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Nepal is a beautiful landlocked country in southern Asia that lies amidst the impressive Himalayas. The country is blessed with nature’s choicest attractions and boasts of remarkable history.
Known for its mountains, the country also contains historic towns, wildlife-filled national parks, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, tea fields, and many more.
In this blog, Unify Holidays has rounded up some of the top places to explore Nepal, whether you want to do some gentle sightseeing or have more active plans.
The Best Nepal Travel Destinations
Kathmandu
Your trip to Nepal could never be a complete experience if you did not go to Kathmandu. Surrounded by Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and gateway to exploring the essence of Nepal.
Also called the City of Temples, Kathmandu is home to many pagodas, and ancient temples. Kathmandu is among the UNESCO World Heritage site in Nepal with seven groups of monuments and buildings.
For people who love outdoor activities, you can book Nepal tour packages to explore Nagarkot, Rani Pokhari Lake, and Champadevi Hill for hiking, bungee jumping, rafting, and mountain climbing.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is an ancient city in Nepal filled with temples and other religious structures. Also called the Living Museum of Nepal, Bhaktapur is a city of devotees where many people come here to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. However, entering Bhaktapur is not free, and visitors need to pay an entry fee which is used for maintaining the temples.
As the third-largest city in Nepal, Bhaktapur is a popular tourist destination. Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site is also a highlight and the most common attraction. Another place to visit in the city is the Nyatapola Temple, the tallest pagoda temple with five stories that rises above the city’s landscape.
Sagarmatha National Park
Are you a wildlife enthusiast looking for some of the best Nepal travel destinations? Sagarmatha National Park is a great option for you! This wildlife reserve is overlooked by Mount Everest, giving it stunning scenery and adventurous trails for trekking and hiking.
It is also a UNESCO World Heritage and preservative site for rare species of animals and birds, like the red panda and snow leopard. This makes it an important tourist attraction for people who enjoy mountaineering and bird watching.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is a world heritage site home to diverse kinds of birds, wild animals, and flora. Located in southern Nepal, Chitwan is home to wild animals like Bengal tigers, gharial crocodiles, one-horned rhinoceroses, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
The park is one of the most serene places and the perfect place for those who love exploring wildlife. It also has souvenir shops, six resorts, a museum, a conservation center, elephant safaris, and an elephant breeding center. Visitors can enjoy activities like jungle safaris by jeep, birdwatching, and canoeing.
Everest Base Camp
Mount Everest is the highest mountain on the earth and a dream destination for many trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Bordering northeastern Nepal and Tibet, the region is home to vast glaciers, mountains, deep valleys, and Sherpa villages.
Climbing to the Everest Base Camp is an iconic and fulfilling adventure that every trekker should experience at least once in a lifetime. During the trek, you pass through stunning valleys, ancient monasteries, and traditional Sherpa villages.
Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is an amazing tourist destination and a trek within the Nepal mountain ranges. Covering over 55 km, the circuit is the 10th-highest summit in the world.
Trekking across the summit takes you through different landscapes, from tropical jungles to alpine deserts and other awe-inspiring mountain ranges.
Some of the major highlights include the following:
- Thorong La Pass: The highest point on the Annapurna Circuit trek at 5,416 meters
- Muktinath: A sacred temple for both Hindus and Buddhists
- Gurung Villagers: Experience the Nepalese warm hospitality.
Janakpur
Janakpur has a deep historical and religious significance in Nepal. The city used to be the capital of King Janak’s kingdom of Mithila and the largest sub-metropolitan in the country. Janakpur is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nepal and the birthplace of the Goddess Sita who was the consort of Lord Ram in Hindu mythology.
The city is home to the famous Janaki Mandir, a stunning marble temple that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. You also get to experience the Mithila culture and paintings which are unique to the region.
Patan
Patan is one of the oldest cities in Nepal known for its craftsmanship, art, and architecture. Located in the Kathmandu Valley, the city has narrow streets, brick houses, and many well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, and monuments.
Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the city is filled with 136 courtyards, and 55 major temples that attract thousands of visitors every year.
Lumbini
Lumbini is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal and the birthplace of Lord Budha. Located in southern Nepal, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to many monasteries. It is one of the most revered destinations for many Buddhists all over the world.
The major highlight of Lumbini includes the following:
- Maya Devi Temple
- The Sacred Garden
- Ashoka Pillar
- The World Peace Eternal Flame
Pokhara
One of the best places to visit Nepal is Pokhara, well known for its serene lakes, stunning views, and relaxed atmosphere. It is the perfect place for adventure and nature lovers who want to have a peaceful and quiet time away from the noise of the bustling city. Some of the things you can do in Pokhara include boating on Phewa Lake and visiting the World Peace Pagoda (a Buddhist stupa on a hilltop that provides a scenic view of all the surrounding mountains).
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a hill station in Nepal known for its natural beauty and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. This place is a paradise for all mountain lovers who love to capture every view. For tourists who want a serene environment away from noise and distraction, this village is the perfect destination.
Mustang
Mustang is great for mountain sightseeing and for those who want to know more about the Tibetan culture as well as the Nepalese lifestyle.This remote region has natural scenery, hiking trails, monasteries, caves, and local tribes. It is also rich in vegetation with a range of rhododendron plantations, apple fields, and a strong Buddhist culture.
Kirtipur
Located about 5km to the southwest of Kathmandu, the town is built upon a rocky hill and filled with stunning ancient temples. With its impressive historical background and authentic Newari culture, the town has been gaining more and more popularity in the past few decades.
Kirtipur has a breathtaking view and some of the best Newari restaurants in the valley. The town is also well-protected and vehicle-free, making it ideal for strolling and wandering in the mornings and evenings
Chitlang
Chitlang is an ancient Newar dominant village in Nepal surrounded by the Chandragiri hills. It holds a rich historical significance and is home to more than 100 species of birds, making it a haven for ornithology.
Visit the town if you want to have a homestay experience and have a taste of the hilly life. The people living in the village are goat farmers and goat cheese makers, making it a perfect destination for those who want to learn how to make cheese.
Lukla
Lukla is a small town located in the Khumbu area of the Solukhumbu district in north-eastern Nepal. It has become a popular place for tourists who want to visit the Himalayas and want to stay close to the airport. Lukla also houses many shops and hotels that cater to tourists and trekkers, providing them with Western-style meals and trail supplies.
The Bottom Line
Nepal is a perfect place for a life-changing experience and the popular tourist places in the country are favorable for travelers to visit and explore. But your experience is totally dependent on the type of Nepal tour packages you book.
Are wondering about the best time to visit Nepal or how to travel around? Unify Holidays is here to help you. We provide the best itinerary and tour guide for all travelers around the world. With us, you don't have to worry about anything, just pack your bag and we will handle the rest!