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From landscapes of breathtaking beauty to vibrant cultures and spiritual significance, Nepal has in store something for every type of traveler. If you are a thrill-seeker, a history enthusiast, or a spiritual quester, you can find an unforgettable experience only in Nepal-from trekking the Himalayas, to ancient temples, and enjoying serene lakes, there is just everything.
We are going to discover some of the best things to do in Nepal, focusing mainly on Nagarkot and Pokhara as two of the most sought-after destinations for any tourist visiting this beautiful country.
Things to Do in Nepal
Nepal is a country that offers an extra ordinary range of activities for every kind of traveler. Here are some of the top things to do when you visit Nepal:
Trekking and Hiking: The highest mountains of the world lie in Nepal, Mount Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. So, for those who enjoy adventure, there's no alternative other than to go for Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit, or Langtang Valley trek. And if you don't want it so challenging at such high altitude, then try routes like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Visit Lumbini: Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Therefore, it is a place of pilgrimage for all Buddhists. The place is peaceful and ancient monasteries and the Maya Devi Temple are great attractions. There are historical reasons behind the visit to this place and spiritual meditation is also carried out.
Explore Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is filled with cultural landmarks, including Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Durbar Square. Take a walk through the narrow alleys of Bhaktapur and Patan to admire the ancient architecture and explore local markets.
Wildlife Safari in Chitwan National Park: Nepal is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts due to its diverse ecosystems. Chitwan National Park offers safaris where you can spot animals such as the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and various bird species. The park also offers canoe rides and jungle walks for a complete wildlife experience.
Paragliding in Pokhara: Known as one of the best places in the world for paragliding, Pokhara allows visitors to soar above the Phewa Lake with stunning views of the Annapurna Range. It's an exhilarating way to experience the beauty of the region from the sky.
Pay a visit to the Temple of Muktinath: Located in the Mustang region, Muktinath is one of the most sacred temples in Nepal. Both Hindus and Buddhists visit this place as one of the most important pilgrimage centers in the country, famous for its eternal flame and 108 taps used for ritual bathings.
Rafting and Kayaking: Nepal is renowned for some of the world's best white-water rafting. Among the major rivers, some popular ones include the Trishuli River, Bhote Koshi River, and Seti River. Navigation through the rapids amidst scenic beauty is what entices rafting enthusiasts across the globe to try this exciting experience.
Mountain Biking: Nepal offers a wide variety of trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. The varied landscapes and rugged terrain make it exciting to explore on a bike. Popular biking routes include the Kathmandu Valley Rim and Annapurna Circuit.
Cultural Exploration: Nepal is full of traditions and culture. You can watch traditional dances, visit local villages, and enjoy festivals like Dashain and Tihar. The culture of Nepal is rich and vibrant, and it is associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, making it a great destination for travelers who want to explore the local traditions.
Relax in the Lakeside Town of Pokhara: Apart from the adventure activities, Pokhara is also a place to relax. You can take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit Barahi Temple, or simply relax at lakeside cafes while soaking in the beautiful views of the mountains.
Things to Do in Nagarkot, Nepal
Nagarkot is a small village located about 32 kilometers from Kathmandu and is known for its spectacular sunrise and panoramic views of the Himalayan Range. At an altitude of 2,195 meters (7,201 feet), Nagarkot is one of the best places to enjoy the beauty of the mountains without the crowds. Here are the top things to do in Nagarkot:
Enjoy Sunrise Over the Himalayas: One of the major attractions of Nagarkot is the sunrise. The village provides a perfect vantage point to view the rising sun casting its golden glow over the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest on a clear day. The view of the snow-capped mountains is simply mesmerizing and a must-see for any traveler.
Trekking and Hiking: Trekking routes through Nagarkot differ in their challenging levels. Some of the nice treks for scenic views within the village as well as up to Changu Narayan Temple, an old Hindu temple as well as one of the ancient monuments of this world and designated as a heritage site by the UNESCO, present a mix of natural beauty as well as exploration of culture.
Mountain Biking: For adventure lovers, Nagarkot offers great opportunities for mountain biking. The trails that wind through picturesque forests, rural villages, and steep terrain provide a thrilling experience with great views of the surrounding landscapes while cycling in Nagarkot.
Visit Local Villages: Small villages surround Nagarkot where one can interact with the friendly villagers. Walking through these villages offers a glimpse of rural life in Nepal and exposes one to the traditional farming methods and architecture.
Paragliding: For a more exciting experience, paragliding in Nagarkot offers opportunities with the Himalayas as a backdrop. Paragliding in Nagarkot gives a great perspective of seeing the landscape from a different angle.
Yoga and Meditation: Nagarkot’s peaceful and tranquil environment makes it an ideal place for yoga and meditation. Many resorts and retreat centers offer wellness programs that include yoga sessions with breathtaking views of the mountains, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate.
Photography: The stunning vistas of the Himalayas, picturesque sunsets, and traditional rural life provide perfect opportunities for photography. If you’re a photography enthusiast, Nagarkot’s natural beauty is sure to leave you with plenty of picture-perfect moments.
Things to Do in Pokhara, Nepal
One of Nepal's most popular tourist spots, Pokhara is celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, adventure sports, and serene environment. Only 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Pokhara provides a rejuvenating break through its pristine lakes, lush forests, and mountain scenery. Some of the best things to do in Pokhara are as follows:
Boating on Phewa Lake: Another popular activity that Pokhara offers is boating on Phewa Lake, which is the second largest lake in Nepal. A boat can be hired to paddle across the still waters while gazing at panoramic views of the Annapurna Range. You can also visit Barahi Temple, situated on an island in the middle of the lake.
Trekking to Sarangkot: Sarangkot is famous for its sunrise views over the Himalayas. A short trek or drive to the top provides spectacular views of Mount Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) and the surrounding peaks. Paragliding from Sarangkot is also a thrilling experience.
World Peace Pagoda Situated on the southern shore of Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda provides a very beautiful view of the lake and the Annapurna Range. The serene surroundings of the pagoda and the peaceful atmosphere inside make it an absolute must to visit.
Paragliding in Pokhara: Pokhara is known as one of the best destinations for paragliding in the world. From Sarangkot, you can take off and soar over the lake with views of the snow-capped mountains, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Explore the Caves: Pokhara has several caves, but the most famous is Gupteshwor Cave, which contains a sacred waterfall inside. Bat Cave and Mahendra Cave are also visited for their unique formations and the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the region.
Visit the International Mountain Museum: The International Mountain Museum in Pokhara is a museum dedicated to the mountains of Nepal and the history of mountaineering in the region. It's an informative and fascinating museum that provides insight into the region's mountainous terrain and the heroes who have conquered its peaks.
Apart from trekking and paragliding, this place has an array of other adventure activities including zip-lining, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Due to its closeness to the Annapurna Circuit, Pokhara offers a good location for trekking and discovering places around.
Relax at Lakeside: Pokhara's Lakeside area is full of vibrant cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can just relax and unwind after a day of adventure. It's a great place to enjoy a meal with a view of the lake and mountains.
Conclusion
The tourist destinations in Nepal provide an amazing scope to engage in adventurous activities, culture visitation, and relaxation for travelers. From Himalayan views to tranquility in Nagarkot or from Pokhara's lakes, adventure sports, and quiet beauty, both places offer irreplaceable memories. Beyond those destinations, Nepal's trekking routes, temples, and wildlife safaris make it an all-encompassing destination for all types of travelers.
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