Places Where To Visit Nepal
Main Tourist Spots
- Kathmandu
- Thamel
- The hilltopStupa of Swayambhunath
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Gujeswari Mata Temple
- Boudhanilkantha
- Durbar square, city Centre, Civil Mall, CTC Mall, Markas 169 shop
- Ason bazar, museum.
- Bhaktapur: The old kings
- Chandragiri: Cable car, temple
- Manakamana: Cable car.
- Pokhara
- Pokhara valley
- Davis Fall, Mahindra Cave, the famous SetiGeorge and some beautiful temples like Bindabasini Temple, Pokhara Museum, Feoa lake for boating.
- Chitwan
- Canoe Tripeither inthe Rapti River or in the BudhiRapti River.
- Crocodile walk, safari, birds watching, jungle safari, culture program, elephant bathing, and can doelephant ride.
- Nagarkot:
- View point tower, sunrise point, chngu Narayan temple, Himalaya view point, Budha peace park.
Optional tours:
- Mount Everest Flight with Airport Transfer USD 220/-
- Manakamana Darshan by cable car USD 12/-
- In Trishuli River rafting on the way USD 30/-
- Chandragiri Cable car ticket with transfer USD 40/-
- In Pokhara Paragliding 45 Minutes P/P USD 98/-
- In Pokhara Zip slyer with Pick-up & drop USD 90/-
- In Pokhara Ultra-light 30 Minutes P/P USD 150/-
- 30 minutes Dry Sauna + 30 Mint Steam Sauna with 1 hour especial Ayurvedic Therapy USD 50/-
Places
Main Tourist Spots
- Kathmandu
- Thamel
- The hilltopStupa of Swayambhunath
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Gujeswari Mata Temple
- Boudhanilkantha
- Durbar square, city Centre, Civil Mall, CTC Mall, Markas 169 shop
- Ason bazar, museum.
- Bhaktapur: The old kings
- Chandragiri: Cable car, temple
- Manakamana: Cable car.
- Pokhara
- Pokhara valley
- Davis Fall, Mahindra Cave, the famous SetiGeorge and some beautiful temples like Bindabasini Temple, Pokhara Museum, Feoa lake for boating.
- Chitwan
- Canoe Tripeither inthe Rapti River or in the BudhiRapti River.
- Crocodile walk, safari, birds watching, jungle safari, culture program, elephant bathing, and can doelephant ride.
- Nagarkot:
- View point tower, sunrise point, chngu Narayan temple, Himalaya view point, Budha peace park.
Optional tours:
- Mount Everest Flight with Airport Transfer USD 220/-
- Manakamana Darshan by cable car USD 12/-
- In Trishuli River rafting on the way USD 30/-
- Chandragiri Cable car ticket with transfer USD 40/-
- In Pokhara Paragliding 45 Minutes P/P USD 98/-
- In Pokhara Zip slyer with Pick-up & drop USD 90/-
- In Pokhara Ultra-light 30 Minutes P/P USD 150/-
- 30 minutes Dry Sauna + 30 Mint Steam Sauna with 1 hour especial Ayurvedic Therapy USD 50/-
Article
Nepal Tourist Spots
Kathmandu is one-of-a-kind. Seriously.
It is, to me, a city like no other-full of culture, history, and incredible beauty.
The city sits right in the shadow of the Himalayas. I love visiting the sacred temples like Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, wandering through the busy streets of Thamel, or exploring the stunning architecture at Durbar Square.
The markets in Asan Tole are great for picking up local goods, and the peaceful views from Chandragiri Hill are unforgettable.
There is so much more that I cannot finish writing about in this one article. It will takes pages, believe me-
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital. It is of ancient temples, golden pagodas, and natural beauty. It’s also the country’s only metropolitan city located in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountain terrains.
Kathmandu is the best starting point for exploring Nepal.
Thamel
Thamel is right in the middle of Kathmandu, and let me tell you, it’s full of energy.
It’s the go-to spot for both locals and tourists.
No doubt about it!
You’ll find a lot of cool things and places here:
- Lot’s of shops and restaurants.
- A mix of culture and entertainment that keeps the area ever alive.
- The peaceful and very old Vikramshila Mahavihara Monastery.
- Other must-visit sites like Tri Devi Mandir, Ghairi Dhara, and Ashoka Stupa too.
The Hilltop Stupa of Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath, yep, the famous Monkey Temple. It sits proudly on a hill northwest of Kathmandu Valley.
This place is a Buddhist stupa and one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage spots.
Oh, and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can reach the stupa by climbing 365 steps.
Where you can enjoy-
- Historical and spiritual symphony.
- Beautiful architecture, shrines, and obviously the Buddha statues.
- Breathtaking views of the city which is amazing.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of Nepal’s oldest and holiest Hindu temples.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site too, plus also a Shaktipeetha.
This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, also called the “lord of animals.” It gives you a view into Nepal’s religious traditions.
The temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. Its main structure has a pagoda-style design, with two copper roofs covered in gold.
Don’t forget, It looks stunning in the sunlight.
It’s close, just about a mile from Tribhuvan International Airport. Plus, you can reach it by air, train, or road from major cities in India.
And there are theses tooo-
- Lord Shiva and architectural beauty.
- Traditional cremation rituals.
Boudhanilkantha
Budhanilkantha Temple is another peaceful and sacred spot.
It is famous for its massive sleeping Vishnu statue. This stone carving lies gracefully in a pond at the foothills of Shivpuri Hill in Kathmandu Valley.
This open-air shrine is home to the biggest stone statue in Nepal.
Yeah, it’s that impressive-
You’ll find it along Golfutar Main Road in Budhanilkantha. It’s easy to reach and totally worth the trip.
What makes It Special though?
- A calm escape into spirituality and culture.
- The idol of Lord Vishnu, reclining peacefully in a pool of water.
It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before-
Durbar square, city Centre, Civil Mall, CTC Mall, Markas 169 shop
Durbar Square in Kathmandu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true gem of Nepal.
It is often called the “Museum of Temples.” It’s packed with over 50 temples, plus beautiful palaces and courtyards.
It’s a total history lover’s dream place to visit-
The best part? It’s easy to get to, just a short walk from Thamel.
You can also visit the city Centre, Civil Mall, CTC Mall, Markas 169 shop around there.
Ason bazar, museum
Asan Tole is one of the busiest and most popular market streets in Kathmandu.
It’s the perfect spot to get yourself soaked in the everyday life of Nepali people.
It’s always buzzing with activity.
At the heart of this market, there’s a six-spoked juncture where you’ll find vendors selling a ton of goods.
Think spices, fresh produce, and just about anything else you can imagine-
On top of that, Kathmandu is home to the National Museum of Nepal.
Bhaktapur: The old kings
Bhaktapur is one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu Valley, just about 12 kilometers away from Kathmandu.
It’s made up of 33 municipalities and has a mix of Hindu and Buddhist communities.
So much history in one place-
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site too.
It used to be the royal family’s home. It’s still a popular spot for visitors.
Chandragiri: Cable car, temple
Chandragiri is a peaceful retreat tucked away on a lush hill just outside Kathmandu Valley.
It also offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Seriously, it’s like something out of a postcard!
You can take the cable car to the top of the hill.
What to Enjoy?
- The Chandragiri Temple.
- The natural beauty of the area, which is perfect for relaxing.
- The historical significance of the place tied to King Prithvi Narayan Shah.
Manakamana: Cable car
Speaking of cable cars, you’ve probably heard of the Manakamana Temple, right?
Just to clear things up, the Manakamana Temple isn’t in Kathmandu but is located in the Gorkha district of Nepal. It’s also accessible via a famous cable car ride.
My tip will be, don’t miss this one.
Pokhara
Pokhara is located in central Nepal.
It is considered the “Tourist Capital of Nepal” and is the second-largest city in the country.
Pokhara is situated alongside the banks of the Phewa Lake offering travelers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, particularly the Annapurna range and the Machhapuchhre, also known as the “Fishtail” mountain.
This “Himalayan paradise,” situated in the Annapurna range which you know- the tenth-highest mountain globally.
Pokhara Valley
Pokhara Valley is located in western Nepal.
It’s home to two cities-
- Pokhara and
- Lekhnath
On top of that, the valley is surrounded by dense forests, clear skies, warm caves, waterfalls, orchids, glaciers, and mountain views.
You’ll get a close up look at giants like Mt Manaslu, Mt Annapurna, and Mt Dhaulagiri too.
It’s also easy to get to Pokhara Valley. Just hop on a local bus from Kathmandu, and you’ll be there in no time, haha.
Davis Fall
Davis Fall, also known as Devi’s Fall or Patale Chhango. It means “underground waterfall.”
This is a stunning waterfall into a hidden cave below. The waterfall is located about two kilometers from the Pokhara airport.
Its water source comes from Phewa Lake, and it flows into a 500 foot long tunnel at the bottom of the falls. The tunnel runs 100 feet below ground level.
tTo visit, Take a bus to Shiva Mandir and then you can enjoy the walk to the falls.
Mahindra Cave
Mahendra Cave is actually named after the late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.
It is a natural limestone cave in Pokhara and home to stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is located in Batulechaur.
Some believe that the cave is sacred, and a statue of Lord Shiva is present. The different shapes and patterns made by the limestone formations are believed to represent Hindu gods.
Seti George
The Seti River Gorge is a natural marvel where the Seti River, also known for its milky white water and tricky course, flows through deep gorges.
It creates a cool and fascinating landscape.
You can catch a great view of the gorge from a park in Old Pokhara, not far from the Gorkha Museum.
Bindabasini Temple
Bindabasini Temple is a sacred Hindu temple. It is located on a small hill in Pokhara.
The ancient temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga and is situated on top of a small hill in Pokhara.
The temple houses a Shaligram, a black fossilized ammonite revered as a symbol of Vishnu. It is believed to have been built by King Siddhi Narayan Shah after he had a dream.
You can take a bus to Bagar and then a short walk to the temple.
Pokhara Museum
The Pokhara Regional Museum shows the history, culture, and natural heritage of Pokhara along with ethnic groups, traditional costumes.
It also houses lot’s of artifacts like from the Stone Age that cover the evolution of civilization.
Phewa Lake for Boating
Phewa Lake is also known as Fewa Lake. It is the second largest lake in Nepal and also very famous for its beautiful scenery and the reflection of the Annapurna mountain range on its surface.
It is a semi-natural freshwater lake enveloped by rani ban, or queen’s forest.
What to enjoy?
- Boating: Hire a big paddleboat, a kayak, sailboat, or a rowboat to enjoy a quiet ride on the lake. The lake is a “boating paradise” where you can enjoy canoeing, boating, swimming, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and bird watching.
- Varahi Mandir: In the middle of the lake, there is an island that houses Varahi Mandir, the holiest Hindu shrine in Pokhara. You can also visit Barahi Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Varahi. She is believed as the incarnation of the Goddess Durga, where devotees sacrifice birds and animals on every Saturday.
- World Peace Pagoda: The World Peace Pagoda is located on the other side of the lake.
- Sunrise: Enjoy the sunrise over the lake.
Other Things to Enjoy in Pokhara
Adventure activities: Pokhara is a popular starting point for many treks in the Annapurna Range like-
- Mountain Biking
- Paragliding,
- Mountain Flights For Mountain Sightseeing,
- Bungee Jumping,
- Zip-Lining,
- White Water Rafting,
- Trekking,
- Hiking,
- Rock Climbing.
Restaurants and bars: Pokhara has excellent restaurants and bars, many lining Phewa Lake.
Relaxation: Pokhara is a great place to relax, with bars and restaurants lining Phewa Lake and crisp views of the holy Fishtail Mountain. You can also enjoy affordable sundowners on the Lakeside strip.
Meditation or yoga: You can take a course in meditation or yoga in Pokhara.
Shopping: You can visit the Tibetan Mini Market, a popular market in Old Pokhara where tourists can buy woodwork, handicrafts, and woolwork.
International Mountain Museum: Visit the International Mountain Museum, which has an extensive collection and a 21 meter high climbing wall.
Chitwan
Chitwan means “Heart of the Jungle”. It is located in the Terai region of Nepal, in the southwest of Bagmati Province. It’s the fifth largest city in Nepal.
Canoe Trips in Chitwan
You can now take a relaxing canoe ride down the Rapti River or the Budhi Rapti River. These rivers wind right through Chitwan National Park, giving you a totally unique view of the park’s wildlife and natural beauty.
You’ll get the chance to spot crocodiles and gharials chilling on the riverbanks, plus a lot of different water birds.
Safari
Hop on a jeep or an elephant for an exciting safari through the Chitwan National Park.
On these guided tours, you’ve got a great chance to see endangered animals like Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, and all sorts of deer and birds.
It’s an experience you won’t forget-
Bird Watching
Chitwan National Park is like a birdwatcher’s dream with over 576 species of birds. You can explore the grasslands, forests, and wetlands too to spot some rare and endangered species, all while being guided by expert birdwatchers.
Culture Program
Get a taste of the vibrant Tharu culture by watching a traditional dance performance. Check out the unique rhythms, costumes, and storytelling in dances like the stick dance. It’s a great way to connect with the local culture!
Elephant Bathing
Don’t miss the chance to see elephants bathing in the Rapti River, it’s quite the spectacle-
Some even let you interact with these gentle giants, and you can ride on their backs while they take their bath.
Elephant Ride
For a totally different way to explore the jungle, try an elephant ride. It will take you through dense vegetation, giving you a close-up view of the wildlife.
Keep in mind, though, that there are ethical concerns around elephant riding. While it helps with conservation efforts, it’s important to think about these factors before going.
Optional Tours in Nepal
Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world with an height of 8,844.43 meters. It is located on the border of China and Nepal.
Thousands of people travel from all over the world to see Mount Everest. The northern side of Mount Everest, located in Tibet, gradually ascends to Everest Base Camp at 5,200m.
How to visit:
- Trekking: The Everest Base Camp trek is a popular way to see Mount Everest. The trek starts at Lukla airport.
- Everest Mountain Flight: Buddha Air offers close-encounter Everest flight tours every morning from Kathmandu. Passengers are guaranteed window seats overlooking the mountain ranges. Guides explain the peak names and their geographical and spiritual significance.
- Everest Helicopter Tour: There are also helicopter tours to Everest Base Camp.
Manakamana Darshan by Cable Car
Manakamana Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati. She is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati.
The temple is located in the Gorkha district of Nepal, perched on a hilltop.
You can reach The temple by a cable car ride which is another great thing to enjoy.
Trishuli River Rafting
The Trishuli River is one of the most popular rivers for white-water rafting in Nepal.
How to visit: Join a rafting expedition organized by a reputable tour operator like Lil-AKhirah. They will guide you through.
Chandragiri Cable Car
Chandragiri Hill is located near Kathmandu. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range including Mount Everest.
A cable car takes visitors to the summit of Chandragiri Hill.