45 Beautiful Places to Visit in Nepal

Nepal, a country rather known for its shimmering range of Himalayas, that homes many of the towering peaks in the world is more than it appears to its audience. This small country located between two giant nations, China and India, has suprises beyond just the array of mountains.

Nepal, the home of brave Gurkhas, is the wonderland, a melting pot of both nature and culture. It is a blessed with cultural diversity, quaint practice and customs, dramatic natural beauty, exotic wildlife, aesthetic values, historical figures and monuments and everything with a touch of authenticity.

Once you visit Nepal, the option is vast; there is numerous destination in line where you can unravel the undeniable beauty of Nepal. From east to west, the geographical variation has caused a great deal of difference in our lifestyle and practice, so wherever you go, something new, something never seen before will be waiting for you. Here are some of our best picks for places to visit in Nepal to help you plan the itineraries.

1.    Pokhara

Pokhara is the ultimate destination to be in Nepal. Rather known for its natural beauty and serenity, Pokhara is cited as the number one place for adventure and leisure destination; no wonder it is one of the best places to visit in Nepal.

From diving into the full exhilaration of bungee jumping to stretching your muscles by trekking/hiking; form divulging into the calmness walking alongside lakeside to exploring mysterious caves; from experiencing the local life through shops and restaurants to having the most memorable nightlife, Pokhara serves you the best in every way.

Be an adventurer and try out Bungee Jump, Paragliding, Zip Flyer, White river rafting, mountain biking, hiking; have fun witnessing the Pokhara nightlife and Street Festival; get excited rowing a boat in Phewa Lake and paving the way through Mahendra Gufa or other.

2.    Lumbini

It is hardly the case when divinity doesn’t lure a person, and Lumbini is one such place, where divinity resides and reverence blends with the beauty. As Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, you may have gone through its name occassionally. Yes, it is the birthplace of Buddha, which already puts enough reason for a place to visit in Nepal, more than that, over the years Lumbini has developed itself as a beautiful venue of excellent monuments and great history.

The exquisite Lumbini Garden, holy site of Mayadevi Temple, historical Ashoka Pillar with inscriptions built by Indian Emperor, Ashoka, Puskarini Pond where Buddha had his first bath; well there are more than enough monuments to witness build by countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Canada, India, China, Japan, U.S and more.

3.    Kathmandu Durbar Square

Also known as Basantapur Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka Square, this place used to be the Nepalese royal residence up until 19th century. The Durbar square is spread over a large complex decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels and houses various temples and museums.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is divided into two sub-area; the outer complex is known for temples like Kumari Ghar, Jagannath temple, Kasthamandap, Shiva-Parbati temple and so on the inner complex has old palace area, Hanuman Dhoka and its courtyards like Basantapur Durbar, Nasal Choke, Sundari Choke among others. Keeping aside all the ancient figures it has, the durbar square is also known for street festivals, traditional practices, and cultural activities.

With so much to its essence, Kathmandu Durbar Square is even in the list of World Heritage Site and definitely among the places to visit in Nepal.

4.    Patan Durbar Square

As one of the World Heritage Site in Nepal, Patan Durbar Square is a marvel of art, culture, and history. The city of Patan is the oldest among three cities of Kathmandu Valley, that is known for its excellent artistic heritage. Its ancient history has brewed and fostered those values and practices over the years and even to this date. Durbar Square is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities, and wonderful carvings.

Like Kathmandu Durbar Square, it is the former royal palace that is the center of Patan’s religious and social life. It is a perfect place for a stroll, where the unique architecture and monuments will guide you through a small knowing of Nepal’s history.

5.    Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Yet another Durbar Square in the valley and among the favorite places to visit in Nepal. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is living museum of medieval art and architecture with an array of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples of different deities. The whole ambiance of Durbar square is charming with all the architectural masterpieces craved in monuments and temples like 55-Window Palace, Bhairav Nath Temple, Nyatapola Temple, Mini Pashupatinath, and others.

6.    Boudhanath

Often referred shortly as Boudha, it is a stupa forming a massive mandala that dominates the skyline. Over the years, Boudha has become one of the most sacred sites for Buddhist pilgrims. Not mentioning its religious significance, Boudha is one of the epitome of attraction for its impressive structure and lively streets around it.

7.    Swayambhunath

Tourists know this place as a Monkey Temple, and it can’t be fairer as the monkey surrounds this place. Swayambhunath is a religious complex located in the top hill of Kathmandu and one of the most revered sites. The stupa has a high white dome and a glittering golden spire that are visible from all sides of the valley. It is one of the best places to visit in Nepal, for its religious ambiance, architectural beauty and splendid views of Kathmandu valley and mountains beyond.

8.    Changu Narayan Temple

Like Swayambhunath, Changu Narayan is located in high hilltop, but is situated amid forests. It is considered to be the oldest temple in Nepal and a milestone in Nepali temple architecture. The temple is two-story standing on a high plinth of stone; experts have concluded it is neither Shikhara nor pagoda style. The complex of the temple has four entrance gates guarded by life-size pair of animals like lions, elephants, and griffins. You will also find an inscription that is considered to be the oldest in Nepal. Likewise, apart from the main temple, there are other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kileshwor, Krishna, Ashta Matrika, and others.

9.    Nagarkot

Located in the east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is one of the favorite places to visit in Nepal. It is a vantage point for viewing the whole valley and more form an altitude of 2200 meters. It is a stunning and naturally beautiful place that gives the awe-inspiring panoramic view of significant peaks in eastern Nepal including Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Gauri Shanker, and Dorje Lakpa. One-day hike, mountain biking, sightseeing and sunset/sunrise view; the glorious town of Nagarkot calls for both nature and adventure lover.

10.     Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is located in the vicinity of Kathmandu and is known for an array of cultural diversities, classical elements, traditional settlements and practices, and rich biodiversity, especially birdlife. Located at an elevation of 1,440 meters, the existence of Dhulikhel dates back to more than 500 years. The historical town of Dhulikhel exhibits a lot of artistic skill of Newar inhabitants. Further, the quaint streets lined with bare-brick houses, carved wooden windows, pagoda temples, and serene location has upscale its value as one of the best place to visit in Nepal.

Another incredible thing about Dhulikhel is the view of the mountains. The spectacular range of Himalayas seems to be floating in the air when blue haze covers the lower portion of mountains. You can see more than twenty mountains that stretches from Annapurna in the far west to Mount Karolung in Far West including Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Lhotse, Langtang, Gaurishanker and Phuribichyachu.

11.     Chitwan National Park

If you want something off the schedule, then Chitwan National Park is the best option, that is full of wilderness in the lush setting. The park witnesses a large influx of tourists and why it won’t? When it offers the exotic array of wildlife. There are 700 species of wildlife including rare ones like Bengal Tiger, one-horn rhino, clouded leopards and mugger crocodiles, sixty-eight species of mammals, 17 species of snakes, starred tortoise and monitor lizards, around 600 species of bird and not yet fully surveyed number of butterfly, moth and insect species. What's more fun is the Tharu Culture that you will get to witness, who has been living in isolation of the park's jungle for hundreds of years.

12.     Everest Base Camp

Everest is the epitome of attraction for visitors in Nepal, and it's base camp is no less. Everest Base Camp at 5,380 meters gets the maximum number of trekkers for its grand Himalaya beauty and exciting experience surrounding the journey. Obviously, the experience of being to Everest Base Camp is unparalleled; the magnitude of getting engulfed in the pristine beauty of ultimate Himalayas is not an everyday thing. It is one of the most sought after destination in the world and the best place to visit in Nepal.

Sherpas, whose lifestyle are influenced by Tibetan culture, Kala Patthar, the vantage point for viewing Everest closer than ever, traditional villages, monastery and gompas, a panorama of mountains; everything in Everest Base Camp showcases an authentic life and undeniable natural beauty.

13.     Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar, popularly known as the gateway to Everest, falls in the itinerary of Everest Base Camp. Although Namche owes its popularity to Everest Base Camp, this mountain village in itself is an exquisite settlement and one of the places to visit in Nepal. Located at an elevation of 3,500 meters, Namche is a typical place for acclimatization, and this very reason has bolster tourism. It sits on the slope of the arch-shaped mountain with the houses build out of perfect blend of traditional and modern style. Namche will give you an insight of life in Himalaya, all wrapped up in the sheer beauty of Nepal.

14.     Khumjung

Khumjung is a Himalayan village at 3,790 meters elevation, located near Namche Bazaar, that is far from the modern hustle. The sacred cave of Padmasambhava, school built by Edmund Hillary, Khumjung Monastery and the “yeti scalp” in the protection of monastery; despite a small settlement, Khumjung is all worth as one of the best places to visit in Nepal.

15.     Khunde

Khunde is located alongside Khumjung, and it is another beautiful village sitting in the lap of Himalayas. Just like in Khumjung, Edmund Hillary found a hospital in Khunde, has been serving to locals and people of the surrounding village ever since. After Hillary died, people of the village established three different memorial chortens dedicating him, his wife and his daughter. The village will give you a sense of peace and appreciation.

16.     Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery is a revered site for Buddhist pilgrims and one of the famous monasteries in Nepal. It is the largest and the leading Buddhist center in Khumbu region. Its magnificent location amid pines, azaleas and colorful rhododendron, with the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nepal.

17.     Tilicho Lake

The glaring blue lake surrounded by a snow-capped mountain in the extreme height of complete serenity of nature; the beauty of Tilicho Lake is just too captivating. Tilicho is a Himalayan Lake that sits at an elevation of 4,919 meters and feeds on the glacial melt of northern slopes of Annapurna and Throrong peak.

It takes a long trek to reach this glorious lake and no matter the effort and stern, when you finally arrive at Tilicho, you will be instantly immersed its beauty.

18.     Shey Phuksundo

Shey Phuksundo Lake lies at an elevation of 3,612 meters and amongst the places to visit in Nepal. Its turquoise blue water amid rocky ridges is what attracts the trekkers. Then right near the lake is a cascading waterfall of 165 meters plunging from the waters of the lake. Moreover, this alpine freshwater also holds religious importance.

19.     Gosaikunda

Gosaikunda is a sacred lake that witnesses thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India during the festival of Janai Purnima. The lake is located at an altitude of 4,380 meters, that remains frozen for the six months of winter and is one of the most sought after destination by trekkers in Nepal. Popular to both devotees and trekkers, Gosaikunda is one of the best places to visit in Nepal. The fascinating view of mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang form Gosaikunda is yet another beauty.

20.     Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit is one of the best long-distance treks in the world, and a must visit place in Nepal. Now, you might think it is only for avid adventurers, but if your fitness level is fine, then you are up for this challenge.

Annapurna Circuit trek is often quoted as the most beautiful and life-changing experience by trekkers, and as you embark on this, you will agree on this. Paving our way through some of the tallest mountains in the world while witnessing the diverse climate zone and cultural practices, you will have no trace of how the long days fly away.

21.     Langtang Valley

Langtang Valley lies in close proximity of Kathmandu, just about 30 km north near the Tibetan border. On the north, it is bordered by the main crest of the Himalayas dominated by Langtang Lirung, while on the south are Chimse Ridge crossed by Ganja La pass and Jugal Himal, culminating in Dorje Lakpa. With all the mountains all around, many glaciers formed over the years; there are over 70 glaciers of different sizes and many high-altitude lakes, including Gosainkunda, Bhairavkunda, Parvatikunda, and Dudhkunda.

Another beautiful reason on why Langtang one of the places to visit in Nepal is the people, who are as heartwarming and hospitable as they can be. Majority of them belongs to the Tamang and Tibetan origin, whose life is simple and beautiful.  They mainly depend on agriculture, trade and herding sheep and yaks; they live in traditionally-built stone houses, they wear an ethnic dress and speak their languages, everything in Langtang Valley reflects the authenticity and gives a know of rich Himalayan heritage.

22.     Jomsom