Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia and is mainly located in the Himalayas. It shares borders with India and Bhutan and has parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain in its territory.
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Kathmandu
There are plenty of great places to visit in Kathmandu. The city is a tangle of streets and temples. It’s one of the most popular destinations for tourists from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a bustling place to party, you’ll find it here.
Thamel is a backpacker’s heaven. It’s home to numerous stalls, pubs and shops. You’ll also find top-notch restaurants and bakeries.
Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see. Here, you’ll find a complex of ancient monuments, including the child goddess Kumari’s palace. Other historic buildings include the Hanuman Dhoka, Hanuman Gate and a number of pagoda-styled temples.
Bouddha Stupa is the largest spherical stupa in Nepal. It was constructed in the 14th century, and became a Buddhist sanctuary during the 1950s. The site is surrounded by more than fifty Tibetan monasteries. During this time, Buddhist refugees from Tibet settled in the area.
The Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a former royal palace that has been transformed into a people’s museum. With 52 rooms, it’s the perfect place to experience the grandeur of Kathmandu’s past.
One of the best spots in Kathmandu is the Garden of Six Senses. Here, you can enjoy a cup of hot Himalayan coffee in the cafe while you soak in the scenery.
Another spot in Kathmandu is the Monkey Temple. This temple offers the best views of the city. However, it suffered damage in the earthquake of 2015.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is the cultural heart of Nepal. It’s an ancient city with a variety of temples, courtyards, and squares. It’s also known for its Newari art.
Bhaktapur is located on the road between Kathmandu and Kodari. The city is known for its exquisite craftsmanship, temples, and historical artifacts.
It’s also a great place to explore the Hindu religious tradition. In addition to temples, the town is home to the National Art Gallery. This museum contains objects made of stone, metal, and clay.
Bhaktapur is a short distance from the capital. This city is best suited for a first night in Nepal. You’ll find a wide variety of lodging options in the town.
One of the most impressive structures in the town is the Nyatapola temple. It’s a three-century-old temple that has survived two major earthquakes. A short walk will bring you to the Siddha Pond, the largest pond in the city.
The pond is a popular spot for youth. The water is gilded and ornate. Attendants dip ceramic articles into the colored water.
Another popular temple is the Dattatreya temple. It’s located in a carved building that dates back to the fifteenth century. Household brass and bronze items can be found in the temple.
Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is a museum and a place of worship. This square has various statues of masters on its stone landmarks. Guests can get an official pass to the square for a month.
Lumbini Garden
If you are interested in Buddhism and the life of the Buddha, then Lumbini, Nepal is the best place to visit. Lumbini is home to important religious and historical sites. You can visit the museum to get an insight into the early life of the Buddha.
Another must-see attraction in the city is the World Peace Pagoda. This pagoda was built by Japanese Buddhists and offers a panoramic view of the city. It was lighted in November 1986. The eternal World Peace Flame, which is a symbol of peace, is kept glowing 24 hours a day.
Aside from the famous Buddhist temples, Lumbini is also home to several monasteries. Most of them are international in nature. They showcase the artistic and architectural expertise of different countries.
There are also ruins of ancient monasteries in the Shakya region. The region experiences a subtropical monsoon climate and is known for its walled-in ancient city.
To protect the archaeological site, a buffer zone is created. The area is managed by the Lumbini Development Trust, an autonomous non-profit organization. It is owned by the Government of Nepal and manages the property.
Aside from the main tourist attractions, Lumbini is also known for its mouth-watering national cuisine. Some of the most popular eateries include the Lumbini Invitation 365, which has a wide range of menu.
Aside from the religious sites, the most fascinating places to visit in Lumbini, Nepal are the ancient ruins. These include the Sagarhawa, which are seventeen ancient stupas. Their burnt bricks are decorated with lotus designs.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot, Nepal is a town with a number of attractions. It is a great place to relax and take in the views of the Himalayas. Among the many things to do, paragliding is one of the most popular.
Nagarkot, Nepal is home to a world heritage monument. This temple is nearly two thousand years old. It is set amidst a large magnolia tree. The temple has stone carvings and wood carvings.
Another notable site is the Peacock Window. This is a window inside a paper making factory. You can purchase souvenirs and hand made paper here.
Another must-see attraction is the Changu Narayan Temple. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. It is believed to have been built in the fifth century.
The best thing about Nagarkot, Nepal is the spectacular view of the Himalayas. You can see eight mountain ranges from the village.
There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Nagarkot. A good place to stay is the Peaceful Cottage & Cafe Du Month. They offer sweeping views of the Himalayas, fire, and breakfast in bed.
For the intrepid traveller, a trip to Nagarkot is a must. Besides being a great place to view the mountains, it also offers the opportunity to enjoy the lifestyles of local people.
To really get the most out of your visit to Nagarkot, you should stay at least two days. Most hotels in Nagarkot are not centrally located, so be sure to plan ahead.
White Monastery
A popular pilgrimage site in Nepal, White Monastery offers a bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu Valley. The monastery also enlightens travellers about Buddhist teachings.
It is situated at a height of 1500 meters, making it one of the best places to watch sunrise or sunset. This monastery is famous for its peacefulness and natural anesthetic.
A Buddhist Monastery, the White Monastery is a great place to experience the traditional Tibetan culture. It is located in Nagarjun municipality, which is part of the Kathmandu district.
The monastery is built in the Tibetan style and is decorated with beautiful murals and statues. Visitors can see the beautiful views of the mountain range and the entire Kathmandu Valley.
White Monastery was formerly a basilica and was restored in 1907. Besides the monastery, there is a Buddhist exhibition. There are several small monasteries in the area. You can find the National Museum of Nepal within one kilometre from the monastery.
The monastery is considered to be the second best place to view the sunset. It is surrounded by green forest and offers spectacular views of the Kathmandu Valley.
The white color of the monastery makes it look more attractive. There is a cafe where you can have snacks, cakes, and cold drinks.
This monastery is a great escape from the city and offers a peaceful and quiet environment. Many tourists visit the place to relax.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is one of the most famous places to visit in Nepal. The park is renowned for its wildlife and bird watching opportunities. It is also a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
In Chitwan, you can see a variety of species including leopards, tigers, crocodiles, pythons, and more. There are dozens of species of birds as well. You can also find many animals like elephants, monkeys, sloth bears, rhinos, and freshwater dolphins.
The most popular activity in Chitwan is elephant safari. Although riding an elephant is not recommended, it can be an exciting experience. However, it is important to know that elephants in the park are endangered and at risk from poaching.
Another popular attraction in Chitwan is a crocodile breeding center. These crocodiles can grow to about 20 feet long. If you are looking for an ethical safari, you can go for a boat ride instead.
There are other activities you can take part in while in Chitwan. These include canoe rides, jungle walks, and birdwatching. Aside from these activities, you can participate in Tharu cultural programs.
Those interested in exploring the culture of the Tharu people can do so by going on a village walk. This will give you an insight into the local way of life.
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Chitwan is the Bish Hajari Taal. You can go there on foot or by jeep.
