Kathmandu, Mount Everest And Beyond: Discover The Best Places To See In Nepal

Resting on the slopes of the Himalayas, Nepal beckons every adventurer and thrill seeker, offering not only the challenge of conquering Mount Everest but also a myriad of iconic tourist places that encapsulate the nation’s beauty and culture. Planning the picture-perfect trip to this mountainous haven involves discovering the best places to visit in Nepal.

Experience the vibrant city life of Kathmandu, immerse yourself in the local charm of quaint villages like Namche Bazaar, and encounter the majestic snow leopards, yaks, and rhinoceros in the country’s wildlife reserves. Follow this guide to the best tourist places to visit in Nepal and experience the unique tapestry of culture and landscape. What makes Nepal truly wonderful is the opportunity to catch views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, from nearly all of the tourist places.

Discovering the best places to visit in Nepal

Kathmandu

As the cultural hotspot and capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu offers UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Patan, Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa across the Kathmandu Valley. Beyond the bustling streets, temples and stupas, delve into the traditions and lifestyle of Kathmandu.

Things to do in Kathmandu: Embrace the capital’s culture at Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Garden of Dreams, Asan Bazaar, Mangal Bazaar, National Museum of Nepal and Taleju Bhawani Temple. Explore wildlife at the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Indulge in shopping breaks for local handicrafts like Thangka paintings, artefacts made from rice paper and traditional jewellery. Kathmandu also offers a delightful culinary experience with Nepalese dishes like momo, dal bhaat, sel roti, and Newari khaja.

How to reach Kathmandu: Tribhuvan International Airport is approximately five kilometres from Kathmandu’s city centre.

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Patan

Patan, also known as Lalitpur, emerges as a cultural gem approximately five kilometres from Kathmandu. One of the best tourist places to see in Nepal, this town is home to exceptional artists and craftsmen. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, Patan’s beauty lies in its old-world charm, narrow streets, and brick houses.

Things to do in Patan: Explore the architecture and art of Patan at Patan Durbar Square, Hiranya Varna Mahabihar, Ashoka Stupas, Kumbheshwar and Patan Museum.

How to reach Patan: Tribhuvan International Airport is approximately six kilometres from Patan’s city centre.

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Bhaktapur

As another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur, the city of devotees, is situated approximately 15 kilometres from Kathmandu. This ancient city features charming pottery and woodcarvings that adorn houses and temples, enhancing its cultural allure.

Things to do in Bhaktapur: Visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatreya Square, Surya Binayak and Changu Narayan Temple to understand why Bhaktapur is known as the city devotees.

How to reach Bhaktapur: Tribhuvan International Airport is approximately 11 kilometres from Bhaktapur’s city centre.

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Pokhara

Resting on the banks of Phewa Lake, Pokhara is one of the most beautiful places to see in Nepal. This town, serving as the gateway to the Annapurna region, has a gorgeous backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Adventure-seekers head to Pokhara to enjoy thrilling activities outdoors. The Pokhara Valley is known for the cluster of nine lakes, with Phewa, Rupa and Begnas being the main ones.

Things to do in Pokhara: Explore Pokhara’s beauty through World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Sarangkot View Point, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, International Mountain Museum and Tal Barahi Temple. Adventure enthusiasts can explore the iconic Annapurna Circuit and indulge in paragliding, bungee jumping, boating, river rafting and mountain biking.

How to reach Pokhara: Pokhara International Airport is approximately five kilometres from Pokhara’s city centre.

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Lumbini

Venture into the history of Buddhism in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This UNESCO-enlisted destination holds significance for pilgrims and tourists alike, beckoning them to see where history was made.

Things to do in Lumbini: Visit the Maya Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Buddha’s mother. Learn about the history and culture of Lumbini at the Lumbini Museum, World Peace Pagoda, Ashoka Pillar, Myanmar Golden Temple, Korean temple Dae Sung Shakya and Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery. Head to Tilaurakot, the archaeological site of Kapilavastu, the home of Lord Buddha, before he started his journey of enlightenment.

How to reach Lumbini: Gautam Buddha International Airport is approximately 21 kilometres from Lumbini.

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Janakpur

Nepal’s rich cultural lineage extends to ancient cities like Janakpur, steeped in mythology, including the tales of Ramayana. According to legend, Janakpur is believed to be the birthplace of Sita, Lord Ram’s wife.

Things to do in Janakpur: Head to the iconic Janaki Mandir, a pilgrimage site dedicated to Sita. Visit Dhanushadham, the place where the remains of Shiva’s divine bow are believed to have fallen during Sita’s Svayamvar. Navigate other temples in Janakpur, like the Shree Ram Mandir, Raja Devi Mandir, Rajeshwari Mandir, Shree and Janak Mandir. Explore the ancient ponds of Janakpur and learn about the local Mithila art form.

How to reach Janakpur: Janakpur Airport is approximately three kilometres from the city centre.

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Chitwan National Park

Resting at the foothills of the Himalayas along the Terai Lowland, the Chitwan National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal, is famous for being home to the rare single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros. The lush forests of the national park have some of the most beautiful flora and fauna.

Things to do in Chitwan National Park: Go on a forest safari to spot rhinoceros, leopards and Bengal tigers. Explore the park by jeep or on foot. Visit breeding centres for elephants and gharials to learn about their life cycles. Learn about the local culture and community at the Chitwan Tharu Village and enjoy a canoe ride on the Rapti River, the habitat of crocodiles.

How to reach Chitwan National Park: Bharatpur Airport is approximately 21 kilometres from the park.

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Ilam

For tea lovers seeking a serene retreat, Ilam, a tiny hill town in the Mahabharata mountain range, is where some of the most excellent quality tea is produced. The tea gardens of the Ilam offer a beautiful getaway with opportunities for picnics, walks and tea leaf plucking.

Things to do in Ilam: Head to Kanyam Tea Estate to witness the lush green tea gardens of Ilam. Enjoy picnics and horse riding amid the scenic landscapes. Learn about the local farms with cash crops like potato, cardamom, ginger and red round chilly. Visit the Indo-Nepal border at Sandakphu mountain peak for panoramic views of Darjeeling in India and Ilam in Nepal. Don’t forget to buy Nepalese tea from Ilam.

How to reach Ilam: Bhadrapur Airport is approximately 85 kilometres from the city centre.

Namche Bazaar

Nestled in the mountains of Nepal, Namche Bazaar has evolved into a major destination, serving as a resting place for mountaineers, trekkers and hikers en route to the Himalayan peaks. As the gateway to the Everest Base Camp, travellers seeking adventure in the outdoors find themselves drawn to Namche Bazaar to experience the rural culture and acclimatise to the high-altitude atmosphere. Accessible only by foot, the journey to Namche Bazaar is an adventure in itself.

Things to do in Namche Bazaar: Experience Sherpa culture by visiting nearby villages like Thame, Khumjung and Khunde, gaining insight into the community’s life on steep mountains. Try the famous homemade yak cheese and butter, or shop for local Tibetan artefacts and climbing gear. Explore the village’s weekly market every Saturday morning, showcasing the best Namche Bazaar has to offer.

How to reach Namche Bazaar: Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport is approximately 13 kilometres from Namche Bazaar.

Sagarmatha National Park

Located in Khumjung, Sagarmatha National Park houses the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, along with the fourth-tallest (Lhotse) and sixth-tallest (Cho Oyu) mountains in the world. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park features unique flora and fauna, including snow leopards, Himalayan tahrs, pandas and musk deers, flourishing amidst glaciers, valleys and peaks.

Things to do in Sagarmatha National Park: Embark on the ultimate adventure of climbing Mount Everest or opt for a nature-filled experience at the Everest Base Camp. Trekking and hiking through undulating mountains is a great way to spot rare animals in their natural habitat.

How to reach Sagarmatha National Park: Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport is approximately 27 kilometres from Sagarmatha National Park.

Best time to visit Nepal

The key to the ideal trip to Nepal is knowing the best time to visit Nepal. The best time to visit is for great weather from October to November. If you are planning adventure activities like mountain climbing and looking for a budget-friendly option, peruse our guide to the best time to visit Nepal.

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(Feature image credit: Avel Chuklanov/Unsplash)

Related: Timing Your Adventure: When Is The Right Time To Experience Nepal’s Beauty At Its Peak

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How do I reach the Everest Base Camp in Nepal?
The nearest airport to Everest Base Camp in Nepal is Lukla’s Tenzing–Hillary Airport. From Lukla, travellers have to start their hiking journey to Namche Bazaar and then Everest Base Camp.

– What is the best time to visit Nepal for trekking?
The best time to visit Nepal for trekking is from mid-September to November, offering clear skies and pleasant weather.

– Are there wildlife experiences in Nepal?
Nepal offers numerous wildlife experiences, being home to some of the most beautiful national parks, such as Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park, among others.

– What cultural sites are there in the Kathmandu Valley?
There are several cultural sites in the Kathmandu Valley, like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Patan, Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa.

– How can I explore the Annapurna region in Nepal?
You can explore the Annapurna region by visiting Pokhara in Nepal.

– Is a visit to Lumbini recommended for tourists?
Yes, Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a recommended place to visit for tourists. It holds immense cultural and historical significance, being a famous pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

– Can I go paragliding in Nepal?
Yes, Nepal’s tourist places offer paragliding adventures, particularly in Pokhara. The city provides opportunities for thrilling activities like paragliding and mountain biking.

– Are there family-friendly destinations in Nepal?
Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Lumbini, Ilam, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park are some family-friendly tourist places in Nepal.

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