1. Kathmandu
The capital and greatest city of Nepal, Kathmandu, is unlike any other place on earth. The vibrant energy that pervades the streets contrasts sharply with the deteriorating structures in the centre of the city. Incense-scented air drifts from shops as shoppers and street vendors go about their daily business against a background of ancient temples and sculpted statues.
Along with Bhaktapur and Patan, Kathmandu was one of three competing royal towns for a number of centuries. These three are now located close to one another and virtually overlap.
Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long been the focal point of Kathmandu. Here, one may see temples and monuments of various sizes, styles, and religious beliefs.
Durbar Square in Kathmandu sustained significant damage from the 2015 earthquake, with many buildings demolished beyond repair, yet it continues to be a unique location to visit.
2. Bhaktapur
The third of the “Royal Cities,” Bhaktapur, is located just outside of Kathmandu along the former trade route to Tibet. The commerce route served as an important artery and a significant source of prosperity for Bhaktapur. The city was able to grow independently and in ways that set it apart from the other two cities at the time due to its relative isolation.
Bhaktapur has a mostly Hindu population, in contrast to Patan and Kathmandu. Durbar Square, where the royal palace and a number of other temples are located, is the greatest site to start a tour of the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a whole.
The 2015 earthquake at Bhaktapur caused damage to several of the structures; the big temples are almost completely rebuilt. Other structures in the complex are still in ruins, though. Due to threats against its employees, the UNESCO-funded restoration project had to be suspended in 2019 and the agency had to withdraw. The Nepali Department of Archaeology has taken up the project. Though extremely slowly, restoration work is still being done.
3. Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath)
The Bodhanath Stupa is one of the biggest stupas of its sort in the world and dates to somewhere in the sixth century, probably even earlier. It is located not far from Kathmandu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, like Bhaktapur, is located along an ancient trade route to Tibet.
The stupa is a representation of enlightenment in and of itself, but at Boudhanath the symbolism is especially obvious. The five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and sphere, which are also the characteristics of the five Buddhas, are each represented by a distinct form. Their harmony, brought together in the shape of the stupa, represents the universe’s structure in an abstract way.
The stupa was somewhat damaged during the 2015 earthquake, however it has now been totally restored.
4. Pokhara
Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most picturesque cities, situated at the foot of the Himalayas and encircled by some of the highest mountains in the world, including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I. Pokhara serves as both a starting point for hikes to Jomsom and the Annapurna area and a gateway to the Himalayas for hikers. In addition, it’s a great place to unwind briefly before or after a hike.
It is Nepal’s second-largest city by population after Kathmandu, yet it doesn’t feel very enormous. You will almost immediately notice the significantly cleaner air and pleasant environment as you travel from Kathmandu, 200 kilometres to the east. Lake Phewa, with its assortment of lakefront inns, eateries, and stores, is perfect for individuals who want to unwind a little.
5. Trekking in the Annapurna Region
One of the most well-liked trekking areas in Nepal is the Annapurna Region, where possibilities vary from a few days to a few weeks. You can choose to travel part of one of the three main routes in the Annapurna Region, which connect and join in certain spots. The paths are clearly designated and simple to navigate.
It takes around 21 days to complete the Annapurna Circuit around Annapurna Mountain, which is highly popular with anyone who have the time. Because most of the teahouses along this route serve their own brand of fried apple pie, this route is also referred to as the “Apple Pie Circuit.”
The climb to Poon Hill (3,210 metres), located close to Ghorepani, is a well-liked trekking destination in this area that is frequently included in hiking packages together with the Annapurna Circuit. To see the dawn and take in the breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Singa Chuli, most hikers attempt to get atop Poon Hill early.
It takes five days to go to the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is tucked between the peaks of Annapurna. Muktinath is a stopover on the road to Annapurna but has now grown into a stand-alone resort. The seven-day Muktinath route winds across the Kali Gandaki Valley on Annapurna’s eastern slope. Mustang, a little area to the north of Muktinath, was first made accessible to tourists in 1992. This region has its
6. Chitwan National Park
The climb to Poon Hill (3,210 metres), located close to Ghorepani, is a well-liked trekking destination in this area that is frequently included in hiking packages together with the Annapurna Circuit. To see the dawn and take in the breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Singa Chuli, most hikers attempt to get atop Poon Hill early.
It takes five days to go to the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is tucked between the peaks of Annapurna. Muktinath is a stopover on the road to Annapurna but has now grown into a stand-alone resort. The seven-day Muktinath route winds across the Kali Gandaki Valley on Annapurna’s eastern slope. Mustang, a little area to the north of Muktinath, was first made accessible to tourists in 1992. This region has itsfor up-close views of the animals, or more frequently on elephants.
Chitwan, which is near the Indian border and is located southwest of Kathmandu, is listed on the UNESCO list of global cultural heritage sites.
The months of October through February are ideal for travel to Chitwan. Even though the mornings can be rather chilly, the average temperature is approximately 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), with significant humidity. The monsoon season, with its frequent and heavy rain, lasts from June through September.
7. Trekking in the Langtang Region
With its high passes, expansive vistas, ancient monasteries, and stunning mountain scenery, the Langtang Region, which is home to Langtang National Park, is a fantastic place for trekking. During the spring hiking season, rhododendron forests blossom, bringing colour to the landscapes.
Despite being near to Kathmandu, the region, which is home to the Sherpa people, is less developed than some of the other popular trekking destinations in Nepal and typically less crowded on the trails. While considerably more dispersed than in other hiking zones, villages with lodging and food may be located along the path.
From Kathmandu, a jeep ride to this location takes around seven to eight hours. When the weather is clear, the 7,245-meter-tall peak of Langtang Lirung, which dominates the region of the seen from Kathmandu has the same name.
Depending on the route, Langtang treks can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. For a lengthier walk, some hikers combine the Helambu and Langtang mountains.
8. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
The second-most significant shrine in the Kathmandu Valley after Boudhanath is Swayambhunath, which is located on a mountaintop to the west of Kathmandu. It is more commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple since there are resident monkeys in some areas of the temple.
The focal point of the temple complex is the Swayambhu Stupa, which is decorated with the eyes of the all-pervasive god. The temple complex dates to the fifth century, but the location was once a prehistoric worship place. The Vajrayana Buddhists of Northern Nepal and Tibet, but notably the Newari Buddhists of the Kathmandu Valley, place a significant emphasis on Swayambhu in their daily life.
The Swayambhunath temple complex sustained considerable damage during the 2015 earthquake, but renovations are now finished, and the temple is restored to ts original condition.
9. Everest & the Trek to Base Camp
The tallest peak on Earth, Mount Everest, with a summit elevation of 29,028 feet (8,848 metres). Following the now-famous first ascent of the summit in 1953 by the Sherpa Tensing Norgay and the New Zealander Edmund Hillary, trekking in the Mount Everest region gained popularity.
Since then, many more people have reached the summit of the mountain, but many more journey to Everest Base Camp to catch a view of the peak far above. The mountain has had its fair share of drama and tragedy recently. Trekking and climbing on Mount Everest have been impacted by the 2015 earthquake, past avalanches, and disagreements amongst climbers there.
Although the Everest Region is not typically thought of as the most picturesque area in the nation for trekking, Everest’s attraction makes it a well-liked destination for both climbers and trekkers. Base camp may be reached through a number of different routes, and there are several trip planning choices.
A guided hike is something that many trekking firms, both western and Nepalese, provide. While it is also feasible to go it alone with the help of a private guide or porter, all trekkers are legally obligated to have a guide. The prime hiking months are March through May and September through December.
It is feasible for individuals who don’t want to go to Mount Everest but still want to see the mountain to do so.on clear days, from the Kathmandu-area hill town of Nagarkot. On clear mornings, hotel workers will knock on guests’ doors if they can see Mount Everest. This might be the laziest traveler’s finest opportunity to visit the highest mountain on the planet.
10. Bardiya National Park
Finding out that Nepal has vast lowland areas where Bengal tigers, rhinoceros, crocodiles, and elephants roam surprises a lot of people. Bardiya National Park is one of the greatest places to witness these creatures in their native habitat (also Bardia National Park). Along with the enormous animals, the park is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 400 different species either residing there permanently or passing through sometimes.
This region, which is isolated and close to the Indian border in northwest Nepal, is well-known for its river basins, vast grasslands, and tropical forest, which is dominated by the Sal tree. Previously, Nepali monarchy had exclusive hunting rights in some areas of the national park. It has been enlarged throughout time and presently covers 968 square kilometres.
11. Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest in Kathmandu and one of the holiest in all of Nepal, was built at the beginning of the 17th century. The temple, which is situated in western Kathmandu by the Bagmati River, is renowned for its exquisite pagoda-style construction with copper and gold coating.
Pashupati, one of Shiva’s avatars, is the subject of the temple. Only those of South Asian heritage who practise Hinduism are permitted inside the three gates; the western gate is the only one that is open. The structure may be seen well from a non-Hindu vantage point across the river. One word of warning: despite their charming appearance, the local monkeys are violent and should be handled with care.
12. International Mountain Museum
The International Alpine Museum, which is situated in the lovely mountain town of Pokhara, is a must-see before beginning a hike. All the knowledge you could possibly want to know about the mountains of Nepal and the people who live there is housed in this really beautiful new facility, which is a light and spacious place.
The museum has three primary galleries, the first of which is the Mountain People Gallery. You may find out more about the indigenous people of Nepal, namely those who live in the Khumbu region, by seeing the exhibits and a film here.
The second gallery focuses on the mountains themselves and offers in-depth details on 14 peaks that rise above 8,000 metres along with a summary of the geology that gave rise to them.
The final gallery explores the mythos of the elusive Yeti and offers information on mountain climbing gear. There are galleries and a Lakhang room for private reflection in addition to the galleries.
There is a large triangle climbing wall outdoors, as well as a smaller one for those who are less adventurous, if you’re seeking for more local activities.
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