Top 30 Tourist Destinations in Nepal

1. Rara Lake

It’s takes 3 hours walk to reach Rara Lake from Gadhimai. Also, one can reach there from Talcha airport in 3 hours walk. The lake covers 10.8 square kilometer area. Different flowers add the beauty on it from June to October. The lake is the habitat of indigenous Asala (mountain) fish which is not found in rest of the world. Reflection of Sisne and Kanjirowa Mountain is seen in crystal clear water of the lake.

2. Phoksundo Lake

Setting Se Phoksundo Lake as a destination the Dolpa district of Karnali zone can also be travelled. Dolpa stands first to welcome tourists in Karnali. The geographical and natural beauty on the way to this lake is exceptional. The Se Phoksundo National Park, which encloses this lake, is the hub of 196 bird species, 32 mammal species and 407 species of medicinal herbs.

3. Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is situated 4,920 m above the sea level in Manang district. The famous Marsyangdi River emerges from this lake.  To make the visit of other popular destinations of Manang viz. Thorang pass, Muktinath temple and Jomsom is interesting and memorable one definitely has to reach here. The Sharad (autumn) season is the best time to roam around Tilicho Lake.

4. Poon Hill

Many people have dreamt of reaching to Annapurna base camp (ABC). The poon Hill sets up the connectivity between Pokhara to Annapurna base camp, and the hill itself is a not to miss place and favorite of all. Being 3,200 m above from the sea level it allows to see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, Neelgiri and other 15 mountains.

5. Annapurna Base Camp

The normal itinerary for trek to Annapurna Base Camp is ranges from 7 days to 11 days. This trip has been an attraction of all as it brings them in the laps of 7,000 to 8,000 m high mountains. The records show that each year 100,000 plus foreigners visit this place.

6. Khaptad national Park

The Khaptad national Park covers 225 square kilometer area of Bajhang, Bajura, Achham and Doti district. It is of high religious importance and is the Tapobhumi (meditation place) of Saint Khaptad baba. The park is popular for flowers with variety of colors.

7. Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp trek has been ranking frequently as the best trekking region of the entire world. This trekking route lets you reach Kalapatthar too. Taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla the trek begins and finishes around 17 days. It’s everyone’s’ dream to step in to the lap of Mt. Everest.

8. Gosaikunda

Gosaikunda is widely renowned holy lake among 8 lakes in Rasuwa district. Starting from Kathmandu and passing by Dhunche, Laurebinayak pass and Cholang Pati, its 118 km journey up to Gosaikunda. The lake is 14,000 ft above the sea level. The religious fair takes place in Gosaikunda during Dashain festival and Janai Poornima festival.

9. Chitawan National Park

The Chitawan National Park is not only the second South Africa with regards to flora and fauna but also the habitat of world famous one horned rhino. Jungle safari, elephant safari, elephant bathing, crocodile breeding center, elephant breeding center and nature walk are the major attractions of Chitwan National Park. Passing along the road from Tandi one can roam inside the Park. The pleasure of observing the sunset from the river bank cannot be described in words. Everyday flights are available from Kathmandu to Chitwan.

10. Badimalika (Bajura)

It’s full of rejoice to reach Badimalika from June to August. Badimalika lies 15,000 ft. above the sea level. This place attracts people because of its culture, geography and the environment. Passing along Dadeldhura, Dipayal, Sanfebagar and Bajura the road to Badimalika arrives. One can also reach there from Martadi. The accommodation needs to be managed in tent and sleeping bag.  It takes 11 days to complete the trip to Badimalika with Kathmandu as starting point and ending point.

11. Pokhara

The city of lakes is the mirror of snowcapped mountains as their image reflects on the lake water. For adventure lovers, there are different activities like Sky diving, Paragliding, Ultralight flight, Rafting, Zip flying, Hot air ballooning, etc. Nearby Pokhara there are 18 trek routes for short trek. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges can be seen from here.  The major places to visit in Pokhara are White Monastery, David’s fall, Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwar Cave, Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Bindhyabasini Temple, World Pace Stupa etc. There are eight different lakes in Pokhara and its periphery.

12. Lumbini

Not only for religious tourism, Lumbini is a must visit place for those interested in archeology. It is locate in Rupandehi district of province No. 5 in Nepal. This birth place of Gautama Buddha has many Stupas and Monasteries. The Mayadevi temple of Lumbini is named after Lord Buddha’s mother Mayadevi. The attractions of Lumbini are Puskarini holy pond, Ashoka Pillar, Sacred Bodhi Tree, World Peace pagoda,   Myanmar Golden Temple, Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, Lumbini International Research Institute and many more. Lumbini is listed as UNESCO world heritage site because of its historic importance.

13. Khokana

This ancient civilization is situated 8 km away from Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. The village is famous for domestic mustard oil and different cultural and religious fairs. This is the best place for those who want to escape from densely populated Kathmandu and enjoy in the vicinity of nature. Everyone reaching there is fascinated to Khokana having the glance upon Malla dynasty houses and natural smiles of elderly people.

14. Namobuddha

The widely popular hill station Namobuddha has Namobuddha Monastery on its apex with surrounding homes full off Buddhist arts. It is located in Kabhreplanchok district and offers eye catching scenes of Panauti, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Bhakundebensi, Panchkhal, land fields and snowcapped mountain ranges.

15. Swargadwari

The place by its name signifies ‘Gateway to the Heaven’. It’s the spiritual hill in Pyuthan district from where the Mahabharat era king Udhisthir was taken to heaven through Pushpak aircraft. Swargadwari is the mine of religious heritages, history and natural beauty. Swargadwari, the largest valley of South Asia, can be seen from here. This place is also best to escape from warmth of low lands. This spiritual place is 2,121 m above the sea level and offers a panoramic view of three mountain ranges.

16. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the prevailing place for bird watching in Nepal. It lies in Eastern part of Nepal. The winter season, especially January and February, is suitable for bird watching. Birds that can be found there are indigenous as well as migratory. Some of the bird species cannot be found in rest of the world.

17. Palpa

Palpa is recognized as the queen of the hills. Shreenagar hill and 114 years old Ranimahal (queen palace) are most popular in Palpa. It is considered the best based on monsoon and environment. Palpa offers magnificent view of green hills and White Mountains. Friendly locals, typical culture and the exceptional hospitality are the ornaments to the beautiful hill station.

18. Kakani

Kakani is famous for Strawberry and Strout fish. Rock climbing wall and park are additional gems to the beauty of this city. It is taken as more peaceful destination than Dhulikhel and Nagarkot. Different snowcapped mountains like Ganesh, Gaurishankar, Manaslu, Choba, Bhamare,  Hiunchuli, Annapurna etc. can be observed from Kakani.

19. Bandipur

Bandipur is the Newari cultural museum. Nepal’s biggest cave ‘the Siddha Cave’ is situated there. Bandipur offers scenic view of Jugal, Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Kanjirowa mountains. In June 24 species of Sunagabha flowers welcome the visitors. Paragliding is also started here.

20. Lomanthang

Lomanthang is considered the most entertaining remote destination area of Mustang district. The geography of this place matches with Tibet region. The place is a hub of Thakali tradition. Foreigners are required to get special permit to enter this area. The 700 years old palace in Lomanthang is the major attraction of this place. The place made from mud has 5 stairs and more than 100 rooms.

21. Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake

Tsho Rolpa glacial lake is situated in Northern part of Dolakha. The ecstasy of being is inexpressible in words though it’s tough to reach there. The lake covers 1.39 square kilometer and stands as the largest glacial lake in Nepal. It takes 2 hours walk (ascend) from a village to reach to Tsho Rolpa in the lap of Gauri-Shankar Mountain. The trip to Tsho Rolpa from Kathmandu longs for almost 13 days.

22. Chisapani & Thakurdwara

Karnali Bridge; the second grace design in Asia which is asymmetric, single-towered and cable-stayed bridge, is located in Chisapani. The Bardiya National Park, which is a habitat of maximum number of wild elephants, rare spotted tiger, endangered one horned rhino, black buck deer and thousands of spotted deer, is located close to Chisapani. Bardiya National Park is 12 kilometer away in South direction from Ambassa which is 85 km away from Nepalgunj.

23. Kankrebihar, Surkhet

Kankrebihar is the open museum for heritage lovers. Kankrebihar is spread in 1.5 square kilometer area in Latikoili village of mid Surkhet. It’s a monastery for Buddhists and temple of Hindus. Kankrebihar has numerous ancient idols and carved big stones. This place bears the history of Khas kingdom. The place is the cynosure to study and investigate Buddhist doctrine.

24. Bhendetar

Bhendetar is the famous tourist destination in Eastern region of Nepal. Bhendetar is located 16 kilometer north of Dharan. Its 1,430 meter above the sea level and exposes visitors the beauty of Eastern mountain region. The view tower in Bhendetar is such an amazing location which allows visitors to observe the scenic beauty of Saptaakoshi, land fields of Eastern Terai, Makalu Himalayan range, Kanchenjungha Himalayan range, Kumbhakarna Himalayan range and much more. Many internal tourists visit this please to unleash the hotness in the plane regions of Terai and relax in cool environment of Bhendetar.

25. Barpak Gorakha

Barpak is a must visit place to know culture, lifestyle, tradition and identity of Ghale and Gurung ethnics. It takes one day walk from headquarter of Gorakha to reach this place. Barpak is popular for water falls and snowcapped Himalayan ranges. The culturally architected houses tell the history of Barpak.

26. Kalinchok, Dolakha

The pleasure of trekking to Kalinchok from Charikot, headquarter of Dolakha, is very different. Its 7 hours ascend from Charikot to the Kalinchok Bhagawati temple at the top of hill. The beautiful Rolwaling Himalayan range sunrise and the sunrise from Gaurisahankar Mountain seen from Kalinchok is delightful. There occurs a snowfall in January-February. If you don’t want to miss this beauty but are unable to ascend for 7 hours then no need to worry as cable car service is launched recently.

27. Pathibhara, Taplejung

Pathibhara is 350 kilometer away from Belbari, Morang.  It’s a 10 kilometer non-graveled road up to Suketar and can be burdensome. But after reaching the Pathibhara temple at the top you’ll unleash the tiredness with worshipping and the pleasant smell spread around. In the apex of hill there is an idol of goddess in placid gesture. This spiritual place is also a cynosure for VVIP’s.

28. Kanyam, Ilam

A journey to Kanyam is the journey from temperate region to the cool place. It’s 61 km drive away from Birtamod which starts from hot region of Terai and passes along the beautiful hill. Multiple hills covered with tea-estates and serpentine graveled roads in between tea states fascinate everyone reaching there.

29. Janakidham, Janakpur

Janakidham is the famous city of Dhanusha and is the land of saint king Janak and his daughter Janaki (Sita). It’s the pillar of Maithili civilization which is religiously and culturally rich. The city is 400 km driving distance away from capital city Kathmandu and slowly emerging as tourist destination. The famous Ram-Janaki temple here has its own importance. The temple was built in 1911 by Brishabhan; the royal princess of Tikamgadh, Bharat (India).

30. Panchpokhari, Sindhupalchok

This place in Sindhupalchok district has got its name Panchpokhari because of five lakes seated in the lap of Jugal mountain. It’s situated 4,200 m above the sea level. The reflection of blue sky and white clouds seen in lakes is fascinating. It takes almost half an hour to revolve around one lake.