Call: +91 7384718607
Call: +91 7384718607
Nepal is also considered one of the top 10 destinations to visit in the world. The small and culturally rich country of Nepal lies in the Himalayan range of South Asia sandwiched between India and China. Once a former monarch country, Nepal is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the world today, especially for the budgeted traveller.
Most of Nepal (around 75%) is covered by mountains but it also has flat fertile land and forested foothills. However, the Great Himalaya Range is what has put Nepal on the map. The world’s tallest peaks—Everest, Khangchendzonga, Lhotse, Makalu, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna—still hold foreign mountaineers captive.
The beautiful landscape of Nepal
KATHMANDU - THE CAPITAL CITY IF NEPAL
Kathmandu is one of the most-visited places in the country. While Nepal offers spectacular places that take you close to nature, Kathmandu has more to offer compared with other parts of Nepal.
The beautiful city of Kathmandu lies in a bowl-shaped valley at an elevation of 1,400 meters. Kathmandu has many ancient religious temples attracting visitors from all around the world to Nepal. Like other parts of Nepal, the people in Kathmandu love to celebrate colourful and vibrant festivals. Kathmandu city is ranked as one of the top travel destinations in the whole of Asia.
Read: Top 14 places to visit when in Kathmandu, Nepal
Capital city of Nepal - Kathmandu
TOP 5 EXPERIENCES IN KATHMANDU- THE CAPITAL OF NEPAL
(1) Adventure activities
If you are into adventure and love that adrenaline rush, the capital city of Nepal is the perfect destination for you. Tourists from all around the world come to Kathmandu, Nepal, for mountaineering, trekking, and hiking. People from around the globe throng to Kathmandu in large numbers every year to start the famous Mt Everest base camp trek. Other adventure activities include bungee jumping, mountain biking, paragliding, and white-water rafting.
Durbar Square in the capital city of Kathmandu
Pashupati Temple is one of the oldest and sacred Hindu temples. It comes alive every evening when a puja ceremony takes place amidst the participation of hundreds of pilgrims. Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in old Kathmandu. The gallery comprises several structures, pagodas, and ancient temples showcasing fine stone, wood, and metalwork by Newari artisans. Nepal’s living goddess resides here. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest dome-shaped stupas in the world. 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabh and a ring of prayer wheels surround its base. Souvenir shops, monasteries, and art galleries are within its vicinity. Swayambunath Stupa, recognised by the iconic eyes painted on it, is the most sacred Buddhist worship site in Nepal. It’s also called Monkey Temple because of the presence of numerous monkeys that reside there. You get a 360⁰ view of Kathmandu Valley from here.
(4) Participate/witness festivals
Festivals are celebrated with great aplomb in Nepal. Indra Jatra is the biggest street festival celebrating Lord Indra. It is marked by 2 events: Indra Jatra, which sees masked dances and Kumari Jatra, a chariot procession of Nepal’s living goddess. The main festivities take place at Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Food is a major highlight at festivals. With a profusion of flavours present in Nepali cuisine, you will be able to taste many different and unique dishes of Nepal at a festival.
PLACES NEARBY TO KATHMANDU
Kirtipur (10 km from Kathmandu):
Take a day trip to Kirtipur, which is just a few hours away from Kathmandu. Perched on a rocky hill, Kirtipur is a sleepy town dotted with ancient temples. You can experience the authentic Newari culture here.
Kirtipur, Nepal
Bhaktapur (15 km from Kathmandu):
This medieval city is divided into 3 squares with the presence of temples and other religious structures. An entry fee of NPR 1500 goes towards the maintenance of these temples.
Read: Love Letter to the Streets of Bhaktapur, Nepal
Bhaktapur, Nepal
Nagarkot: (26 km from Kathmandu):
Throughout Nepal, the best views of the Himalayas can be seen from Nagarkot, especially Mt. Everest. What’s even more magnificent is the sunrise over the mountains.
Read: Sunrise Saga at Nagarkot, Nepal
Nagarkot, Nepal
Bandipur: (147 km from Kathmandu):
Bandipur was once an important hub on the trade route to Tibet. Here traditional meets modern with 18th century Newari architecture standing side by side with refurbished guesthouses and cafes. You can spend a leisurely day strolling its streets, visiting temples, and unwinding at a café with a mountain view and Wi-Fi.
Read: Bandipur: A quaint town in Nepal where time has frozen
Bandipur, Nepal
CONCLUSION
Nepal is really a great destination for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, pilgrims, and simple vacationers. Whether you are with your family, friends, or are a solo traveller, you will not regret visiting Nepal. Nepal is also safe for female solo travellers.
Really nice post. I want to visit Kathmandu and also Kirtipur this May. Please help me plan this trip.