What are the top ten things to do in Nepal?
Stunning mountain views – yes we are talking about Mount Everest here! – trekking and Himalayan culture: there are so many things to do in Nepal! From easy and challenging treks like the Annapurna Circuit in the mountain ranges to experiencing the serenity of Buddhism in its many monasteries like Tengboche and pilgrimage sites like Lumbini, marveling at the many UNESCO World Heritage sites, Nepal has many shades to offer to different travelers.
The city of Kathmandu offers varied delights: from the Boudhanath Stupa to popular temples like the Pashupatinath Temple, to sumptuous food, there’s much to see and explore. With its biodiversity, Nepal has several National Parks to explore. Another popular destination is the second largest city of Pokhara. Nepal’s second-largest city is the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit trek. Pokhara is also home to stunning lakes and is popular for adventure sports such as trekking, white water rafting and paragliding.
Wondering what to include in your Nepal travel guide? When to go and what to visit? Here is a list of the top things to do in Nepal curated by our Enchanting Travels specialists, which should definitely be part of your Nepal travel guide!
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1Visit the Royal City of Patan
On your cultural exploration of the country, visiting the royal city of Patan is one of the top things to do in Nepal. The place is known not only for its timeless art and crafts tradition but houses innumerable monasteries, temples and monuments. Marvel at the stunning architecture of its expansive palace complex boasting its own Durbar Square, which is filled with temples. Don’t forget to buy souvenirs made of metal and carved wood handicrafts or exquisite Thangka paintings.
The Durbar Square in Patan is one of the three such Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It is known for several beautiful architectural features such as a floor tiled with red bricks. The Krishna Temple is the most important temple in Durbar Square.
2Savor Stunning Views of the Himalayas
Where ever you go in Nepal, you are more than likely to be encountered by stunning vistas of the majestic Himalayas. From the 2000-meter-high Nagarkot, you have an overwhelming view of the Himalayan mountains and the Kathmandu Valley below.
Nagarkot is the second-highest point on the valley rim and one of the top things to do in Nepal is to feast your eyes on the Himalayas bathed in the light of dawn from here. In clear weather, you can even see Mount Everest!
3See Mount Everest from the air
A flight over Mount Everest is an unforgettable experience. The one-hour flight gives you a very special perspective of the highest mountain on earth.
One of the most exciting and unmissable experiences on your trip to Nepal!
4Go Trekking in the Annapurna Region
From Pokhara, you can reach the trekking paradise of the Annapurna region, one of the top things to do in Nepal. The walking routes lead past picturesque villages, holy pilgrimage sites, peaceful pine forests and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Apart from trekking (at various levels of difficulty), you can also go whitewater rafting and paragliding in the Annapurna region. One of the most popular trails in the region is the Annapurna Circuit, known for its stunning scenery. Another popular trail is the Ghorepani Poon Hill trail.
Not just the Annapurna Circuit, picturesque Pokhara, on the shores of Phewa Lake, is a popular starting point for several other walks and treks. Head to the Sarangkot viewpoint to catch a stunning sunrise.
Pokhara’s roots go back to the 17th century, when it featured on the trade route between India and China. Today Pokhara is one of the more popular destinations in Nepal, known for its stunning scenery, the range of adventure sports it offers as well as delicious cuisine! Some of the sports that you can enjoy in Pokhara include white water rafting, paragliding and zip-lining; the Mahendra Cave is a popular attraction in Pokhara.
5Explore Bhaktapur
Besides a fantastic view of the Himalayas, Bhaktapur offers enchanting pagodas and sacred temples. Its well-preserved pagodas, palaces and temples make it one of the top places to visit in Nepal.
The cultural city is also known for its numerous religious festivals, including Holi, the Festival of Colors.
6Explore Lake Phewa
Before exploring the Annapurna region, you can fish, swim and canoe in the crystal clear Lake Phewa. Explore the beautiful freshwater lake dotted with colorful boats, its periphery surrounded by quaint cafes and a promenade.
You can enjoy a leisurely ride across the lake either at dusk or dawn, with the snowcapped peaks of the Annapurna serving as your backdrop. There’s birdlife to admire as well as pagodas and temples nearby. Don’t forget to carry your picnic basket!
7Relax in Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is a wonderfully relaxing place to regenerate your mind, body and soul after long hikes through the Himalayas. Here, at an altitude of 1550 meters, you can enjoy the peace and fresh air. Explore the old town, which is home to a traditional Newari settlement.
As you walk through its many narrow cobbled streets and lanes flanked by rows of beautiful traditional houses, admire the exquisitely carved doors and windows. There are numerous temples and stupas to visit as well!
8Go on a Safari in Chitwan National Park
During a safari in the Chitwan National Park in the Nepalese lowland of Terai, you will witness numerous wild animals, including rare monkeys, antelopes and rhinos. Chitwan is also home to one of the most traditional and conservative indigenous people of Nepal – the Chepangs.
Head to Chitwan for a truly relaxing safari experience, surrounded by elephant grass and magnificent sunsets like no other!
Nepal is also home to other popular National Parks such as Bardiya National Park and Sagarmatha National Park.
9Explore Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, there are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a radius of only 20 km. The many architectural traditions and customs that are still alive today are part of the rich architectural heritage of the region.
The 2015 earthquake devastated many parts of this historic city, but Kathmandu has slowly but surely recovered from it, and your Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour will provide you with poignant and beautiful insights into this city. Boudhanath Stupa often called Boudha, is a popular attraction in the city; other frequented sites include the Pashupathinath temple. You can also sign for a cooking class to learn the intricacies of Nepali cuisine.
Don’t forget to visit the majestic Durbar Square in the heart of the city. The coronations of the Nepali monarchs took place here until the 19th century. In addition, there are interesting museums that make Nepal’s history come alive.
Enjoy a day-trip from Kathmandu to the Swayambhunath temple, a beautiful temple located in the Kathmandu Valley. The Swayambhunath temple is is 2500 years old and is not only popular for its architectural beauty but also for the many trees that dot the hillside it is located on.
10See Village Life in Nepal
To catch a glimpse of Nepali village life, stop off at the quaint Newari village of Bandipur, en route to Pokhara. This pretty little Himalayan town was an important trading post on the old route along India and Tibet and is still clinging on to the beauty of its 18th-century glory! Traditional architecture, heritage buildings, temples, shrines and pretty little cafes are all part of the Bandipur experience.
For a different experience, you can visit the high-altitude Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar in the Everest region. Nepal’s Sherpas are famous for their mountaineering and guiding skills.
Discover all the best things to do in Nepal by booking your vacation with our experts at Enchanting Travels. Contact us for your tailor-made and obligation-free tour itinerary.
Climb every mountain: Why you need to plan a Nepal holiday
On your Nepal holiday, find spiritual bliss in the ancient temples of Kathmandu, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bathe elephants at Chitwan National Park, or challenge yourself with treks in the Himalayas.
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