Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, between the two giants, India and China. The country’s diverse geography ranges from the lowland Terai region to the Himalayan mountains, where some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mount Everest, are located.
Nepal has a rich and ancient history, influenced by its vantage position at the crossroads of various cultures and religions. The Gorkha Kingdom’s expansion in the 18th century helped unify the country from a loose, ethnically diverse region into one nation. Nepal became a constitutional monarchy in 1951. In 2008, after a decade of bloody civil war, the country abolished the monarchy and became a federal democratic republic.
Nepal is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and hospitable people. It is a popular destination for adventure tourism, including trekking, mountaineering, rafting, and wildlife safaris. Hence, it is crucial to first understand Nepal tourist attractions and learn about the things to do in Nepal.
Best Places to Visit in Nepal
- Kathmandu
- Lumbini
- Pokhara
- Bhaktapur
- Janakpur
- Kathmandu
Nepal's capital and the largest city, Kathmandu lies in a valley near the confluence of the rivers Bagmati and Vishnumati. Raja Gunakamadeva founded it in 723 AD. Its original name was Manju-Patan. The city’s current name is derived from a wooden temple called Kashta Mandap built by Raja Lachmina Singh in 1596, which still stands in the central square.
Kathmandu has been the focal point of Nepali history, art, economy, and politics for centuries. Now a modern city, Kathmandu has many restaurants, bars, and pubs and witnesses a vibrant nightlife.
Nepal tourist attractions are highly concentrated in Kathmandu, including numerous ancient temples, palaces, and stupas. Some notable landmarks are the old palace of the Malla kings, the Swayambhunath stupa, the Pashupatinath temple, and the Singha Durbar palace.
Things to do in Kathmandu
- Visit Boudhanath Stupa, the Swayambhunath Temple, and the Pashupatinath Temple.
- Enjoy views of Kathmandu Valley and the surroundings from Nagarkot Sunrise View and the Langtang National Park. You can hike, bike, or take a cable car to these places.
- Participate in activities such as paragliding, rafting, climbing, and trekking. You can soar above the city, navigate the rivers' rapids, scale the peaks, or trek along the countryside's trails.
- Entertain yourself at the Casino Royale, the Narayanhiti Palace, or the Thamel neighbourhood.
- Lumbini
The town of Lumbini is of great historical and religious significance as Lord Buddha was born here around 566 BCE. Top among Nepal attractions, Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular Buddhist pilgrim destination. It was originally a garden between Kapilavastu and Devadaha cities under the Shakya and Koliya clans.
Lumbini was first identified as the Buddha's birthplace by Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great, who visited the site in 249 BCE and erected an inscribed pillar. The pillar and many temples, monasteries, and monuments still stand today. There is a sacred pond, where Maya is said to have bathed before giving birth, and a museum and research institute dedicated to Buddhism.
Lumbini is a place of peace, harmony, and spirituality wherein visitors can learn more about Buddhism.
Things to do in Lumbini
- Meditate under the Bodhi Tree. It is a sacred Peepal tree or Ficus Religiosa clad in colourful prayer flags. It is next to the Maya Devi Temple near Maya Devi Pond.
- Explore the Lumbini Garden. The large park area encompasses the Maya Devi Temple complex and other attractions.
- Learn about Buddhism at the Lumbini Museum and the Lumbini International Research Institute. They display artefacts, sculptures, and books about Buddhism and its history.
- Pokhara
Located in central Nepal, Pokhara is the capital of Gandaki Province. It is the second-most populous city of Nepal and the country's largest metropolitan city in terms of area.
Pokhara is Nepal's tourism capital and a top Nepal sightseeing place. It is a base for many treks to the Annapurna Range and offers various adventure activities.
Pokhara comes from the Nepali word "Pokhari" or pond. The city has many ponds and lakes, such as Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa. It was once part of the Kingdom of Kaski, one of Nepal's 24 kingdoms. Most hills around Pokhara still have medieval ruins from that period.
Four Tibetan settlements in Pokhara preserve Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Things to do in Pokhara
- Explore the International Mountain Museum, which showcases the Himalayas’ history, culture, geology, flora and fauna. Learn about famous mountaineers, see the equipment they used, and watch documentaries about their expeditions.
- Trek to the Annapurna Base Camp to witness the majestic Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri peaks. The trek can take 7 to 12 days.
- Visit the Bindhyabasini Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga; Matepani Gumba, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery; and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, which houses a shrine of Lord Shiva.
- Bhaktapur
Located in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is a historic town about 13 kilometres from Kathmandu. It is one of the valley's three cities, along with Kathmandu and Lalitpur, and is a major centre of Newari culture and heritage.
Bhaktapur was founded by King Ananda Deva and served as Nepal’s capital until 1482, when the Malla kingdom split into three independent states. Its strategic location between India and Tibet made it a prosperous and influential city.
Bhaktapur was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is known as the "City of Devotees" for its numerous Hindu and Buddhist shrines. Two popular Nepal tourist attractions are in Bhaktapur—the Durbar Square and the Nyatapola, Nepal's tallest temple.
Things to do in Bhaktapur
- Explore the five-storeyed Nyatapola Temple dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, the goddess of power and success.
- Visit the Bhairavnath Temple. It is devoted to Bhairava, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. It has a three-storey pagoda-style roof and a large bronze mask of Bhairava at the main entrance.
- Learn about the woodcarving tradition of Bhaktapur at Dattatreya Square. Bhaktapur has to offer some of the best places to visit in Nepal.
- Janakpur
The capital of the ancient kingdom of Videha, Janakpur, was the seat of power of the Mithila rulers. It is the birthplace of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, making it one of the best places to visit in Nepal. Janakpur is a pilgrimage site for Hindus who visit the Janaki Mandir, a temple dedicated to Sita.
The temple is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture, with white marble walls and domes. Janakpur is famous for its ponds, which are said to have healing powers. The city has more than 70 ponds, some associated with the Ramayana.
Janakpur is a centre of Mithila art. It is a city that celebrates its heritage and traditions with festivals such as Holi and fairs throughout the year.
Things to do in Janakpur
- Relax by the Ratna Sagar, a pond said to have healing powers. Legend says Hanuman brought a pearl from Lanka to heal Lakshmana's wound. The pond is also a popular spot for boating and birdwatching.
- Enjoy a ride on the Janakpur Dham Rail Station, Nepal's only operational railway station. Station Road is a lively street, teeming with people, cars, cycles, and rickshaws.
- Witness the Ram Sita Vivah Mandap, where Ram and Sita got married, according to the Ramayana.
Best Time to Visit Nepal
These are the times when you can start planning for things to do in Nepal:
For trekking enthusiasts, the ideal Nepal visit is in October and November. You will relish Himalayan sights and diverse landscapes in warm, clear weather. It is peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices in key spots such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Nepal's prime time is March and April. It is ideal for jungle safaris with comfortably warm temperatures and blooming rhododendron forests. You can spot the rhino and tiger at the Chitwan and Bardia National Parks after winter when the tall grasses get trimmed.
If you are interested in temples, festivals, and culture, you can visit Nepal any time, as there are always events and celebrations.
Travel Insurance for Nepal
Travel insurance offers essential protection throughout your journey. It covers medical expenses, including evacuation and loss of belongings. It comes to your rescue when unexpected illnesses or injuries occur while exploring Nepal's diverse landscapes. Proper travel insurance covers lost baggage, flight cancellations, and trip interruptions. Many insurance agencies offer travel insurance policies that provide coverage against luggage loss, flight delays, accidents, medical and hospitalisation charges, etc. Check online to compare insurance agencies, their travel policies, terms and conditions, and the scope of coverage before choosing the one that best suits your needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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