However, the top 11 most appealing Nepal tourist attractions are still safe and full of surprises for tourists to find the best places to visit in Nepal. You can check out Findcouponhere.net to get tons of traveling tips and booking deals active from many tourist agencies. Wish you a meaningful trip!
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