Stunning scenery, rich culture, challenging trekking trails, and of course, some of the most hospitable people you’ll find on the face of the Earth. Nepal is truly a place that should be on your world travel bucket list. But there’s so much more to Nepal than just mountains and the city of Kathmandu. The country holds much more than that if you’re willing to but dive into it a little.
It can be displeasing to find that most articles echo each other, which where this article comes in. This is fairly common with travel blogs, however, sometimes it is necessary to repeat a message in order to cement it in one’s mind thoroughly.
These are some of the places that you should definitely be sure to visit if you want to truly experience Nepal for what it is — a country of rich culture and spirituality.
Kathmandu
It’s usually a good idea to drop by a country’s capital before going anywhere else, and Kathmandu is no exception. Kathmandu is a melting pot of temples, historical sites, and shrines. It’s here that you’ll find the Kopan Monastery and the Boudhanath Stupa.
Lumbini
Lumbini is one of the most revered sites related to Buddhism. It home to the Maya Devi Temple, the Royal Thai Monastery, the Lumbini Monastic Site, and of course, the World Peace Pagoda. Lumbini is also the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This is truly the place to go to if you’re looking for a spiritual place.
Manaslu
Now, if you’re looking for some good, clean adventure, then you’re going to want to drop by the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This route sets itself apart from the other trekking locations in Nepal because it’s significantly less crowded, making it feel like a true remote adventure experience. Here you’ll find everything you’re looking for in a Nepal trek, including breathtaking scenery, suspension bridges, and of course, the Himalayan pass.
Chitwan National Park
The Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to over 500 species of animals, few of which are as well-known and as majestic as the feared and respected Bengal tiger. In the multitude of grasslands, forests, and marshes, you’re also bound to come across many species of birds, elephants, and sloths. Whether you want to take a Jeep tour or a jungle hike, you’re definitely going to have a fun time here.
Just be sure to not only go with a guide, but to also pay close attention to your guide’s instructions. As you may already know, many of these animals are dangerous to humans.
Ilam
One of the less-visited places in Nepal is Ilam, which is home to many tea gardens. And, like many points of interest in this country, Ilam also has many scenic routes and the occasional off-track path. If you’re fond of bird-watching, hiking, and tea, then you’re definitely going to want to visit here. Also, two words: Mount Kanchenjunga.