Top 10 Things To Do In Nepal

Nepal, which lies in the center of the Himalayas, is a magnificent location that skillfully combines a rich cultural history with striking natural beauty. This remarkable country offers a plethora of experiences for the daring tourist who did its original fantastic walk among the ranges of high mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Nepal promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take in the serene ambiance of Lumbini, the site of Buddha’s birth, and revel in an array of exhilarating experiences that embody the lively customs of the nation.

Exhilarating pursuits for thrill-seekers such as white-water rafting in Trishuli River or paragliding in Pokhara Beginning at Chitwan National Park, where lush, green forests provide enjoyable enjoyment, scenes from a calm Phewa Lake provides an opportunity to see wildlife and get back to nature. Nepal extends a warm invitation to you to set out on a voyage of exploration and immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of culture and environment.

Trekking In Nepal

Trekking is an extended outdoor activity lasting several days. It’s a type of physical exercise that encourages you to discover the area’s natural scenery and diversity. Nepal is the starting point for anyone interested in trekking. There are numerous trekking routes in Nepal. The treks to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Base Camp, and many other locations are the most well-liked trekking routes in Nepal.

Everest Base Camp Trek

The highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest, is situated in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. Its 8848.86-meter elevation was only recently determined in 2020.

Many climbers, including very experienced mountaineers, are drawn to Mount Everest. In addition to climbing Mount Everest, the Everest Base Camp Trek is also well-known. The trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most well-liked trekking routes in Nepal. It is situated in the Sagarmatha region and Sagarmatha National Park. Many tourists travel to Nepal yearly to hike to the 5364-meter Everest Base Camp. You’ll need 14–15 days to complete the trail. You will experience the Himalayan beauty, cultural diversity, farmland landscape, forest, and many other things on the Everest Trek. The Everest Base Camp Trek begins and ends in Lukla. En route, you will witness the breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Choyu, and many other mountains.

Amba Dablam Peak
Ama Dablam peak at sunset.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna base camp is a renowned and challenging trekking route located at an elevation of 4130m (13,549ft). This trail offers a rich natural environment, insights into the local lifestyle of the Himalayan region in Nepal, diverse geographical landscapes, including forests and rivers, and picturesque climatic conditions.  This trek will take you less time than the Everest Base camp treks and it is less difficult than the Everest base camp. The geographical landscape and beauty are so remarkable that they seem almost surreal. One can witness the stunning sunrise panorama from Poon Hill, a prominent feature of this trek. Renowned as one of the finest vantage points globally, it offers a 360-degree view of the Annapurna range, including the majestic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayan peaks. This location provides an opportunity to behold the natural splendor of the Himalayas nestled within the embrace of the natural world.

Mardi Himal Trek

One of the most popular treks in Nepal is the Mardi Himal Trek. At 4,500 meters above sea level, it is located in Nepal’s Annapurna region and is well-known for its varied landscape, natural scenery, and mountain views. You will witness the magnificent vista of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre Himal (fishtail) during this trek.

Trekkers getting ready to witness the sunrise at Annapurna ranges
Trekkers making a group to witness the sunrise of Annapurna base camp.

Mardi Himal Trek is becoming more and more well-known among travelers worldwide. For those who want to trek in a few periods can choose this trail. This trail will take you 4 to 5 days and is known to be a less difficult trek in Nepal.

Cultural exploration tours

Nepal is regarded as a multicultural nation worldwide. A large number of tourists travel to Nepal every year to experience its customs and culture. Nepal is primarily separated into three regions: the Himalayan, Terai, and Hilly. Due to Nepal’s regional divide, each region has its own community. They share the same food habits, language, and religion. However, as a result of urbanization, people in Nepal have moved around the country in search of better living conditions. As a result, they have created a society in which a large number of people continue to practice their own cultures while others do the same. There are numerous castes and ethnic groups in Nepal, and each one adheres to its own culture.

While Chettri and Brahaman adhere to similar cultures, Tamang, sherpa, and Gurung have similar cultures; similarly, Rai and Limbu have similar cultures, while Tharu people and people of Terai have their own distinct cultures. One of the largest cities in Nepal where one can experience cultural diversity is the Kathmandu Valley. The inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley are known as Newars, and they have many Jatras and a culture that is among the best in the world. They are also well-known for their contributions to trade, industry, art, and architecture. In Nepal culture and tradition are the root part of Nepal so one must explore this aspect of Nepal to know the people of Nepal.

A tika plate decorated to put tika on the elders and celebrate it.
A beautifully decorated plate for putting Tika on forehead. Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dashain_FESTIVAL.jpg

Jungle Safari

One of the most adventurous tours in Nepal is the jungle safari, where visitors can take in the stunning scenery and wildlife. 39.03 percent of Nepal’s total land area is covered by forest followed by 29.83% by agriculture. 64.8% of the forest area in Nepal is covered by core forests. The swift urbanization and numerous illicit activities are causing deforestation and wildlife extinction. To safeguard Nepal’s wildlife and natural vegetation, the government has established national parks and wildlife reserves. The tourism industry in Nepal has benefited from the national park and wildlife reserve. The most well-liked locations in Nepal for jungle safaris are listed below.  The most well-liked locations in Nepal for a jungle safari are Bardiya National Park, Chitwan National Park, Shuklaphant National Park, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

Chitwan national park

The first national park in Nepal is called Chitwan National Park. Established in 1973 under the name Royal Chitwan National Park, it was inducted into the World Heritage List in 1984. It is located in the subtropical inner Terai lowland of south-central Nepal, covering an area of 952.62 square kilometers. It encompasses the four districts of Parsa, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi. The long-lasting subtropical monsoon climate has year-round high humidity. Jungle safari is one of the most Elephant bathing, bird watching tours, jeep safaris, jungle walks, and elephant back safaris are all part of the Chitwan National Park’s jungle safari experience.

A jungle safari is among the most daring things to do in Nepal. Where you can investigate the diverse array of plants and animals. The one-horn rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, wild elephants, and gharial crocodiles are the park’s most well-known inhabitants. It is advised that visitors to Chitwan National Park visit between February and May to thoroughly explore the forest. During this time, the old bushy plant dries out and falls, making it easier for visitors to see wild animals from a distance.

People enjoying the elephant ride on the back of Elephant in Chitwan national park.
People enjoy the elephant ride on the back of Elephant in Chitwan National Park.

Bardiya National Parks

The largest national park in Nepal is Bardiya National Park. It was founded in 1981. it covers an area of 968 square kilometers in Terai lowland Nepal. Bardiya National Park is primarily covered in grassland, savannah, and sal, with patches of dense forest interspersed. The jungle safari is becoming more and more popular with tourists these days. Both the flora and the fauna exhibit a wide range of ecological diversity. There are 23 species of amphibia and reptiles, 400 species of birds, and 53 species of mammals in Bardiya National Park. The Bengal tiger is the main attraction of the jungle safari. The one-honored rhino, the wild elephant, and other animals can be found in the Bardiya National Park.

Shuklaphant National Park

It is well-known for its hunting areas. The 305 square kilometer Shahuphant National Park is situated in the Kanchanpur District of Terai and offers jeep safaris as well as guided jungle walks where visitors can spot endangered species like one-honored rhinos, Bengal tigers, and wild elephants.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

With an area of 175 square kilometers, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the smallest in the Terai. It is regarded as an avian home. On the riverbank, you can observe a wide variety of birds from around the globe. There are over 300 different species of birds in this wildlife reserve, which was created to protect both wildlife and birds.

Paragliding In Nepal

The best place to go paragliding is Nepal. In Nepal, paragliding is one of the most thrilling adventurous sports. This is something that everyone should do once in their lifetime. Here are the top paragliding locations in Nepal:

Paragliding in Pokhara

The greatest place in Nepal to go paragliding is Pokhara. There are numerous locations in Pokhara, such as Sarangkot (1600m) and Mandare Dhunga (1788m), that will offer you an amazing experience. The advantage of paragliding from Pokhara is that you can see the stunning Pokhara valley, the hilly terrain, the majestic Himalayas surrounded by the Annapurna range, and Phewa Lake. You have the option to paraglide solo or in a tandem.

Paragliding in Kathmandu

One of the greatest places in Nepal to go paragliding is Kathmandu. The following are a few of Kathmandu’s top spots:

  • Kot Danda
  • Chapakharka
  • Pulchowki
Guest doing paragliding in Pokhara
Paragliding in Nepal

Godawari

One of the greatest places in Kathmandu to go paragliding is Godawari.  It is 2,100 meters above sea level. It is situated 10 kilometers from the Kathmandu district in the Lalitpur district of the Kathmandu Valley. from where you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains in the Kathmandu Valley and the expansive panorama of Kathmandu City.

Bandipur

One of Nepal’s most special locations, Bandipur will provide you with an amazing experience along with a magnificent view of the Annapurna Peak, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu Mountain. Situated at a height of 1067 meters.

Experience Festival in Nepal

Nepal’s festival is the country’s most significant and distinctive feature. While here, one should get firsthand experience. Nepal has an abundance of festivals and culture. There are differences in festivals in Nepal. There are 142 different ethnic groups in Nepal, and each has its celebrations and customs. Some of the festivals are listed below:

Tiji

The word “tiji” is an acronym for “tempa chirim,” which means “prayer for world peace.” Every year, the Tibetan community primarily in Lo Manthang and Upper Mustang celebrates this three-day event. In most Tibetan rituals and held the belief that the story of a son was necessary to prevent the fall of the Mustang Kingdom

People celebrating Tiji festival in Upper mustang.
A important festival in Upper Mustang celebrated for 3 days. Credit: https://www.indexadventure.com/blog/upper-mustang-tiji-festival-trek

Dashain and Tihar

One of the biggest festivals in Nepal is Dashai and Tihar.  Both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal celebrate it according to their customs. There is a 14–15 day government holiday during this festival. Everyone in Nepal celebrates Tihar and Dashain by traveling to their village or hometown. During this celebration, families gather from all over the world and from different cities. They eat fists, wear new clothes, play games, apply tikas, and receive blessings from their elders.

Peak Climbing

The highest peak in the world is located in Nepal. Each year, a large number of tourists travel to Nepal to climb mountains. Nepal is home to eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including the highest peak in the world. A climber can ascend the mountain based on their skill level, preference, and degree of difficulty. Nepal offers both easy and challenging climbing at various elevations.

  • Mount Everest (8848m) highest in the world.
  • Kangchenjunga(8586m) third highest in the world.
  • Lhotse(8516m) fourth highest in the world.
  • Makalu (8462m) fifth highest in the world.
  • Cho Oyu (8201m) sixth highest in the world.
  • Dhaulagiri (8167m) seventh higest in the world.
  • Manaslu (8163m) eighth highest in the world.
  • Annapurna (8091m) tenth highest in the world.

River rafting

Nepal is rich in water resources.  It’s said to be the greatest place to go rafting. Nepal is sought after by many travelers for this reason. Nepal boasts numerous rivers that provide world-class whitewater rafting experiences. Rafting is ranked from 1 to 6 in terms of difficulty, and Nepal has rivers according to these ratings.

Nepal’s most well-liked rafting destinations include along with their difficulty levels:

These rivers offer a slow flow, no barrier to some barrier, or little speed to large waved, rapid water flow.

River Rafting in Nepal
River rafting in Nepal. A adventure game on fastest flowing river of Nepal.

Mustang tour

One of the most well-known locations in Nepal is Mustang, which is located in the Mustang District. Mustang the northern Nepalese province of Gandaki. It is also known as a forbidden kingdom. It consists upper and lower Mustang. Upper Mustang was restricted until 1992 and was one of the most preserved regions in the world. The mustang district consists Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath, Marpha, Charang, Chhusang, Jharkot. Mustang have a lot to offer in terms of geographical, cultural, and religious aspects as well as economic ones.

Religious aspect

Mustang district generally consists of Tibetans and follows the principle of Buddhism. Numerous monasteries exist. The oldest monastery in Nepal is called Lo Gekar Monastery. Similarly, one of Nepal’s holiest temples is Muktinath Temple. At an elevation of 3800 meters, this temple is associated with the belief that a pilgrimage to the sacred site can aid in ending the cycle of birth and death. Giving the followers salvation

Geographic aspect

Mustang is separated geographically into upper Mustang and lower Mustang sub-regions. Beautiful Himalayan mountains, eroded canyons, brightly colored stratified rock formations, and desolate high-altitude deserts are all visible.

Hindu pilgrimage tour

The vast majority of people in Nepal are Hindus. Numerous revered Hindu temples in Nepal are worth visiting. Some of the famous temples in Nepal are:

  • Pashupatinath temple
  • Muktinath temple
  • Manakamana temple
  • Janakpur temple

    The Boudhanath Stupa is depicted in this iconic artwork with a backdrop of a blue sky, a large mandala, a white dome, and a golden spire topped with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha.
    Boudhanath Stupa: An Emblem of Peace and Spirituality.

Explore local cuisine

With 142 different ethnic groups, Nepal is a country divided into three geographic regions: the Himalayas, the Hilly, and the Terai. As a result, the cuisine of Nepal varies from place to place, region to region, and ethnic group to group. The staple meal of Nepal, dal bhaat (steamed rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry), is considered the national dish. Nepal offers a variety of cuisines based on ethnicity and region:

  • khas cuisine
  • Himalayan cuisine (Tibetan-influenced cuisine, Thakali food)
  • Newari cuisine
  • Lohorung cuisine
  • Limbu cuisine
  • Terai cuisine
  • Tharu cuisine
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Exploring the Beauty of Annapurna Region

Exploring the beauty of Annapurna region, cradled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. While it’s renowned for its trekking routes and breathtaking landscapes, it also offers some of the most mesmerizing spots to witness sunrises and sunsets. These moments feel infinite, as if nature herself is painting the sky with hues of crimson, gold, and amber. Join me as I recount my journey to these spectacular vantage points.

A captivating sunrise over the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) illuminates the surrounding peaks and landscape with warm hues, casting a magical glow over the majestic mountains.
A captivating sunrise over the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) illuminates the surrounding peaks and landscape with warm hues, casting a magical glow over the majestic mountains.

Ghorepani Poon Hill

Our adventure began in the charming village of Ghorepani, one of the most picturesque places in the Annapurna region. Early one morning, we set off for Poon Hill, a short but brisk 45-minute hike from the village. We were not alone—this famous viewpoint attracts travelers from all corners of the globe. As the first light of dawn touched the snow-capped peaks of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range, I stood in awe. The mountains turned a delicate shade of pink and orange, a sight that words can hardly capture. Later that evening, we witnessed the sunset in Ghorepani, a moment so stunning it will forever remain etched in my memory.

Sunrise in Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges

 

Mardi Himal Viewpoint

Our next destination was the Mardi Himal viewpoint, renowned for its stunning sunrise and close-up views of the Himalayan panorama. The trek to Mardi Himal was an adventure in itself, with hikers from around the world flocking to catch the sunrise from this vantage point. Our journey began in Damphus, passing through Low Camp and High Camp before we reached the viewpoint after three days of trekking. On the third day, we rose before dawn, at 4 a.m., and hiked for two hours to witness the magic. As the sun’s first rays kissed the towering Himalayas, the surrounding landscape became a sea of clouds. I felt as if I had entered a natural paradise, with the mountains bathed in a rainbow of colors—a moment so surreal it seemed like a dream.

Trekkers getting ready to witness the sunrise at Annapurna ranges
Trekkers making a group to witness the sunrise of Annapurna base camp.

Ghandruk

As our journey continued, we arrived at Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village nestled in the Annapurna region. Known for its traditional architecture and warm hospitality, Ghandruk offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The village is surrounded by rhododendron forests and the majestic Annapurna Range, making it a perfect spot for sunrise and sunset views. From the viewpoint in Ghandruk, we were treated to sweeping vistas of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and other towering peaks. The sunrise and sunset here were especially magical, with the ever-changing colors of the sky casting a mystical glow over the snow-capped mountains

Trekking route of Ghdanruk
Trekking trial of Ghandruk

Annapurna Base Camp

No visit to the Annapurna region would be complete without a journey to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), another prime location to experience awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets. We embarked on a trek to ABC with high hopes of witnessing this natural spectacle. Early in the morning, we prepared ourselves for the viewing. As the sun rose, its rays gradually illuminated the peaks of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and others, casting a warm glow over the entire landscape. The snow-covered summits shimmered in golden light, creating a scene so enchanting that time seemed to stand still. We stood there, capturing the beauty with our cameras, but more importantly, soaking in the moment, fully immersed in the serenity of nature.

Welcome board infront of the Annapurna base camp
Trekker standing in front of the welcome board and posing for pictures.

In each of these places, I felt a deep connection to the natural world, as if the mountains were sharing their ancient wisdom through the dance of light and shadow. The Annapurna region is truly a treasure, offering not just adventure, but a profound sense of wonder and peace.

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