Nepal is a magical country in the heart of the Himalayas, where the world’s highest peaks, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage meet. From these, I’ve brought you 13 wonderful attractions!
Nepal is located in the heart of South Asia, between China and India, and is the world’s only country whose flag is not rectangular. The country is home to the Himalayan mountain range, where eight of the world’s 14 eight-thousander peaks are located.
The country’s rich historical past, millennia-old Buddhist and Hindu traditions, as well as the breathtaking natural landscape make it a favorite destination for world travelers. Nepali culture is a harmonious blend of different ethnicities and religions, offering a unique experience for every visitor.
Table of Contents
Best places in Nepal
Kathmandu
Nepal’s capital and largest city lies at an altitude of 1,400 meters at the foot of the Himalayan mountains. The city features temples and shrines on almost every street corner.
The Kathmandu Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where seven monumental complexes are located. The most important sight is Durbar Square, which is a stunning ensemble of royal palaces, temples, and courtyards. The Kumari Ghar, the palace of the living goddess, offers special insight into Nepali traditions, where a selected young girl embodies the goddess Durga.
The spiritual center of the city is the Pashupatinath Temple, the most important shrine of Lord Shiva, where cremation ceremonies are held on the banks of the Bagmati River. The nearby Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world’s largest Buddhist monuments, whose giant eyes seem to watch the surroundings in all directions. Swayambhunath, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, stands on a hill overlooking the city and offers a stunning panorama of Kathmandu.
Mount Everest
The world’s highest peak rises 8,849 meters on the Nepal-Tibet border and is every mountaineer’s dream.
Sagarmatha, as the Nepalis call it, means „goddess of the sky”. Although climbing the summit is an extreme challenge, the Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world. During the 12-day trek, participants gradually acclimatize to the altitude while passing through Sherpa villages and enjoying breathtaking Himalayan panoramas.
Along the way, we can learn about Sherpa culture, who have been masters of mountain guiding for generations. Tengboche Monastery, standing at 3,867 meters altitude, provides spiritual rest for trekkers. The base camp is located at 5,364 meters, from where the stunning view of the world’s highest peak unfolds before us.
Pokhara
Nepal’s second-largest city lies at an altitude of 900 meters on the shore of the picturesque Phewa Lake, at the foot of the Himalayas.
It’s often called Nepal’s tourist capital, thanks to the mountain panorama and the peaceful lakeside atmosphere. The Barahi Temple in the middle of Phewa Lake is located on a small island that can only be reached by boat. From the lake shore, there’s a wonderful view of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre peak, which locals know as „Fishtail” due to its distinctive shape.
The city center is the picturesque Lakeside district, where countless restaurants, cafes, and shops can be found. The nearby World Peace Pagoda is a Japanese Buddhist stupa that offers a wonderful view of the city and surrounding mountains from the hilltop. Pokhara is an excellent starting point for Annapurna trekking routes as well as numerous adventure tours.
Bhaktapur
The „City of Devotees” is the third-largest settlement in the Kathmandu Valley, preserving the atmosphere of medieval Nepal.
Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the streets and squares seem to have stopped time. The city’s main square, Durbar Square, is a stunning example of Newari architecture, where palaces and temples have been built since the fifteenth century. The famous Vatsala Temple is the jewel of the square, often called the Nepali Taj Mahal.
The city’s greatest treasure is the Nyatapola Temple, which is Nepal’s tallest pagoda-style temple with five stories. On each floor of the temple stand different guardian statues whose power gradually increases as you go up. The local potters’ quarter, where ceramics are still made in the traditional way, provides a living picture of the centuries-old craft. The Peacock Window is one of the city’s most famous wood carvings, representing the pinnacle of Newari craftsmanship.
Patan
The „City of Beauty” is the oldest settlement in the Kathmandu Valley, famous for its rich artistic heritage.
Also known as Lalitpur, it’s the center of Newari craftsmanship, where traditional metal and wood carving workshops still operate. The city’s Durbar Square is a collection of masterpieces of Nepali architecture, where every building is in carefully restored condition. The royal palace serves as a museum and provides insight into the history of the Malla kingdom.
The city’s pride is the Golden Temple or Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, dating from the twelfth century and one of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist monasteries. The Mahabouddha Temple, also called the „Temple of a Thousand Buddhas”, has every brick containing a Buddha representation. The Patan Museum is a treasure house of Nepali art, with a rich collection of bronze statues, paintings, and handicrafts.
Lumbini
The birthplace of Buddha is the holiest pilgrimage site for all Buddhists.
Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, was born in 623. At the heart of the Sacred Garden stands the Maya Devi Temple, built in honor of Buddha’s mother, and here is also the stone that marks Buddha’s exact birthplace. The nearby Ashoka Pillar dates from 249 BCE and is Emperor Ashoka’s inscribed memorial of Buddha’s birthplace.
In the Lumbini Development Zone, various countries have built monasteries and temples that showcase the diversity of Buddhism. By exploring the temples of Thai, Japanese, Korean, German, and other nations, we can gain insight into different schools of Buddhism.
Nagarkot
The mountain village near Kathmandu is famous for the most beautiful panorama of the Himalayas.
Located at an altitude of 2,175 meters, Nagarkot is one of Nepal’s best places for observing sunrise and sunset. On clear days, eight eight-thousander peaks of the Himalayas are visible from here, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. The village is particularly popular among photographers who want to capture the mountain peaks bathed in dawn light.
The settlement has numerous hotels and guesthouses built specifically for enjoying the mountain panorama. The Nagarkot viewing tower is the highest point, offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The nearby forested areas are ideal for hiking, and several routes lead back to Kathmandu or other valley settlements.
Janakpur
The birthplace of goddess Sita and the setting of Rama-Sita’s love story in Hindu mythology.
One of Nepal’s religious centers, particularly important for Hindu pilgrims. The city’s main attraction is the Ram Mandir, also known as Janaki Mandir, built in the 19th century in Mughal style. The temple was dedicated to goddess Sita, who was Rama’s wife in the Ramayana epic.
On the city streets, we often encounter pilgrims visiting the sites of the Rama-Sita story. Around Dhanush Sagar and other sacred lakes are numerous smaller temples. Janakpur’s specialty is also Mithila painting, which refers to traditional motifs painted by local women on walls and floors. These colorful, geometric patterns are representations of Hindu goddesses and natural symbols.
Namobuddha
One of Nepal’s holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites, located about 40 kilometers east of the Kathmandu Valley.
According to legend, a prince sacrificed his life here, offering his own body to a starving tiger and her cubs – a story that is one of the most beautiful examples of Buddhist compassion and self-sacrifice. Today, the site is home to a peaceful monastery, Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, surrounded by brightly colored prayer flags, golden stupas, and the Himalayan landscape.
Namobuddha is not only a spiritual center but also a popular destination for excursions, offering beautiful panoramic views of the mountains and rural villages.
Chitwan National Park
Nepal’s first national park, famous for its rich biodiversity and one-horned rhinoceros.
The 932-square-kilometer park is located at the foot of the Himalayas, in the Terai plains, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chitwan is home to more than 700 animal species, including the world-famous Bengal tiger and the Asian one-horned rhinoceros. The park’s greatest value is that it houses one of the world’s largest one-horned rhinoceros populations.
Visitors can explore the park in various ways: elephant-back safaris, jeep tours, and walking excursions. Along the Rapti River, canoe tours allow observation of crocodiles and water birds. In Tharu villages on the park’s border, we can gain insight into the culture of local indigenous people.
Langtang National Park
The trekking area closest to Kathmandu, featuring stunning glaciers and alpine landscapes.
The 1,710-square-kilometer park is located near the Tibet border and is home to the Langtang Himal mountain range. The park is famous for the Langtang Valley, often called the world’s most beautiful valley. The area has more than 200 bird species and 18 ecosystems, from subtropical forests to high mountain tundra.
The Langtang trek is a popular route that can be completed in 7-10 days and offers different difficulty levels. Along the way, we pass through Sherpa and Tamang villages where we can learn about local culture and traditions. Kyanjin Gompa monastery is located at 3,870 meters altitude and is an excellent starting point for conquering surrounding peaks.
Rara Lake
Nepal’s largest lake in the remote western region, lying in pristine natural surroundings.
The 10.8-square-kilometer lake is located at an altitude of 2,990 meters in the Mugu district and enchants visitors with its crystal-clear water. Rara National Park surrounding the lake is a protected area that is home to more than 200 bird species, including rare Himalayan species.
A 3-4 day hiking route leads around the lake, offering stunning views of surrounding forests and mountain peaks. There are no permanent settlements in the area, only a few seasonal shepherd huts. The lake’s specialty is that it sometimes changes color depending on sunlight and weather conditions.
Gosaikunda Lake
A sacred lake in the Langtang region that is a destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
The lake, located at an altitude of 4,380 meters, is in Langtang National Park and according to Hindu mythology was created by Lord Shiva. Legend says that Shiva drank poison here to save the world, and the lake’s water has had healing powers ever since.
The Gosaikunda trek is a 7-9 day hike that starts from Dhunche village and offers stunning Himalayan panoramas. Along the route, we pass several smaller lakes before reaching the main lake. Every year in August, during the Janai Purnima festival, several thousand pilgrims come here to bathe in the sacred water.
The lake area consists of numerous smaller lakes that together form the Gosaikunda lake system. The area boasts rich flora, including rare Himalayan medicinal plants. During the trek, we pass through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and finally reach the lake in the high mountain tundra region, from where there’s a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks.
