Nepal Tourism: which places are a must-visit?

Planning to visit Nepal soon? Well, the travel decision could not be better as Nepal is one of the most picturesque countries in the world that anyone has ever seen!!

Image Credit – A Little Adrift

Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world which makes it an absolute heaven for tourists. The country is filled with natural contrasts with outstanding cultural and historical landmarks like monuments and temples that provide a dynamic lesson on the country’s history and present. So if you are planning on visiting the country anytime soon, there are some must-visit attractions and places that you should not miss. Let’s see what they are –

  • Nagarkot

This is a beautiful tranquil hill town situated at 7000 feet and boasts remarkable views of the great Himalayas. The location is only 4 hours from Kathmandu and is ideal to visit in October. The distance of 32 kilometers between Kathmandu and Nagarkot can be covered by bus from Kathmandu’s Bhaktapur Bus Terminal. Apart from the breathtaking Himalayan views, especially Mount Everest on the northeastern side, you will get to be a part of your dream trek, enjoy mountain biking, and get lost in the dense forest of pine trees.

  • The Boudhanath Stupa

This is one of the world’s biggest spherical stupas that is viewed by Buddhists as one of their most important shrines. Boudhanath Stupa is also known as the Khasa Chaitya which joined UNESCO World Heritage Sites back in 1979. The Stupa is only 5 kilometers away from the central area of Kathmandu. You can take a shared cab or a taxi from Rani Park in Thamel to get there. The Stupa will offer you its most famous prayer wheel and 28 Tibetan gompas along with some delicious spread of momos and thukpa.

  • Sagarmatha National Park

One of the most well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the world, this place is covered in the majestic Mount Everest, an uncommon spread of animal and bird species, and other magnificent Himalayan peaks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park has maintained every attractiveness of nature and at the same time acts as the provision to preserve endangered wild creatures such as pheasants, red pandas, and snow leopards. Situated at Jiri, this national park can be reached from Kathmandu via bus. Visit there to experience rare bird species along with a diverse spread of flora and fauna, covered by stunning views of the mountains.

  • Pashupatinath Temple

This temple is on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, and is one of the country’s holiest and oldest temples. Lord Shiva’s form Lord Pashupatinath who is a respected Nepalese deity is honored in the temple. During the Maha Shivaratri festival, over a million people from different parts of the world come here to celebrate and honor the deity every year. Situated at Gaushala Road, this temple is not far from the River Bagmati and can be reached by bus from Kathmandu in roughly 45 minutes. Besides the beautiful structure and feeling of solace, you will witness the golden spire of the temple, silver sheeted doors, and the holy lingams along with the Panch Deval complex at the Pashupatinath Temple.

  • Swayambhunath Temple

 This is another of Nepal’s most well-known religious sites, also known as the Monkey Temple. This temple has enormous popularity among the Buddhist community as well. Founded by King Manadeva’s great-grandfather, Swayambhunath Temple was reportedly built at the start of the fifth century. Home to a number of exquisitely carved and modest temples, flag statues, and Buddhist prayer wheels, this temple only takes 12 minutes to reach from Kathmandu. The huge Tibetan prayer wheel along with the painted Buddha statues, and the glorious golden shire are among the most famous tourist attractions of the place. It also takes exactly 365 steps to reach the temple!

Visit these places and be a part of an unforgettable travel experience the next time you travel to Nepal.