Top 10 Best Things to Do in Nepal
Located between the majestic Himalaya Mountains and the fascinating Indian jungles, Nepal is a land where things like yaks, yetis, mountain peaks and hidden monasteries appear to be seemingly common. Ever since the country opened its borders to foreigners, it emerged as an enchanting destination for hikers and trekkers of all types, many venturing to the famous Everest Base Camp. Its rugged trails proved unparalleled trekking opportunities while the appeal of climbing Mount Everest was more than enough to attract mountain climbers from all over the planet. So, here’s our list of the top 10 best things to do in Nepal.
1. TREKKING IN NEPAL
Whether your a novice or an experienced trekker Nepal is the land of trekking (and climbing), offering some of the best trekking routes in the world. Period. The 4 days Poonhill trek is one of the better short treks in Nepal; the Everest Base Camp trek is a great trek if having 12 days available; while the Everest Base Camp – 3 Passes trek or the Manaslu trek are some of the best adventure treks in Nepal, taking you on unparalleled trekking routes amidst pristine nature.
If you’re into climbing but lack experience we recommend Island Peak or Mera Peak. Both peaks reach +6,000 meters and can be summited by people with no prior mountaineering experience, yet promising a challenging adventure and memory of a lifetime!
2. PANORAMIC FLIGHT OVER THE HIMALAYAS
Trekking the great Himalayas may not be something that everyone is cool with. But that doesn’t mean that you must miss out on meeting the most majestic peaks on the planet. A himalayan panoramic mountain flight tour is the perfect way of enjoying unparalleled eye-level views of those majestic mountain peaks and watch true Himalayan beauty unfold right in front of your eyes, including Mount Everest. Some of the most popular peaks that can be seen through a panoramic flight include Mt. Makalu, Mt. Gosaithan, Mt. Dorje Lhakpa, Mt. Gauri-Shanker, Mt. Pumori and the Grand Daddy of them all – Mount Everest.
3. VISIT TO CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Chitwan National Park, the first national park in Nepal, is considered to be another must-see destination in Nepal. More than 500 species of migratory birds call the park their home, as do one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers and Asian elephants. It covers almost 332 sq. miles and is supposed to be your best chance of seeing animals such as bears, tigers, crocodiles, elephants and rhinos while in Nepal. The most common bird sightings include kingfishers, paradise flycatchers, egrets and brahminy ducks.
Insider Tip – The ideal way to explore the Chitwan National Park is to go for a three-day trip and stay for 2 nights at one of the hotels in Chitwan. This also gives you a chance to explore a typical Tharu village while in Nepal.
4. EXPLORING POKHARA
Pokhara, essentially a lakeside town, attracts explorers, nature lovers and adrenaline junkies with its spectacular natural beauty, an array of fishing opportunities, mountain biking, exciting treks such as Poonhill, Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, visiting the peace pagoda, paragliding and sunbathing. It is one of those destinations that you certainly wish to visit for the second time in your life. Boating and strolling down the lakeside in Pokhara is definitely two of the top things to do in Pokhara.
5. MOUNTAIN BIKING IN KATHMANDU VALLEY AND NEPAL
Especially Kathmandu might not be one of those cities that offers bike-friendly locales to its visitors, but there is no shortage of mountain bike tours in Kathmandu and Nepal. One of the best and most challenging biking excursions can be found in Shivapuri National Park. The dirt roads that start off at the Budhanikantha entrance are hardly ever used, and the challenging patches in between simply makes riding all the more exciting. Those searching for easier options can explore the Godavari, Bungamati and Chapagaun roads, known for their serene beauty and easy trails. Another popular mountain biking tour is Kathmandu to Nargakot and back. If you’re looking for a real challenge, do the Annapurna Circuit on a mountain bike.
Insider Tip – You might want to explore the Dakshinkali road biking option as well. The area puts together an uphill ride with beautiful cultural attractions all around.
6. KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING TOUR
The ideal way to explore Kathmandu is to have your own guide and conduct a real Kathmandu sightseeing tour. Almost each and every turn in the valley introduces you to intricate carvings, delightful pagodas and humongous stone images. The area is teeming with temples and shrines and seems to be a living history museum. As a result, it becomes impossible to understand what to explore and what to leave out, given your interests and time constraints. A guide helps you choose the right destinations and also provides non-stop entertainment in the form of history and local folklore. Some of the must-see attractions in Kathmandu Valley include Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and the Temple of Kumari.
7. MOUNT EVEREST HELICOPTER TOUR
If a panoramic flight around the Himalayas doesn’t sound exciting, a helicopter tour across Mount Everest certainly will. This tour lets you get up close and personal with some of the most traditional Himalayan cultures and admire majestic peaks such as Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Pumori at the same time.
Insider Tip – The base camp of Kala Patthar is famous for its 360-degree panoramic views of fascinating mountains from ground level.
8. PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
The Pashupatinath Temple was constructed way back in the year 1696 on the banks of the Bagmati River. It is now known to the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. The temple was designed in a classic pagoda style, with a gilded rooftop, four silver-plated doors and beautifully carved rafters. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premises, but a glimpse of Lord Shiva’s bull, Nandi, can be seen from the western entrance. Even if you are not allowed to enter the temple, its exteriors and surrounding areas are certainly worth exploring. Watching the traders and priests go about their daily routines is considered to be an experience in itself.
Another interesting phenomena, despite some people might find it uncomfortable, is that the Pashupatinath Temple is also the place where most people from the Kathmandu Valley are burned after they pass away. In contrast with many Western nations Nepal’s funerals are public – a very different tradition but nonetheless also admirable.
A visit to the Pashupatinath temple should be high on your list of things to do in Nepal.
9. RIVER RAFTING ON THE BHOTE KOSHI RIVER
The Bhote Koshi River offers one of the best and most exciting kayaking and rafting adventures in all of Asia. It is famous for offering some of the best short river trips in the world, and a two-day rafting package is the perfect way to understand why people across the globe long for the adrenaline rush that rafting has to offer.
10. VISIT TO BARDIA NATIONAL PARK
Bardia National Park is the largest wilderness area in Terai. It boasts of beautiful wildlife and is considered to be what the Chitwan was about 30 years ago, before it became commercialized due to tourism. The park covers about 968 sq. kms. of grasslands and Sal forests and is famous as one of the biggest stretches of tiger habitats in Asia. Apart from tigers, you can also check out 30 different species of mammals such as one-horned rhinos and elephants, Gangetic dolphins, crocodiles and more than 250 species of birds such as sarus cranes and the Bengal floricans.
Source – bookmundi.com.
