Nepal a landlocked country in South Asia, is often referred to as ‘On Top of the World’, as it contains eight of the ten world’s highest peaks, including the Mount Everest. Blessed with fantastic geographical location, Nepal has one of the fastest-growing tourism industries in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped high ranges of the Himalayas over 90 peaks are above 7000 m, Nepal’s one-third of the country is low-lying and subtropical country. It is home to one of the best trekking trails in the world such as Annapurna, Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. Apart from these spectacular mountain ranges, Nepal is also a very popular religious site, where thousands of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims travel from across the world. Lumbini one of the four major religious sites of Buddhism is in Nepal. One may ask what the significance of this place is; well Lumbini is popularly believed to be the birthplace of Gautham Buddha, who was the founder of the religion Buddhism. These are some magical and mystical places in this mesmerising country that one must visit once in a life-time.
Visa
Indian citizen does not need a visa to visit Nepal. However, a government-issued Identity proof i.e. voter’s ID, Driving licence or even a passport is required to carry while entering the country. Tourists from other countries, however, need a visa and their visa is on arrival. One can apply online or one can get it at a designated land border.
Top places to see in Nepal
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a beautiful capital city of a mystic country like Nepal. It is also the largest city that has an international airport serves as the only entry point for foreign nationals. This bustling city is situated at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level in a bowl-shaped Kathmandu valley, is blessed with beautiful weather throughout the year. With a rich history of over 2000 years, Kathmandu is a gateway to tourism in Nepal. Cultural festivals and religious festivals are something to look forward when the whole city comes to life. It is one of the serene places with temples and monasteries alluring tourists from across the world. Popular tourist attractions are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple and Thamel chowk.
Nearest airport: Kathmandu International airport
Distance from the airport: 5 km
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is one of the beautiful villages cuddled at the edge of Kathmandu valley. With a stunning backdrop of Himalayan peaks of about eight Himalayan ranges and Nagarkot is surrounded by thick pine forests. Do get a glimpse of the sunrise view of Himalayas from this quaint little village especially the sunrise view of Mount Everest. Tourists from all over come down to this idyllic village every year from across the world. Popular adventure activities in Nagarkot are Paragliding, hiking the panoramic trail etc.
Nearest airport: Kathmandu International airport
Distance from Kathmandu: 27 km
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is one of the three ancient towns in Kathmandu valley. This beautiful town is often referred to as a city of culture; Bhaktapur is known for vibrant festivals, art and culture, art and indigenous culture of Newari community. Visited by thousands of tourists, Bhaktapur is dotted with fabulous temples; it is thus recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site; however, entry to the town is not free of cost. One must pay NPR 500/- for the SAARC nationals and NPR 1500 for the foreign nations. This money goes in the maintenance of these temples.
Nearest airport: Kathmandu International airport
Distance from Kathmandu: 16 km
Lumbini
Lumbini is considered to be one of the four sacred places for Buddhists. Cuddled in the Himalayas, Lumbini is the place of Birth for Gautham Buddham. Dotted with ancient stupas dated back to 2000 years, Lumbini is a UNESCO world heritage site. Thousands of Pilgrims and thousands of tourists come here in search of peace from across the world. There are beautiful monasteries with exquisite paintings that are worth visiting along with Maya Devi temple, Bodhi tree, Pushkarani – sacred pond and an Ashoka pillar that was built in the year 249 B.C by the Ashoka.
Nearest airport: Bhairahawa airport is the closest
Distance from Kathmandu: 280 km
Patan
Patan is the third-largest city, known for its craftsmanship. Patan is also one of the ancient cities of Nepal that was once an independent kingdom in the region. Over the years, it went on to develop a beautiful blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. Thus you will come across temples and stupas dotted everywhere in the city. The most fascinating part is where one will witness a Krishna Temple in the same place where Dharma Chakras dedicated to Buddhism is present. Witness the architectural and cultural marvels in Patan along with the handicrafts. Handicrafts from Patan are truly one of a kind that is worth taking as souvenirs from Nepal.
Nearest airport: Kathmandu International airport
Distance from Kathmandu: 10 km
Biratnagar
Biratnagar is one of the largest cities in Nepal that is busy with commerce. Located near the Indian border on the east of Nepal, Biratnagar is a popular city for producing Jute. This Jute mill also happens to be the first large scale industry of Nepal. Apart from this, Biratnagar is also very famous for Kali temple which is regarded as a sacred temple of importance in Hinduism.
Nearest airport: Biratnagar airport is the closest
Distance from Kathmandu: 370 km
Dharan
Dharan is a mesmerising town located in the south-east of Nepal, very close to the Indian borders. This fascinating destination has a huge influence on Indian culture and heritage, thus, Dharan seems more or like an Indian city. This low-lying hilly region has fantastic weather that is perfect to visit throughout the year. With clear air and clean environment, hiking is more enjoyable here. There are a lot of temples that are visited by pilgrims throughout the year.
Nearest airport: Biratnagar airport is the closest
Distance from Kathmandu: 380 km
Kirtipur
This ancient town is located at a distance of 10 km from the capital city of Kathmandu. This intriguing town is home to religious places of worship and thus is visited by hundreds of tourists every year. This beautiful town offers the stunning scenery of lush greenery and beautiful valleys. Popular tourist attractions are Chilancho stupa, Bhag Bhairab and Uma Maheshwar.
Nearest airport: Kathmandu International airport
Distance from Kathmandu: 10 km
Dhulikhel
This quaint little town is simply one of the beautiful places in Kathmandu valley. Dhulikhel one of the few Newari towns is perhaps the most authentic destinations to experience the real culture and heritage of Nepalese. Although Nagarkot is a more popular destination than Dhulikhel, the latter remains more secluded and blessed with precious nature all around. Blessed with stunning greenery and scenic view, Dhulikhel is a fabulous place to spend at least one night.
Nearest airport: Kathmandu International airport
Distance from Kathmandu: 31 km
Chitwan national park
Chitwan national park is the first national park of Nepal in the year 1973. A decade later it was recognised as UNESCO’s world heritage site; as the region is home to indigenous flora and fauna. It shares borders with Parsa national park on the east and Valmiki national park on the west. Chitwan national park thus receives the highest number of tourists from across the world. The vegetation here is similar to Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests, with Sal trees covering about 70% of the national park. There are about 700 species of wildlife and more than 500 species of birds currently residing in the park. The entrance to the park is NPR 1000 for the SARC nationals and NPR 1500 for the foreign nationals.
Nearest airport: Bharatpur is the closest airport
Distance from Kathmandu: 170 km
Pokhara
This stunning destination is one of the most visited places in Nepal. Pokhara is the second-largest city and it is also considered to be the ‘tourist capital of Nepal’. Often visited by tourists who are looking for some adventure and to admire the mountain ranges of Himalayas, Pokhara is blessed with a stunning background of Annapurna mountain ranges. This stunning city is divided into two sides – one being the Lakeside of Pokhara and the other is the Old city. Lakeside of Pokhara happens to be one of the most beautiful parts of the city. It offers a spectacular lake view of Phewa Lake which is simply one of the most picturesque parts of the region. The old city of Pokhara is home to vibrant markets and old building. As the river Seti Gandaki passes through the city, one can indulge in activities like river rafting and paragliding.
Distance from Kathmandu: 200 km
Nearest airport: Pokhara airport is the closest.
Annapurna base camp trek
This trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Very few treks are as spellbinding as Annapurna base camp trek. You will come across magical landscapes with stunning Mountain View. This multi-day trek covers up to 70 km and the altitude can go up to 13000 ft. This trek is also called an Annapurna sanctuary trek requires some guidance and fitness level.
Nearest airport: Pokhara airport is the closest
Suggested itinerary
06N/07D
Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 3: Kathmandu – day trip to Bhaktapur and Patan; return back to Kathmandu
Day 4: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 5: Pokhara sightseeing
Day 6: Pokhara – Nagarkot
Day 7: Nagarkot – Kathmandu departure.
09N/10D
Day 1: Kathmandu arrival
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 3: Kathmandu – Bhaktapur – Nagarkot
Day 4: Nagarkot – Chitwan
Day 5: Chitwan national park
Day 6: Chitwan – Lumbini
Day 7: Lumbini – Tilaurkot – Pokhara
Day 8: Pokhara sightseeing
Day 9: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Day 10: Kathmandu departure
Best time to visit
Nepal is a wonderful country that can be visited throughout the year. And determining what the best year to visit Nepal is depends on what you want to do in the country. There are about four seasons in Nepal. Spring is one of the beautiful seasons which are visited by tourists from across the world. It is also considered to be the second tourist season in Nepal. It is one of the perfect times to visit wildlife and come across beautiful Rhododendrons blooming in the hills. Spring starts from February and continues till April. Post-April starts the pre-monsoon, which is humid during the day and cold showers in the evening. Monsoon is a beautiful season but also the worse times for trekking and sightseeing. Autumn is great weather with clear skies and fresh air to breath and an incredibly beautiful landscape. If you are in Nepal for Trekking we suggest you do it in spring and autumn.
What to eat?
Most of the dishes in Nepali cuisine are heavily influenced by Indian and Tibetan cuisine. This wonderful country is one of the best places that are vegetarian-friendly and Gluten-free. Popular dishes like Dal Bhat, Momos, samosa, Panipuri are more or so taste like the ones you find in India.
Must-try dishes are Sel Roti – which is a popular snack made up of rice flour shaped like huge rings deep-fried; this crunchy treats a perfect for your culinary tryouts.
What to shop?
Nepal is a vibrant country where shopping truly a fun experience. One can shop in Kathmandu and Pokhara extensively. Some markets sell a variety of products and colourful too. Popular souvenirs from this colourful country are Pashmina Shawls, Khukri – a traditional knife of Nepal, Rice paper products – a handmade paper, Handicrafts in Patan is a popular centre for Nepalese craftsmanship, Thangka painting – this is one of the best souvenirs one could buy from Nepal. These paintings are generally made on cotton or silk applique, depicts Buddhist deities. The price range starts from NPR 5000/- and goes up to NPR 30,000/-
Do spare a whole day for shopping.
How to reach?
Nepal is a very easily accessible country from India for all the obvious reasons, as the two countries share a border. One can reach the country via Road, Rail and Air. Here is how:
Air – Travelling by air to Nepal is the fastest mode of transportation from India. This beautiful country has only one entry point i.e. Tribhuvan International Airport. There are many airlines from across the world connected to this airport; some of the major airlines are Nepal airline, Air India, AirAsia, Air China, Etihad Air, Malaysian Air and Thai air.
Rail – Train is a comfortable option to reach the southern border of Nepal from India. There are regular passenger trains and cargo trains from Rexaul, in Bihar to the southern border of Nepal, as a station called Sirsiya. Indians do not need any visa to enter the country; all they need is an ID proof to enter the country.
Road – The most convenient option to enter the country is by Road. Several buses are operating directly from Delhi. And Driving to Kathmandu is also an option since the roads are good to go. One must pay the toll if going by road.