Nepal is a tourist gold mine and the capital Kathmandu a living cultural museum of the world. The co-author of “The Rough guide to Nepal” James McConnachie opines, ‘Nepal really opened itself to the outside world some sixty years ago, now Nepal has overthrown a virtually medieval monarchy, launched democracy, seen its royal family massacred, started a Maoist insurrection ( and stopped it again) deposed its new king and contemplated federalism.
Nepal , an underdeveloped country in South Asia with an area of 147181sq.km and 29 million population, is not only rich in its cultural heritage reflected amply by the architectural marvels such as ancient places, temples and monuments but also endowed with natural beauty. The trekking and mountaineering trails passing through rolling hills, majestic mountains and deep valleys of ‘Shangri –La’ to be explored in their lifetime.
The major attractions of Nepal are majestic snowy Himalayas, beautiful natural lakes and rivers, world famous Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, national parks and reserves with a variety of endangered wildlife and rich cultural tradition of its people. A traveler visiting Nepal can enjoy adventurous activities like mountaineering, trekking, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, paragliding, bungee jumping and enjoy the mountain flight to view the grandeur and spectacular scenery of the Himalayan range including Mt. Everest. Travelers, who love soft adventure can explore cultural heritage of the three ancient cities of Kathmandu valley.
Ilam
Ilam is a beautiful hilly district in eastern Nepal. Situated 600 km east from Kathmandu, Ilam is best known for its tea gardens. Tea produced in Ilam is famous all over the world, especially in European countries. Ilam is home to different species of bird and animals, including the endangered Red Panda. Apart from beautiful gardens, Antu Danda is another attraction in the district. Antu Danda, also known as Shree Antu, is a great place to view sunrise. Maipokhari is another important destination in the district having both religious and natural significance. Siddhithumka is another attraction of the district which is also famous for views of sunrise and sunset. Mane Bhanjyang, a pass that connects Ilam with Darjeeling in India, is another attraction in the district.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is often regarded as the gateway of Mt. Everest. It is a Sherpa settlement and a meeting point for trekkers heading to different destinations in the Everest region. Namche Bazaar can be reached after a two-day trek from Lukla air strip. A trek of around three hours from Namche bazaar takes visitors to the beautiful Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde lying on the laps of Khumbi-la, a beautiful greatly revered by the Sherpa people. There is a beautiful monastery on the upper part of Namche Bazaar.
Pokhara
Pokhara, located about 200km west of Kathmandu, is a beautiful valley of lakes. The valley is home to beautiful lakes, i.e. Phewa, Begnas, Rupa, Dipang, Maidi and Khoste among others. But Phewa lake is the major attraction in Pokhara. The towering peak of Machhapuchhre lake is the icon of Pokhara valley. Other attractions in Pokhara are Devi’s Fall, Mahendra Cave, Barahi temple, Bindabasini temple, Chamere Cave, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Pagoda and Seti gorge among others. Sarangkot is a popular hill station in Pokhara and offers magnificent views of mountain peaks in Annapurna Range. Sarangkot is also the take-off point for paragliding trips. Pokhara is also home to International Mountain Meuseum, the only mountain museum in the country. Visitors can enjoy various adventurous activities like rafting, kayaking, mountain flights, paragliding, flying in ultralight aircraft among others.
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel, located just 30 km east of Kathmandu along the Araniko highway, is another popular hill station in Kavre district. Dhulikhel is an ancient Newari settlement which always comes alive with the different cultural activities and processions. Dhulikhel offers magnificent views of the mountains like Ganesh Himal, Lakpa Dorjee, Jugal and others.
Gorkha
Gorkha is the ancient seat of the Shah dynasty which used to rule the country for two years. Gorkha is the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified small territories into a strong nation. It is because of Gorkha that Nepali soldier inherited their name as Gorkhalis. Situated on the top of a hill around 1,000 feet above the Gorkha bazaar, the Gorkha Palace is the major attraction in Grokha. The place is complex and offers attractive views of mountains in the likes of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Himchuli, Lamjung Himal and other peaks in the north and lush green valley in the south. The temple of Gorakhnath is another attraction in Gorkha.
Basantapur/Milkedanda
Basantapur lies at Terhathum in Koshi zone in eastern Nepal at an altitude of 2,323m. It is famous for its natural beauty, diverse culture, beautiful landscape and cool climate. Tinjure, Milke and Jaljale area are home to one of largest rhododendron forests in Nepal. This is long and high forest ridge that divides the Arun and Tamor valleys in the eastern Nepal. The trek to the region can be started from either Basantapur or Tumlingtar. The trek can be expanded from 7-14 days up this ridge, which offers views of Makalu (8463m) to the west and Kanchenjunga (8586m) to the east. There are huge forests of rhododendrons along the ridge. The forest is home to different species of rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal.
Janakpur
Janakpur, often regarded as the capital of Mithilanchal, is home to the famous Naulakha temple also called Janaki temple. Janakpur is believed to be the home of Sita (Janaki) who married Lord Ram from Ayodhya, India, according to epic Ramayan. The place takes festive look during the Bibah Panchami festival when a symbolic wedding procession from India comes to Janakpur.
Bhedetar
Bhedetar is a small hill in Dhankuta district along the Koshi Highway. The place became famous after Prince Charles Point, which offers magnificent views of mountains in Eastern Nepal. Bhedetar also has a view tower at a vantage point offering attractive views of Terai plains in the south and snowcapped mountains in the north. Bhedetar is a popular stopover for visitors heading to hilly districts in eastern Nepal.
Gosaikunda
Gosainkunda is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for all Hindus. Situated at an altitude of 4,360m above sea level in Rasuwa district, Gosaikunda is a glacier-fed lake which later drains into the Trishuli River. Apart from Gosaikunda, there are three other lakes i.e. Surya Kunda, Bhairav Kunda and Nag Kunda. The place wears a festive look during the Janai Purnima when hundreds of people throng to the sacred lake. Trek to Gosaikunda begins either from district headquarters Dhunche or from Sundarijal.
Barah Chhetra
Barah Chhetra is one of the four sacred places in Nepal. The other three are: Ruru Chhetra, Pashupat Chhetra and Mukti Chhetra. Barah Chhetra is situated at the banks of the mighty Koshi River in Sunsari district. The temple of Barah, the third of incarnation of Lord Bishnu, is the major attraction in Barah Chhetra. People visit the place to offer homage to their deceased parents and relatives.
Manang
Manang is a small mountainous district lying in north-western part of the country beyond the Annapurna Range. Major portion of the famous Annapurna Circuit trail lies in the Manang district. Manang offers closest possible views of mountains like Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna and their glaciers. Tilicho, the lake lying at the highest altitude in the world, and Gangapurna Lake are another place of interest in Manang. Likewise, Manang is the starting point of trek to newly opened settlements of Nar and Phu in the district.
Meghauli
Meghauli is a beautiful Tharu village adjoining Chitwan National Park. It is one of the major entry points to Chitwan National Park and hosts the world-famous World Elephant Polo Championship every year. Jungle safari on elephant back is the main tourism activity in Meghauli. Apart from this, bird watching, jungle walking, boating, village tour and cultural tour are other activities foreign visitors can enjoy in Meghauli. The sunset over the confluence of Rapti and Narayani rivers is another attraction in Meghauli.
Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the fountain of world peace. Situated in Kapilvastu district, Lumbini is a pilgrimage of lifetime for all Buddhists throughout the world. Mayadevi temple, renovated recently as per the Lumbini Master Plan, is the biggest attraction in Lumbini. The temple has a stone image of Maya Devi, giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds unto a branch. The Ashok Pillar, which signifies Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is another attraction in Lumbini. Remnants of stupa and monasteries, believed to have been constructed centuries ago, can be found all over this sacred area. International Monastic Zone is another attraction in Lumbini which houses monasteries constructed by Germany, Korea, China, Myanmar, Thailand and others. Besides its religious significance, Lumbini offers cultural insights into the village life of the western plains. Of late, efforts are on to promote tourism in rural villages in and around Lumbini. Lumbini is easily accessible from Kathmandu and other major cities of the country. Lumbini flights are available to Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa from Kathmandu. Regular bus services are available from Kathmandu, Pokhara and other cities.
Sirubari
Sirubari is a beautiful Gurung in Syangja district where the concept of village tourism was first tried. Situated at the altitude of 1700 m above sea level, the village lies five hours drive from Pokhara. The village is managed by a local committee and each household in the village gets to accommodate visitors as per the rotation system. Visitors are accorded warm welcome by offering Tika and garland amidst the singing of folk songs. The accommodation is simple and food is local yet delicious. In the evenings, the local mother’s group performs cultural program, presenting traditional Gurung songs and dancers. Visitors are also encouraged to dance with the locals. Thurmo is a popular viewpoint in Sirubari, which can be reached after an easy walk from the village, offering magnificent views of mountains peaks in the Annapurna Range. Your stay in Sirubari will help get an insight into the day-to-day life of rural Nepal.
Jomsom
Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang district, is a beautiful Thakali settlement and a popular stopover on the famous Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. Jomsom is famous for Thakali people who are renowned for their hospitality and culinary art. Jomsom offers magnificent views of mountain peaks in the likes of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna among others. Jomsom is the hub for pilgrims heading to the temple of Muktinath. Situated at an altitude of 3749m, the pagoda-style temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. There are 108 waterspouts, where pilgrims take baths, before worshipping the main shrine in the temple. There is also a small volcano in the temple premises which pilgrims’ worship as Jwala Devi or the goddess of fire. Jomsom is the starting point for treks in Upper Mustang. Regular flights are available to Jomsom from Pokhara in the mornings as strong winds in the afternoon make it difficult for flights to land.
Tansen
Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa district, is another famous destination in Nepal. Situated at an altitude of 1,343m above sea level, Tansen is a small town with a dominant population of Newars. Visitors of Tansen can watch scenic views of Tinau river valley surrounded by Churia and Mahabharat hills. Located on the south flank of Shrinagar hill, Tansen bazaar is a fascinating place with ancient culture, friendly people and excellent mountain views. Shrinagar hill offers magnificent view of sunrise and other mountain peaks. Baggidhoka, constructed during the Rana regime, is a major landmark in Tansen. Tansen is also a city of artisans and dhaka cloths and bronze wares produced here are famous all over the country and even beyond. A little below Tansen on the banks of Kali Gandaki lies a popular landmark Rani Mahal, often touted as the Taj Mahal of Nepal.