High in the Himalayan Mountains is the small Kingdom of Nepal with its lofty mountains, deep valleys, lush jungles, exotic wildlife and diverse peoples. Mostly known as the ‘Land of Everest’ or the ‘Birthplace of the Lord Buddha’, Nepal has a variety of attractions to keep tourists coming back for more. According to its geographical features, Nepal is divided into 3 regions: the Himalayan Region, the Hilly Central Region and the Terai Region. There are plenty of places to visit throughout Nepal.
In the Himalayan Region, some places worth visiting include:
The Annapurna Region
North of Pokhara is the Annapurna Region with its deep valleys and high mountains that encircle the giant Mt. Annapurna. The terrain ranges from a subtropical jungle to a high, dry landscape. This region is most popular among tourists for trekking. There are three major trekking routes in this region. One goes to the ancient shrine of Muktinath, one to the Annapurna Conservation Area and the last is a trail around Annapurna Mountain itself.
The Everest Region
Most people visit this region to see Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world. Also known as Solu- Khumbu, trekking in this region can be especially tough for the inexperienced climber. Located here is Namche Bazaar, a traditional little village that is home to the legendary Sherpas of Nepal, the world’s most sturdy climbers. Entrance to the Everest region, this village is 24 km (15 mi) from Katmandu. Also located here is the tiny village of Phaplu.
Langtang
Situated directly north of Katmandu, the Langtang region has three interesting treks to the villages of Langtang, Helambu and Gosainkund. The trek to Helambu is open throughout the year and is the most easily accessible of all trekking regions in Nepal.
In Nepal’s Hilly Region, some places worth visiting include:
The Katmandu Valley
The Katmandu Valley is the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal. Spread across an area of 360 sq km (1,188 sq mi) and at an altitude of 1,336 meters (4,409 ft) above the sea level, this valley showcases the vast rich culture and tradition of the Nepalese people. Legend has it that the valley was a lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushri raised his sword of wisdom and sliced a passage through the mountain walls creating the valley. Home to the indigenous Nepalese inhabitants, the Newars, this valley also houses many other Nepalese ethnic groups. The Katmandu Valley includes the three ancient towns of Katmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
Katmandu is Nepal's biggest city and is the hometown of the Newars, Nepal's master craftsmen and traders. It is said that old Katmandu was shaped like a khukuri knife. Durbar Square and the former Royal Palace are a must see when in the city, set amidst old temples and monuments. The city's oldest neighborhood, it stretches northeast and southwest to New Road, Katmandu’s best-known shopping street, which runs east from the square. The city’s budget hotels are located in the areas of Thamel, which lies north of Durbar Square and in Jhochhen, better known as Freak Street. Kantipath is the city’s main road which runs north to south and is dominated by the Royal Palace and the Tudikhel or the parade ground. Most of the expensive hotels restaurants and offices lie along Durbar Marg, which runs south from the palace gate. West of the Bishnumati River just outside Katmandu is the ancient hilltop temple of Swayambhu.
The ancient city of Patan lies 5 km (3 mi) southeast of Katmandu. This city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. Old Patan is developed along two intersecting roads, which extend out to the city’s four Ashokan stupas. Along the northern road which is now a pedestrian zone, is Patan's Durbar Square as well as the Golden and Kumbeshwar temples. On the busy southern road is located the Machhendranath Mandir and the Lagankhel bus park, while the eastern road takes you to the Mahabuddha Temple. The town of Jaulakhel is located at the southwestern edge of the city.
Situated at an altitude of 1,401meters (4,623 ft) Bhaktapur is also known as "the City of Devotees". An ancient city which still retains much of its medieval charm, Bhaktapur’s past glory can been seen in its Durbar Square. This city has two centers and three main squares. In the west lies Durbar Square and Taumadhi Tol, while in the east lies Tachapal Tol. Other highlights in the town include, Nyatapola, the highest temple in the valley, and Til Mahadev Narayan, an important place of pilgrimage. Potters' Square is an interesting place to visit as here thousands of clay pots are made and sold.
Pokhara
The town of Pokhara is renowned for its natural beauty and is the center of adventure in Nepal. Nestled in a beautiful valley besides the shores of the Phewa Lake and in the shadow of the Machhapuchhre Mountain, this town has some of the best accommodations and restaurants in the country. The starting point for many of the country’s trekking and white water rafting destinations, Pokhara is also home to dense forests, long flowing rivers, emerald green lakes, and world famous views of the Himalayas. A lively trade route between India and Tibet to this day, Pokhara is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, who have earned a worldwide reputation as Gurkha soldiers. Some interesting sites in and around this town include; a hilltop monastery, the Devi Falls, the limestone caves at Mahendra Gufa and Rupa and the Begnas Tals lakes.
Tansen
The town of Tansen is rich in traditional art and architecture. Located on the impressive Srinagar Danda Hill, this tiny town provides a gorgeous view of the Himalayas as well as the Terai plains. From here you can visit the Kali Gandaki River as well as Ranighat Palace and Ramdi Ghat. This town also provides visitors with the opportunity to study Buddhist culture and the life and culture of Magar tribes that live around this area.
Gorkha
The scenic hill town of Gorkha is of great historical significance as King Prithvi Narayan Shah, was born there. This king unified the kingdom of Nepal during eighteenth century. Situated 140 km (87 mi) west of Katmandu, this town is the ancestral hometown of the Nepal's ruling royal family. The British term "Gurkha" evolved from the name Gorkha, which refers to the famous soldiers of the region. In the center of Gorkha is the majestic Gorkha Durbar with a fort, a palace and a temple with excellent views of the surrounding valleys.
Some other places of interest here include; Gorkha Bazaar and Gorakhnath Cave, an important religious site for the Brahmins and Chhetris of Nepal.
In the Terai Region in the south of the country, some places worth visiting include:
Lumbini
Lumbini is the birth place of the Lord Buddha. Located in the plains of southwestern Nepal and near the foothills of Churia Range, Lumbini and its surrounding areas are naturally endowed with a rich variety of flora and fauna. This region is also famous for its ancient ruins and antiquities that date back to pre-Christian times. Worth seeing here are the Lumbini Gardens, the Ashokan Pillar, the Puskarni Sacred Pool and the Sanctum-Sanctorum of the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha. Also located nearby is the ancient town of Kapilvastu, where it is believed that that Buddha lived for thirteen years of his life.
Janakpur
Named after the legendary King Janak, the town of Janakpur was formerly the capital of the ancient Indian Kingdom of Mithila. This kingdom was the native country of the goddess Sita, the wife of the Hindu god Rama. A pilgrimage site for many Hindus today, this towns highlights include: the Janaki Mandir, the Ram Sita Bibaha(marriage) Mandir, the Ram Mandir and the holy pond of Dhanush Sagar. Aside from its religious importance, Janakpur is also a center for the revival of the ancient Mithila arts and crafts.
Royal Chitwan National Park
Royal Chitwan National Park is the oldest national park in Nepal. It is located in the Terai Region of the country. Designated as a ‘World Heritage Site’ in 1984, this park covers an area of 932 sq km (578 sq mi). With its unique ecosystem, this park contains the Churiya hills, lakes and the flood plains of the Rapti, Reu and Narayani Rivers. Home to more than 43 species of animals and more than 450 species of birds, the one-horned rhino is the park’s most famous inhabitant. Some endangered species of birds that live here include the Bengal florican, the giant hornbill, the lesser florican, the black stork and the white stork. Crocodiles, cobras, vipers and various species of frogs and tortoises also live in this national park.
