Are you planning for an international holiday trip???Here i give you some reasons to make Nepal your next holiday destination.
Nepal is a land locked country and is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Nepal is the 2nd richest country in the water resources after Brazil.Really,Nepal can be called as a piece of heaven on the earth.Nepal share its border between two almighty countries;China in the North and India in theSouth.Nepal is a full natural blessed country which comprises of eight of the world's ten tallest mountain peaks,including Mount everest,the highest point on the earth.Nepal draws visitors who come for a variety of reasons.Some are attracted seeking to visit the historical palaces of the ancient period or some are lured by the call of the mountains or to trek on the himalayas and yet other come hoping to find some adventure.Well Nepal has got all these life changing experiences.Here i mention you some best places to visit whilst you are in Nepal.
1.Kathmandu [The city of wood architecture]
(Source:Wikipedia;Planetware.com)
Kathmandu (Nepali: काठमाडौं) is the capital city of Nepal,the largest Himalayan state in Asia.Kathmandu includes the towns of Lalitpur, Kirtipur, Madhyapur Thimi and Bhaktapur.Kathmandu has been the center of Nepal's history, art, culture and
economy.Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is like no other city in the world. The decaying buildings in the heart of the city are a contrast to the lively atmosphere that permeates the streets.The smell of incense wafts from the stores while street sellers push their wares, and people go about their daily lives, all against a backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here.Kathmandu was ranked third among the top ten upcoming travel destinations in the world by TripAdvisor, and ranked first in Asia.Tourism is a major source of income for most of the people in the city, with several hundred thousand visitors annually.Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit Kathmandu's religious sites such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Budhanilkantha.The statues of King,famous politicians add more of the historic value to the city.The neighbourhood of Thamel is Kathmandu's primary "traveller's ghetto", packed with guest houses, restaurants, shops, and bookstores, catering to tourists. Another neighbourhood of growing popularity is Jhamel, a name for Jhamsikhel coined to rhyme with Thamel. Jhochhen Tol, also known as Freak Street, is Kathmandu's original traveler's haunt, made popular by the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s; it remains a popular alternative to Thamel. Asan is a bazaar and ceremonial square on the old trade route to Tibet, and provides a fine example of a traditional neighbourhood.The streets of new road is another spot for the shopping freaks,from typical nepali style food to american and chinese resturants are available in this place.Hotels like Hyatt Regency, De L'Annapurna, and Hotel Yak & Yeti are among the five-star hotels providing casinos as well.
2.Pokhara
(Source:Wikipedia;Planetware.com)
Pokhara, at the base of the foothills, is 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu and surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world - Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I. For many trekkers, Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas.It is the starting point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna region. But visitors will enjoy Pokhara and the beautiful scenery even if they are not planning on heading off on a hike.People coming from the Kathmandu Valley notice the much cleaner air and pleasant climate almost immediately. Lake Phewa, with its cluster of lakeside hotels, restaurants, and shops, is ideal for those looking for relaxation and for day excursions.In recent decades, Pokhara has become a major tourist destination: It is considered the tourism capital of Nepal in South Asia mainly for adventure tourism and the base for the famous Annapurna Circuit trek.Many medieval era temples (Barahi temple, Bindhyabasini, Bhadrakali, Talbarahi, Guheshwori, Sitaldevi, Gita mandir temple, Bhimsen temple) and old Newari houses are part of the city (Bagar, Bindhyabasini, Bhadrakali, Bhairab Tol, etc.).The modern commercial city centres are at Chipledhunga, New Road, Prithvi Chowk and Mahendrapul (recently renamed as Bhimsen Chowk).The city has recently been adorned with a bungee jumping site (the second in Nepal): Water Touch Bunjee Jumping.A cable car service has begun construction joining Fewa Lake with World Peace Stupa led by the government of Nepal which is expected to boost the tourism exponentially.
A clear view of the almighty Mt.Annapurna from Phewa Lake
3.The Everest Base Camp
(Source:Coldfeetadventure.com;Planetware.com)
Everest Base Camp can be the most challenging and an adrenaline adventure you can ever find.Everest Base Camp is the gateway for all the climbers that attempt to climb the highest summit.The Everest Region is generally not regarded as the most scenic region in the country for trekking,but the allure of Everest draws climbers in large numbers..it is the most famous trekking location that holds a long history of pride, glory and tragedy too.Everest Base Camp trekking gives you an enthralling life time experience.There are various routes to access base camp and several options for organizing a trip. Many trekking companies offer a guided hike, either with Nepalese companies or western-based companies.It's also possible to hire a private guide or porter and do it yourself, however all trekkers are technically required to have a guide.Everest Base camp trek will give you a life time experience of the pictorial Khumbu valley.
4.Rara Lake
(Source:wikipedia)
The Rara Lake (Nepali: रारा ताल) is the biggest and deepest fresh water lake in the Nepal Himalayas. It is the main feature of the Rara National Park, located in the Jumla and Mugu Districts.Rara is an unique spot in Nepal.Summer is quite pleasant but winter is cold. The best visiting time to the lake is September/October and April to May.Thakur Baba’s Temple is situated in the southeast corner of the lake.Rara lake has been a popular destination with a very rough route in Western Nepal for trekkers. The glimpses of culture and scenery on the way is quite different from the rest of Nepal. Situated in high altitude,
you can find the lake surrounded by Rara National Park with pine, spruce and juniper forest. The view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks enhance the attraction of trekkers. The trek begins with flight to Jumla (over an hour flight from Kathmandu).Going along the mountain path and some villages one can reach the bank of Rara lake.Rara Lake as described by GORP founder Bill Greer: "a shimmering blue jewel set in a ring of snowy peaks".Rara can be the next major place for tourists to visit.
5.The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
(Source:Coldfeetadventure.com;Planetware.com)
In many regards, the Annapurna Region, north of Pokhara, is an ideal walking area.Annapurna Base Camp is one of the best legendary and classical treks in the world offering the chances to observe and explore the typical Nepali village, and traditional way of life. The Annapurna Base Camp route goes passing through spectacular and tranquil landscapes,
charming Gurung and Magar villages, lush green Rhododendron, bamboo and alpine forests to the trip’s last and final destination, Annapurna Base Camp at the height of 4130m.The Annapurna Circuit around Annapurna Mountain takes about 21 days to complete and is incredibly popular with people who have enough time. This route is sometimes called the "Apple Pie Circuit," in reference to the fact that most of the teahouses along the route serve their own version of fried apple pie.The Annapurna Circuit around Annapurna Mountain takes about 21 days to complete and is incredibly popular with people who have enough time. Muktinath is on the way to Annapurna but has since become a destination in its own right.Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass (part of the Himalayas) in Mustang, Nepal.The Muktinath route runs in the Kali Gandaki Valley on the east flank of Annapurna and takes seven days.Here the people and cultures are also very different in contrast to other regions of the country: facial characteristics, houses, lifestyles, customs, and religion.
6.Ghale Gaun Village:
(Source:tourtrekinnepal.com)
Ghale Gaun village the best village among south asian villages is the perfect example of home stay based tourism destination in Nepal which is situated at an altitude of 2070 m from sea level which belongs to warrior ethnic Gurung tribe. This beautiful village lies in along the round Annapurna circuit route a whole worlds as well as Nepal's a popular trekking destination.This majestic village is only 205 km northwest of Kathmandu and 125 km northeast of Pokhara.It is a beautiful hill village promoting unique village tourism and practicing community based touring with warm hospitality. Ghale Gaun is being developed as an ideal rural tourist destination which has substantially contributed to the promotion of village tourism in Nepal supporting local economy strength and people's lives. It is a totally unspoiled mainly Gurung settlement with about a total of 105 households, offering tremendous view across Annapurna and Manaslu mountain peaks, Gurung culture, green hills and valleys belonging to 13 different districts.It is a homestay and is for that travelers, who want to explore local life of Nepali people.
7.Lumbini (Birth Place Of Lord Gautam Buddha)
Lumbini,according to the Buddhist mythology is the birth place of "The Light Of Asia" The Lord buddha in 563 BCE.Nowdays
this place has become a central attraction for tourism.Lumbini is the Pligrimage town and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.One can find the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha.Most of the visitors here are buddhist pilgrim.The holy site of Lumbini has ruins of ancient monasteries, a sacred Bodhi tree, an ancient bathing pond, the Ashokan pillar and the Mayadevi Temple,dedicated to Buddha's mother Mayadevi,where the supposed place of birth of Buddha is located. From early morning to early evening, pilgrims from various countries perform chanting and meditation at the site.
8.Chitwan National Park
(Source:Coldfeetadventure.com;Planetware.com)
With a tropical monsoon climate Chitwan National Park is the place to come to experience a different side of Nepal, apart from the hiking and breathtaking scenarios.It is the place to see wildlife from a close view and has a safari type atmosphere.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage site which offer a different experience than what most of the peole expect to see in Nepal.It is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds,
56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of endangered species like One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile.Tours from the lodges take visitors out into the park, either on foot, or more often, on elephants for close-up views of the animals.
9.Trishuli River Rafting
(Source;nepalhikingteam.com)
The Holy river Trishuli is considered as the fast flowing river of Nepal,flows side by side to the Prithvi Narayan Highway.Trisuli is Nepal’s most popular rafting river with impressive gorges, exciting rapids, some easier sections and easy accessibility from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Rafting in Trisuli is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Nepal.The unique demography, landscape and flora and faunas with the fun of white water rapids in the Trishuli river of Nepal can be explored through this challenging rafting experience.As the rafting location is located in between the way to Pokhara and Chitwan National Park, it is the most visited rafting destination in Nepal.The scenery of river Trishuli includes small gorges and a glimpse of the cable car leading to the famous Hindu Temple Manakamana. Trishuli river is a right place for any amateur or experienced rafters.This river rafting is gaining more and more popularity rapidly.
10.Lake Gosainkunda
(Source:coldfeetadventure.com;wikipedia)
The Gosaikunda lake is located an altitude of about 4360m. This is considered on the Nepal’s most sought after pilgrimage sites. It is surrounded by mountains on almost all sides and a great ensemble of nine other lakes accompany the Goisaikunda.
Every year during Janai Purnima in August, hundreds of Hindu pilgrims visit for a holy bath in the lake. The large rock at the center of the lake is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine and it is also claimed that channel carries water from the lake directly to the tank at the Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan in the Kathmandu valley.Gosaikunda is a significant place of interest on the Dhunche-Helambu trekking route. This trek adjoins the famous Langtang Valley trek in the same district.Both treks can be combined.Basic accommodation is quite easily available. Tea houses offer a variety of food and snacks.
Lake Gosainkunda from the top of a nearby hill
11.Janakpur Dham
(Source:wikipedia)
Janakpur (Nepali: जनकपुर) is the capital of Dhanusa District in Nepal.The city is a centre for religious and cultural tourism.The city is located about 123 km (76 mi) south-east of Kathmandu.The economy is mostly based on tourism,agriculture and local industries.Janakpur is located in the south of the Terai 22 km from the Indian border. The town is the heartland of the very old Maithili culture which gave birth to its own language and script.Janakpur is also a popular pilgrim center.The Ram Janaki temple being the primary attraction of the city.The Temple, located in the center of the city, is well known in the Hindu Kingdom.Throughout the year, many pilgrims come to pay their respects to Ram and Sita who are the main religious attractions in Janakpur."Dhanush Sagar" and "Ganga Sagar" are next two holy tanks to see in Janakpur.‘Dhanush Sagar’ and ‘Ganga Sagar are situated near the Ram Mandir. Here, people perform religious ablutions during the early morning hours.Mithila Art is the other attraction of janakpur.This art is a strict monopoly of the women of Mithila. They cover their courtyard walls in abstract images in brilliant colour, resembling in form and function the sand paintings of the Navahos. The art is a kind of traditional painting that reflects the natural environment including animals, people, life style, tradition and culture of the local people.
Ultimately,Nepal is so called the 8th wonder of the world as it has these kind of heavenly places.Do not believe my words but rather travel to Nepal and witness yourself before it gets damaged.
My other posts:
Visit Nepal #1|Taj Mahal of Nepal