When we talk about Nepal images of the Himalayas invoke in our minds. Eight of the world’s 10 tallest peaks are situated here. The country is, however, not only known for its high mountains, but also for its unique cultural heritage, artistic monuments, and exotic wildlife. which are reflected in the kingdom's languages, architecture, and biodiversity?
Wedged between Tibet of the People’s Republic of China in the north and India on the other three sides, Nepal is the confluence of two great religions - Hinduism and Buddhism. It is the land where Lord Buddha was born more than 2,500 years ago and is also the birthplace of Sita, consort of Lord Rama.
Top 5 Tourist Destinations / Attractions of Nepal
KATHMANDU VALLEY
Kathmandu valley is also known as Nepal valley. The valley consists of three royal cities Kathmandu. Patan and Bhaktapur which also has seven world Heritage Sites. The valley showcases Newar culture which includes sculptures, temples, monuments, and magnificent art.
The major places of tourist attractions in Kathmandu are listed below. All are World Heritage Sites.
Durbar Square. It is a World Heritage site and has palaces, courtyards, and temples of the 12th and 18th centuries by the Malla kings,
Swayambhu Stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites that keeps watching over the valley from atop a hillock.
Bouddhanath Stupa, It is the largest stupa in the valley that rises up to 36m.
Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world
Changu Narayan Temple, one of the finest examples of Pagoda architecture and dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Kathmandu Valley Trek, Kathmandu valley trek is a short hiking trip around Kathmandu which is covered Chisapani, Sundarijal, and Nagarkot.
PATAN
Tourist places in Patan to visit include
Durbar Square, a World Heritage site with its fascinating palace buildings, artistic courtyards and pagoda temples Mahabouddha, a 14th-century Buddhist monument, which is a fine example of terra cotta artwork.
Kwa Bahal, or the Golden Temple, a 12th-century Buddhist monastery extremely rich in fine wood-carvings work.
Kumbheswar, one of the only three temples in the valley with five roofs.
BHAKTAPUR
Bhaktapur’s tourist places are just as spectacular.
1.Durbar Square (a World Heritage Site) with its 15th-century Palace of 55 windows and entrance known as the Golden Gate - a masterpiece in repousse art.
2. Taumadhi Square over which presides the towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple.
3. Tachapal Square famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries called maths.
4. Potters’ Square (Bolachhen), where potters mold clay into earthenware.
5. Surya Binayak temple devoted to the god Ganesha.
POKHARA
The natural beauty of Pokhara is simply amazing. Forming the backdrop are the spectacular Annapurna Mountains with the magnificent fish-tailed Machhapuchhre dominating the scene. Three tranquil lakes of Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas enhance the beauty of Pokhara. Some other famous tourist places of Pokhara are the World Peace Stupa atop a hill that offers an eye-catching view of the landscapes; the deep Seti Gorge below which spreads the Green valley: and Devi's Fall, an awe-inspiring waterfall that disappears into an underground channel.
Annapurna, the most popular trekking route in Nepal, begins from Pokhara and leads you through rhododendron forests over the foothills of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. The Kali Gandaki Gorge the deepest in the world, and Lake Tihcho the highest lake at 4,919m are located here. The highest elevation is 5,416m which can be reached by the trek.
ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site in Nepal. It has approx. 932 sq. km of subtropical lowlands of sal forests, tall grass and, ox-bow lakes and flood plains. The park is home to about 50 species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 525 species of birds. Wildlife found here include the one-homed rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, gaur, wild elephant, gharial, and the Gangetic dolphin. Tharus are the indigenous inhabitants of Chitwan. Activities such as jungle safari on elephant back, jungle walk, canoe ride, jeep safari and a visit to a village can be enjoyed in Chitwan.
Magical festivals...
Historic and cultural monuments...
An exotic cuisine...
LUMBINI
Lumbini is in the south-west and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is also a World Heritage Site. An inscription on the Ashoka pillar identifies the Sacred Garden as the place where the Buddha was born. Lumbini has numerous artistic temples and monasteries. The Khumbu valley in the Everest region is a major attraction among trekkers. Ringed by towering mountains, it is home to three of the world’s tallest peaks: the Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8.516m), and Cho Oyu (8.201m). A spectacular flight lands you at Lukla (2,850m) from where the trail leads to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, Teng-boche monastery set against the backdrop of the picturesque Ama Dablam (6,812m), and finally the Everest base camp.
NAGARKOT
Nagarkot is another famous tourist spot in Nepal. It is located 32 km east of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 2175 meters above sea level. One can have a great view of some famous mountain peaks of Nepal like Mount Everest and the Himalaya Mountain peaks. The other Himalayan peaks include Manaslu, the Gaurisankar, Ganesh Himal, Langan, and Choba Bhamre.
Best Time to Visit Nepal
January and February usually remain very cold, especially at night, but offers you a view of incredible panoramas and quieter trekking trails as there are fewer tourists. The weather remains dry until April. During the spring season, the rhododendrons burst into bloom and it is also a beautiful time to travel Nepal. From the start of May onward heat and humidity level increases until the monsoon rains arrive in June. The best time to visit Nepal is between October to December when the skies are generally clear and offer spectacular views.