Nepal is a land of the highest mountains, vibrant culture, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a luxury traveller, Nepal has something unique for everyone. The traditional beaten path going over the high mountain passes to the legendary Silk Road now serves as an excellent trekking route. A diverse landscape ranging from tropical lowland to the highest mountains in the world hides pristine valleys that boast varied ecosystems sheltering a wide variety of flora and fauna.
In this blog, we will present the top five places to include in a tour of Nepal, featuring the best activities and unique accommodations at each location to enhance your travel experience.
Kathmandu: The living cultural heritage
Located in the Lesser Himalayas of central Nepal, the Kathmandu valley sheltered culture and spiritual practices from the ancient Indian subcontinent, intact to date. The valley’s strategic position along the trans-Himalayan trade route and its remoteness made it a popular refuge for different spiritual and cultural groups. The seven groups of monuments now recognized as UNESCO Heritage Sites have changed very little over time, and a heritage walk of these neighborhoods gives a feel of walking back in time.
Make your trip Exclusive:
For the best experience of Kathmandu, combine your itinerary with a day hike or a short trek around Kathmandu with a night stay in one of its hill stations overlooking the wide range of the Himalayas.
For the unique experience of Kathmandu, stay in Dwarika’s Hotel, a beautifully restored heritage property that blends traditional Nepalese art and craft with modern comfort. There are also some monasteries in serene locations which offer accommodation and spiritual experience activities for visitors. These are not only places to stay but are also cultural immersion experiences.
Pokhara: A harmony of adventure and serenity
Known as the tourism capital of Nepal, Pokhara city is indeed the most scenic city in the entire Himalaya. The valley, appearing as an amphitheater of mountains, features some of the world’s highest peaks as a backdrop to the north. The lush valley with three lakes, canyons, and rivers with white water makes it the natural capital of the Himalaya.
There are several adventure activities like Paragliding, Ultra-light Flight, Bungee jumping, mountain biking, and white water rafting to enjoy the picturesque Pokhara.
Exclusive Travel Tips:
Take a helicopter ride to the Annapurna Base Camp or organize a short Heli-Trek for an exclusive experience of the Himalaya while you are in Pokhara. Himalaya is just about 35 km as the crow flies from Pokhara. There are regular helicopter flights that land at Annapurna Base Camp and allow passengers to touch the ground.
Stay one night in Sarangkot Mountain Resort, perched along the Sarangkot ridge some 700 m above Pokhara valley, and enjoy the magical view of the Himalayas during the golden hours.
For those travelling with kids or looking for a luxury escape into nature, The Pavilions Himalayas is a luxury eco farm which offers agricultural activities with organic meals from farm to plate.
Chitwan National Park: The land of Tigers and Rhinos
Chitwan is a place rejuvenated with the sound, sight, and smell of the jungle after the Himalayan adventure. Chitwan National Park is a premier wildlife sanctuary that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it was among the last natural habitats for many endangered species, like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Rhino, and Gharial Crocodile.
Expert’s Recommendations:
Stay in the more pristine side of the jungle for a more exclusive experience of Chitwan. Sauraha town in the eastern Chitwan is touristy, and the jungle on this side is disturbed by scores of domestic and international tourists visiting every day. Check out Barahi Jungle Resort; spread over 12 hectares of private jungle in the pristine western Chitwan. Nepal’s top eco-certified lodge offers a serene retreat with luxury amid the greenery and sounds of wildlife.
A 7-day tour around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan showcases Kathmandu’s culture, Chitwan’s rich nature and wildlife, and the Himalayan adventure that Pokhara offers.
Lumbini: Walk in the Footsteps of History
Lumbini is a place of profound spiritual significance and rich history. This is where Buddha was born and spent a significant part of his life. After the excavation and discovery of the exact birthplace of Buddha, the site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lumbini is now developed as the legendary garden in an area of 2 X 6 km, divided into a peaceful tourist village, monastic zones, and the sacred Maya Devi Temple, which creates a perfect atmosphere for meditation and motivation in life.
Insider’s Tips:
Visit monasteries belonging to Buddhist communities from around the world and meet monks. The evening is best to catch monks and pilgrims praying and lighting oil lamps around the Maya Devi Temple. With the betterment of airport, Lumbini Tour could be organized as a day trip from Kathmandu.
Stay in the Hotel Hokke to be inside the sacred Lumbini garden and experience the rich spiritual ambiance with comfort.
Lower Mustang: Journey beyond the Himalaya
For those craving adventure with comfort, a journey to Lower Mustang offers a rare blend of Tibetan culture and Himalayan landscape. Traversing the world’s deepest gorge, wedged between two 8,000 m peaks, is now a comfortable road trip with a stay in luxury boutique resorts. Lower Mustang is famous for its stunning up-close view of the Himalayas and its traditional Tibetan villages frozen in time. This three-day tour from Pokhara is the most scenic journey in the Himalayas without a strenuous trek.
Experts’ Travel Advice:
Combine your visit with side hikes to Titi Lake and Lubra Pass to get the best view of the Himalayas. Stay at Lodge Thasang village, located at a strategic point offering a magnificent view of both Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. This is a hidden gem which promises both solitude and a cultural immersion experience of the genuine Mustang.
While the high mountains of Nepal make a perfect ground for adventure activities, its pristine jungle and serene hill stations can be reached by a scenic road trip. Whether you are planning to travel with kids or seniors or looking for a luxurious escape in the Himalayas, these five destinations offer activities for all. So don’t keep on saying later, write to us and start planning your dream trip to the Himalayas.
