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Bodhnath Temple

The Place, the People, and the Peace of Mind: Nepal in a Nutshell

Kathmandu-Nepal
TE

| 5 mins read

Nepal is a destination that often whispers delicious temptations to travelers, a place where many people aspire to visit and that seems just a little bit different to the norm. A land that is rich in spirituality, a place that is filled with spectacular nature, somewhere that you can do some real soul-searching, a nation brimming with friendly and welcoming people, and a destination where you can enjoy a rare sense of stillness and tranquility.

Uncover the splendours of Nepal, explore a beautiful destination, and go on your own personal journey as you embrace this magical and captivating land. Having a tour guide in Nepal can open your eyes to a wealth of experiences and places that you previously only saw in your dreams.

Home to the world’s highest mountain, the mighty and awesome Mount Everest, here are some of the other ultimate highs that you can expect in Nepal:


Sublime Nature

One of the most stunning natural gems in Nepal, Pokhara is home to dazzling lakes and rolling hills. Trekking with a Nepal tour guide is one of the best ways to fully enjoy the majesty of the area.

Pokhara Lake and Boats

Nagarkot provides incredible views of the mighty Himalayas, and Dolpa’s Pholsundo Lake cannot fail to impress. The formerly independent Mustang Region offers many scenic treats and raw beauty. With restricted tourism, those who do visit can enjoy the relatively untouched splendors. Permits are required to visit the area, and hiking is incredibly popular, especially during the months of August and October.

Mustang Scenic Region

Chitwan National Park is very touristy, but for good reason. Wild tigers and rhinos roam the terrain, an abundance of interesting birds fly through the skies, there’s an elephant breeding centre, and you can visit small villages and a cultural centre.

Chitwan National Park

Spiritual Awakenings

Feel the heart and soul of Buddhism with a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Lord Buddha. A major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, whilst it doesn’t have so many sights to see you can soak up the peaceful air of tranquility and truly feel at peace here. Your tour guide in Nepal will be able to give you greater insights into the area, the local culture, and the religion.

Lumbini, Nepal

Take a trip to Janakpur, close to the border with India, and experience one of Nepal’s most religious and historical destinations. Attracting many Hindu pilgrims, it was the birthplace of the Lord Rama’s wife, Sita. Referenced in the Ramayana and an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mithila, Janakpur offers a very different vibe to other places around the country.

Janaki Temple, Janakpur

The capital city of Kathmandu still has several sacred sites, despite the unfortunate loss of many key places of value during the devastating earthquakes of 2015. Explore the city and you’ll discover many shrines and temples. Durbar Square is a magnet for visitors, and the Swayambunath Stupa is one of the city’s most photographed spots. It is the oldest religious site in the area, dating back to around 250 BC. Do note that there are more than 300 steps to reach the top of the magnificent stupa. A few kilometers outside of the capital city, Bouddhanath Stupa is another highlight of a visit to Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Pashupatinath Temple, located just outside Kathmandu, is a sprawling complex of temples, shrines, ashrams, and other spiritual spots. Dedicated to the Hindu Lord Pashupatinath, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most significant Hindu places of worship across the globe, it attracts many devotees and tourists. You can learn how to meditate and practice yoga, as well as admiring sights such as the large golden temple in honour of the Lord Shiva, complete with many lingams and a large Tibetan prayer wheel. Another fascinating aspect is the daily spiritual rituals that are conducted by priests from two different groups, the Bhatts and Bhandari, each with their own functions and roles.

Pashupatinath Temple

Tranquil Hotspots

Many of Nepal’s spiritual and natural destinations also offer a hypnotizing sense of peace and serenity. Other great places to enjoy tranquility include the deep dark caves of Mahendra Gufa (located near to Pokhara), and the charming and rural royal city of Bhaktapur.

Rural Area of Bhaktapur

Warm People

The people of Nepal are known for being warm and friendly, often ready to welcome visitors with open arms and genuine hospitality. To really immerse yourself in the local way of life, a top spot to visit would be the Thamel area. Although many of the lively market stalls are aimed at tourists, you can still lap up the local life without travelling far away from the capital city. Of course, a homestay in a rural part of the country will provide even greater insights and cultural exchange.

Pashmina Shop in Thame

Experience the best of Nepal and create many magical memories.

Image details and Licences: https://flic.kr/p/dXSSjT (mariusz kluzniak, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/GkmqJ5 (Talented Traveller, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/5nS9Ri (Pablo Nicolás Taibi Cicare, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/7MSY5Q (David Lowry, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/9eP3AR (Abhishek Singh, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/r7CzYC (Jean-François Gornet, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/ss1pBC (Allie_Caulfield, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/75Lf3t (neiljs, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/9PF36h (weiinqueensland, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)