Places to Visit in Nepal

Are you planning your trip to Nepal? Nepal is due to open for international tourism in August 2020, (this may now be further delayed) meaning the autumn trekking season should be able to go ahead. Where should you go? What are the top, do-not-miss places, towns, cities, villages, national parks, and things to do in Nepal? If you’re a culture lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or a high altitude trekker, we have a round-up of the essential attractions and tourist places to visit in Nepal

Kathmandu itself has some of the most fascinating places to visit in the entire world. If time is short and you’re heading off for a trek, be sure to check out our post on places to visit in and around Kathmandu, below.

If you have more time and you’re heading to the Annapurnas or Poon Hill, you can squeeze in a few days relaxing in beautiful Pokhara on Fewa Lake.

More time again? Get out to Chitwan for a wildlife safari, you can spot Bengal tigers and Indian 1 horned rhino if you’re very lucky.

Not far from there is Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This is advanced level travel.

Around the Kathmandu valley, there is beautiful Bhaktapur, home to the 3rd Durbar Square of the valley, and Nagarkot, a famous hill-top view-point. UNESCO lists all of the Kathmandu Valley.

Then of course, there is the magnificent Everest Region with its many treks and fascinating mountain communities.

Not sure where to go in Nepal? Read the post below.

Best Places to Visit in Nepal

Destinations in Nepal-Video

Whatever you choose to do, I’m sure you’ll love Nepal. We made a very short video below to let you see what’s ahead of you in Nepal.

Best Places For Trekking in Nepal

There are many treks in Nepal, some take a day, some 2 days, some a month. There are also some short day hikes to enjoy in accessible places such as Nagarkot. See our post on trekking in Nepal for more details.

Lumbini

Modern-day Lumbini in Nepal was where Lord Buddha, Prince Siddhartha Gautama, was born. This young prince was a historical figure and his birthplace is marked today by various temples, stupas, and a gold statue of the miraculous child.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is well known as a Himalayan view point, not too far from the city of Kathmandu. You’re unlikely to see “the snows” from Kathmandu itself, the air pollution isn’t conducive to clear views. At the right time of year you should be able to get more than a glimpse of Himalayan ranges from Nagarkot.

People come here just for sunset views and leave straight away, or, if time allows, spend a few days here and take some gentle hikes in the surrounding hills.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktur is a beautiful ancient city with its own Durbar Square, court and Kumari, within striking distance of Kathmandu. If you possibly can, spend a few days here. We fell in love with Bhaktapur after the day-tourists had gone home.

There is an admission fee for Bhaktapur and it’s quite expensive, but accommodation here for us was excellent and cheap. I could easily spend weeks here.

Pokhara

Pokhara is Nepal’s second big tourist-draw after Kathmandu. Most people visiting Nepal will spend some time here which is no easy feat. Pokhara is a full day’s bus ride from Kathmandu on Himalayan roads.

The centre-point of Pokhara is Fewa Lake (Phewa Lake), popular for boating. Stunning mountain views tower above the Pokhara bowl, adventure activities such as paragliding and white-water rafting are popular here. This is where you’ll need to be to start your Annapurna Range and Poon Hill Treks. Like Kathmandu, Pokhara bristles with backpacker supply shops, restaurant and trekking shops.

Chitwan

If you want to see royal bengal tigers or Indian one horned rhino, Chitwan is the most popular safai destination in Nepal. Chitwan National Park is a conservation success story. If you want to see tigers be sure to visit at the right time of year.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu can’t be summed up in one paragraph. It’s one of the most incredible and wonderful cities on the planet and you could be busy exploring and seeing Kathmandu’s ancient sites and temples for weeks.

The places we list below are all in Kathmandu and all worth your time.

• Thamel
• Swayambhunath
• Pashupatinath
• Freak Street
• Boudhanath
• Kathmandu Durbar Square
• The Garden of Dreams
• Hanuman Dhoka Durbar

Our places to visit in Nepal post grows daily, I’m adding Pokhara, Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath in coming days. Do check back, or better still , bookmark our post to Pinterest. For more tips and guides to help you plan your trip to Nepal you’ll need to head back to our main Nepal Travel post.