Things To Do in Nepal | Nepal Sightseeing

Be it being blessed with the highest density of World Heritage Sites or thriving in lap of Himalayas, Nepal is one of the safest, cheapest and most beautiful holiday destination. From adventure sports, to trekking, temples, snow capped mountains and more, The Nepalese magic is sure to engulf you. Check out this list of the must do things in the country while you are there.

1. Go on safari at Chitwan National Park

Chitwan “heart of the Jungle” is located in south west of Kathmandu. Chitwan was established in 1973, which was awarded UNESCO world heritage status in 1984. Elephant riding and thick forest having a diverse selection of wildlife, are highlights of this park and attract thousands of tourists each year. Nepal’s oldest national park, Chitwan is home to endangered Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos and crocodiles, and more than 450 species of birds. Visitors can explore the park on elephants or in a safari vehicle. The best time to visit Chitwan is between October and February (so that monsoon season and very high temperatures can be avoided).

2. Explore the Everest Region

The most iconic attraction in Nepal and one of the world’s most daring feats, Mount Everest is the ultimate test of physical endurance for climbers and hikers. It is said that climbing to the Everest Base Camp requires a lot of training to reach a very high level of fitness. However, if you can’t make it to the summit or even base camp, you can view its glory from the window of a plane. Most domestic airlines provide scenic flights, which are available from Pokhara and other locations. So just fly into Kathmandu and hook up with a local experienced Sherpa guide who will lead you towards the ‘roof of the world’.

3. Get back to nature in Pokhara

Pokhara is praised as “the jewel in the Himalaya” for its natural beauty. There is a massive Buddhist stupa of World Peace Pagoda, constructed by Buddhist monks. Besides being a cultural monument, it is blessed with amazing panoramic views of the Annapurna range where you will get a chance to visit the charming Phewa Lake and can enjoy boating on the placid waters. 4km away from the lake, there is a traditional bazaar.  There are also some notable museums in Pokhara such as the International Mountain Museum and the Ghurkha Memorial Museum which has uniforms, flags, and knives on display.

4. Volunteering in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, is travelers’ rest stop.  It is also home to seven World Heritage Sites and is famous for the rich art and architecture of a civilization going back centuries. The most famous of which can be found in Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Kathmandu. While exploring the beautiful Nepal, you cannot choose to miss out on volunteering opportunity in Kathmandu. Due to poor infrastructure and skyrocketing administrative costs, there are several NGOs and social welfare organizations which can use your help. You can choose to participate in Orphanage programs, teaching programs and even cultural immersion programs in Kathmandu.

5. Experience the exciting white-water rafting

Considered as the World’s Best Destination for Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking, Nepal offers you a great chance to experience the exciting white-water rafting trip in magnificent mountain surroundings. The Trishuli River, close to Kathmandu, is the most popular among raftable rivers which goes all the way down to the Chitwan National Park. Other popular rivers include the Kali Gandaki near Pokhara, Bhote Koshi, Marshyangdi, Karnali and the Sun Koshi. While exploring the rivers, you can either go paddle rafting as a team or go kayaking and canoeing alone.

6. Relax in Namche Bazaar

Namche is a busy working tourist town.There are a large number of lodges and numerous restaurants, cafes and even a couple of delicious bakeries. There is a post office, telephone facilities, internet, and health facilities.It is worth visiting the weekly market, where traders from Tibet sell their wares (often Chinese goods) in exchange for Nepali and Indian food and goods brought up from Lukla by lowland porters.You’ll catch more than a glimpse of Sherpa life as well as visitors from all over the globe.

7. Taste Diverse Cuisines

One thing that every traveler love while visit a new place i.e. FOOD. Here Visitors can enjoy the authentic cuisines in Nepali restaurants. Many restaurants of Kathmandu and Pokhara offer traditional song and dance performances by local artists.  The delicious King’s Curd of Bhaktapur, Momos with various fillings and Dal Bhat praised as the best street food in Nepal, will not be found anywhere else.

8. Experience Nepalese Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga

There are many specialized ayurvedic clinics, meditation centers and yoga classes in Kathmandu, Lumbini and other tourist cities in Nepal, which will help you to achieve the different dimensions of health-physically and mentally. It also open the mind for greater relaxation and awareness all within the beautiful natural environment provided by the Himalayas.

9. The Garden of Dreams

The Royal Botanical Gardens, 18 kilometers in the south of Kathmandu and surrounded by an evergreen forest, are a site of outstanding beauty. It was opened by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 1962; now hold over 500 species of plant. The highlights of this garden include the decorative Coronation Pond, greenhouses, and collections of rhododendrons (Nepal’s national flower), lilies, orchids, cacti, and ferns. Spring and autumn are the peak flowering seasons and therefore the best times to visit. Entries are between 9 am to 5 pm from March to Nov; 9 am to 4 pm during Dec to Feb.

10. Kopan Monastery

This working monastery is home to a community of monks and nuns. Visitors are welcome to walk the expansive grounds and learn the art of meditation from the experts. In recent days, Kopan Monastery has also established itself as a popular recreational destination for Kathmandu residents and local tourists as well. The weekend holiday of Saturday receives quite a visit from hundreds of families and individuals to the beautifully decorated hillock and its gardens. The monastery is not open to the public on other days.

For more information about volunteering in Nepal, you can drop us a mail at [email protected]

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