Nepal, the beautiful Himalayan nation, is a tourist’s paradise. While visiting this ancient country, one finds oneself enraptured with its natural scenery. Bewitching nature, illustrious heritage & pilgrimage sites, fascinating wildlife, thrilling activities, etc.; there are different reasons for tourists to head to Nepal. Blessed with spectacular attractions, Nepal is simply astounding which adds one more pleasant experience to your list of visited countries.
Popular attractions in Nepal
Kathmandu
The largest city and capital of Nepal, Kathmandu houses many Buddhist temples mostly built during the 17th century. Set up in the 16th century, the famous Durbar Square contains the magnificent Hanuman Dhoka Palace and many temples which display traditional pagoda style. The April 2015 earthquake wreaked havoc in the city and this World Heritage Site received severe damages. However, few months later it was reopened along with other sites for tourists. In this vibrant city, one can pay a visit to the temple of the Living Goddess Kumari at Basantapur and get a glance of the goddess.
Pashupatinath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this UNESCO world heritage site is situated on the banks of the River Bagmati in Kathmandu City. The holy temple is built in pagoda style which features gilded roof and intricate wood carvings with its four sides covered in sliver.
Nagarkot
It serves as the perfect place to get the panoramic views of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks. People in a large number visit the place to watch the stunning sunrise and sunset.
Bodhnath
It is a World Heritage Site which has one of the largest stupas in the world built around the 6th century. Bodhnath is a major pilgrimage site which is extremely revered by Buddhists. This wonderful place is visited by pilgrims as well as tourists from all over the world.
Pokhara
It is a hugely popular tourist destination surrounded by the Annapurna Himalayan Range. Pokhara serves as an ideal adventure destination where tourists can take up activities like - trekking, paragliding, skydiving and bungee jumping. Exploring nature’s bounty is also an exciting activity. Lake Phewa, offering the splendid views of snow-clad Himalayas is another major attraction in the city.
Swayambhunath Stupa
The Buddhist stupa is believed to be more than 2,000 years old. The temple complex, also known as the Monkey Temple, has many small stupas and temples. Apart from this, it is popular for providing the arresting view of the Kathmandu valley.
Lumbini
The place is revered by Buddhist followers for being the birthplace of Lord Buddha which houses attractions like Sacred Garden, Mayadevi temple - the spot where Buddha was born and the Ashoka Pillar with the inscription of Buddha’s birth in Lumbini. It has been listed as the World Heritage Site which is frequented by Buddhists across the globe.
Other Notable Places & Sites
The Muktinath temple, Gosainkunda Lake, Devghat, Jaleshwar Mahadev, Dolakha Bhimsen and Swargadwari are other religious sites in Nepal. Bhaktapur is known for its Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The majestic Gorkha Palace in Gorkha is remarkable for Gorakhanth and Kali temples and scenic Himalayan beauty.
A Rendezvous With Amazing Wildlife
A wide variety of wildlife is found in Nepal, making it a hot spot for wildlife lovers. Common and protected are the two categories into which its wildlife has been divided. Himalayan tahr, leopard, blue sheep and deer fall in the common category species. The protected species consist of nine birds, 26 mammals and three reptiles. Its Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park are listed as the UNESCO natural world heritage sites. Spot the diverse and exotic wildlife in the Chitwan National Park which is home to one-horned rhinos, crocodiles, Bengal tigers and numerous bird species. A wide array of flora and fauna, including many rare species, can be seen in the Bardia National Park.
Gear Up for Adrenaline Rush with Adventure Activities
For adventure buffs, Nepal is a happening place. Myriad options are there for adventure junkies such as mountain climbing, trekking, mountain flight, rock climbing, zip flying, rafting, kayaking, canyoning, hot air ballooning, bungee jumping, sky diving, paragliding, mountain biking and ultralight aircraft. Jungle safari and bird watching are too good to go for. Places such as Pokhara, Everest region, Langtang, Annapurna region, Nagarkot, Kathmandu Valley, Tatopani, Karnali River, Sunkoshi and Tamur entice the ultimate venturers.
