Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Nepal

Wondering about the best Nepal tourist places to visit Nepal? Are you searching about the major Nepal tourist places? If you are planning to visit this beautiful country, here are the 10 best tourist places to visit in Nepal. People shouldn’t miss a single attraction during his/her trip to Nepal.

Nepal, the beautiful country situated on the lap of Himalayas, is a well-known destination in the world tourism map with a distinct image of its own. The country with distinct floras and faunas, variation in the culture, is amazingly famous for more than a thing in the world. Apart from being the country of multi-culture, multi-language, multi caste, Nepal is also famous for its lustful green Himalayas, adventurous trails, beautifully snow-capped mountains, and amazingly diverse culture.

As Nepal lies on the lap of Himalayas, it has amazingly rocky trails with beautiful settlements in it. Every single destination listed as the best place to visit in Nepal. These trails are popularly known as Trekking trails or routes. As Nepal has the world’s top 8 mountains, people from all over the world come here for either Trekking or Mountaineering. If you are planning to come to Nepal for one of these activities, then we suggest you go through some of the best treks in the world.

Pokhara- Gateway to the Himalayas

Pokhara, also known as the city of lakes, lies 200 km west of the capital city of Nepal. Pokhara is also considered as one of the largest cities of Nepal. Which is filled with mesmerizing natural beauties; breathe taking and daring adventurous activities along with friendly people residing there. Lying on the laps of beautifully snow-capped mountains and surrounded by majestic hills from all sides, Pokhara is considered as one of the beautiful cities of the world. The magnificent reflection of the mountains gives a spectacular view of the beautiful Phewa Lake. Other places include Sarangkot, World peace pagoda commonly known as Shanti Stupa, Davis falls, Old bazaar, immense caves like Mahendra, Chamero and Gupteswori and the beautiful lake and Phewa itself where you can experience the true sense of Tranquility.

Pokhara has also established itself as a city of daring activities. One can enjoy the thrill here while doing the zip flying straight up from a hill or doing bungee jump down to the river. One can simply go for a Paragliding up from the hills of Sarangkot. People can explore the hills by going for a hike or simply by doing a few days trek to Dhampus, Sikles, and Poon hill to closely know the lifestyles of people living in the villages.

Pokhara is a must-visit place for those who want the taste of tranquility and urbanization at the same place. This perfect place will make you feel like home and the facilities in Pokhara are also well maintained which will be very helpful for your stay in Nepal.

Kathmandu- The Capital 

Kathmandu, which is also known as the city of temples, is the capital city of Nepal. it is also known as one of the largest cities in Nepal with high population density. This city is an amazing place for it is filled with heritages and temples and all those cultural related stuff which is sure to make any travelers jealous with its tempting beauty. This place is rich in culture and the lifestyle of indigenous people that have been residing there will give you a different sightseeing experience when you are actually inside the city.

People here believe in different gods and as a result, you will get to see different festivals celebrated here every day. You will get to encounter with chariots in every street of Kathmandu. The city is the first step for all travelers because it has the only international airport in Nepal.

Whether you’re barreling through the traffic-jammed alleyways of the old town in a rickshaw, marveling at the medieval temples or dodging trekking touts in the backpacker district of Thamel, Kathmandu can be an intoxicating, amazing and exhausting place.

Historically, the valley and adjoining areas made up a confederation known as the Nepal Mandala. Until the 15th century, Bhaktapur was its capital, when two other capitals, Kathmandu and Lalitpur (Patan), were established. After the annexation of the valley by the Gorkha Kingdom, and subsequent conversion of the valley as the capital of their empire, the designation of “Nepal” was extended to every land they conquered. Kathmandu has many beautiful heritage sites like Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath Stupa, Changunarayan Temple, Basantapur Durbar Square, etc.

The Living Goddess of Nepal “Kumari” also lives in Kathmandu. You will see many fascinating places and stories in each alley of Kathmandu. The vintage European look of Thamel will make you feel like you have visited late Europe. You will see many Royal palaces in Kathmandu, which was once a living place of different kings residing in the ancient era. Kathmandu is an amazing place to be and we are sure you will have one of the best times of your life there.

Bhaktapur- The cultural city

Bhaktapur is another fascinating tourist place in Nepal. This is one of the largest Newar Kingdoms of Nepal. As this place is historically rich, people from all over the world come here to get enriched with cultural beauty. The place has many ancient styles Temples, Stupas and Palaces. It is the third-largest city of Kathmandu valley. Bhaktapur is known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’.

Bhaktapur is filled with Hindu and Buddhist religious sites and art. Although the population is primarily Hindu, there are nineteen Buddhist monasteries (Vihars). At Indra Varna Madavihar, built-in 1671 and located between Durbar Square and Dattatraya Square, visitors can see two lion statues, a Patinga Hiti (water spout), Tantric wood-carved windows, and prayer wheels.

The most important sightseeing places you should not miss in Bhaktapur is Durbar square which is a 55 windowed royal palace, Taumadhi square, Dattatreya square, Surya Vinayak shrine, Thimi, Bode, etc. If you wish to go and stay on the hilly side of Bhaktapur, Nagarkot is the best option. It is the second-highest point on the Valley rim, Nagarkot, at an altitude of 2,175, which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and Mt. Everest. It lies 20 km northeast of Bhaktapur. The area offers hiking trails that lead to Tamang villages.

Lalitpur

Lalitpur is one of the most amazing cities in the valley. Enriched with cultural heritages, the temples and heritages are enlisted in the world heritage. Rich historic past, centuries-old living culture of the people, thriving city development are what this historic city today boasts of. Lalitpur is extremely rich in its arts and architecture and boasts on the largest community of artisans, especially metal and woodworkers. In fact, the literary meaning of Lalitpur means the city of fine arts. It nurtures a large number of sacred buildings, temples, pagodas, Stupas, and Shikharas, monasteries, math and Chaitya. The city spread over an area of 15.43 Sqm and is politically divided into 22 wards.

The best attraction of Lalitpur is the Durbar Square complex, situated right in the middle of the market place. The city Lalitpur is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities, and wonderful carvings. Everybody can say that Lalitpur is the city of artists after visiting the Patan Durbar Square.

Other visiting places include Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir, Mahaboudha, Hiranya Verna Mahavihar, Kumbeshwar, Jagat Narayan Temple, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, The Ashokan Stupas, Acchheswor Mahavihar Temple of Machhendranath and Minnath, The Zoo, Patan Industrial Estate, Bajra Barahi, Godavari and Phulchowki. Every alley here carries different stories of gods and goddesses. Hundreds of festivals are celebrated every year. The Newari communities are friendly, and you can explore their lifestyle closely. Lalitpur is also known as Patan because Patan is its ancient name and local people still term it as Patan. It is a must-visit place when you are in Nepal.

Janakpur- Abode of King Janak

Janakpur is one of the world’s famous place which lies in Nepal. Famous for being known as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, this place carries a religious significance for the devotees all around the world.

Popularly known as the Janakpurdham, it is an important tourist destination of Terai plain, is located in the Dhanusha district of Janakpur within the Central Development Region. The historical town housing ancient temples, monasteries, arts and craft of numerous deities is also regarded as an important religious center. The town that used to be the capital of the ancients the Mithila Kingdom is also home to many important pilgrimage sites.

Janakpur is the birthplace of the ideal woman of all Hindus, Mother Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, the ideal man. Each and every square of the town boasts at least on deity related to the epic Ramayana, which adds to the town’s attraction. The town named after sage king Janak has developed as an important destination for religious tourism. The numerous holy sites originating in different stages of history have spread the fame of Janakpurdham not only within the border of Nepal but throughout the world.

The Janaki temple is regarded as the most important and popular religious site of the town. Every year during Ram Navami. Which is also called the birthday day of Ram, thousands of pilgrims come to this place to celebrate it. They also celebrate Vivaha Panchami which commemorates the marriage of Lord Ram and Mother Sita. The idols of Ram and Sita are circulated around the town at the head of a procession in the Vivaha Panchami. Thousands of pilgrims from around Nepal and India participate in these processions and festivals every year. The religiously important ancient town has helped in spreading the grandeur of Nepal’s identity around the world.

Other visiting places include Janaki Temple, Ratna Sagar Temple, Shree Sankatmochan Temple Temple, Dulha-Dulahi Temple, and Ram mandir. One must definitely come to see this religious heritage once they are here.

Chitwan

Chitwan, listed in the world heritage of the world, is one of the best places in the world. Popularly famous for its Chitwan National park, this places gives you a pleasant wildlife experience.

Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site which was designated as a National Park in 1973. The park is world-renowned for Rhino sightings in great numbers. With mixed vegetation of Savannah, Riverine and Sal forest, Chitwan is Nepal’s most visited National Park and a haven for wildlife aficionados. Four of the Big Five can be seen (Rhinos, Tigers, Leopards, and Asiatic Elephants) along with a rich population of 4 types of deer, wild boars, marsh muggers, and Gharials.

One must not forget to visit Chitwan once they are here. Watching the sunrise at Narayani river and sunset at the Rapti river is definitely a lifetime experience. Bathing along with an Elephant on the river or going for an elephant ride is one of the best activities done there. You can visit the Elephant breeding center or go for watching the amazing Tharu village and know their culture deeply.

Chitwan is also a bird watcher’s paradise – indigenous and migrant species like Great Hornbill, Ruddy Shelduck, Pied Kingfisher, and Red Headed Trogon can also be found. Strict conservation policies and military patrolling have decimated poaching incidents and the park has been showing growth in the Rhino Population.

Most of the lodges there are on the bank of Rapti rivers which will make you closely connected with nature. There are lots of information centers inside which will help you know about the place and culture of the people closely. Chitwan is definitely a must-visit place.

Lumbini- Birthplace of Lord Buddha

The largest Buddhist heritage of the world, Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha, the lord of peace, salvation, and enlightenment was born year thousands of years ago. He was born in the royal family who was destined to either be a sage or King. He chose to be a sage later and spread peace all around the world.

Buddha was born more than 2600 years ago at Lumbini in Nepal. His teachings of the existence of suffering and the way out of the suffering are as applicable today as it was applicable then. The middle way he preached is more appropriate now than ever before. The Buddhist pilgrimage site is located at the Nepalese town of Kapilavastu, district Rupandehi, near the Indian border.

In 249 BC, the Buddhist convert Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and constructed four stupas and a stone pillar. Monasteries and temples were built at Lumbini until the 9th century, but Buddhism declined in the area after the arrival of Islam and later Hinduism. All that remained was a sculpture, revered by local women as a fertility symbol. The garden of the Buddha’s birth was lost for a thousand years.

The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which enshrines the traditional site of the Buddha’s birth. On the south side of the temple is a sacred pool, where it is said Maya Devi bathed before giving birth.

You will get to see many Buddhists and pagoda-style temples built by different countries. There are different Chaityas and Bihars inside the Lumbini area. Many years thousand of pilgrims visit Lumbini and meditate there. One must not miss the Bodhi tree there. You will also get to see the never-ending fire which is believed to have provided heat when Gautam Buddha was born. One must visit this religious place as it carries historic and religious importance.

Jomsom/Muktinath

Lying at the altitude of 2700 m from the sea level lies in Mustang which is also known as the desert of Nepal. Jomsom is heaven on Earth.  This place is famous for the scenario of the beautiful snow-capped mountains which is bound to take your breath away.

Jomsom is also known as Dzong-Sampa or New Fort. It extends over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Along the banks of the Kali Gandaki river, there are rocks holy to the Hindus. The soaring peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form a backdrop. Most of the people residing here are the ethnic indigenous Thakali group and Tibetan people who came here from Tibet.

Muktinath temple is one of the most famous temples of the world, which is a religious place for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is located at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass in Mustang. Hindus call the site Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the “place of salvation” and it is one of the most ancient temples of the God Vishnu and the Vaishnava tradition in Nepal. The shrine is considered to be one of the eight sacred places known as Svayam Vyakta Kshetras (the other seven being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Totadri, Pushkar and Badrinath), as well as one of the 108 Divya Desam, or holy places of worship of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, it is also one of the 51 Shakti Pitha goddess sites.

There are 108 taps in the temple. People bathe there in the hope and belief that all the sins are washed away. The Kali Gandaki riverbed downstream from Muktinath is the sole source of the rare Shaligram stones that are required to establish a temple of Vishnu anywhere in the world. You must visit this place as it has both religious and historical importance.

Manang 

Manang, also known as the desert of Nepal, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Every year thousands of people come here to see the amazing natural beauty and the culture. Manang (3540m) is one of the largest villages in Manang district and one of the last trekking stops for trekkers walking the famous Annapurna Circuit trek. From Manang, the route continues to Thorung La (pass) at 5.415 meters above the sea level which connects Manang district to Mustang District by providing a route between the town of Manang and the village Muktinath. This trail to Muktinath has been used by the locals for hundreds of years to transport huge herds of sheep and yak in and out of Manang.

If you want to explore ancient historical caves, you can go to upper mustang. You can also get to see the royal family there. the tribal people living there will give you a homely experience. You must not miss this place if you are in Nepal to spend your holidays.

Hill Stations

Some of the world’s amazing hill stations lie in Nepal. Most of the hill station here was once a trade route between two countries. Popular hill stations here are Bandipur, Daman, Nagarkot, etc. They are some of the best Nepal tourist places to visit in Nepal for overnight camping.

Bandipur is a living museum of Newari culture, a beautifully preserved village crowning a lofty ridge above the highway stop of Dumre. It lies at the mid-stop of Prithvi highway, which connects Kathmandu valley and Pokhara. Bandipur lies in Tanahun district. This place once was a trading route between Tibet and India. This place is famous for its ancient culture, the well preserved Newari culture, for being the hill station and its rural tourism. Time seems to have stood still here, although it has taken a lot of effort to conserve the enchantment while developing the settlement as a destination.

Upon reaching the hill station, one will get to see many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and lodges built and renovated on the old houses with a little vintage European look. You will get every kind of facility in the place you are staying at a reasonable price. Everything is fine about this place. Daman is situated at 2322m above sea level. Which gives you a clear view to the north, east, and west. Daman gives you the most spectacular view of the mountains from Dhaulagiri to Mt. Everest in the whole of Nepal. Daman is also a favorite spot for Nepalese to enjoy the snow. It is halfway between Kathmandu and Hetauda. There is also a viewing tower with a telescope from where you can have a closer look at the mountains.

Nagarkot is located 32 KM, east of the capital of Nepal. Nagarkot thrills visitors with its unrestricted view of the mountain range from Annapurna in the west to the mighty Everest in the East. Historically, Nagarkot was a place for the royals of Nepal to escape the scorching heat of summer and hectic city life. In the ’60s explorers would battle the shivering winds and sleepless nights to see the stupendous sunrise and sunsets. Today, still people from all over the World, from different walks of life, travel to Nagarkot, to enjoy the picturesque rural scenery of terraced rice fields, green pastures, sunrise, and sunsets. You must visit Nagarkot. You will get an amazing sunrise experience. The hills will make you feel like home.