Planning a trip to Nepal and wondering where the best places to visit are? Nepal is a stunningly beautiful, mountainous country in South Asia. It’s home to eight of the world’s highest peaks among the famous eight-thousanders. Trekking in Nepal’s mountains is a major draw for tourists, but beyond hiking, there’s so much more to experience, including national parks, ancient towns, cultural landmarks, and impressive religious buildings. All of this awaits you in Nepal!
Let’s dive into the best things to do in Nepal.
Kathmandu, the bustling capital city with nearly a million inhabitants, serves as the gateway to the country. It’s home to Nepal’s only international airport. Kathmandu is renowned for its religious monuments. Take a stroll around the city and explore its temples, monasteries, and stupas. The most famous temple is the Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the banks of the Bagmati River where public cremations take place. Another must-see is the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which offers striking city views. Don’t miss Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic center filled with ancient temples and statues, although parts were damaged by the 2015 earthquake. Also, be sure to visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world, adorned with painted Buddha eyes.
Just 15 kilometers from Kathmandu is Bhaktapur, a city that was Nepal’s capital until the 15th century. This city’s historic buildings and squares, especially Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the old royal palace, draw tourists. The site’s historical significance has earned it a place on the World Heritage List.
Nagarkot is a village in central Nepal known for its sweeping views of the Himalayas. On clear days, you can see ranges like Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu, with particularly stunning sights at sunrise and sunset. Located just 28 kilometers from Kathmandu, it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering numerous trekking options.
Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, is Nepal’s first national park and a must-visit spot. Its rich flora and fauna include the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and over 60 other mammal species. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Visitors can explore the park and even stay in guesthouses and hotels that provide guide services.
Pokhara, the largest metropolitan city in Nepal by area, is another favorite destination. Despite its size, it’s a small city that’s easy to explore on foot. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Phewa, the second-largest and most visited lake in Nepal, with its bustling eastern shore filled with hotels, guesthouses, shops, and restaurants. For breathtaking views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare, head to Sarangkot Viewpoint at sunrise. Another highlight is the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa), offering spectacular views of Lake Phewa and the Annapurna range. Pokhara is also known as “Nepal’s adventure capital,” where you can indulge in paragliding, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, skydiving, and other thrilling activities.
Nepal offers some of the world’s best long-distance hiking trails in the Annapurna Mountain Range and near Mount Everest. The Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Everest Base Camp Trek are the most popular, each taking about two weeks to complete. These treks range in difficulty from medium and can be done unguided, though hiring a porter is an option. These trails are well-populated with guesthouses and cafes, even at high altitudes, and pass through villages where you can buy snacks, albeit at higher prices due to the logistical challenges.
If you’re looking for something easier and shorter, the Poon Hill trek in the Annapurna region is a great choice. This trek takes about 4-5 days and is one of the easier routes in the area. There are also many other short hikes available in both the Annapurna and Everest ranges.
Nepal is truly a haven for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.