9 Must See Places in Nepal

“Heaven is Myth but Nepal is real.” 

Nepal is a country with several opportunities to liberate yourself. It is a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic country with less than 30 million people spreading across 56,827 sq. miles (1,47,181 sq.km) bordering Tibet to the north and India to remaining east, west and south.

Tourism of Nepal flourished in the early 1950’s with the development of roads and basic transportation facilities, however, the arrival of travelers for expedition dates back to early 1920’s. The 70’s era is best known as “Hippe Era” and the popularity of Nepal surpass since then making it one of the best of travel destination of the world.

Nepal is a country with 8 eight thousand meters mountain peaks, including world highest Mt. Everest (8848m), and there are only total 14 in the whole world. The first successful attempt to world’s first 8000m peaks was Annapurna I by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal (French Expedition) in 1950. And, the world highest Everest was climbed on 29 May, 1953 by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary, after several expedition attempts since 1920’s.

Nepal has a multiple geographical features, great bio-diversity, the birthplace of Buddha, the legacy of Gurkhas and world only Living Goddess. Nepal has always lure travelers to witness the transcendent beauty of Himalayas, excellent hospitality from friendly people, unique cultural practice and values, find a spiritual gateway and much more. A feeling you can’t describe.

These Quick Facts of Nepal will surely help you understand about this small landlocked country.

Gokyo Valley — Home to Serene Lakes and Himalayas

Mount Everest Range and Third "Gokyo" Lake seen from Renjo La Pass Trails

• Awesome view of world 4 eight-thousanders including Mt. Everest
• Six beautiful lakes including Third Lake “Gokyo Lake”
• Stunning Gokyo Peak view-point to observe lake and mountains
• World largest glacier — Ngozumpa Glacier
• Amazing arid rocky landscapes
• Usually organized for 10-12 days of walking under 5360m
• Additional Trip to popular Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass

 

Annapurna Sanctuary — Haven of Annapurnas

Panoramic view of Mount Fishtail (6697m) and Local Teahouses of Annapurna Sanctuary

• Panoramic view of Annapurna (8019m) and its range comprising more than fifteen peaks
• Majestic Sunrise and Sunset view atop Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail
• Mixed vegetation and landscapes walk on the trails
• Beautiful rhododendron forest (in spring)
• Usually organized for 8-12 days of walking under 4130m

 

Kathmandu Valley — City of Temples

Wood Crafting on Medival Nepal found in the walls of temples in Kathmandu "God Bhairav"

• Hindu Shrine of Pashupatinath, Changunaryan, Budanilkantha
• Largest Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath and Swayambunath “Monkey Temple”
• Historic monuments and typical artistic gems at Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares
• Participation in different festivals which occurs often
• Popular countryside for sunrise, sunset and Everest range at Nagarkot
• Quick look into the typical lifestyle of native “Newar” people at Bungmati village
• Swift hike for 2 days around Chisapani and Nagarkot
• Many important temples like Daksinkali Temple, Sanga Shiva Temple
• One to seven days for quick or complete exploration 

 

Pokhara Valley — City of Lakes

Begnas Lake - one of the serene lake of Pokhara Valley being another "Phewa Lake" most popular

• Calm and quiet tourist destination
• Turquoise Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake and boating
• Barahi Temple and Bindebasini Temple
• Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave and Mahendra Cave
• International Mountain Museum and Tibetan Refugee Camp
• World Peace Pagoda to capture beautiful view of city, lake and mountains
• Sarangkot Hill station for sunrise, sunset and majestic view of Annapurna range of mountains
• Opportunity of other day activities like Paragliding, Avia Flight and Zip Line
• Gateway to popular trekking destinations like Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Sanctuary

 

Lumbini — Birthplace of Lord Buddha

Eternal Peace Flame at Mayadevi Garden of Lumbini

• Asoka Pillar erected by Emperor Asoka in 3rd century BC
• Monasteries established by different countries
• Mayadevi Garden where Buddha was born
• Eternal Peace Flame  in premises of Mayadevi Temple
• Holy Pond “Puskarini” where Buddha had his first bath
• UNESCO World Heritage Site Listed in 1999
• Eastern and Western Monastic Zone having Theravadin, Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries
• Can be reached in 10 hours drive from Kathmandu or 45min flight to nearest Bhairahawa Airport

 

Upper Mustang — Land of Forbidden Kingdom

Buddhist Monasteries with awesome mountain background on barren arid landscapes of Upper Mustang

• Also known as “Lost Treasure of Tibet”
• A separate kingdom inside the Nepal Kingdom until 2008
• A Mustang Former Royal Palace to Visit
• Destination for Monsoon season due lying under Trans-Himalayas region — Rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
• Mustang Sky Caves (collection of 10,000 man-made caves built 2000-3000 years ago)
• Centuries-old Buddhist Stupas and monasteries
• Restricted to enter for outsiders until 1992
• Beautiful valley and cool semi-arid landscapes
• Usually organized for 12-14 days of walking under 3870m

 

Tsum Valley — Vivid Dell amid the Himalayas

Beautiful Waterfall and green landscapes on the trails ot Tsum Valley

• Hidden civilization of Local people
• Old Ancient Buddhist Monasteries
• Centuries old tradition and practice
• Beautiful landscapes and mountain views
• Restricted to enter for outsiders until 2008
• Usually organized for 9-12 days of walking under 4000m

 

Chitwan National Park — Peaceful Green Stay

Endangered One Horned Rhinocerous seen on Elephant Back Safari at Chitwan National Park

• Elephant Back Safari and Elephant Bath View
• Ethnic Cultural Show of native Tharu people
• Jeep Drive, Jungle Walk and Bird Watching
• Canoeing, Village visit and Breeding Center
• Usually organized for 3-4 days

 

Pikey Peak — Whole Himalayas Captured

Magnificent wide view of the Himalayas seen from Pikey Peak

• Magnificent wide view of the Himalayas including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gaurishankar, Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga
• Beautiful Rhododendron Forest of different colors and kinds
• Pleasant walk in the countryside of Lower Everest Region