Nepal is a land of natural beauty, from its stunning mountains to its rushing rivers. It’s no wonder that it’s become a popular destination for travelers in recent years. But with so much to see and do in Nepal, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best places to visit in Nepal. From the capital city of Kathmandu to the majestic Everest region, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.
Kathmandu
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia with a population of approximately 27 million. The capital city of Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal and is also the political and cultural center of the country. Kathmandu is located in the central part of Nepal and is surrounded by mountains. The climate in Kathmandu is moderate with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Kathmandu is home to many historical sites and religious temples, making it a popular tourist destination. Some of the most popular attractions in Kathmandu include Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Swayambhunath, also known as ‘The Monkey Temple', is another popular Buddhist temple located in Kathmandu. Pashupatinath is a Hindu temple that is considered to be one of the most sacred temples in Hinduism.
Pokhara
Pokhara is a beautiful city in central Nepal. It is the second largest city in the country and is a popular tourist destination. Pokhara is home to many lakes, temples, and caves, as well as the Himalayan Mountains. The city is also a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal.
Chitwan National Park
Located in the southern part of Nepal, Chitwan National Park is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, rhinos, and elephants. Visitors can take part in safaris and jungle walks, and stay overnight in luxury lodges or tented camps.
Chitwan National Park was established in 1973 and covers an area of 932 square kilometers. The park is bordered by the Rapti River to the west and the Narayani River to the east. The park has a subtropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 15-25 degrees Celsius.
The park is home to a variety of animals including tigers, leopards, rhinos, sloth bears, monkeys, deer, and crocodiles. There are also over 500 species of birds in the park. Visitors can take part in safaris and jungle walks led by experienced guides. Canoeing, elephant rides, and jeep safaris are also popular activities.
There are several accommodation options within the park including luxury lodges, tented camps, and budget hotels. Most lodges offer all-inclusive packages that include activities such as safari trips and jungle walks.
Lumbini
Lumbini is a town in Nepal that is best known as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. This holy site attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world, who come to pay homage to the place where the Buddha began his journey.
Lumbini is located in the southern Terai region of Nepal, and is about 250 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. The town is situated within a Sacred Garden, which contains several temples and monuments. The most important temple at Lumbini is the Mayadevi Temple, which marks the spot where Queen Maya gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama.
In addition to its religious significance, Lumbini also provides insight into the life and times of the Buddha. A number of important archaeological sites have been excavated in and around Lumbini, including an ancient stupa and monastery. Visitors can explore these ruins to get a sense of what life was like during the time of the Buddha.
Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Situated at an altitude of 5,364m, it offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and is the starting point for many mountaineers who attempt to climb Everest.
There are two Everest Base Camps, one on the south side of the mountain in Nepal, and the other on the north side in Tibet. The Nepali base camp is more accessible and thus more popular with tourists. To get to Everest Base Camp, you can either trek from Lukla (the nearest airport) or take a helicopter tour from Kathmandu.
The trek to Everest Base Camp is an epic adventure and not for the faint-hearted! It takes around 10 days to reach the base camp, and you will need to be reasonably fit as there are some steep sections. However, it is an incredible experience to hike through stunning scenery and sleep under the stars in such a remote location.
If you decide to take a helicopter tour, you can be at Everest Base Camp in just a few hours! This is a great option if you don’t have time for the trek or if you want to avoid the arduous journey. However, it is much more expensive than trekking and you won’t get the same sense of achievement.
Whether you Trek or fly, spending a few days at Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable experience. From here, you can explore nearby glaciers
Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. The Circuit takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the Himalayas, including views of Mt. Annapurna, the world’s 10th highest mountain. The trek can be done in about two weeks and is considered moderate in difficulty.
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is from March to May and from October to November. During these months, the weather is relatively mild and stable, making for ideal trekking conditions.
If you’re looking for an adventure in Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit is a great option. You’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in the Himalayas and an experience that you’ll never forget.
Mustang
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia with a rich culture and history. Mustang is one of the most popular places to visit in Nepal. It is a remote region located in the Himalayas and was formerly an independent kingdom. Today, Mustang is part of Nepal but still retains its own unique identity.
Mustang is known for its beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and friendly people. The best time to visit Mustang is from May to October when the weather is warm and dry. Trekking is the main activity in Mustang and there are many different routes to explore.
If you are looking for an authentic Nepali experience, then Mustang is definitely the place for you!
Rara Lake
Rara Lake is one of Nepal's hidden gems. Located in the remote north-western region of the country, this beautiful lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is accessible only by foot or horseback.
Although it is a challenging trek to get there, the scenery and tranquility of Rara Lake make it well worth the effort. The best time to visit is between October and November when the weather is more stable.
Langtang Valley
The Langtang Valley is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. The valley is situated in the Himalayan region and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The valley offers a variety of trekking routes, from easy to challenging, and is a great place for both beginner and experienced trekkers. The Langtang Valley is also home to a number of Buddhist monasteries, making it a great place to learn about Tibetan culture and religion.
Phoksundo Lake
1. Phoksundo Lake
Located in the Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake in Nepal and one of the most beautiful. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery, including soaring mountains and lush forests. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, go hiking or simply enjoy the views.