Best Places to Visit in Nepal

Nepal is a wonderful country, blessed with nature’s greatest attractions. Nepal also boasts remarkable historic and cultural attractions such as temples and monuments which speak volumes about the place’s rich history and culture. If you want to get close to nature, you should visit Nepal at least once in your lifetime. And when you’re doing it, a few of these best places to visit in Nepal.

The scenic beauty offers these popular tourist places in Nepal a perfect backdrop and the climate makes it ideal for visitors to visit and discover.

Nepal is known to draw many tourists from all over the world. There are multiple reasons why a lot of people prefer Nepal. Some of the people who are keen on visiting Nepal because of the many mountains, they can climb and can also trek through the Himalayas.

A lot of people are fascinated by the spiritual guidance in Kathmandu. For many visitors, Nepal is a perfect destination for an adrenaline rush and a life-changing experience.

Boudhanath

Boudhanath is one of the most popular pilgrimage and tourists’ sites in Nepal and located 7 km northeast of Kathmandu. This spiritual place for meditation, visits both local and Tibetan pilgrimages.

The highlight of this temple is its beautiful Stupa, which attracts visitors from many places. It is Nepal ‘s largest spherical stupa. Also known as the Khasa Chaitya is Boudhanath. This place is located in the outskirts and it has a huge mandala that is known for being one of the biggest spherical stupas in Nepal.

The largest unique structure is recognized worldwide as one of the best places to visit in Nepal. This place has helped many refugees to find shelter at one time. In 1979, it was also one of UNESCO’s heritage sites.

Main attractions: Buddhist monasteries, delicious local food, and the prayer wheel

How to get there: The stupa is about 5 km away from Thamel (main tourist area). You can take a taxi or local vehicle from Rani Park nearby Thamel. Tell your driver to drop you at stupa.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is located close to the Kathmandu Valley, among the famous tourist destinations of Nepal, known for the fantastic view over the Himalayas.  Tourists love to visit this place to enjoy a wonderful sunrise view. It’s a 3-hour drive from Kathmandu, a perfect place to visit Nepal.

There is also an option of trekking where travellers can hike in the mountains and spend a day there, as well as you can do 3-day Chisapani Nagarkot trek.

Main attractions: Trekking, mountain biking, amazing Himalayan views and dense pine forests.

How to get there: Nagarkot is located 32 km from Kathmandu and can be reached by bus from Kathmandu’s Bhaktapur Bus station.

Pokhara – Witness the Annapurna Himalayan Range

The gem of Nepal tourist destinations, Pokhara Valley is nestled amidst the Annapurna Himalayan range. It’s also the second-greatest valley and one of the best places to visit in Nepal. Pokhara is a place where many tourists enjoy the marvels of nature and its popular tourist attractions in Nepal.

The valley lies basically between the west of the country. Lekhnath and Pokhara are two cities within the valley. The area is located in the Gandaki area, approximately 203 kilometers from Kathmandu valley.

Pokhara Valley also has several lakes, which is another reason for the attraction of many visitors. All the outdoor activities in this Valley have made this valley very much popular in the worldwide. Many people who are adventurous visit this place because of the different sports they want to experience. Mainly due to the presence of so many visitors all year round, the economy of this valley maintains.

Main attractions: Green forest, blue sky, caves, waterfalls, the orchid Valley, Massif Glaciers and three mountain views-Mt. Manslu, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range and more.

How to get there: The tourist / local bus from Kathmandu takes roughly 7 hours to get to Pokhara (by flight 25 mins)

Lumbini – Birthplace of Buddha

Lumbini the birthplace of Buddha, is one of Nepal’s famous tourist spots, and is a collage of the popular places to visit in Nepal. The peaceful surroundings of the town are perfect for meditation in the Kapilavasta area.

The monasteries and monuments built in conformity with the Buddhist architecture are truly beautiful. In the southern part of Nepal, Lord Shiva is known to have born in 623 BC in Lumbini

Many people are only visiting Nepal to see Lumbini. Lumbini is considered to be one of the holy places of the people who practice Buddhism in around the world.

According the people who have authenticated this place as the birthplace of Buddha all the boundary lines of the wall of the garden in Lumbini proves that this is the place where Buddha was born. This place is now preserved by the Ancient Monument Preservation act that was passed from the year 1956.

Lumbini has a big historical importance for a lot of people. All the people following Buddhism also have goal to visit Lumbini where Buddha was born. Lumbini ‘s popularity is increasing every day as more people become Buddhists and plan their visits.Many hotels have been established around Lumbini to allow tourists enjoy Nepal visit.

Main attractions: Ashok pillar, Buddhist monasteries, Peace Stupa Japan, Bodhi Tree, Museum of the Lumbini and International Institute of Research Lumbini

How to reach there: Car, jeep, buses from Kathmandu / Pokhara takes about 6 hours.

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath is one of the most famous ancient shrines and touristic places of Nepal, perched on a conically shaped hill. A temple also known as the Monkey Temple, it has many legends and is one of Nepal’s best tourist places.

Swayambhu temple is one of Nepal’s ancient religious architectures. Nepal is a place to visit if you want spiritual motivation of any kind. The temple was founded in the beginning of the 5th century by the great grandfather of the famous King Mandev.

The carvings made in the walls of this temple confirm all the evidence regarding the temple. When you visit Nepal for the first time, add this temple on the itinerary to visit one of Nepal’s most beautiful places.

Main attractions: 365 steps to the temple, the glorious golden shire, the massive Tibetan prayer wheel, and Buddha statues.

How to get there: The old temple is located on top of a hill and is approximately 10 minutes from Thamel.

Thamel – Travelers Hub

The Thamel Area is the best tourist hotspot in Nepal for the buying of clothes , jewelry, accessories and souvenirs. You can enjoy street shopping on a number of interesting snacks. If you visit Nepal and want to go shopping, this is the place.

This place runs mainly for visitors. You will certainly be able to find lots of tourists around you when you visit this place. There are several small alleys with various shops here. There are many people who sell everything from fruit and vegetables to clothes and accessories. This is also a perfect place to enjoy local Nepalese Street food.

It is crowded, but it has its own benefits. Here it is very easy to find transportation. If you look for restaurants, clubs, bars then this is a place where all the happening things are present in Nepal.

Main attractions: Newari style structure, silk, jewelries, pashmina, embroidered clothes, accessories and souvenirs

How to get there: You can take a taxi or a rickshaw to reach Thamel area if you are in Kathmandu.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is the right place amongst these Nepal tourist sites to shopping for terracotta and handicraft items. There are also clothes and souvenirs. Bhaktapur’s history goes back to the 8th century.

The town was the capital of Nepal between the 12th century to about 15th century. In the 18th century, Bhaktapur become a country on its own border walls and gates to the city. Bhaktapur residents are mostly farmers, workers of the public sector and crafts manufacturers.

Many tourists every year visit this city that helps the city’s economy. There are red bricks in the city that make it look beautiful. People will also be happy to discover a lot of animals present in this city who’ve been kept as a pet, something which makes this one of the best tourist places in Nepal.

Main Attractions: Terracotta items, lotuses and lovely crafts, colorful masks.

How to get there: Bhaktapur is about 15 km from Kathmandu. You can either take a cab or a local bus from Ratnapark nearby Thamel.

Chitwan – Witness the Wildlife

Chitwan National Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is a wildlife park and discover a different side of Nepal. The tropical monsoon climate makes it the best place to see wildlife safari in Nepal. This is the first national park in Nepal that was built.

The national park was established in 1973. This national park has been built in an area of 952.63 square kilometers. It lies in the central south of the country, and is one of the best tourist attractions and great places to visit in Nepal.

Main attractions: Rhinos, dolphins, sloth bears and many more are found in this park.

How to reach there: Tourist / Local bus run from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

International Mountain Museum

Almost all tourists who visit Nepal each year consider visiting the International Mountain Museum. According to the authorities, there are more than 75,000 domestics as well as international travelers who visit this museum annually.

All the data and documents relating to all the mountains present in Nepal can be registered in the International Mountain Museum.  In the museum there are three main exhibitions. The 1st one is the hall of Great Himalayas.

The 2nd is the hall of Fame, and the 3rd is the hall of world This museum appeals to children and adults from all over the world. People can learn things more about the fauna and flora of the Mountain regions with the help of this museum.

All travelers should check the entire region correctly before planning to visit the remote areas of Nepal.

Main attractions: The three halls

How to reach there: It is only 10 minutes away from Pokhara

Everest Region – Himalayas and Wildlife

The Sagarmatha National Park is located in north-eastern Nepal and surrounded by mighty Mount Everest and other high peaks, deep ravines and Himalayan glaciers. This nature reserve is a UNESCO UNESCO World Heritage Site, 135 km from Kathmandu and is considered sacred.

You can find every aspect of the charm of nature preserved here in Sagarmatha with diverse fauna and flora taking shelter amid the magnificent landscapes.

A visit to this paradise will tell you why it’s one of the best places to visit in Nepal and referred to as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

Main attractions: Various flora and fauna, rare species, breathtaking views

How to get there: By flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or Jiri village is Sagarmatha National Park’s old route. From Kathmandu take a bus to Jiri.

Langtang Region – Adventure Amidst Nature

The Langtang National Park, one of the best places in the Himalayas. The park offers not only a rich nature, but also the opportunity to hiking!

This is considered to be one of the beautiful and best places visit Nepal to those who love adventure as well as nature. You must head to this magnificent wilderness sanctuary, if you are a wildlife enthusiast or an adventurer.

Main attractions: Wildlife exploring and hiking

How to reach there: Take a local/private car/jeep bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi.

Annapurna Region – The Classic Treks in Nepal

The popularity of the Annapurna region is well worthwhile: you will never get such a varied landscape and mountain culture and logistics are quite simple. Treks can all start or finish near Pokhara, which is a relaxing place to end the trek.

Main attractions: Trekking, adventure and local cultures

How to reach there: Car, jeep, buses from Kathmandu to Besisahar/Dharapani or Pokhara.

Remote Area – Off the Beaten Trails

The government of Nepal restricts many trekking routes for international travelers.  To travel to these restricted regions, you must pay special or restricted permits. The government licensed trekking companies in Nepal will organize this kind of trekking.

There are several treking trails, which are restricted by the Nepalese government and some are remote by regions like Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Manaslu, Rara Lake, the Tsum Valley and more.

These are all isolated areas, where it is strictly forbidden for international travelers to enter unless permitted. These trekking routes varies from ordinary trails in many ways. You need an official person assistance including a licensed guide and a special permit.

Groups must consist of at least two travelers as well as their necessary staff and insurance. The main purpose of announcing such areas as a restricted region is to save the culture and the natural environment.

 Main attractions: Remoteness, spectacular views of the Himalayas and witness the ancient Culture and lifestyle.

How to reach there: Flight, Car, Jeep, buses from Kathmandu.

National Museum of Nepal

If you want to know the history of Nepal, you should visit to the National Museum of Nepal. The museum offers items from the golden days in the country and gives an overview into the glorious past. It is one of the best places to visit in Nepal.

Opening hour: 10:30 am – 4:40 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

How to reach there: It is about 5 km from the centre of Kathmandu and can be reached by foot or taxi.

White Monastery

It is one of the best major travellers attractions in Kathmandu. The monastery is colored white and is a beautiful sight to see. The monastery is not only a religious site, it also has glorious views. So, make sure you add it to your Nepal’s travel list for a great experience.

You must definitely visit the White Monastery in Nepal for quiet, reviving hours. Here, you can take an easy walk to nourish the emerging adventurer in you!

How to reach there: You can also hike all the way up to the monastery or hire a bike.

Garden of Dreams

Garden of Dreams is a paragon of neoclassical Architecture known by its name as the Garden of six seasons. The Garden of Dreams was built in 1920 and has an amphitheater in Kaiser Mahal Thamel in Kathmandu.

It has 3 pavilions, pergolas, urns and ponds. Take a pleasant walk to this garden as you look at the designs of this magnificent structure. Till late evening you may visit this garden and experience the beauty of the structure under the moonlight.

How to reach there: It is just few minutes way from Kathmandu City Centre.

Kapan Monastery

Kapan Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Nepal, established by Master Vajra, Jigme Dorje Rinpoche. A break from the city life is a must and in Nepal the best place for meditation is the monastery of Kapan. The monastery was opened in 2005 and has since become one of Nepal’s most popular visitor attractions.

How to reach there: It can be reached by taxi in 15 minutes from Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest, most famous, and most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, on the edge of the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. The Bagmati River flows close to the Temple of Lord Pashupatinath, the revered deity of Nepal, and also regarded as the Shiva of Lords.

Ardent Hindu followers visit this iconic tourist places in Nepal to receive divine deity blessings. This also is one of the most recommended tourist places in the country. This is one of the temples listed on the UNESCO World heritage Lists.

Main Attractions: Golden Spire of the temple, silver sheeted doors, Panch Deval Complex, and the lingams

How to reach there: Take the bus or taxi to Goushala which is the bus stop for Pashupathinath Temple.

Final Say

This list is a focused form of everything that Nepal has to offer. There are numerous activities from luxury trips and a day trip to 3 months long trekking, tours available in Nepal to visit these beautiful places.

If you visit these places, you will discover that one city lonely house many famous tourist destinations. However, if Nepal is your next holiday, make time for some of these.