With ‘Nepal: Back on Top of the World‘.’ onset, Nepal is all set to welcome tourists from all over the world. The country expects to attract 2 million tourists by 2024. And, to offer best experience to this huge mass inflow, the industry—tourism—in coordination with the government has highlighted several activities in its to do list. Of this many ‘Things to Do in Nepal’—we recommend key five activities for you to experience in this global holiday destination—Nepal.

What are the Top 5 Best Things to do in Nepal?

Kathmandu Heritage Tour

Many scholars regard Kathmandu—capital city of Nepal—as an open museum. And you will agree with them once you are done with Kathmandu Heritage Tour.

This brief tour of nearly eight hours leads you to key four UNESCO listed cultural heritage sites located in the capital—Kathmandu Durbar Square, PashupatinathTemple, Bouddhanath and Swoyambunath.

Kathmandu Durbar Square (KDS):

Your visit to Nepal is almost incomplete without paying visit to KDS as this single tourist spot portrays the evolution of civilizations in Kathmandu Valley by acquainting you with its history, art and architectures and culture and traditions practiced on those days.

Located at the center of the city, KDS reveals history of the valley since the day of yore. As per stone scriptures, palaces and temples were built here in the 3^rd century by different kings of Lichhavi dynasty.

However, no remains of that era are found at present because it was hit by natural disaster, especially earthquake, multiple times. Despite this, a large number of sociologist and anthropologist urge that the beginning of human civilization in Kathmandu Valley started from this place.

With the collapse of Lichhavidynasty and the rise of Malla dynasty, KDS started evolving gradually. In 1484, the palaces in the premises of KDS become Royal Palaces for Malla Kings and this is attributed to Ratna Malla. Different Malla Kings constructed and added many things in the site since then.

At present, the site comprises of 50 temples in the premises of KDS which (the KDS)is divided into two quadrangles, inner and outer. The inner quadrangle encompasses Hanuman (Monkey God) Dhoka (Door) which is the main attraction of the site. The outer quadrangle, on the other hand, consists of many temples and buildings such as Kumari (Living Goddes) Ghar (Home), Kasthamandap and Shiva-Parvati Temple.

The temples and buildings in the premises of KDS have its own importance revealing unique history and culture and traditions of that particular century.

For instance, King Laxmi Narasingha Malla built Kasthamandap, from which the city of Kathmandu derived its name, in the 16th century. It is a temple of Gorakhnath, and legend has it that the entire temple was constructed from the timber of a single tree.

Similarly, Pratap Malla built Hanuman Dhoka in 17^th century. The other major attraction, Kumari Ghar, is the residence of living goddess. The pre-pubescent girl (Kumari) who resides in the house is worshipped in the form of female energy.

Pashupatinath Temple:

Worshipped as a national deity of the country, the temple of Pashupatinath is the greatest Hindu shrine in the globe. The literal translation of the word Pashupatinath is ‘Lord of Animal’ and Lord Shiva in the form of ‘Linga’ is worshipped in this temple of pagoda style.

There is no evidence regarding when the temple was actually built. But as per the available evidences, different kings of different dynasties had contributed in the construction of the temple since prehistoric age.

The temple attracts nearly a million of faith-based tourist every year from across the globe on Shiva-ratri—Lord Shiva’s birthday.

The key reason behind the importance of this temple is that it (Pashupatinath) is regarded as head part of all 12 jyotirlingas. The remaining 11 jyotirlinga’s which collectively make a body are in various places of India.

Bouddhanath:

One of the key specialties of Kathmandu is that it depicts strong religious harmony among societies existing in the valley. The existence of three key religious sites—Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath and Swoyambhunath—of two different religions—Hindu and Buddhist—in the capital resemble that the people here appreciate each other’s religion with deep respect.

In general, Bouddhanath is one of the prominent religious sites for Buddhists. King Shivadev, belonging to the Lichhavi dynasty, built it in 590 AD. It is one of the biggest stupas located in South Asia where more than 200,000 faith-based tourists visit every year from across the globe especially from China, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and many more.

In addition, the monasteries built in the vicinity of Bouddhanath offers you an opportunity to learn meditation techniques practiced by Buddhists.

Swoyambhunath:

It is the last destination that this package—Kathmandu Heritage Tour—comprises of.

Swayambhunath is also a key religious site for Buddhist and it attracts hundred of thousands of faith-based tourists globally every year. The stupa of Swoyambhunath is located in a hilltop and the environment of this area is quite aesthetic.

King Vrisadev laid the foundation stone of Swoyambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, in the early 5th century AD. The literal meaning of Swoyambhu means ‘Self Existing’ and Nath refers to ‘Lord’. This means there exists self-existing lord within you which one has to explore by attaining nirvana.

Nagarkot Hiking and Bhaktapur City Tour

Hiking enthusiast with a brief stay in Kathmandu can opt for this package—Nagarkot Hiking and Bhaktapur City Tour—as it is a blend of both hike and tour.

Nagarkot hiking is one the popular and easy adventures. The best part of this activity is that it suits to everyone—from a kid to senior citizens.

Duration:

Normally, this trip of 3day/2night begins from Sundarijal and proceeds through traditional villages of Kathmandu valley. This trip unfolds the mesmerizing view of spectacular mountains ranges such as Annapurna, Mahalangur and Langtang.

Starting Point:

The starting point of the hike—Sundarijal—is at a driving distance of nearly an hour from Kathmandu. After producing hike permit here,Sundarijal, we head toward Chisapani which is a walk of nearly 14 km.

The Sundarijal hydropower dam is the first attraction of this trek. The course from here is uphill but relatively easy. We pass through traditional villages which will reveal the countryside lifestyle of Nepali people. Couple of hours of walk will bring us in the army camp.

The trail from army camp to Chisapani is awesome. You will be surrounded by lush green vegetation. And if it is spring season, then you will feel the bless as blossoming rhododendrons will capture your heart. At one point of the hike, you will attain the height of 2,400m and here you will find yourself over the cloud. Further peaceful walk of nearly two hours will lead you to Chisapani.

The English translation of the word Chisapani is ‘Coldwater’. The overnight stay in this cool village will be a kind of life time moment for you as you are likely to observe local dance and music and enjoy local dinner. The view of mountains in the background will deliver a sense of pleasure to you.

Nagarkot:

Nagarkot is 18 km from Chisapani. We will follow motorable road initially followed by traditional hiking route. The greenery and snow-capped peaks in the background are key attractions of this part of hike.

Nagarkot, a popular hill station in Nepal, is renowned as a sunrise and sunset vantage point. You will get astounding view of couple of peaks those are located in Annapurna, Langtang and Mahalangur ranges.

Nagarkot connects you with nature whereas Bhakatapur will take you to the history. Yes, being in this culturally rich city with world class art and architectures will deliver a wow feel in you.

Bhaktapur:

Bhaktapur is still capable to preserve its uniqueness. You feel as if you are in 15^th century while entering in the premises of Bhaktapur Durbar Square (BDS). The ancient Newari culture and architectures of the city will deliver such feeling in you.

There are four squares within BDS—Durbar Square, Dattatreya Square, Pottery Square and Taumadhi Square. The 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Lion’s Gate and Nyatapole are key things to observe.

The wooden carvings of 55 windows depict the mastercraftmanship of Nepali architects. The palace—55 Windows—was built in 1427 AD by King YakshyaMalla. Later, in the 17th century, King Bhupatindra Malla renovated the palace.

Rajit Malla built the Golden Gate, also known as Lu Dhowka in the local Newari language. It is regarded as one of the finest arts of Nepal. Similarly, Lion’s Gate speaks a volume about ancient Nepali sculptor skill.

Once done with Bhaktapur, we will drive you to Kathmandu ending your Nagarkot Hiking and Bhaktapur City Tour

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Among all trekking destinations across the globe, Annapurna region is undoubtedly a Mecca for trekking enthusiasts. And probably due to this, travel related media often suggest people to put Annapurna region in their travel bucket list.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the popular trekking trails of Annapurna region. The beauty of this trail is a key feature to attract more than 50,000 trekkers every year from across the globe.

Also, it is a single destination that reveals the beauty of several peaks such as Annapurna I (8091m.), Mt. Fang (7647m.), Annapurna III (7,555), Gangapurna (7454m), Annapurna South (7273m.), Mt. Fishtail (6997m.), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Gandharvachuli (6,248m.), and so on.

Besides snow-cappedpeaks and towering mountains witnessed from ABC, the trail itself is a kind of walk in a piece of heaven. It is a trail with rich in culture and traditions.

For instance, a hike to ABC will give you an opportunity to acquaint with Gurung and Magar culture and traditions. They both have their own culture and traditions. Their musical instrument, dance and costume will fascinate you.

Similarly, the destination—Poon-Hill—while on the way to ABC will reveal you the ecstatic beauty of Dhaulagiri and Fishtail Mountain and this something which you will treasure as the best moment to cherish throughout the life.

In addition, ABC trail is also popular for flora and fauna. A large number of zoologist and botanist travel in this part of the globe to acquire information about different types of flora and fauna found in the region.

At the top of this, hiking in ABC will also bring you in Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Base Camp (MBC). The astounding view of this Fishtail mountain from the MBC will be cherry at the top.

So, are you ready to taste the cherry? If yes, this is right time to plan one of the most beautiful hikes of the world, Annapurna Base Camp.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT) is gradually attracting a significant number of trekkers at present. This is because the destination is evolving as an alternative to Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The construction of motorable road in the circuit of Annapurna and large volume of tourists are key reasons for trekkers to opt for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

In addition, the harmonious mountain view of over 10 peaks ranging from more than 6,000m to 8,000m and unique opportunity to experience Bon Po—an ancient religion culture—are key features of this trek.

Bon Po, one of the oldest religious cultures globally, is practiced in its original form only in this part of the world. Although this culture originated in Tibet, completely destroyed BY the cultural revolution in China. Many Tibetans at that time fled to this part of Nepal and continued their culture to preserve its originality.

Despite beauty and cultural aspect, MCT is a crowd less trekking route which receives nearly 15,000 guests every year. And the enthusiast who prefer silent trail with immense natural beauty go for this hike.

This customize trek of 16 days begins from Lapubesi and goes through Budi Gandaki river to arrive in Nupri. It (Nupri) is a site that portrays core Tibetan culture because of the impact of cross-cultural exchange as the trade route to Tibet goes through this place.

The renowned pass of Manaslu region called Larke La Pass (5,160m) is the promising vantage point of this trek. It unlocks the beauty of several astounding mountains such as Mt. manaslu, Annapurna II, Larke Peak, Chuli, HimlungHimal, CheoHimal, and many more. The pass also connects Manaslu region with Annapurna region.

So, wait why? Just pull up your socks and experience the challenges to live life at its fullest.

Everest Mountain Flight

You visited Nepal and did not witness the tallest peak of the world—Mt. Everest (8,848m)! You missed the essence of this Himalayan nation.

There are three ways to observe this majestic tower of the world—trek to Everest Base Camp, climb Mt. Everest and from the comfort of plane through Everest Mountain Flight.

More than hundred of thousands of people witness Mt. Everest through mountain flight. This flight of nearly an hour will show you almost all peaks located in Mahalangur range including Mt. Everest.

We will ensure a window seat for you to enjoy views of at least six peaks over 8,000m. And more than 10 peaks ranging from 6,000m to under 8,000m.

Some of the popular peaks that you will observe from the flight are Mt Everest, Kanchanjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m) Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), ShisaPangma (8,013m). Similarly, Gaurishakar, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh, Gyachangkang, Pumori and Nuptse are peaks of over 7,000m. AmaDablam of 6,812m is another majestic peak that you will observe form the comfort of the plane.

Normally, airlines operate mountain flights every morning from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport, but the weather has to be clear.

Everest Heli Tour

Observing Mt. Everest from the comfort of the chopper is probably the most comfortable way to experience this sky piercing tower from the closest possible distance.

Generally, tourists who prefer luxurious tour and have brief time in Nepal prefer heli tour to witness this majestic towering granite.

The chopper will take you to Khumbu region from Kathmandu and gradually introduce you with renowned peaks of the region. It is one of the best moments of your life that you will treasure as a memory to cherish throughout the life.

To conclude, you will be observing peaks like Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Kwangade, AmaDablam and Mt. Everest in this ride of nearly an hour.

By this we come to an end of Top 5 Best Things to do in Nepal. Hope you enjoyed article!! If you get any query regarding Nepal Travel, contact the Best Travel Agency in Nepal.