Best Places to Visit in Nepal: Beyond the Ordinary!

Nepal is a landlocked nation centered on nature. It boasts the tallest mountain peaks in the world, lush green landscapes, a rich tapestry of cultures, and vibrant celebrations. It’s a religious land tucked between the mounting Himalayas, gorgeous valleys of the hills, and green landscapes of the Terai.

From jaw-dropping treks and mountain hikes to abundant adventure activities against picturesque views, Nepal is every nature lover’s paradise. With 101 ethnic groups speaking 92 languages, it’s a cultural haven packed with pilgrimages, religious celebrations, and an endless list of places to visit in Nepal.

If Nepal is on your bucket list, too, you’re at the right place. Here, you’ll discover the complete list of Nepal tourist attractions and activities that must be part of your itinerary.

Table of Content

Introduction
Natural Attractions of Nepal
Sunrise and Sunset in Nagarkot
Walking through the scenic terrains of Manang & Mustang
Camping at Shey Phoksundo National Park
Bird Watching at Khaptad National Park
Adventure in Nepal
Pokhara- the hub of adventures
Wildlife Safari in Chitwan
Trekking the eight-thousanders
World’s 2nd Highest Bungee Jump in Kushma
Cultural & Historical Sites in Nepal
Kathmandu
Lumbini
Janakpur
Patan

So, without further ado, let’s uncover the top Nepal sightseeing places.

Natural Attractions of Nepal

• Sunrise and Sunset in Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a tiny settlement on the hills surrounded by green landscapes and mountain viewpoints. It allows visitors to take breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and Annapurna. It is an ideal spot for witnessing gorgeous sunrises and magical sunsets. Remember to hit your hotel room balconies right when the golden hour hits!

Where is Nagarkot?

Located just 32 km from Kathmandu’s capital and 28km from Kathmandu International Airport, Nagarkot is in the Bhaktapur district of Bagmati Province.

What are the best things to do in Nagarkot?

Mountain Viewing of the Eastern Mountain ranges of Nepal, including Mt Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and more
Sunrise view of the Mt. Everest
Staying at beautiful 5-star properties offering the most magical sunsets and sunrises
Camping and stargazing in the hills
Short hike to the Changu Narayan Temple
Mountain biking

• Walking through the scenic terrains of Manang & Mustang

Did you know Nepal’s mountainous landscapes include a desert? The high peaks of Mustang halt rainy clouds from entering the village of Manang, thus reducing rainfall. A windy walk through the desert-like landscapes offering panoramic views of the mountains is as therapeutic as it sounds. They are one of the top Nepal tourist attractions that should not be missed at any cost.

Where are Manang and Mustang?

Situated in Gandaki province, Manang and Mustang are two districts in Nepal offering stunning views of the Annapurna Mountain range. Placed along the banks of Kali Gandaki River, these destinations act as major rest points in the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

What are the best things to do in Manang & Mustang?

Hike to the Tilicho Lake (high-altitude lake)
Pray at Muktinath Temple
Staying in cottages with the locals
Explore sky caves, monasteries, and temples
Immerse in Tibetan culture
Take scenic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other mountain ranges

• Camping at Shey Phoksundo National Park

Nepal’s most prominent and only trans-Himalayan National Park, Shey Phoksundo, is the perfect getaway close to nature. With green landscapes, the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, isolated hamlets, gigantic mountains, and rich flora and fauna, Shey Phoksundo National Park is definitely one of the top Nepal sightseeing places.

Where is Phoksundo National Park?

Located in the districts of Dolpa and Mugu, the Phoksundo National Park is in the mid-Western region of Nepal. It is a four-hour drive from the capital city of Kathmandu, and one can reach the park via a flight or a light trek.

What are the best things to do in Phoksundo National Park?

Watch endangered species, including snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, goral, and excellent Tibetan sheep.
Visit the country’s highest waterfall, Pachal.
Camp in pristine landscapes
Click pictures at the Phoksundo Lake.
Visit monasteries and Tibetan villages around the park.

• Bird Watching at Khaptad National Park

Comprising 12 lakes ideal for bird watching, the jaw-dropping beauty of the lush-green landscapes of Khaptad National Park allures tourists and locals to this destination time and again. If you’re looking for a leisure day close to nature, then Khaptad is the place to be.

Where is Khaptad National Park?

Located in Nepal’s far-western region, Khaptad National Park is in the Seti zone and covers the districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti.

What are the best things to do in Khaptad National Park?

Bird Watching around 12 Lakes
Wildlife encounters in the park
Meditation in the ashrams or monasteries
Camping around the lakes of Khaptad

Adventure in Nepal

• Pokhara-the hub of adventures

The tourism capital of Nepal, Pokhara, is famous for its stunning natural beauty, lakes, waterfalls, gorges, caves, and thrilling adventures. As an ideal destination for honeymooners, this is one of the best places to visit in Nepal for couples. All the thrill-seekers can buckle up for some real adventure in Pokhara.

Where is Pokhara?

Known as the capital of Gandaki province in central Nepal, Pokhara is approximately 200 km from Kathmandu. Situated on the banks of Phewa Lake, the city is extremely rich in water resources.

What are the best things to do in Pokhara?

Bungee jumping
Cave exploration (must-try)
Paragliding
World’s steepest zipline at Zip Flyer (must-try)
Mountain Biking (must-try)
ATV Adventure Tour
Trekking/Hiking
Boating at Phewa Lake (must-try)

• Wildlife Safari in Chitwan

Chitwan is home to Nepal’s first and most famous national park, Chitwan National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the national park boasts rich flora and fauna, including 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna, and 126 species of fish. The park has gained popularity among visitors and locals for conserving wildlife, including endangered species.

Where is Chitwan?

Chitwan is in the Terai region of Nepal, boasting tropical and subtropical forests. The national park is spread across Nepal’s Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Parsa, and Makwanpur districts.

What Animals Are Found in the Chitwan National Park?

The park protects:

Endangered mammals like Royal Bengal Tigers, One-horned Rhinoceros, Wild Elephants, Gharial Crocodile
World’s smallest terrestrial mammal, pygmy shrew
Critically endangered bird species like Bengal Florican, Slender-billed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture and Red-headed Vulture
22 globally threatened bird species

• Trekking the eight-thousanders

Home to 8 of the top 10 mountain peaks in the world, Nepal truly rules the mountain game. Boasting charting heights of 8,000 meters and above, climbing Nepal’s mountains is a dream for every mountain climber. Trekking through the rough and snowy slopes, chilly winds, low-altitude regions, and snowstorms of these eight-thousanders is the best adventure activity in Nepal.

The 8-Thousanders:

Mt Everest (8,849 m)
Kangchenjunga
Lhotse
Dhaulagiri
Cho Oyu
Makalu
Mansalu
Annapurna

• Kushma Bungee Jump

Nepal’s highest and the world’s second-highest bungee jump, Kushma Bungee Jump, challenges every adventure seeker to leap from 228 meters. All the bungee lovers, get ready to include this in your best places to visit in Nepal in the 3-day list.

Where is Kushma Bungee Jump?

Located on the border of Baglung and Kushma district of Nepal, this bungee jump site is just 60 km from Pokhara. Take a 2-hour scenic drive from Pokhara and go for the most significant jump of your life.

What to do in Kushma Bungee Jump?

Bungee jump from a height of 228 meters
Couple Swing/Tandem Swing at The Cliff
Kushma Ping

Cultural & Historical Sites in Nepal

• Kathmandu

The capital city of Nepal is a cultural haven against the backdrop of the valley. Also known as the ‘City of Temples’Temples,’ Kathmandu boasts renowned Hindu temples and Buddha Monasteries, a vibrant lifestyle, diverse culinary options, and vivid traditional celebrations. It is one of the best places to visit in Nepal with family.

Where is Kathmandu?

Kathmandu Valley is located in central Nepal, under Bagmati Province. It is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and is close to tourist destinations like Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Patan, Nagarkot, and more.

What are the best things to do in Kathmandu?

Meet the Living Goddess Kumari
Pray at Pashupatinath temple
Visit Swayambhunath & Boudhanath Stupa
Be a part of Nepalese festivals at Hanuman Dhokha
Unveil Nepal’s history at Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Kathmandu Durbar Square, & more
Eat Momos, Thakali, & more at local restaurants and cafes

• Lumbini

Welcome to Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha. A World Heritage Site since 1997, the streets and gardens of Lumbini tell a lot about Buddha’s early life, his readings, preachings, and more. Primarily popular as a Buddhist pilgrimage site, Lumbini has now started attracting people from across the globe to take a sneak peek into Lord Buddha’s life and teachings.

Where is Lumbini?

Situated in the Rupandehi district of Western Nepal, Lumbini is located at approximately 250 km from Kathmandu and 150 km from Pokhara.

What are the best places to visit in Lumbini?

Maya Devi Temple
World Peace Pagoda
Bodhi Tree
Lumbini Museum
Myanmar Golden Temple
Ashoka Pillar
Dae Sung Shakya (Korean Temple

• Janakpur

An ideal place for cultural tourism in Nepal, Janakpur is the birthplace of Goddess Sita. A renowned pilgrimage site for Hindus, this city allures tourists for its vibrant festival celebrations, rich Maithili culture and cuisine, and 70 ponds.

Where is Janakpur?

The capital of the Madhesh Province of Nepal, Janakpur, lies in the plains of Terai. Located approximately 23km from the Nepal-India Bhitthamore border, the city boasts a rich Maithili culture.

What are the best places to visit in Janakpur?

Ram Janaki Temple, Ram Mandir, Ram Sita Vivah Mandap
Sindhuli Gadhi
Dhanusha Sagar, Ganga Sagar, Parshuram Kunda, & other ponds
Janakpur Dham Rail Station
Local Restaurants for Maithili cuisine

• Patan

Boasting artisanal Newari architecture, pagoda-style and Hindu-style temples and palaces, Patan delivers exquisite craftsmanship. Currently known as Lalitpur, Patan is also cited as the oldest city in Nepal. The architectural streets of Patan, bustling markets with ultimate handicrafts, and a seamless blend of different religions make this city special and unique.

Where is Patan?

Often called one of the three royal cities of Kathmandu Valley, Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is just 6km from the capital city.

What are the best places to visit in Patan?

Patan Darbar Square
Patan Museum
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
Mahabodi Temple
Mangal Bazar for shopping
Sundari Chowk
Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Mandir, & more

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Conclusion:

Nepal is a bundle of opportunities and adventures waiting to be explored. Rich in natural beauty and water resources, boasting the tallest mountain peaks in the world, and a melting pot of cultures, there’s Nepal has something for everyone. The list of best places to visit in Nepal doesn’t end here; this country has much more to offer.

best places to visit in Nepal FAQs

What are three interesting facts about Nepal?

Three interesting facts about Nepal are:
• It is the birthplace of Lord Buddha
• Nepal has 8 of the top 10 mountain peaks in the world
• Nepal has a triangular flag

What is Nepal best known for?

Nepal is most famous for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and endless adventure options. Mountain peaks, high-altitude lakes, gorges, caves, temples, and waterfalls make Nepal unique.

What to know before traveling to Nepal?

One should keep the following things in mind before traveling to Nepal:
• Always check the weather before visiting
• Pack mindfully. Make sure you keep both light and winter clothes
• Don’t miss out on eating from local restaurants
• It would help if you kept your trekking permits ready

What are the best places to visit in Nepal?

Some of our top recommendations are:
• Kathmandu
• Pokhara
• Nagarkot
• Chitwan
• Lumbini
• Manang & Mustang
• Taplejung

What is the must-try things to do in Nepal?

Some of the best things to do in Nepal are:
• Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Bungee Jumping in Kushma
• Exploring the vibrant capital
• Boating in Phewa Lake
• A cable car ride to Manakamana Temple

Tboacademy Team