Top 20 Attractions in Nepal

The beautiful mountain nation Nepal is also known as a trekker’s paradise. Nestled away in the laps of Himalayas with the splash of rejuvenation in the little joys of the natural world is an elegance of exploration for a tourist. From the soaring heights of the mountain peaks to its spiritual grandeur, attractions in Nepal are a unified compendium, providing an ultimate adrenaline rush.

The distinctive web of languages, Nepal is an abode for diversified ethnic groups making it a one-stop hot spot for any sort of travel seekers.

1. Kathmandu

The apex city, a herculean topsy of Nepal providing a glimpse of the country’s facade surging traveller’s greed to explore more, manifesting the term city of peace. 

Charming, busy, bustling, serene, alive, and asleep – all at once which assures a blissful climate, all year long. Kathmandu, of its moniker  ‘wood shelter’, is an abode of serenity and tranquillity, with its monasteries, temples, and spiritual melting pots.

Savor and energize oneself with traditional Newari food cooked on wood ovens to stroll through the charming little alleys around the Durbar Squares of the three cities of the Kathmandu Valley; Bhaktapur, Patan or Kathmandu.

Along with the natural beauty making travellers throng all over of divine authentic spirituality and the adobe for its adventure escapade. 

2. Annapurna Massif Trek

One of the loftiest peaks of the world, with a moderately difficult trek holding a sundry of treasures. The blend of quaint mountain villages, rhododendrons, merry dancing rice fields,  silvery dazzling carpet of snow, capricious slopes of lush valleys, and whatnot. Oh yeah! It turns out to be a melting pot of enthusiastic escapade souls.

The trek with the basecamp bedecked with scenery and majestic upright peaky views zonk you out of the hurtle by a burtle.

Lace-up the hiking boots and head off to the aluminous splash of the quaint mountain epic eight thousand treks shall drop your nerves to the quintessential adrenaline surge.

3. Mt Everest Trails

Every journey starts with a dream. Mt Everest trail, a legendary trek providing the apex reminiscence for one’s life. 

The region with a world of its own, an amalgam of vast glaciers, icefalls, the highest mountains, deep valleys, precarious settlements, and hardy people challenging the arbitrary conditions thrown at them by nature in the thin air of high altitude, alpine enthusiasts Climbers and trekkers continue to trek, not surprisingly the “Roof of the World”  for the indelible memorable experience for a lifetime.

There are two main seasons to trek to Everest Base Camp, in the fall between October and November and again in the spring between April and May, and no doubt it is one of the top attractions in Nepal.

4. Pashupathi Nath Temple

While Nepal is constantly abuzz with the intoxicating chaos and bustle of human life, the sacred Pashupatinath Hindu temple built in the 5th century, on the banks of Bagmati river is a sobering reminder that all life eventually comes to an end.

Pashupatinath, Lord Shiva, from its moniker is the holiest site with masterpiece architecture for Hindus grabbing hundreds and thousands of devotees every day. The main pagoda style temple with a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and exquisite wood carvings surrounded with several other Hindu and Buddhist deities providing a  cosmic of peace and tranquility.

If not a believer, the shining Shivalinga and huge golden statue of Shiva’s Bull, Nandi with the colors of the artwork and the Aarti with the hums of raising chants, music between the incense lights shall sweep your feet off. Most of the tour of Nepal has to have this attraction in their Itinerary.

5. Lumbini

The cradle of the awakened ideal of Asia, the Vardhman Mahavir Buddha with a plethora of ancient stupas dating back to 2000 years, vast arrays of monasteries and replete of ubiquitous prayer flags.

Maya Devi Temple, the epicenter for pilgrims fronting the birth site of Buddha, with an inscribed pillar found in 1896 amongst ancient monastery ruins. 

Avid trekkers swirl with Lumbini Circuit Trek witnessing 64 historical and archaeological sites around the area, including authentic experience of the local culture and hospitality, articulating the spiritual awakening with the adventure sport.

6. Boudanath

Boudhanath Stupa, holding the dual titles of largest, and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet festooned with impeccable architecture escorted with wiggle waggle prayer flags.

Thousands of pilgrims spin around the three-dimensional reminder of Buddha’s path to Enlightenment. In terms of grace and purity of line, no other stupa in Nepal comes close to Boudhanath. The whitewashed dome to its gilded tower painted strained perfectly proportioned circumambulating an imposing landmark of Nepal.

The best times to visit are early morning and dusk when you can observe monks chanting their prayers and butter lamps being lit.

7. Pokhara   

Pokhara, the tourist capital of Nepal,  A paradise for the adventurers flanked with authentic outlets, dreamy cafés, restaurants, and pubs making it a perfect getaway for the insight seekers.

Known as the gateway of the Himalayas, a poon hill with a beautiful contrast of the bustling Lakeside Pokhara and Old Pokhara,  home to a number of beautiful historical temples along with being the city’s commercial hub maintaining its poise and tranquility to serve as the top commercial tandems of paragliding.

Extreme spot for  Verdant forests, blue skies, underground caves, waterfalls, Valley of Orchids, Massif Glaciers, white water river rafting, treks with majestic views of three mountains making it a skyline escapade dome.

8. Chitwan National Park

Located in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal, the rudimentary for protection of wildlife and nature with a wide range of vegetation, home to more than 700 species of wildlife especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, and Gharial Crocodile.

Jeep safari, Gharial Crocodile Breeding Centre, riding large mammals alive (the elephant safari), canoe rides, ox cart rides explaining the nuances of Tharu’s daily lives Ooff!! A lot more ignited with the upbeat of authentic Tharu chorus leaves you spellbound.

9. Nagarkot

An erstwhile summer retreat of Nepal, Indian and British royalty, The idyllic village in the midst of nature – with a cascade of birds chirping and the breeze whistling through the pines.

Perched at the edge of Kathmandu Valley, providing magnificent views of the notorious Himalayan mountains disappearing behind cloudy skies providing best views from October to December and March to April one could ever forfeit.

10 Sagarmatha national park

Situated on the base of Mount Everest, the 443 square miles UNESCO World Heritage site is mostly rugged terrain made up of deep gorges, glaciers and massive rocks boasting with treks and safaris is a riot of joy.

The exceptional area with dramatic mountains, glaciers, and deep valleys dominated by “roof of the world” with a multitude of flora and fauna priorly rare and endangered species, the in despicable views of the milky way and incredible night shows makes it a substantiate tick in one’s bucket list.

11. Phew lake

The semi-natural freshwater lake enveloped by rani ban or queen’s forest with the stunning reflection of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in the clear lake waters making it a perfect place to experience.

The hike through colourful boats called doonga, the relics of sacred Tal Barahi island temple, views of dense forests around the lake with sprinkles of extreme sports like rafting, canoeing, and bungee jumping making it an explorer’s havelock.

12. Dharan 

The low-lying hamlet considered “Eton of Nepal” is the gateway to the impeccable attractions like Indian epic named hills, the Mahabharata hills, the Kanchenjunga, and Arun Valley is an ambivalence of spiritual awakening and the fashion curves. 

From the mythical Budha Subba to Namje Gaun was enlisted as 12 “best places you’ve never heard of ” in 2011 by the Americans. known as mini-brazil for its center of football making it more rousing to visit.

13. Swayambhunath tTemple

Surprisingly known as the Monkey temple, a slightly chaotic jumble of Hindu and Buddhist iconography. Making way through the ever-present smoky incense hanging heavy in the air, brings out the inner tranquil being.

This lofty hilltop also provides the best vistas of Kathmandu, perfect for a sunset snap, a sight definitely worth the raised heart rate of the climb.

14. Durbar Squares

Emblazoned with temples, idols, open courts, water fountains along with the symbiosis of Hinduism, Buddhism, and tantrums permeates the durbar square as a  cultural hub. At the very moment, they are the focal point of the city. 

The prominence, historic importance, and beauty of the buildings at the entrance to the Kathmandu Royal Palace establish a cultural identity to the place. One should sit, soak, and get absorbed to endure the relishing tranquil experience of the region.

15. White Monastery

“The White Monastery” popularly known as Seto Gumba/White Gumba is a Buddhist monastery located on top of Druk Amitabha Mountain.

The Gumba is an alloy of Tibetian architecture and culture spread out into the lush green valley providing remarkable Buddhist meditation practices. The architecture and the beauty of The White Gumba at the peak sunrise and sunset times is an awakening ultimate dessert for oneself.

16. Mount Manaslu

The untouched pristine trekking circuit onto the eight highest peaks is a pure bliss away from the hustle-bustle traps. Manaslu By its denomination is a person’s soul which aptly portrays the pure enlivened soul of the divine mountain.

Manaslu is a hidden gem of a trek experience in Nepal. Despite all the chaotic craze around mountain trekking to its pristine, untarnished beauty amidst the rugged terrain of ridges and frozen valleys heading up into the brilliant blue sky like basking in the plethora of serenity and peace.

17. Garden of Dreams

When the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu get you down, pop into the Garden of Dreams just outside of Thamel, a peaceful oasis for relaxed tranquility.

The restored Swapna bagaicha (garden of dreams) is a beautiful neoclassical garden, an abode of pavilions, verandahs, fountains, and a relaxing amphitheater where one can chill out to the supreme.

The exquisitely manicured landscapes with the splashing fountains, pergolas, and pavilions are evidently a romantic destination of choice for Nepalis, with lovebirds on every corner!

Witness some of the exquisite works of religious art and architecture you will find many places to visit in Patan. The city is also considered to be a focal point for many adventurous travellers. You can involve yourself in trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting, and some aerial exploration too.

Apart from just adventure activities the city also has the four Ashoka Stupas which marks the corners of Patan.

18. Patan

The city of art, retaining its old-world charm and traditional professions such as woodcarving and especially metal crafts. Patan is an enclave of temples and monasteries with a unique unity pagoda-style architecture and wood-carved windows. 

Adore The Golden Temple which is richly adorned with golden images of Lord Buddha, wall carvings, and a prayer wheel, and get fascinated by 1,200 Buddhist monuments of different shapes and sizes scattered in and around the city.

The place is a marvel of ancient temples, courtyards, and monuments dated 250BC adding a historical appeal.

 19. Bandipur 

Halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara is this perfectly preserved ridgetop village of traditional 18th-century Newari houses and temples. Through pristine forests on the historical trail Bandipur invites travelers to experience its unique offerings: rich hill culture, mountain views, and hiking. 

Adventurous types can arrange to abseil into the Siddha Gufa cave, paraglide over the village or go canyoning in nearby waterfalls. 

A diversity of traditional architecture, epic Himalayan views with a blend of adventure sports, makes it an ideal place to break up the drive between Pokhara and Kathmandu.

20. Langtang Trek

The Langtang Valley Trek, a moderately difficult trek is characterized by steep, jungle-covered valleys at lower elevations, and wide, barren alpine valleys is the darling of trekkers seeking stunning landscapes and authentic culture along with heartwarming hospitality in delightful homestay guest houses. The expansive trek with interesting Tamang culture with a gentle pace is the real heart of the valley. (permit required)

Choosing to spend time in Langtang with its people, perhaps gain richer insights into what life is really like here, beneath the great snow mountains of Nepal.

CONCLUSION

Nepal, a facade of adventure surrounded by utmost verdant lush greens spread in the oasis of mountains, gorges being a focal point for diverse religions, distinctive and historical architectures making it a mesmerizing amalgamation of all the aspects that suit all kinds of travelers, wanderers, and display an array of variance in the sheer experiences in the form of natural as well as man-made that allow you to take back a chunk of memories with you.

This list of attractions is surely an ample collection of carefully arranged places suited to the best course of exploring the gist of the ever beautiful NEPAL! 

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Contributed By : Aneesh