The most beautiful places to visit in Nepal

From adrenaline-filled activities like mountaineering, kayaking and paragliding to serene strolls among medieval temples and hidden palaces, this country offers more memorable travel experiences than can be squeezed into a single visit. An overview of the best places to visit in Nepal.

Kathmandu

The country’s cultural capital, Kathmandu is the place where most adventures in Nepal begin, as all flights from overseas land in the city’s airport. A crowded metropolis of more than 1 million inhabitants, Kathmandu is a chaotic mix of tourist shops, trekking agencies, hotels, restaurants, religious sites and artisan workshops. The city’s famous Durbar Square is still undergoing restoration after the recent earthquakes, but there are many intact sites well worth exploring. Set atop a forested hill, the ancient Buddhist complex of Swayambhunath is a can’t-miss attraction that offers sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit in Northwest Nepal offers hikers an outdoor experience nonpareil. Showcasing the varied landscapes of the Annapurna Region, the classic trek leads travelers high into the Himalayas, across plunging gorges, over desert plateaus and through lush subtropical valleys dotted by terraced farms. The trek also passes by many religious sites and quaint villages. Starting just east of Pokhara, the journey takes about three weeks to complete though many trekkers walk half of it by flying out at Jomsom Airport. There is also shorter but no less beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary Trek that takes around 8 to 12 days. It is one of the most popular treks in Nepal with lodges and tea stops at hourly intervals or less until the highest sections at least.

Bhaktapur

One of three ancient capitals in the Kathmandu Valley, beautifully preserved Bhaktapur experienced a fair share of damage during the 2015 earthquakes. Fortunately, most of the city’s temples and shrines, which are the main attractions in this place known as the City of Devotees, escaped unscathed. Less crowded and hectic than bustling Kathmandu, Bhaktapur invites leisurely walks through medieval squares, winding streets and pedestrian-only thoroughfares. The city’s Durbar Square, or “noble court,” features a must-see site known as the 55-Window Palace, a 15th-century structure that is now home to the National Art Gallery.

Pokhara

With its tranquil lakes, verdant shorelines and mountain views, Pokhara is a popular resort destination for travelers from around the world. Known as the gateway to the Annapurna region in northwest Nepal, the lakeside city offers respite to weary hikers, and provides opportunities for outdoor adventures too, ranging from leisurely paddle-boat rides to white-water rafting. The largest of Pokhara’s three lakes, Phewa Lake is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. The lake also features an island with a temple dedicated to the goddess Barahi Bhagwati where ceremonies are held nearly every weekend.

Khumbu

Each year, the determination to trek to the summit of Mt. Everest brings thousands of adventurous travelers to Khumbu, the Everest Region located in northeastern Nepal. The journey begins at the Lukla airstrip where a clear two-lane trail eventually leads hikers to Everest Base Camp. Located primarily within the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu is home to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar where most expeditions to the mountainous peaks are staged. The country’s foremost Buddhist center, the Tengboche Monastery, is located in the Khumbu as well. There’s a variety of comfortable accommodations available at the monastery, many of which offer stunning views of the tallest mountain on the planet.

Nagarkot

Perfect for those who want to experience the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas without arduous physical activity, Nagarkot is best known for the views, and it offers of the mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Perched on a high ridge to the Northeast of Bhaktapur, the village of around 4,500 inhabitants commands views of eight Himalayan ranges. In addition, there is a variety of appealing hotels in every price range in Nagarkot, many of which are located within walking distance of the Nagarkot view tower, known as the best place to visit in Nepal to view the sun rising over the Himalayas.

Read more: 7 unique souvenirs you can purchase when travelling in Nepal

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Taste of Nepalese cuisine in Kathmandu

Are you traveling to Nepal and curious about what to eat there? Nepalese cuisine bears a lot of Indian and Tibetan influences but has its own distinctive dishes. Below are some of the famous foods in Nepal that you should definitely try.

Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is probably the most famous food in Nepal, it is such a staple for locals you could even call it Nepal’s national food. If you are going trekking, expect to be served traditional dal bhat at every homestay at least twice a day.

Dal Bhat Tarkari means lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and curried vegetables (tarkari). The set is usually served on a metal platter and is “all you can eat”. It is traditionally vegetarian but occasionally you might find it served with chicken or meat.

Momo

The quintessential Nepali food, be it in the home of a local or on the streets of Kathmandu, this is one dish you absolutely cannot leave Kathmandu without trying. To the untrained eye and palette, it could be confused for Chinese dumplings but it is anything but, the spices used in the filling plus the chutney (dip) takes the momo to a whole new level.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a noodle soup that originated in the eastern part of Tibet. It consists of boiled, hand-pulled noodles, vegetables and meat, normally shredded buffalo.
The punchy Nepalese variation features garam masala and chili.

Chatamari

Locals will often refer to dish as the Nepali pizza but it could well be labelled a taco given that Chatamaris are generally folded and served with fillings. However, what sets the Chatamari apart from pizzas and tacos are the distinct Nepali spices used and the crepe which is made using rice flour. The best Chatamaris are served in ‘Newari Khaja Ghars’ and you will find many of between New Road and Thamel.

Sel Roti

Kind of like a doughnut meets bagel, sel rote is a crisp, puffy dough that is been deep fried. You will find this street stall snack along roadsides and during Hindu festivals like Tihar and Dashain. They are best eaten as a breakfast snack with yogurt, or as an afternoon snack with some veggies.

Tingmo and Aloo phing

The influx of Tibetan refugees to Nepal since the exile of the Dalai Lama in 1959 has also brought an influx of Tibetan foods, like this dish.

Tingmo is a steamed, porous bread, designed for dipping into soups and broths. Aloo phing consists of translucent noodles, potatoes and vegetables in a hot broth. Sliced radish and rice are served on the side.

Julebi

This neon snack looks like an orange lattice swirl. It is made from a dough batter drizzled to form a circular shape, then dunked in some sweet sauce. The color was a little intimidating but it tastes very similar to a funnel cake. It is very sweet.

Read more: Cultural destinations in Kathmandu, Nepal

Yomari

These cute fish-shaped treats are steamed rice-flour dumplings containing sweet fillings such as chaku and chocolate. They are normally served with a sweet dip. A popular festive dish, yomari are often eaten around the post-harvest celebration of Yomari Punhi. But you can enjoy them anytime.

Source Internet