20 Very Best Places To Visit In Nepal
Nepal is a lovely place and one that’s just so fantastic. I’m going to try not to waffle too much, or to sound too clichéd but Nepal is one of those nations that genuinely is awe-inspiring and absolutely unique. However, there really are so many more great spots to see in Nepal beyond only its mountains and city.
Nepal is a remarkably diversified country that fascinates travelers for numerous reasons. Some are tempted by the call of the mountains and seek to climb or trek in the Himalayas, others are intrigued by the culture and the famed city of Kathmandu, while yet others come trying to discover some form of spiritual awakening. Nepal can be an adrenaline adventure, a cultural eye-opener, a life-changing event, or all of the above.
Most travelers spend some time in Kathmandu viewing spiritual and historic landmarks and then head out to other parts of the nation. Some of the greatest places to visit outside of the city are Chitwan National Park for wildlife viewing, and the lakeside resort of Pokhara, a favorite area for beginning treks.
Trekkers will discover a number of alternatives in Nepal, with the most important places being the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions.
In 2015, a huge earthquake rocked Nepal, causing catastrophic damage in Kathmandu and other locations, although the repair is proceeding, and progress has been substantial. Much of the damage has been repaired, while some historical gems were lost permanently.
To locate the greatest places to visit, have a read through our list of the top attractions in Nepal.
Note: Some establishments may be temporarily closed owing to current worldwide health and safety issues.
Read about one of the most popular festival in Nepal- Dashain
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20. Khumbu Valley
The Khumbu Valley trip is tough for the faint of heart but if you conquer it, bragging rights are yours for life!
But honestly, don’t venture out on this hike unless you have some experience or a certified guide.
Home to Namche Bazaar which is a Sherpa town, the “Monkey temple”, the Tengboche Monastery, and stunning views of Mount Everest, Khumbu Valley is a fascinating place.
The Khumbu Valley trip might take anywhere from two weeks to a whole month, so prepare wisely and be patient.
19. Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is like no other city in the world. The deteriorating buildings in the heart of the city offer a stark contrast to the bustling mood that permeates the streets. The smell of incense wafts from storefronts while street sellers push their goods, and people go about their everyday lives, all against a backdrop of antique temples and carved statues.
For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal capitals, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. Situated in close proximity to each other, today these three almost run together.
The focus of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of diverse shapes, sizes, styles, and beliefs can be found here.
Kathmandu’s Durbar Square was extensively devastated in the 2015 earthquake, with many buildings demolished beyond repair, but it still remains a great site to visit.
18. Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur, the third of the “Royal Cities,” is located on the old trade route to Tibet, just outside of Kathmandu. For Bhaktapur, the commerce route was both an arterial link and a substantial source of revenue. Its relative isolation at the time allowed the city to grow independently and in ways that distinguish it from the other two cities.
In contrast to Patan and Kathmandu, the population of Bhaktapur is largely Hindu. The ideal site from which to begin a tour of the city is Durbar Square, where in addition to the royal palace, various temples are also placed. The whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Many of the buildings at Durbar Square in Bhaktapur were damaged in the 2015 earthquake, the big temples are close to being reconstructed totally, but development on much of the surrounding area has not gone as rapidly.
17. Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath)
The Boudhanath Stupa, just outside Kathmandu, is one of the largest stupas of its sort in the world and dates to some time around the 6th century, probably even earlier. Like Bhaktapur, it stands on the old trade route to Tibet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The stupa itself is a symbol of enlightenment but at Boudhanath, the symbolism is particularly obvious. Each varied form represents one of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and sphere, which are also the qualities of the five Buddhas. Brought together in the form of the stupa, their unity mirrors in abstract fashion the structure of the universe itself.
The stupa experienced minimal damage during the 2015 earthquake and is now entirely rebuilt.
16. Pokhara
Set at the base of the foothills and surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world – Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I – Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most attractive cities. For trekkers, Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas and the beginning point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna region. It’s also a nice area to unwind for a moment, either before or after a hiking adventure.
By population, it is the second-largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu but still does not seem like a major metropolis. As you travel from Kathmandu, 200 kilometers to the east, you’ll notice the significantly cleaner air and pleasant atmosphere almost immediately. Lake Phewa, with its cluster of lakefront hotels, restaurants, and stores, is great for visitors searching for a little relaxation.
15. Trekking in the Annapurna Region
The Annapurna Region is one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal, with options that vary from a few days to a few weeks. Three primary routes in the Annapurna Region connect and join at spots, and you can select to complete a segment or a variant on the routes. The courses are properly defined and easy to follow.
The Annapurna Circuit around Annapurna Mountain takes about 21 days to complete and is highly popular with people who have ample time. This circuit is frequently called the “Apple Pie Circuit,” in reference to the fact that most of the teahouses along the route serve their unique form of fried apple pie.
A popular hiking destination in this region, commonly featured in hiking packages in tandem with the Annapurna Circuit, is the trip to Poon Hill (3,210 meters) near Ghorepani. Most hikers aim to get on Poon Hill early to catch the sunrise and a spectacular vista of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Singa Chuli.
The Annapurna Sanctuary nestles between the peaks of Annapurna and takes five days to reach. Muktinath is on the road to Annapurna but has subsequently become a destination in its own right. The Muktinath route runs in the Kali Gandaki Valley on the east face of Annapurna and takes seven days. North of Muktinath is Mustang, a remote region that was first opened up to tourists in 1992. This area has its own distinct culture.
In many aspects, the Annapurna Region, north of Pokhara, is a perfect walking area. The tremendous differences of the Nepalese countryside are clearly obvious, from the subtropical vegetation of the Pokhara Valley to the arid rain shadow area, with elements of the Tibetan plateau. The people and civilizations are also highly different: face characteristics, food, residences, lifestyles, customs, and religion.
The Annapurna region was proclaimed a protected area in 1986. Most significantly, it has a robust infrastructure to support the many trekkers that come through this area. The paths are well maintained, and food and lodging are plentiful.
14. Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the place to visit to explore a distinct side of Nepal. This is an excellent area for animal viewing and it has a safari-type feel. At an altitude of about 100 meters in some regions, far lower than Kathmandu at 1,400 meters, Chitwan has a tropical monsoon climate, quite different than what you’d expect to find in Nepal.
Travelers come here to watch animals. The park is home to rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (buffalo), deer, and many more creatures. Freshwater dolphins (Gangetic) and crocodiles frequent the rivers and streams but are rarely observed. More than 500 species of birds make Chitwan heaven for ornithologists. Tours from the lodges take you out into the park, either on foot, or more often, on elephants for close-up views of the animals.
Chitwan sits southwest of Kathmandu near the Indian frontier and is included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites.
The best time to visit Chitwan is from October to February. Average temperatures average around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), with heavy humidity, however, the mornings can be rather cold. June to September is the monsoon season, with regular and heavy rain.
13. Trekking in the Langtang Region
The Langtang Region, home to Langtang National Park, is a fantastic region for hiking, with high passes, broad views, old monasteries, and gorgeous mountain landscapes. Rhododendron forests blossom throughout the spring hiking season providing color to the panoramas.
The region, home to the Sherpa people, is less developed than some of the other major trekking destinations in Nepal and generally less busy on the trails, despite its close proximity to Kathmandu. Villages with guesthouses and meals can be found along the trail, although considerably more spread out than in other trekking regions. Some settlements in this area were entirely devasted by the 2015 earthquake.
This location may be visited easily from Kathmandu by jeep in seven to eight hours. On a clear day, the peak of Langtang Lirung (7,245 meters), which dominates the surrounding area of the same name, is visible from Kathmandu.
Trekking lengths and duration in Langtang range from a few days to a few weeks depending on the routing. Some trekkers combine Helambu and Langtang for a long journey.
12. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Set on a hilltop to the west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is the second most prominent shrine in the Kathmandu Valley after Boudhanath. Due to the native monkeys that occupy parts of the temple, it is more affectionately known as the Monkey Temple.
The Swayambhu Stupa, decorated with the eyes of the omnipresent God, constitutes the centerpiece of the temple complex. It was initially a prehistoric religious place, but the temple complex dates to the 5th century. Swayambhu plays a key place in the life of the Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, but especially of the Newari Buddhists of the Kathmandu Valley.
The 2015 earthquake caused some damage to the Swayambhunath temple complex; however, renovations are now complete, and the temple is back to its previous condition.
11. Everest & the Trek to Base Camp
The top of Mount Everest, the highest mountain on earth, reaches 8,848 meters (29,028 ft) high. Trekking in the Mount Everest area became popular following the now-iconic first ascent of the summit in 1953 by Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and the Sherpa Tensing Norgay.
Since that time, many more have summited the mountain, but even more, like the way to Everest Base Camp only for a sight of the peak far above. In recent years the mountain has seen its fair share of tragedy and drama. The 2015 earthquake and past avalanches, along with disagreements amongst climbers on the mountain, have left their imprint on Everest trekking and climbing.
The Everest Location is generally not regarded as the most scenic region in the country for trekking, but the appeal of Everest makes it a popular destination, both for climbers and trekkers. There are several routes to access the base camp and several alternatives for organizing a trip.
Many trekking businesses offer a guided hike, either with Nepalese enterprises or western-based companies. It’s also feasible to hire a private guide or porter and do it yourself, however, all trekkers are technically obligated to have a guide. The main hiking seasons are in the spring and fall, from March to May and September to December.
For those not wishing to trek to Mount Everest but still wanting to see the peak, it is feasible to glimpse it on clear days from the hill town of Nagarkot near Kathmandu. Hotel personnel will knock on guests’ doors on clear mornings if Everest is visible. This might be the indolent traveler’s greatest opportunity of seeing the world’s highest summit.
10. Lumbini
Lumbini is famed for being the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the historic Buddha, known as Buddha Shakyamuni. Situated off the main tourist trail, about 250 kilometers from Kathmandu, Lumbini is a worthwhile stopover on the journey from Pokhara to the Chitwan National Park.
In this pilgrimage village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is a feeling of serenity. Most of the visitors are Buddhist pilgrims from around the world, retracing Buddha’s footsteps through the stations of his life. The Maya Devi Temple, dedicated to Buddha’s mother, is believed to be the location where Buddha was born. It contains an antique stone carving from the 2nd century AD representing Buddha’s birth.
8. White Water Rafting
With towering mountains and flowing rivers, Nepal is a fantastic site for white water rafting. Several alternatives are available depending on how much time you wish to spend on the river.
An easy tour for travelers merely searching for a one-day excitement is the Trisuli Rafting Day Trip from Kathmandu. Unlike many rafting experiences, which are seasonal, this one is available year-round. After your day of rafting, you can either go back to Kathmandu or on to Chitwan or Pokhara.
If you are hoping to spend more time on the river and are interested in more challenging rapids, one of the most popular spots to go to is the Bhote Kosi River.
Bhote Koshi River Rafting tours last two days and are demanding. You’ll find yourself in the white water quickly after being put in, and along the route, you’ll blast through class IV and V rapids. The trek is 25 kilometers long and includes camping on the riverbank for one night. Meals are included.
Other multiday treks to consider including on the Tamur, Karnali, Arun, and Bheri rivers.
7. Nagarkot
For spectacular views of the mighty Himalayas, come to this charming hill station in Nepal that really is one of the best locations to visit in Nepal – especially if you love the mountains.
Located close to Bhaktapur, Nagarkot is the perfect place to unwind and take in the breathtaking views of eight Himalayan peaks along with spectacular sunrises and sunsets (if the weather holds out) (if the weather holds out). You may also go trekking, mountain biking, and even try paragliding if you’re feeling like a true daredevil.
6. Sagarmatha National Park
One reason to visit this place? That it is home to the piece de resistance of the Himalayas, Mount Everest itself!
You can also witness stunning peaks like Lhotse, Cho Oyo, Nuptse, Thamserku, Pumori, and Amadablam.
Other than the magnificent mountainscape, glaciers, and valleys, Sagarmatha National park is also home to several wildlife species like the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, black bears, and choral.
It certainly is one of the nicest spots to visit in Nepal – if you’re searching for a quiet environment and animals.
One of the finest periods to visit is during October-November and March-May. ☀
5. Ilam
If you are a tea enthusiast, you ought to visit Nepal’s tea district, Ilam… and being British, you can only imagine how crazy I am with tea!
There are some exquisite tea gardens that overlook this scenic and small hamlet that is still largely undisturbed by holidaymakers and very off-the-beaten-track.
Just make sure to go on a tea tour, indulge in some bird-watching, go trekking, and just take in the lovely surroundings of Mount Kanchenjunga with a cup of tea.
If you’d want to watch the tea pickers do their job, visit between April and November. It really is one of the nicest spots to visit in Nepal (well, for us tea drinkers at least) (well, for us tea drinkers at least)
4. Dharan
Located in the foothills of the Mahabharata Range, the city of Dharan is separated into two distinct areas.
While one side is full of banana trees, hills, and makeshift shacks, the other side has a countryside vibe with more permanent homes, pavements, as well as a country club with a golf course (if that’s your thing).
Visit the Buddhasubba Temple and the Datankali Temple and of course enjoy shopping in the main market which is so much fun if you’re looking for some local sweet delicacies.
3. Bandipur
Bandipur is most widely known for the Siddha Gufa (Caves) and for its Newari culture.
With picturesque row buildings, antique temples, and monuments, the hilltop village of Bandipur will make you feel like you have traveled back in time.
It certainly is one (beautiful) and the greatest spot to visit in Nepal.
2. Tansen
Nestled deep into the hills of western Nepal, Tansen is relatively far by road from Kathmandu but a nice small place to halt on your journey across the western edges of Nepal.
Once there, be sure to see the; Tansen Durbar, Muldhoka, The delicious Nanglo Bakery, and the Ranaujeshwori Temple.
1. Panauti
Panauti is only approximately 30-40 kilometers away from the bustling core of Kathmandu, but it feels like a million miles away!
Considered to be one of the oldest cities in Nepal, Panauti is one heck of a destination to visit and possibly one of the nicest spots to visit in Nepal.
Panauti is only approximately 30-40 kilometers away from the bustling core of Kathmandu, but it feels like a million miles away!
Considered to be one of the oldest cities in Nepal, Panauti is one heck of a destination to visit and possibly one of the nicest spots to visit in Nepal.
Make sure to spend some time strolling the old streets and see the historic markets that line them. It’s a beautiful setting for an afternoon visit.
Here is the list of the Top 20 Best Places to visit in Nepal. Hope you liked it.
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