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

Source touropa

Top 6 budget-friendly destinations for travellers in Asia

Asia is home to some of the most epically beautiful and culturally amazing destinations on the planet. While some of Asia’s nations, including Japan and Singapore, are known for being pretty expensive places to travel, there are those at the other end of the spectrum that offer terrific opportunities for budget travellers to explore.

Ha Noi, Vietnam

Vietnam's cheapest city for backpackers is also one that gets high marks from most visitors with its unique combination of French colonial and Asian post-communism. The food is also top-notch, especially when you are sitting amongst locals at one of the thousands of plastic-chair cafes throughout the city. Keep costs even lower by sticking with Bia Hoi, the world's cheapest beer. Hostel beds are cheap, but private rooms are too, so don't automatically book a bunk.

Currency: Vietnamese dong
Daily Backpacker Index: VND422,430 = US$18.60/day

Pokhara, Nepal

Nepal is near and dear to shoestring travelers. The mountainous terrain is lined with guesthouses that appeal to every kind of visitor, whether you are a backpacker or more of a luxury traveler. Set out on the Annapurana Circuit trek and stop in Pokhara, where you can find gorgeous home rentals on Airbnb for an average of $24 per night.

Currency: Nepalese rupee
Daily Backpacker Index: NPR2,092 = US$20.31/day

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand's “capital of the north” is certainly one of the world's great travel bargain destinations. Filled with ancient temples and surrounded by a moat and city walls, Chiang Mai is a major stop in the region and a highlight for many. Much less crowded than Bangkok, and quite a bit cheaper as well, this is also booming with expats and creative people living cheaply while they work.

Currency: Thai baht
Daily Backpacker Index: THB668 = US$20.44/day

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh, as it is still usually known, is far more sprawling and modern compared to Hanoi. Hotel and food prices tend to be a bit higher than elsewhere in Vietnam, but compared to almost anywhere else in the world, you can bargain in this city. Hostel beds can be quite cheap in Saigon, but hotels are more expensive than almost anywhere in Vietnam.

Currency: Vietnamese dong
Daily Backpacker Index: VND473,865 = US$20.87/day

Sri Lanka

After civil war ended in 2009, new visitors are flocking to Sri Lanka’s beaches and nature reserves. Visitors of Yala National Park, a hot spot for those interested in wildlife and adventure, receive admission, a safari car rental and driver $60 per full day with Yala Safari Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's popular for its rich Buddhist culture, ancient sites, breathtaking terrain, beach destinations and fish curry dishes.

Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Daily Backpacker Index: LKR4,570= US$29.81/day

Taipei, Taiwan

Nestled in the more expensive region of Asia-Pacific, Taiwan stays budget friendly because of its low-key rep, particularly in Taipei. Unlimited full-day subway passes are less than $5, and you can enjoy heaps of delicious food at the endless night markets. Travelers boast about the budget-friendly cuisine, ranging from local Taiwanese to flavors from nearby China and Japan.

Currency: Taiwan dollar
Daily Backpacker Index: TWD992.65 = US$33.29/day

Source Internet