Nepal: Exploring the Trekker’s Paradise

Nepal is a land-locked country in the Indian subcontinent. It gained the stature of a nation only in the latter half of the 18th century. However, the history of this region dates back to the ages. There are references to Nepal in Indian epics, and in Buddhist and Jain scriptures. Nepal is also the birthplace of Buddha. Owing to its geographical position, the history of this country is heavily influenced by two of its neighbors India and China. Throughout the centuries this region has attracted settlers leading to the diversity of culture in Nepal. Today, Nepal attracts a lion’s share of tourists and mountaineers as well as spiritual seekers. If you are planning a Nepal trip, here are 12 destinations you must cover while visiting the country. Let’s dig into it.

1. Kathmandu

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The capital city of Kathmandu can set the tone of your Nepal tour as it will give you a glimpse into what Nepal is all about. The old building and busy streets with the scent of incense will give you an experience that no other city can. Temples, shrines and statues are the characteristics of this royal city. Durbar Square is a palace square in Kathmandu which attracts many tourists as is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Hindu pilgrims flock to this city to visit the Pashupatinath Mandir which is situated on the banks of River Baramati. Kathmandu also has famous Buddhist shrines like Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. The trekkers use Kathmandu as a base for their expedition. Kathmandu is the best place to buy trekking gear. You can also enjoy Nepali street food on the streets of Kathmandu.

2. Nagarkot

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If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayan ranges, the hill station of Nagarkot can be your best choice. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, this hill station is easy to access as it is only 28 km away from the Kathmandu Airport. The comfortable weather in Nagarkot during the summer attracts many international tourists. This comes in best places to visit in Nepal.

This place offers stunning views of 8 Himalayan Ranges and is a paradise for trekkers. If you are an adventure lover you will love the outdoor activities here. Nagarkot has several pocket-friendly homestays where you can have relatively cheap accommodation.

3. Sagarmatha National Park

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Sagarmatha brings you closer to Mt. Everest and it is one of the best places to visit in Nepal. Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a conservation site of local flora and fauna. The park has endangered animal species like pheasant, snow leopard and red panda. The national park is also home to trees like pine, oak, and rhododendrons.       

The trekkers love this place as it not only has Mt. Everest but also has other peaks like Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, Nuptse and Amadablam. The diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery of this region also bring nature photographers to this region.

4. Pokhara

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Pokhara is the second-largest city in Nepal and is situated in the eastern region of the country. The whole city is surrounded by the peaks like Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna-I. This city is like no other city and allows you to spend some tranquil days. This region is also known as the “Gateway Annapurna Circuit.” Take a tour of these best places to visit in Nepal and enjoy the best of your holidays.

Lake Phewa with its blue water and scenic views of the Himalayas will give you a surreal experience. You will never forget a boat ride along this beautiful lake. Mahendra Caves and Chamere Gufa must be on your list otherwise you will miss some ecological wonders. Chamere Gufa is literally a Bat Cave but without Batman. Pokhara offers recreational activities like paragliding and river rafting. Those who love trekking and hiking will love this place.

5. Annapurna Circuit

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Nepal is called the trekker’s paradise for a reason. Among numerous trekking options, Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular trekking sites in Nepal. The whole region is surrounded by dense forests, green valleys and waterfalls. It takes almost 21 days to complete trekking the whole region.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Panorama trek is the most popular train on this circuit. The sunrise from Poon hill and the views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South Machapuchare and Singa Chuli are something no hiker would like to miss. It takes about five days to reach the Annapurna Sanctuary and you can also try Muktinath Route which takes almost seven days to complete.

6. Bhaktapur

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Bhaktapur is one of the three royal cities in Nepal. This city has a predominantly Hindu population and is full of Hindu temples and structures. The Bhaktapur Darbur Square is the main attraction of this city. This palace square has Taumadhi Square, Pottery Square, Darbur Square and Dattatreya Square.

The whole Darbur Square complex boasts of its rich architecture through temples and palaces. Most of these structures date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. If you are visiting Bhaktapur, you should definitely spend some time shopping for pottery, masks, local handicrafts and other souvenirs.

7. Chitwan National Park

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Nepal has an abundance of World Heritage Sites and Chitwan National park is among them. Chitwan National Park is home to a wide variety of birds, animals, and flora. This park shelters unique animals like one-horned rhinos, gharial crocodiles, and royal Bengal tigers. Almost 544 species of birds take their shelter in this national park.

This park also has a museum, conservation center, and elephant breeding center. You can also try an elephant safari in this park. There are six luxury resorts in this park for luxury travelers. The resorts offer their guests' customized safaris among other facilities.

8. Lumbini

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Lumbini is more than a simple tourist destination. This is the birthplace of Buddha and it can touch your soul with its calm environment. The lakes and monasteries add to the beauty of this place. Maya Devi Temple, an ancient structure, is built at the place where Buddha was believed to be born. This temple has a lake called Pushkarini and a park where you can spend some quiet time.

Royal Thai Monastery, Sri Lankan Monastery and Myanmar Royal Temple are other attractions in Lumbini. The World Peace Pagoda in Lumbini is significant as it reflects the four stages of Buddha’s life. The Lumbini Garden is now transformed into the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and you will find the ruins of Siddhartha’s Tilaurakot Palace in this sanctuary.

9. Langtang National Park

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Looking for Nepal places to visit? Langtang National Park is situated in the Langtang region and has some beautiful but lesser-known hiking trails. This park also has Gosaikunda Lake which offers some of the best views while hiking. The trekking trails take you through the rhododendron forests and old monasteries.

The Langtang region is home to the Sherpas and you can get a glimpse into their life while exploring this region. The hillside villages have guesthouses and lodges where you can have rest. You can also experience camping in the campsites. You can also try the Helambu trekking trail if you want to explore more.

10. Dharan

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Nestles in the foothills of the Mahabharata Ranges, Dharan is also known as the gateway to Mahabharata hills. The mild climate and posh bungalows make this small city famous among tourists. This city is also significant for Hindu pilgrims and this is one of the reasons why it is on the list of best places to visit in Nepal.

Dantakali Temple is considered as one of the Shaktipeethas where the teeth of Sati lie. Buddhasubba Temple is a popular Buddhist temple and is surrounded by tip-less bamboo plants. The city has an exotic golf course and is perfect for picnics. While in Dharan, you should definitely try river rafting from Tamor River to Koshi. Bhanu Chowk is also home to several vibrant shopping outlets.

11. Mt. Everest

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Your Nepal travel is incomplete without going close to the mighty Mt. Everest. The Everest region attracts hundreds of trekking enthusiasts every year. The whole region is full of deep valleys, glaciers and small villages. If you are an alpine enthusiast, you can try trekking to the Base Camp of Mt. Everest. You can also spot many rare species of animals like snow leopards, musk deer, red panda, Himalayan black bear and Himalayan wolves in this region.

Many trekking organizers organize guided trekking trips and you can also hire private guides to explore this region. Otherwise, you can book a flight tour that offers an eye-level view of the mountains.

12. Nuwakot

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Nuwakot, which literally means nine forts, is a small hilltop village and one of the most unique places to visit in Nepal. The central attraction of Nuwakot is the fortress which is also known as Nuwakot Durbar. The Durbar complex has immense historical and cultural significance as it used to be a trade gate between India and Tibet.

Nuwakot is an almost one day drive from Kathmandu. The village has many beautiful boutique hotels and homestays where you should spend some days. You can stay in Trishuli Bazar and hike up to the palace. This is one of the best places to visit in Nepal that you must visit with your family.

Conclusion

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The best time to explore the beauty of Nepal is from October to December when the sky remains clear and you can experience some stunning views of the mountain ranges. You can also visit in January and February if you want to trek in solitude. But, it can be very cold during this time. Indians do not require visas to enter Nepal. During winters, you must try a walking Nepal food tour in Kathmandu. Nepali food and winter is perhaps the best combination in this world. If you are taking a flight from India, you will need to show a valid passport or Voter ID at immigration. There are also several tour management companies that offer Nepal Tour Packages and you can easily choose from them. If you are looking for such exciting tour packages, or simply flight or hotel booking, you can visit EaseMyTrip. We are offering the best deals on booking services without making it a hassle. Log on to our website and get the benefits of our services.