In South Asia, between India and Tibet, lies the enchanting country of Nepal. While it is probably most famous for its Mount Everest and the Himalayas, Nepal is also home to a vibrant and spiritual culture with the potential to change the way you see the world. The country is the ideal destination for adventurers and thrill-seekers, as well as people looking to explore the incredible natural landscapes, wildlife, sacred sites and unforgettable treks. But where in Nepal will you find all this excitement and wonder? When planning a trip to Nepal, be sure to include these 7 incredible places on your itinerary.
- Kathmandu
When it comes to planning Nepal holidays, Kathmandu is a must-see city. It is a completely unique experience that transports you to another world filled with historical sites, street sellers, incense, temples, statues and a lively buzz of activity at every turn. Kathmandu is technically one of 3 royal cities, along with Patan and Bhaktapur, although today they are essentially the same city. Durbar Square was a big attraction for many tourists as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many monuments and temples, but it was badly damaged in a 2015 earthquake.
- Boudhanath Stupa
Just outside Kathmandu is the Boudhanath Stupa, which has been dated to around the 6th Century. On the old trade route to Tibet, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and while it took some minor damage during the 2015 earthquake, it is still in relatively good condition. It is a symbol of enlightenment that features the 5 elements of the 5 Buddhas: fire, earth, water, air and sphere.
West of Kathmandu is the Pokhara area, which is the ultimate spot for trekkers, as it is surrounded by the Annapurna I, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri mountains in the Himalayas, making it a great starting location for treks to the Annapurna region and Jomsom. However, even if you’re not planning on a mountain trek, you will still enjoy breathtaking scenery and a cooler, more comfortable climate than you have in Kathmandu. It is the next largest town, but it is much more relaxing and includes hotels, shops and restaurants around Lake Phewa.
- Annapurna Region
If you are looking for trekking experiences, the Annapurna region is perfect, with routes lasting either days or weeks. While there are 3 official routes, it’s possible to combine sections, as they connect at several points. For example, the Annapurna Circuit around Annapurna Mountain requires approximately 21 days to complete, but the Muktinath route takes about seven days, including the Kali Gandaki Valley. The region itself is a varied and fascinating natural landscape, including everything from subtropical vegetation in the Pokhara Valley to dry rain shadow areas.
- Chitwan National Park
The Chitwan National Park is ideal for wildlife lovers and is another of Nepal’s UNESCO world cultural heritage sites. It is southwest of Kathmandu near the Indian border and has a tropical and humid climate with a monsoon season from June to September. There are plenty of lodges offering safari trips to see the wide variety of wildlife in the area, including Bengal tigers, rhinos, sloths, buffalo, deer and leopards, as well as dolphins and crocodiles in the freshwater streams and rivers, and over 500 species of birds.
- The Monkey Temple
The Swayambhunath is west of Kathmandu, on a hill where it has become affectionately referred to as the Monkey Temple due to the many monkeys who have taken up residence there. The Swayambhu Stupa is painted with eyes that represent an omnipresent god. The temple dates back to the 5th Century but still plays an important role in the lives of Newari Buddhists of the Kathmandu Valley today, as well as the Vajrayana Buddhists of Tibet and Northern Nepal.
- Lumbini
Finally, Buddhists from around the world visit the town of Lumbini every year to see The Maya Devi Temple as part of their pilgrimage. It is believed to be where Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha Shakyamuni, was born.