Here, we will trying to give you some insights and suggestions about the top 20 best places to visit in Nepal. Here, we are not denying any fact or post that you have read, but we have listed the best places to visit in Nepal as we have been to the far corners of the Himalayan nation with a lot of experience in the adventure travel industry. Our own experiences and reviews. Our list of the best places to visit in Nepal covers both a specific place and an entire region.
Nepal holds a magic that attracts every traveler. Known by many as the land of Mount Everest, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the home of the famous Gorkhas and Sherpas, Nepal is a diverse country that offers something for people of all ages and interests. With an area of 1,47,181 square kilometers, Nepal is rich in geographical and cultural diversity. The northern part of the country is covered by the Himalayan range, which ranks eighth among the top 10 highest mountains in the world.
Each place listed below has its own unique identity and there are many places worth visiting in Nepal that we have not covered. We have listed these places based on their popularity, ease of access, mode of transportation and accommodation, etc.
20 places for a lifetime experience among the best places
- Kathmandu Valley:
The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, is a must-visit destination for every tourist to Nepal. Nepal currently has only one international airport, which is in Kathmandu. This is the arrival and departure point for your Nepal trip. However, there are still many places in Kathmandu that make this city an interesting place to visit. Kathmandu Valley is a great place to get acquainted with Nepali culture. The valley has been a center of social, cultural and economic power since ancient times. Nepal has 8 cultural sites and 2 natural sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and 7 of them are located within the Kathmandu Valley alone. So, walk the cobblestone streets of Kathmandu Valley and visit some of the finest oriental architectural masterpieces.
- Everest Base Camp / Everest National Park:
Nepal is also considered the land of Everest and every year thousands of trekkers and climbers flock to this region to tick off their bucket list of climbing the world’s highest peak, Everest Base Camp or the summit of Everest. While Mount Everest is the main attraction when visiting the Everest Base Camp, the region is also home to other mountains, Sherpa villages, glaciers and lakes.
- Boudhanath Stupa:
One of the famous UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu is the Boudhanath Stupa. It is a bit far from the tourist hub of Thamel, but with a local taxi, you should be able to get there for around 600 to 700 rupees. Rarely will you be involved in religious rituals and not feel out of place. The stupa is a magnificent sight and joining the many people walking around the stupa is quite relaxing and therapeutic. Head to one of the many rooftop bars, grab a drink and enjoy the view. The ancient massive stupa was built by King Man Deb in the 6th century. It is situated on a series of three terraces and from a bird’s eye view it takes on the shape of a lotus flower, which has actually made it a very sacred place for all the devout Buddhists of the world.
- Annapurna Circuit/Thorung La Pass:
Thorung La Pass is the main entry point for the Annapurna Circuit trek. The 2-week flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is considered one of the best trekking routes in the world due to its diverse landscapes and culture. You start your trek at 800 meters/2,625 feet above sea level and cross the highest pass, Thorung La at 5,416 meters/17,770 feet.
- City of Lakes, Pokhara:
Pokhara or the City of Lakes is a perfect place to chill and relax. It is the second largest city in Nepal in terms of economy. Pokhara is much cleaner and more organized than the chaotic Kathmandu. It is also the starting and ending point for many trekking routes like Annapurna Sanctuary, Annapurna Poonhill etc. The city is also home to adventure sports as you can do paragliding, bungee, zipline, rafting, day hikes etc.
- Thamel:
The tourist hub in the heart of Kathmandu boasts a wide range of hotels, restaurants, shops, bars and more. Over 80% of tourists visiting Nepal stay in Thamel and almost every tourist comes to Thamel for food, shopping, drinks or sightseeing. Thamel also has many bars and clubs that stay open late, making it a place to stay.
- Langtang National Park:
Langtang National Park is the closest national park to Kathmandu and the third most popular trekking destination in Nepal after Mount Everest and Annapurna. This national park has many treks and climbs such as Langtang Valley Trek, Helambu Trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, Ganjala Pass, Tilman Pass, Yala Peak etc. You can reach the entry point of the national park (Syabrubesi/Dhunche) in about 7 hours drive. From the center of Kathmandu
- Annapurna Sanctuary:
The Annapurna Base Camp was first explored by the British explorer Col. James O.M. ‘Jimmy’ Roberts in the year 1956 and was shown to the world as the ‘Sanctuary of Gods’. And so, the Sanctuary was christened as “Annapurna Sanctuary” since then. Annapurna Sanctuary is home to the world’s 10th highest mountain and several other 7000m peaks. You will be combine Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Poonhill trek if your schedule allows and you are guaranteed to have the best Annapurna experience.
- Gokyo Lakes:
The Gokyo area is a great place to spend a night or two, either wandering around Gokyo Lake or climbing the 5,357m/17,575ft Gokyo Ri for even more incredible views of the Himalayan giant. The Gokyo Lakes are made up of six different lakes ranging from 4,700m to 5,000m in altitude. These lakes are one of the most stunning freshwater lake frameworks in the world, comprising six primary lakes, of which Thonak Lake is the largest. The Gokyo region is also an exciting alternative to the busy Everest Base Camp trek.
- Chitwan National Park:
The first image that comes to mind when thinking of Nepal is the Himalayas. However, Nepal’s identity is not limited to the Himalayas alone. Despite being a small country, Nepal is rich in geographical diversity. A large part of the Terai is covered with tropical forests that shelter many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Thus, Nepal is one of the best holiday destinations for jungle safari.
- Manaslu:
Manaslu has quietly gained popularity in recent years and has won the title of Best of the Beaten Path in Nepal. The diverse views along the way, the Manaslu Himal (the eighth highest mountain in the world at 8163 meters), a dramatic high pass – Larkya La, Tibetan culture and tradition are the main attractions of the Manaslu circuit.
- Bardia National Park:
Another emerging jungle safari destination is Bardiya National Park. Not easily accessible as it is the Chitwan National Park, this place is not visited by many. The chances of spotting wild animals, especially tigers, are high in Bardiya National Park.
- Upper Mustang:
Located in the western part of Nepal, Upper Mustang trek is more than meets the eye. This magnificent place has a special history dating back many years to its Asian history. The place has been an orchestrating ground where the leaders of Tibet and Nepal enthusiastically raised points of common interest, hence its key methods are an important activity to play. However, the Upper Mustang region falls under the control of the Government of Nepal to protect the place and its history/ hence individual travelers are not allowed to visit Upper Mustang. You must go through a registered company with a minimum of two (2) people and pay a permit fee of USD 500 (for 10 days) and USD 30 ACAP.
- Tso Rolpa Lake:
This lake is a hidden gem in the Rolwaling Valley that not many people know about. It is one of the less-trodden areas but there are settlements along the way and a teahouse/lodge-based trek can be done. The trek to Tso Rolpa Lake is a wonderful experience in itself. The lake is one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal at an altitude of 4,580m/15,024ft.
- Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath is perhaps the most revered Hindu temple in Kathmandu. One of the holiest temples for Hindus, it attracts hundreds of tourists every day. The temple is off limits to non-Hindus, so you’ll have to be content with just walking around the grounds. Daily cremations are performed on the banks of the river, making it a great way to gain some insight into Hindu cremation rituals. The viewing is very personal and may be uncomfortable for some, but it’s enlightening.
- Monkey Temple, Swyambunath:
Another large stupa that holds strong beliefs in both Hindus and Buddhists is the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. It’s impossible to say the name, but it’s one of the highlights of Kathmandu. Instead of driving, climb up and see Kathmandu from the stupa’s 180-degree view. See your food and objects from a monkey’s perspective
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
A medieval city, Bhaktapur is an hour’s drive from the center of Kathmandu. It’s an old Newari city located in the eastern corner of Kathmandu. It’s a separate district attached to Kathmandu and is one of the most popular places to visit in a single day. A permit fee of USD 10 is charged per tourist, and the place has many landmarks dating back to 1400 AD.
- Rara Lake:
Rara Lake, being a remote location from Kathmandu, is not common for many travelers to visit Rara Lake. It is the deepest and largest freshwater lake in Nepal. With a surface elevation of 3000 meters and an area of 10 square kilometers, Rara Lake offers a peaceful haven. You can go boating, hike in the nearby mountains or camp in the sparkling waters of the lake
- Mera Peak (For Climbers):
The highest trekking peak in Nepal, standing at 6,476 meters/21,250 feet, is a major attraction for those looking for a trek alone. Due to its low technical difficulty, Mera Peak attracts nearly thousands of climbers. The three-week trek through the remote and beautiful Hinku Valley and the ascent of the high trekking peak is an experience of a lifetime.
- Imja Tse / Island Peak (For Climbers):
The most popular trekking peak in Nepal, Imja Tse or Island Peak is definitely a place worth visiting. However, it is a trekking peak and requires more effort, time and experience. It is located in the Everest National Park and is called Island Peak because it looks like an island in the middle of the snow when viewed from Dingboche.
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