What to see in Nepal

Nepal is a tiny country, cloaked in mystery. It has achieved a level of fame for being one of the first stops on any attempt to summit Everest. However, there is much more to see in Nepal, aside from its legendary mountain range. Read on for more of what this stunning country has to offer.

The Himalayas, a must see in Nepal

You may not want to climb any mountains during your holiday, as gazing upwards is enough. However, it is highly recommended to take a panoramic tour of the mountain range from the air. Exoticca can organize a flight tour over the mountains, including an up-close view of Everest. Whilst Everest is the most famous of them all, there are also several other breathtakingly spectacular mountains. These have captured the hearts of tourists and explorers alike. From the peaks piercing the landscape, seeing the Himalayas from up high is an unforgettable experience.

Pashupatinath Temple

This is one of the most revered Hindu temples in the world and is something you should see in Nepal. The temple is located in the Kathmandu valley, just north of the city of Kathmandu. The style is typically Hindu, with the temple grounds encompassing more than 490 temples. Its location next to the Bagmati river makes it particularly peaceful and sacred. The complex does not include merely temple buildings, but interesting images related to the Hindu faith. Unfortunately, it is impossible to enter into the courtyard of the temple if you are not a Buddhist or Hindu. However, you can view the temple externally from the river and there are plenty of smaller buildings that you can visit as a tourist.

Boudhanath, a spectacular sight

This is a rather spectacular stupa, in the city of Kathmandu. Boudhanath is one of the most stunning places to see in Nepal, due to its size. It is one of the largest of it’s kind and it dominates the landscape. The stupa itself is located on an ancient trade route to Tibet, and many Tibetan traders have used the stupa as a place of worship. This practice has continued for centuries, dating from the stupa’s inception in the 14th century. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in Nepal and can often be crowded. However, it is something that any visitor must make the time to see in Nepal.

Swayambhunath, one of the most popular places to see in Nepal

This temple presides over Kathmandu, in the Kathmandu valley. The hilltop location of the site makes it imposing, but also magical. Swayambhunath is the most sacred of all sites for Buddhists. The area consists of a stupa, shrines and a monastery for Tibetan monks. From an architectural perspective, the site is one of the shining examples of Kathmandu architecture. This makes it a must see in Nepal. The legend is that the temple sprang out of a lotus flower, hence its name ´self-sprung´. The only disadvantage to visiting this site is that you have to climb a number of steps to reach the top. However, once there, the view and its significance are worth it.

The city of Kathmandu

Many monuments to see in Nepal are located in the Kathmandu valley, but the city is worth seeing too. The city has seen a real boom in tourism recently so it is well equipped for visitors. Blending a mix of new and old, the city is entirely unique. Some of the best attractions to see in Nepal are the ceremonial processions that take place frequently. These happen all over the city and can occur at any time. There are plenty of traditional dances and music, making the experience wonderful. A recommendation for Kathmandu is the Garden of Dreams. This is a tranquil oasis, outside of the sometimes hectic city pace. There are plenty of ponds, a museum and some quiet corners in which you can disconnect and relax.

National Parks of Nepal

This option is more of a must do, rather than a must-see in Nepal. The area has a mix of lush jungles and mountain ranges. This makes for some beautiful national parks. The Chitwan National Park is one of the most famous. What people really go to see is the wildlife, that is abundant there. From exotic birds to unusual animals, visiting the national park is a wonder. Many of the parks have free range for the animals, so you can see them in their natural habitat. If you fancy some trekking, the Annapurna Conservation area is the perfect place to see the mountains and the wildlife at the same time. The parks are usually only accessible by airplane, but Exoticca can organize this for you. So, if you want to escape from it all and immerse yourself in nature, the national parks are a must see in Nepal.