7 Must Visit Destinations for Your First Trip in Nepal

The best places to visit in Nepal are nothing short of magic, where every place weaves a unique story. These places not only offer you some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences, but also give you a glimpse of what the true grandeur of Nepal looks like. Even though Nepal is small in size, this Himalayan nation is packed with stunning destinations. Whether you are looking for a Himalayan experience, cultural encounters, searching for tranquility, or want spiritual peace, Nepal has it all.

Looking for an escape to the mountains? More than 300 mountains with many trekking and climbing routes are calling you. Want wildlife encounters? Nepal’s national park and wildlife reserve await your presence. Craving for cultural encounters? Worry not, each month in Nepal has unique festivals and celebrations. Looking for spirituality? Ancient temples and stupas can unfold this essence.

Hence, gatekeeping these beautiful places without letting you know would be a crime. So here are the 7 top tourist spots in Nepal that you must visit for your first trip in Nepal.

Top Travel Destination in Nepal

1. Kathmandu Valley

When you arrive in Nepal, the first thing you will come across is the beautiful medieval Kathmandu. Often called the living museum of Nepal, this valley is decorated with intricate palaces, ancient temples, historical landmarks, and many more. Out of 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you can explore 7 of those sites, including Changu Narayan Temple and Patan Durbar Square. Known for the vibrant hustle and bustle, this valley presents you with the calm chaos, where one part during the Kathmandu sightseeing tour is lively with busy markets and traffic, while other parts offer timeless tranquility.

Things To Do

• You can visit the Kumari Ghar inside the Kathmandu Durbar Square to take the blessings of the living goddess of Nepal, Kumari.
• Visiting the Bhaktapur Durbar Square will enchant you with intricately carved palaces and courtyards. You should definitely try pottery making. Don’t miss out on eating Juju Dhau(King Curd) for the authentic taste.
• Try strolling the vibrant markets of Asan, Indra Chowk, and Thamel
• You should explore tourist attractions in Kathmandu, like Monkey Temple, Baudhanath Stupa.
• Kirtipur offers you a tranquil atmosphere where you can enjoy the well-preserved Newari culture. You can try local Newari food at local eateries.

2. Pokhara

Pokhara is one of the most popular places in Nepal for travelers, and for all good reasons. This city of lakes offers you breathtaking mountain views of Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri range from the very start. From the tranquil boat ride on the Phewa Lake to the expansive views from the World Peace Pagoda, this picturesque city is a perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and reflection. On top of that, many Nepal trekking routes, including the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, start from Pokhara

Things To Do

• Watching a stunning sunrise over the snow-capped mountains from the vantage point of Sarangkot is a must.
• Most of the adventure activities in Nepal can be done in Pokhara. So, if you want to add thrill and adventure to your journey, you can try ziplining, paragliding, skydiving, kayaking, canyoning, rafting, etc.
• You can also soak in the tranquil setting of the city with the laid-back vibe of rooftop cafes and restaurants.
• For more religious richness, you can explore the Bindabasini temple and Tal Barahi temple.

3. Chitwan National Park

Beyond just mountains and the capital Kathmandu, there are many places to explore in Nepal. Among those destinations, Chitwan National Park should definitely be on your wishlist if you want the best of Nepal tour while visiting for the first time. This national park is the oldest national park of Nepal, which spreads in the lowlands of Terai. With rich biodiversity and a diverse ecosystem, this world heritage site promises an amazing jungle safari where you can spot endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger and one-horned rhinoceros.

Things To Do

• Going on a jeep safari to spot different birds and animals will be exhilarating.
• You can also stroll around the jungle, sitting on the back of an elephant, and go on a jungle safari during a Nepal wildlife tour..
• Chitwan National Park has many sites, such as the banks of the Rapti River, the grasslands of Sauraha, etc, for birdwatching.
• Apart from wildlife, you can immerse yourself in the local Tharu culture and tradition by visiting the villages. You can sway your body to the rhythm of the Tharu stick dance and peacock dance.

4. Lumbini

Being only the birthplace of Gautam Buddha is enough for Lumbini to be one of the best places to visit in Nepal. This sacred place is filled with spiritual energy and serenity. Every corner, including the monastic zones, echoes peace and harmony. Moreover, the lush green gardens and natural setting offer an ideal atmosphere for reflection and meditation.

Things To Do

• Visiting the Maya Devi Temple and exploring the surrounding archaeological sites tells much more about the birth of Gautam Buddha.
• See the historic Ashoka Pillar with its inscriptions and colorful prayer flags.
• You can witness the monastic Zone where Buddhist communities from different countries built monasteries in their unique architectural styles.
• You can walk through the peaceful Sacred Garden and meditate in the tranquil environment.

5. Everest Region

Home to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, the Everest region undoubtedly makes it to the top list of every traveler.  If you are into trekking, then the Everest Base Camp trek, Gokyo Lake trek, etc, can pique your interest. If you are someone aspiring to climb 7000 or 8000 mountains, trekking peaks like Mera Peak and Island Peak climbing are open for an expedition.

Things To Do

• If you want to explore the Himalayan panorama but are not into trekking, you can opt for Helicopter rides in the Everest region.
• Inhabited by the Sherpa people, this region exhibits a unique culture and tradition. You can participate in the Mani Rimdu festival during the autumn season.
• You can also explore the Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Hotel Everest View for some of the most stunning scenery.

6. Mustang

Mustang is nothing like other parts of Nepal. The arid desert landscapes with barren hills give you an otherworldly feel. The well-preserved walled city of Lo Manthang still gives the timeless feel of the forbidden Kingdom. The ancient monasteries, high caves, and walled villages thriving with Tibetan-Buddhist culture make this region one of the major tourist attractions in Nepal.

Things To Do

• You should visit the sacred Muktinath temple. Bathing in 108 water sprouts is believed to wash away all your sins.
• Places like Jomsom and Marpha are famous for their apple orchards. You should try the dry apples, apple jams, and apple brandy.
• If you are into mountain biking, then both Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang are great places for mountain biking.
• Witnessing the 3-day celebration of the Tiji festival can be a great addition to your Nepal cultural tour.

7. Nagarkot

Whether you are visiting Nepal for a short vacation or a long stay, you cannot miss out on exploring one of the beautiful Nepal hill stations, Nagarkot. Known for the amazing panoramic mountain views, this hilltop even offers glimpses of Mount Everest on clear days. On top of that, Nagarkot lies at the outskirts of Kathmandu valley with easy accessibility, so this place makes a perfect weekend getaway from Kathmandu.

Things To Do

• You can enjoy amazing sunsets and sunrises over the mountain from various vantage points, including the view tower.
• There are many hiking trails, such as the Chisapani Nagarkot trail and Namobuddha Nagarkot trail. You can enjoy the scenic hike passing through lush forests.
• With many biking tracks such as ranger, eco, etc, you can relish the adventure of mountain biking.
• You can also relax and enjoy your time at cozy hilltop restaurants or luxurious resorts.

Nepal is indeed a gem of natural beauty, culture, and history. These destinations are an excellent place to start for any first-time travelers interested in exploring the best that the country has to offer.