Nepal, a land of majestic mountains, lush jungles, stunning landscapes, diverse culture and tons of exciting adventures. This small country nestled between India and china has a lot to offer. In recent years it has become a rapidly-growing tourist destination. People visit Nepal for its breathtaking views, rich history, traditional architect, amazing sunsets and sunrise over looking the mountains and of course Nepal's exotic Culture and Cuisine.
Nepal is home to eight of the highest peaks in the world (i.e. Mount Everest -8,848.86 M (29,032 ft.),K2- 8,611 M (28,251 ft.),Kanchenjunga- 8,586 M (28,169 ft.),Lhotse- 8,516 M(27,940 ft.),Makalu- 8,485 M(26,781 ft.),Dhaulagiri- 8,167 M (26,795 ft.), Manaslu- 8,163 M(26,781 ft.),Annapurna I- 8,091 M (26,545 ft). ). Snow leopard, one horned Rhino even Bengal tiger, such rare animals can be seen in Nepal. Nepal is filled with different languages, cultures, tradition, ethnic groups and they all live in peace and harmony providing a well balanced mix of diversity.
Nepal will mesmerize and captivate every individual with its unique ability to satisfy everyone's need. If you are a hiker looking for more leisurely strolls through the stunning landscape Nepal is a place for you. If you are seeking for an enriched spiritual experience Nepal is a place for you. If you wish to cross adventurous outdoor activities (i.e. Bungee jumping, Mountain climbing, River rafting) from your bucket list Nepal is a place for you. Rest assured this country will not disappoint you as it has something to offer for everyone.
Here are few Reasons as to why you should visit this incredible destination, Nepal
The Glorious Himalayas
Mount Everest, locally known as The Sagarmatha stands at 8,848m (29,029ft) tall. The highest peak, the pride and glory of Nepal is without a doubt one of the most captivating place on earth. Not just Everest seven other highest towering peaks are also situated here. With few permits anyone is able to climb these mesmerizing mountains and experience a breath taking views. Astonishing panoramic view of the snow covered Mountains can be seen standing tall from throughout the country. Witnessing sunrise over these mountains is a beloved activity to local and international tourist. People also enjoy trekking to the closest possible place near the Himalayas(i.e. The base camps) or even climb to the peaks of the snow covered mountains. Solo trekkers are also very fond of travelling in the lush greens jungles and clear white Himalayans of Nepal.
Nepal's Splendid Cultural Heritage Sites
The country offers centuries old palaces, shrines monuments. Among which several of them are enlisted in the World Heritages Site. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath, ChanguNarayan Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath are regarded as treasures by UNESCO itself. Sanctified temples such as Pashupatinath temple situated by the banks of Bagmati river and Muktinath Temple at atop Nilgiris Hill Range holds a prestigious meaning and is waiting to be explored. People from all over the world visit these monuments as they hold birth cultural and adventurous significance. Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha is considered as one of the holiest place where visitors are welcomed everyday. Temples built centuries ago will bring warmth into your hearts. Kathmandu Durbar square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, they all hold their specific traditional architecture that will transport you back centuries back in time.
Hospitality of Nepalese
We Nepal believe in "Atithi Devo Bhava" meaning Guest is god. We take pride in treating our guest with a sense of respectability and provide a warm hospitality we would generally offer to our gods. Serving them hot meals, making their stay as comfortable as possible and offering guidance or help are just few of the way that showcases warmness of people of Nepal. True essence and spirit of this saying can be generously found within the locals. Each community has their own traditions and norms of treating the guest with best of their abilities. Despite the advancement in modern societies we still haven't forgotten our roots and origin. You will surely be able experience the warmest greetings and a heartfelt good byes through out your stay in this beautiful country of Nepal.
Adventure Paradise
Mountaineering, paragliding, jungle safaris, mountain biking, Canyoning, Whitewater Rafting and high altitude trekking are just to name few of the adventures you can experience in Nepal. Nepal is home to hundreds of Himalayans including the eight highest mountains in the world. People looking to under take the most challenging adventures find their perfect match here. Almost 60% of the tourist visit Nepal to uptake the adventure activities provided here. Rafting, kayaking, boating, canyoning are activities enjoyed by many tourists and locals. Nepal is rich in water resources and high-current rivers where water is flown directly from the Himalayans provides an ideal environment for river rafting. These for for those who enjoy the water and also a learning experience for those who wish to overcome their fear of water. In recent years, Trekking has become widely popular among the tourists and the locals. Sarangkot 1592m, 5,223ft is a popular destination for paragliding in Pokhara. Bungee jump site situated at Bhote Koshi river 160m,525ft is the 2nd highest in the world. Spotting the one horned rhino and Bengal tiger is an experience you won't forget easily. Exclusive jungle safari in Chitwan Nation Park, Bardiya Nation Park, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and many more can be explored by anyone interested.
Rich Culture and Tradition
Nepal is super rich in its culture and traditions with its vast religions and ethnicity. Every individual culture symbolizes the diversity and harmony our country shares. They each have their own values and beliefs which are reflected in their folklore, dance ,music and lifestyle. A simple Namaste, by joining our hands together with a slight bow is a great indication of our Nepal culture. This warm greeting summarizes our cultural in the best way possible, respecting every individual and holding our elders in a place as close as our gods. We belief every moments or milestone in ones life a cherish-able event thus we celebrate every occasion from Nuwaran(i.e.name giving ceremony), Pasni(i.e.Rice feeding ceremony), Bratabandha(where boys are declared as man), Gunyo Cholo/Gufa(where girls are declared as woman) and the most auspicious of all Marriage, where bride and groom are tied into an union through elaborate ceremony.
Our diverse geography contributes in our diverse traditions. Every individual ethnics group have their own set of values and norms that highly influences their cultural roots. Nepal is secular state as Many Hindus, Buddhist, christen , kirats and Muslims and many more religion live in peace and harmony in this land. Every religion contributes their festivals which makes Nepal A truly colorful place. Dashian, Tihar, Holi, Losar, Buddha-jayanti, Eid, Christmas, chhath and just few of the festivals celebrated in Nepal. The tourist visiting Nepal are always welcomed and encouraged to part take in our festivals.
Authentic Local Cuisine
Diverse culture and religions have given birth to diverse food. Nepali food is a blend of Indian and Tibetan cuisine. The most popular local food in Nepal is a simple Daal-Bhaat and of course the MO:MO. We Nepalese enjoy Daal-Bhaat twice a day and frankly still cannot get enough of it. White rice with a lentil gravy and vegetable curry(i.e.tarkari) and meat items generally Chicken, pork. mutton and buff along with a tangy flavored pickle (i.e.Aachar) comes when you order a Daal-Bhaat. And the most staple snack throughout Nepal is a MO:MO. They are quite like dumplings but has a Nepali swing to it. MO:MO could be chicken, pork, mutton, buff, vegetable, paneer based which are served with their own sauce.
Some Exotic Local foods found exclusively in Nepal are Dhindo, which is a thick porridge generally made from millet or buckwheat an substitute for the white rice and Gundruk, dried fermented leafy greens. Yomari, choila, bara, chatamari are foods originated from the Newari culture. Ghonghi (snail Dish) is a popular food in the tharu community. Kathmandu is a place if you wish to explore food from every religion. Every corner of this beautiful city is fragranced with the rich spices of our ethnic local foods.
Rich Wildlife
Nepal offers an amazing destination for wildlife experiences. With more than ten wildlife parks Nepal offer a good range pf flora and fauna. Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, Rara National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang National Park, Makalu Barun National Park, Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park, Banke National Park, Parsa National Park, Shey Phoksundo National Park, Shuklaphanta National Park, Khaptad National Park are well managed wildlife reserves. Tourists can always visit the national parks. People welcome the foreigners with open arms and kind greatness.
Homestays near the wildlife areas provide a whole packaged experience from local cuisine, animal sighting and an unforgettable stay filed with cultural song and dances. This will be a perfect opportunity to experience a real wildlife paradise to observe flora and fauna at their natural habitat. Chitwan National Park is home to one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants and hundreds of crocodiles. King cobra, rock python, sloth bears, striped hyenas, spotted eagles , flying squirrels, four horned antelopes are protected in Bardiya National Park. Tourists can catch a memorable and rare glimpses of the preserved wilderness along with spectacular sunset and sunrises throughout their stay.
Spiritual Experience
Nepal is a land of sacred temples and shrines. People here are very particular about religious spirituality. we Nepalese are well aware that spiritual experiences can be both within and outside the human self. Holy places like pashupatinath temple, bouddha, swayambhunnath, Lumbini, Muktinath, Janaki temple, Manakaman temple can rejuvenate a person is the most purest way and cleanse ones soul. The chants of 'OM' from the Hindu scripture is considered as a sacred sound that cleanses ones soul, body and mind. Nepal is highly influenced by Hindu and Buddhist religion. Tibetanian culture can mostly be seen in the Himalayan regions. Buddhists pilgrimage, monasteries, shrines, stupa and pagodas in the mountain areas provide divine power that shifts energy and provide a emotional sensation to the visitors. There are plenty of yoga retreats, meditation centers through out Nepal to help you have well balanced mental and physical health. Plenty of tourists visit Nepal to explore spirituality.
Perfect Weather
Diverse geography of Nepal offers a variety of climate ranging from summer(March,April,May) monsoon(June.July.and Aug), autum (sep.Nov.andOct), and winter(dec.jan. feb). The specialty of Nepal is that in the south the summer are extremely tropical and winders are mild whereas in the north summers are cool and winters are tolerable. Overall the summer and winter in Nepal are fairly tolerable. the weather of Kathmandu city is pleasant throughout summer and its gets cozy during the winter. Trekking during the Summer, Monsoon and autumn is considered the best time. Mesmerizing views and an amazing weather can be experienced by anyone interested to uptake the adventure of trekking through the lush forests and green landscapes. National flower of Nepal Rhododendron, can be seen blossoming all over the forests adding beauty to the natural landscapes.
Dynamic Cities
The bustling neon lights lit the city in the vibrant way possible. Kathmandu and Pokhara are definitely the most happening place in Nepal for a adventure filled night out. These are definitely the place to be as Kathmandu and Pokhara are known as the city that never sleeps. They provide you with a combination of good food, picturesque views, fantastic music and a tourist friendly environment. walk along the Phewa lake, Begnas bay , Thamel roadsides are all very exciting and peacefully things to enjoy. As all this adventure is going on the snow covered mountains are right behind you watching over you. The nightlife ends with a magical view over the mountains with an extraordinary scenery of the sunrise.
Affordable
Nepal is an extremely budget friendly destination to visit. The accommodation and food here are quite affordable. Transportation means around the cities are affordable as well. Adventurous activities like bungee jumping, river rafting, trekking, ziplining are all extremely affordable. Nepal provides a wide range of luxury accommodation depending on the capacity of the visitors. we have lavish hotels and lodge providing guests with high speed internet, hospitable environment and an comfortable sleeping arrangements. Taxis are the most affordable means to travel around the city, which are not expensive. Cycling or simply walking around the city is also highly recommended. A lot of popular destinations are affordable to visit. Temples, trekking trails, museums, safaris are few of the activities enjoyed by the tourists.
Handcrafted Souvenirs
Every body needs a memento to remember a holiday or a place they visited. Souvenirs are an great reminder of the time spent well. In Nepal hand crafted souvenirs have been part of the tradition for a really long time. They are part of the country's rich history and legacy. Nepali craftsmen can craft beautiful artifacts, status, oriental architecture, cashmere/pashmina, Dhaka products, handicraft, herbal products, Thanka painting, Khukuri, singing bowl and many more. Travelers are keen to keepsake and cherish the memories of their visit to this mesmerizing country, Nepal.
