Nepal, a country of magical land with mystic nature, cultural riches and diverse adventures. Being sandwiched between China and India, located in a unique geographical position and latitudinal variation. The elevation of country ranges from lowland at 60 m above sea level to the highest point on the earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 m, all within a distance of 150 km with climatic condition ranging from sub tropic to arctic. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on the earth, a thick tropical jungle teeming with a wealth of wild life, thundering rivers, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lakes, glaciers and forested hills allure the tourist to this mystical place from the entire globe.
Nepal, home of Mount Everest, birth place of Lord Buddha is also a home of about 30 million people of different races and more than 100 ethnic groups living with diverse culture, languages and dialects. Although their culture, tradition, costumes and rituals are different from each other they have mingled with each other showing “unity in diversity” as a beautiful garden of different kinds of flowers. Nepal is a secular country according to a new constitution declared in 2015 though it has world famous Hindus temples like Pashupatinath temple and Muktinath temple likewise Boudhanath stupa and Swowambhunath stupa as a Buddhist temples. This amazing cultural harmony of people makes it the best cultural riches country in the world.
With this spectacular geography, it offers various adventurous activities like Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Bungee jump, Zip flying, Mountain flight and mountaineering activities like Trekking, Peak climbing and Expedition etc.
Hence, Nepal is a favourite destination for most of the tourists and wanderer whether they seek natural or cultural beauty, spiritual peace or flora and fauna. Here, in this blog, we talk about shortlisted Nepal’s top 15 places to visit before you die.
1. Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu valley is one of the most tourist sought destinations in the world and it is the first touristic city in Nepal. Kathmandu Valley is comprises of three Ancient historical cities Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Until the medieval period, Kathmandu valley was divided into these three independent kingdoms. Later in 1768, Gorkha’s King Prithvi Narayan Shah united these three cities and made a single kingdom which is present Kathmandu valley. It is an open art gallery with numerous artistic temples, stupas, monasteries and historical monuments. It is the center of cultural assimilation, architectural wonders and varying lifestyle. Kathmandu is the gateway to tourism in Nepal. Kathmandu was named after Kasthamandap temple, the two-storied temple structure was built in 1596 from wood of a single tree, and uses neither iron nails nor supports. Artistic Temples, Monasteries, Ancient Royal Palaces (Durbars in Nepali), Historical monuments and other fascinating attractions that magnet the tourists from the entire globe to Kathmandu valley.There are seven UNESCO world cultural heritage sites within the valley.
Pashupatinath Temple
Boudhanath Stupa
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Patan Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Changunarayan Temple
Kathamndu Durbar Square
2. Lumbini
Lumbini is one of the most important historical religious sites in Nepal, where the lord Buddha was born. Buddha is the symbol of peace and the light of Asia. It is a sacred place for Buddhists as well as peace seekers of the world. According to the history, he was born in 623 B. C. as a son of king Suddodhan and queen Maya Devi and named Prince Siddhartha Gautama. He had a luxurious regal life. His father wanted him to make a great king, but he didn’t want this material wealth. So, he abandoned his family and palace at the age of 29. He thought that “material wealth was not an ultimate goal of life”. This thought made, Prince Siddhartha Gautama to lord Buddha and took a birth of Buddhism.
3. Muktinath
Muktinath is a very important Hindu temple located at an altitude of 3,800 m in the Himalayas of Nepal. Muktinath is a divine and admired temple surrounded by huge trees and pure spring water sprouts. Lord Vishnu, the god of salvation, is the celebrated deity of this temple and worshipped by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. It is believed that once who visits this temple, worships the shrine and takes a bath in the holy water of this temple gets rid of all the sins, done in his life. In Hinduism, it is called Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the “place of liberation” or moksha. The shrines and Buddhist monastery, Jewel Maya Spring and natural gas erupting from the ground with blazing fire glorifies the temple even more. Don’t get surprised if you see some Buddhist monks in temple of lord Shiva, the temple of muktinath is also famous for a unique feature where you can find Buddhist monks as priests of the temple. Buddhists worship the shrine to pay homage. This is an important place not only religiously but also naturally. This is a great place to observe and enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayas, fabulous and typical valley of Kali Gandaki and cultural diversity of ethnic groups.
4. Chitwan
Chitwan National Park is a popular wildlife adventure destination, where thousands of tourists visit every year from the entire globe. It is one of the finest jungle safaris in the world for experiencing the wilderness, providing a close up opportunity to view wild animals, observe their tracks, signs and sounds as well. Chitwan National park is the first national park of Nepal which lies in the plains of Terai and famous for many interesting adventurous activities like elephant back safari, elephant bath, nature walk or jungle walk, bird watching, jeep safari and dugout-canoe. The park covering an area of 932 sq. km, is enlisted in the world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. The park plays a vital role in protecting the wild animals that are at the verge of extinction. The national park is a natural habitat for water buffaloes, egrets, woodpecker and deer. It is also a home to some of the endangered species like gharial crocodiles, one-horned rhino, wild boars, sandburs, spotted deer, sloth bear, 4-horned antelope, Bengal tiger, leopards and many species of birds and butterflies.
Chitwan is also a home for ancient ethnic groups of Nepal like Chepangs and Tharus. So, it is the best tour package to explore the tharu culture along with wildlife adventure. There are also choices of jungle lodging, tented camping or staying at a hotel for accommodation.
5. Pokhara
It is the one of the most beautiful places in the world and second biggest tourist city in Nepal, crowned by the majestic Himalayas, conjured visions of calm but vibrant green hills loaded with luxuriant vegetation and dotted with shimmering lakes. Magnificent image of Mount Machhapuchhre (fishtail) is reflected in the clear water of the Fewa Lake makes everyone spellbound. Many writers have written the article, many singers have sung a song likewise many poets have written the poems admiring the beauty of it. It is located at 900 m above sea level and 200 km away to the west of Kathmandu. It is also called the city of lakes blessed with scintillating beauty of nature as well as famous adventurous activities like Para gliding, Ultra-light flight, Zip flying, Boating, Trekking and Mountaineering.
This is one of the few places in the world to provide such a dramatic magnificent panoramic view of Himalayas and wonderful adventurous experiences of nature within a short geographical area. So, it is also called the heaven of Himalayan kingdom of Nepal or natural paradise. It is also the gateway to popular trekking destinations in the Annapurna Himalayan range and Dhaulagiri Mountain.
6. Gosainkunda Lake
Gosainkunda Lake (4,460 m) is a sacred glacial lake for Hindus and the Buddhists as well. The place is named after the glistening Gosainkunda Lake whose water is believed to have magical healing power and wash off all sins, and said to have had its origin when Lord Shiva swallowed poison to save the world. It is believed that he pierced the earth with his trident (trishul) from where a fountain of water sprang and formed a lake, where the burning Shiva jumped to soothe the burning in his throat. Devotees pray to a long stone in the middle of the lake believing it to be the sleeping Shiva.
During Janai Purnima (full-moon festival in August), hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit the Gosainkunda area for about one-week. At this time Jhankris (Shaman priests) come from all over Nepal and dance in an induced trance to all night singing and beating drum. It takes about 45 minutes to circumambulate the lake.
Gosainkunda Lake is also known as frozen lake. Gosainkunda is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Nepal which provides an opportunity to explore the magnificent view of snowcapped mountains, amazing landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, national park riches with diverse flora and fauna, Tibetan monasteries, primitive Tibetan styles houses and Tamang culture at langtang valley and high mountain sacred lake for Hindus and Buddhist at Gosainkunda.
7. Rara Lake
Rara Lake is the biggest and deepest fresh water lake walled by green hills. It is a shimmering blue jewel set in a ring of snowy peaks. It is the main feature of the Rara national park and located at an altitude of 2,990m above sea level in the far northwestern Himalayas of Nepal. Boating in the clear waters, hiking to nearby hills for closer views of the mountains and lake, meeting the charming local people or just taking a walk around the lake watching out for a wild flower or a rare bird on route, lure the tourists from the entire globe. Rara Lake, being surrounded by Rara National Park, has unique floral and faunal importance with rare and vulnerable species. The park was established in 1976 to preserve the beauty of the lake and protect it from sedimentation and adverse human activities. The Park flora consists of 1074 species, among them 16 are endemic to Nepal, the fauna includes 51 species of mammals and 214 species of birds.
The rich vegetation of the park is home to the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan thar, yellow-throated martin, wild dog, wild boar, common langur, rhesus macaque and common otter. During winter the park abounds in bird varieties like coots, great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, red crested pochard, mallard, common teal, merganser and gulls. Migrant water fowls and gallinaceous birds can also be seen during certain seasons.Thus, now a days Rara Lake has become a popular destination for exotic nature as well as adventure lover travelers around the Globe.
8. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
There are few treks that combine so many different landscapes and bring you so close to the base of 7,000 and 8,000 meter peaks in a short period of time as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region and famous trekking in Nepal because of its diverse landscape, amazing biodiversity, varied culture and rich mountain vista. The trail goes along terraced rice paddies, lush rhododendron and bamboo forests, vibrant rivers, cascading waterfalls, quaint ethnic villages and high altitude landscapes with the Annapurna Range in view most of the times.
The setting of Annapurna Base Camp ( 4130 m ) is unique and incredibly spectacular, set amidst the majestic peaks of Annapurna I (8,091 m); 10th highest mountain in the world, Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m); Fish tail (virgin peak) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m).
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes 7 to 12 days, depending on your itinerary and length of walking days. The itinerary presented here takes 12 days, starting from Nayapul (a 1 1/2 hour drive from Pokhara) and going north up to Ghorepani and the famous viewpoint at Poon Hill. From Ghorepani you go eastward to Chomrong and then north again entering the Modi Khola Valley which leads up to the Base Camp. Many people trek the circuit Nayapul-Ghorepani-Poon hill-Ghandruk-Nayapul, which is very rewarding in itself. This trek can easily be done with children as well.
9. Thorong – La Pass
Thorong La pass is a mountain pass with an elevation of 5,416 m above sea level in the north of AnnapurnaHimal, in central Nepal. The pass is located on a trail which connects the village of Manang to the east with the temple of Muktinath to the west. Thorong La is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit, a 300 km route around the Annapurna mountain range. In addition to trekkers, the pass is regularly used by local traders.
Most trekkers cross the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath), which is the easiest and safest direction. It is possible to cross Thorong La from Manang to Muktinath in one day. However, many trekkers choose to spend the night either in Thorong Phedi, which is situated at 4,540 m, or at Thorong High Camp, which is situated at 4,880 m before attempting to go over Thorong La Pass. Choosing this option decreases the elevation gain and loss for that day’s hike, as well as decreasing the distance. The additional time spent in Manang allows trekkers to acclimatize sufficiently to minimize the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). The Himalayan Rescue Association operates a medical clinic at Manang, and a small satellite medical clinic at Thorong Phedi.
10. Bhotekoshi River
Bhotekoshi is Heaven for people who love adventure. Two most thrilling adventure sports; River Rafting and Bungee Jumping are the specialty of this place.
Bhotekoshi Bungee Jumping is located at 160m over the wild Bhote Koshi River. It is situated close to the Nepal-Tibet border, a three-hour bus drive from Kathmandu. This is the longest free-fall in the world and is also the most spectacular on the entire planet. The jump takes place from a 160m high and wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi river gorge which is Swiss designed and specially considers safety of dive. The Bungee Jumping site in Nepal is considered to be the best spot for the most thrilling experience. It is the only bridge of Nepal that is privately owned especially for Bungee Jump activity.
Bhotekoshi River Rafting is held in Bhotekoshi River. Bhote Koshi is one of the famous and popular rafting destination in Nepal which originates in the Tibetan plateau from where it flows down through steep gorges to Nepal in the south. The stiff gorges and naturally rugged landscape adds more thrill and excitement to the trip which has made it one of the popular and preferred rafting destination in the world. The river flows through narrow canyons covered in lush green vegetation and from the rocks flow down crystal clear waterfalls. Rafting in Bhote Koshi River is an ideal river rafting for every adventure seekers which provides both fun and thrill with challenging rapids ranges from class III to class V rapid.
It is about three hours’ drive from Kathmandu along the Arniko Highway to Bhote Koshi put-in point. The drive to the put-in point also has its own highlight and excitement. The glimpse of snow-capped mountains such as Langtang and Dorje Lakpa towards the north of the country can be viewed on the way to the Bhote Koshi put-in point if the weather is favorable.
11. Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp Trek (5,365m) is the most thrilling, exciting and challenging trekking for the adventure lovers from the entire globe which is an exhilarating world class journey in the high Himalayas that leads to the base camp of the highest peak on the earth, Mt. Everest (8,848m). Everest Base Camp trek is the most popular trekking trail among the trekkers and a beautiful heaven in itself, which lies in the Everest region. It is also called the EBC Trek. Everest base camp is the gateway for all the climbers that attempt to climb the highest summit of the world, the Everest and it is the most famous trekking location that holds a long history of pride, glory and tragedy too. The Everest (Khumbu) region is considered to be the ‘KING’ of all trekking regions which is located in the north-east of Nepal. Everest region is not only home for magnificent peaks, glaciers, icefalls, lakes but also the home for world natural heritage sites, Sagarmatha National Park, century old Buddhist monasteries & indigenous Sherpa people & their culture. This region is also a habitat for different floras and fauna like pheasants, musk deer and Himalayan thar. So, Trekking in the world’s most spectacular mountain region will touch everyone’s soul and rewards with vibrant. Nonstop views of the planet’s highest and most majestic peaks, the ethnic mountain people settlement, scenic Sherpa villages below the lofty Himalayas and regal Buddhist monasteries, the whole region has been declared a world heritage site for its natural and cultural wonder.
12. Tsum Valley
Tsum Valley is one of the most sacred and hidden place in Nepal that lies in Manasalu Region of Nepal. The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, and Boudha ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak unique dialect. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with Mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum Valley, the Manaslu area in Nepal and southern parts of Tibet. Tsum Valley was a restricted area until it was opened for trekking in 2008 and there is a little information available on the area. That might be the reason we don’t find any article about TSUM Valley even in wikipedia.
The valley is drained by the Shear Khola, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak. The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not permitted in the Tsum Valley. The valley also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Gumba Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.
13. Dolpo Region
Dolpo Region is one of the remote, secluded and adventurous trekking regions in Nepal. It is the best trekking region for wilderness, camping and seclusion seeking trekkers. It is the biggest area occupying district of Nepal. Lying in the mid-western part of Nepal, between the Tibetan plateau and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range, it is the Shangri-La of dream. The region is very much secluded due to lack of road access until now. That’s is why, Dolpo region is unhurt by the tribulations of the modern world. This region was restricted to trekkers until 1989. Its beauty and exotic culture is very much intact. Nepal’s first English subtitled movie on Dolpo “The Caravan” was also a huge success and was also nominated for the Oscar award in the best foreign language film category. This region has been exceptionally blessed by the nature. “The Shey Phoksundo National Park” is the largest and the only trans-Himalayan national park in Nepal. It is one of the major National Parks of Nepal and major attractions of the Dolpo Region. The name is derived from the 12th century Shey Monastery and the deepest lake in Nepal, the Phoksundo Lake, both of these lie in the same district. The park protects endangered animals like the snow leopard, musk deer and the Tibetan wolf.
Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the high altitude lakes, is another famous feature of this Dolpo region. The lake is totally free of aquatic life, which the crystal waters clearly demonstrate. Surrounded by rocks, forests, and snow-capped peaks, the area has been described as one of the world’s “Natural Hidden Wonders”. Shey Gompa, anthropologically and religiously very important monastery of the region, Kanjirowa Himalayan range, isolated village of Ringmo, monasteries, stupas and gompas in this region hold great importance in promoting local as well as global tourism.
The clustered settlement of the Dolpo region makes its people some of the “world’s highest dwellers” The ancient villages in this region are at an altitude of 4,300 meters and above. People here practice pre Buddhist religion, the Bon Po. Even after extensive spreading of Buddhism in 9th century Tibet, this region has preserved its very ancient religion. The people of this area are simple and warm-hearted with an enthralling culture and traditions. The cultural traditions of this area are basically linked with the Tibetan culture.
Thus, notable features found here are regal mounts, ancient and remote villages, warm hearted people and their culture, rich wildlife, lovely Buddhist monasteries and wonderful lake make the journey lifetime experience.
14. Tilicho Lake
Tlicho Lake is the world’s highest attitudinal lake which is situated at 5,200m in Trans Himalayan zone of Nepal. It is the beautiful glacial lake where no aquatic life is found. The journey to this lake is off the beaten trekking in Nepal and the combination of world-wide famous Annapurna circuit trek. It is the destination of one of the most popular side hikes of Annapurna circuit trek.
It undoubtedly provides the magnificent view of majestic Himalayas in the Annapurna massif, amazing mountain landscapes ranging from subtropical to high alpine zone with riches biodiversity, astounding rock formation, high altitude grazing settlements and Tibetan plateau, narrow canyon, deep forest, quaint Tibetan villages and different ethnic villages. It also provides an opportunity to explore the rich Tibetan culture, tradition and lifestyle of warm-hearted hospitable people. Hence, tour to Tilicho Lake is the best trip to explore the exotic Himalayan nature, colorful mountain culture and eco-friendly adventure in the Himalayas kingdom of Nepal.
15. Makalu Barun National Park
The Makalu Barun National Park is the beautiful national park in the Himalayas of Nepal, established in 1992 with an area 2330 sq. km. It is the world’s only protected area with an elevation gain of more than 8,000 m enclosing tropical forest as well as snow-capped peaks. It is famous for its unique landscape and climatic condition ranging from tropical to alpine with wide variety of rich biodiversity.
The rugged summits of Makalu (8,463 m), the fifth highest mountain of the world, Chamalang (7,319 m), Baruntse (7,129 m) and Mera (6,654 m ) are included in the national park. The protected area extends to about 66 km from west to east and 44 km from north to south. The elevation of this region ranges from 344–377 m in the southeast of Arun river valley to the peak of Mt. Makalu, at 8,025m. The national park shares the international border with the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve of the Tibet Autonomous Region in the north. Makalu Trek is an adventurous thrilling activity to explore the beauty of this National Park.