A place from where everyone leaves in smiles and waits eagerly to return back to this extraordinarily amazing country. From exploring ancient towns and cities to captivating beauty of mountain ranges, from adventurous treks to feeling spiritual essence in the air, Nepal is a place with extravagant beauty that will leave you awestruck. This fascinating country has a diverse geography from lowland jungles to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.
Nepal, a landlocked Himalayan nation, holds a rich cultural blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, evident in ancient temples and vibrant festivals. Nepal's people are renowned for their warmth and resilience, towards tourists around the world. This country offers travelers the feeling of ‘Nirvana’ that cannot be accomplished in many other countries.
Most travelers prefer to explore this country at a more gracious pace as they admire the beautiful sunsets in the Himalayas which paint the sky yellow and orange over glasses of gin and tonic and take a stroll through the medieval cities of Bhaktapur, Patan, Kathmandu and others. One can also join the Buddhist pilgrims and take a walk around the stupas and monasteries which are over a century old. Nepal still remains the cultural domain of the Himalayas even after the massive earthquake which shook the country in the year 2015. If you are a cultural lover, then the Kathmandu valley is a must visit to witness the top-class palaces, hidden shrines and the magnificent temple artworks.
Top attractions in Nepal Trip
Kathmandu: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and you will be surprised to see how their downtown is different to other regions in terms of diversity of colors and aromas. You will get deeply immersed in the different culture of this dynamic city that has some of the most exotic shops and at the same time a large number of temples like the infamous monkey temple. The intact age-old architecture of Darbaar Square of Kathmandu depicts the history of the city with pride.
Janakpur: Janakpur holds great significance in the epic Ramanayan of Hindu Mythology, as it is the place where Mata Janaki (Mata Sita) was born. Janakpur serves as a hub to gain more knowledge about the epic of Ramayana. With more than 70 ponds, Janakpur is also known as the city of ponds because with more than 70 ponds. Janakpur has unique architectural styles, a vibrant market and beautiful nature.
Pashupatinath Temple: For hindu pilgrims, Pashupatinath holds a great significance as it is home to age-old Shiva shrine and the complex has 15 Shiva shrines and around 12 Shivalingas. Though Pashupatinath is the most revered Hindu Temple it is a highly sacred place with a ghat where people perform funeral ceremonies.
Pokhara: Pokhara is not only the tourist capital of Nepal but also the second largest city of a landlocked country. Mainly famous for its magnificent lakes bordered by serene mountains, lakeside charming shops, pubs etc. For all the adventure enthusiasts Pokhara is a heaven where you can opt for bungee jumping, gliding and find a getaway to all major treks near Annapurna range.
Patan: One of the most intriguing places of Nepal and with picturesque landscapes Patan is labeled as the city of artisans. They use ancient methods like the lost wax process to produce some incredible sculptures that reflect Nepal and its cultural and spiritual history.
Lumbini: Lumbini is a world renowned place because this is where greatly recognised spiritual leader Buddha was born. Lumbini is home to Buddha’s various stages of life, from his palace to the places where he had spent his childhood and in every sense true essence of buddhist culture can be felt.
Boudhnath: On the outskirts of Kathmandu, there is a place called Boudhnath, also known as Little Tibet of Nepal. Here you will find an enormous manifestation of Tibetan culture as it is also home to the largest stupa in Nepal where hundreds of buddhist pilgrims.
Nagarkot: Tourists searching for a peaceful, relaxing environment that is surrounded by breathtaking views, find Nagarkot the best place to visit. In the cozy environment of Nagarkot you can view 8 out of 13 Himalayan ranges.
Things to do on a Nepal tour
1. Adventure activities in Pokhara: Pokhara is famous among adventure enthusiasts as it gives adventurers an opportunity to experience river rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping etc.
2. Stroll around ancient cities and towns: The beauty of exploring ancient towns is that even the walls of age-old structures loudly speak about their significance. Take a heritage walk through Kathmandu's old quarters, Patan's artisan workshops etc.
3. Journey through Spiritual regions: Nepal is a hub for spiritual sites among both Buddhism and Hinduism, for example exploring Pashupatinath temple, Lumbini, ancient Monasteries Etc.
4. Shopping: Shopping for Pashmina shawls, thangka paintings, handicrafts etc should be part of your shopping bucket list.
5. Be a part of unique Nepali festivals: Every country holds pride in his/her unique culture, similarly Nepal sees great pride in hosting their festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Mani Rimdu that are lesser known in the world outside.
How to reach Nepal?
Airways: Almost all major cities of India like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi are connected to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu via direct flight. There are many connecting flights to Nepal too.
Roadways: Though the most convenient way to reach Nepal is by flight but you can even travel to Nepal by road. By getting a transport permit you can enter Nepal via buses available from places like Varanasi, Patna, Darjeeling, Delhi, Lucknow etc or you can book a cab for the same.
Best time to visit Nepal
Spring: Time from March-May is considered as ideal for most of the adventure activities. With pleasant weather, clear skies, and blooming rhododendrons it is perfect for trekking and sightseeing. However, it will be crowded as it's the peak season for tourists.
Autumn: September-November is recognized as the most popular time due to stable temperatures, crystal-clear mountain views, and festive atmosphere with Dashain and Tihar celebrations.
Winter: Cold months from December to February in the mountains are perfect for low-altitude activities. Enjoy sunny days in Kathmandu and Pokhara, wildlife safaris in Chitwan, and fewer tourists.
Summer/Monsoon: June to August is less favored due to heavy rains. But it offers lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and is good for rain-forest treks, cultural experiences, and lower prices.