The population of Nepal is mostly ethnic groups that speak different languages. These are primarily people living in the Himalayan region and those living in the middle hills and the valley. Kathmandu is a cultural melting pot of a diverse population with the ‘Newars’ who can be Hindu or Buddhist and form the large majority of the Kathmandu valley. With a vastly different culture than the rest of the Nepali people, Newari rituals, food and festivals are quite unique and fascinating.
Magnificent mountains, undulated hills, bountiful vegetation and varied wildlife make Nepal an ideal travel destination. Eco Tourism flourishes in Nepal. From wildlife viewing to camping in the wilderness, hiking vacations or white-water rafting, the rich biodiversity and respect for cultural heritage make for a meaningful and enjoyable holiday.
Nepal – Spiritual & Cultural Destination
Nepal can boast to have the densest concentration of World Heritage sites with 7 UNESCO sites in the Kathmandu valley itself. Home to ‘Pashupatinath Temple’, Kathmandu is the start of any pilgrimage journey. It is famous for religious monuments, temples, monasteries and stupas with their stunning and intricate religious artwork.
Other spiritual destinations close to Kathmandu are Panauti, the oldest Newari town, Dhulikhel, Dakshinkali in Pharping and Nagarkot. Some distance away are Pokhara, Manokamna, Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Muktinath, Gosaikunda, Janakpur, Badimalika, Baglung, Pathivara Devi, Swargadwari, Bhimeshwar and Devghat, to the north of Chitwan.
Nepal – Adventure Tourism Destination
Enthusiasts who want to see the tallest mountain in the world who are short on time or unable to trek to Mt. Everest can take the Everest Scenic Flight from Kathmandu.
Helicopter rides from Kathmandu to the Everest Base Camp with the option of breakfast at a hotel amidst the spectacular mountains is a lifetime experience. Soar across and get aerial views of glaciers, camps for trekkers and mountaineering routes to the ‘Peak of the World’ along the way. You can also land at ‘Kalapathar’ viewpoint with the best view of Mt. Everest. A stop to refuel at Lukla offers a glimpse of the mountain where trekkers begin the climb to Mt. Everest.
Nagarkot is at a short distance from Kathmandu and famous for its sunrise/sunset views over the Himalayas.
A day hike to Dhulikhel from Nagarkot is also very popular among those wishing to trek more around Kathmandu.
A visit to the Chandragiri Cale Car from Kathmandu is the easiest way to ascend a mountain in Nepal. You can see panoramic views of the Kathmandu valley and snow-capped Himalayas on a clear day.
Also known as the Jewel of the Himalayas, Pokhara is the most popular destination for leisure and adventure tourism given the spectacular gorges of the Seti Gandaki river in and around the city. Whether boating, trekking, pony rides, ultra-light flights and/or extreme sports like rafting, paragliding, canoeing, zip lining and bungee jumping, the Pokhara valley has much to offer. Situated on the Phewa Lake, 3 of the 10 highest mountains in the world can be seen from Pokhara namely, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manasalu. Fishtail Mountain better known as ‘Macchapuchre’ is the icon of Pokhara and can be seen from everywhere in the city.
A short hike to Sarangkot Hill to see a spectacular sunrise or sunset panorama with green valleys framed by the snow-capped Annapurna mountains compliments the tranquil experience at Pokhara.
Nepal – Wellness Tourism Destination
Exercise being a key pillar of wellbeing and activities that challenge the body and push fitness make for a wellness holiday. Being a spiritually saturated country, Nepal is extremely proud to be the birthplace of Gautam Buddha besides being the playground of Lord Shiva, the Yogishwara. Tourists come to Nepal seeking adventure, relaxation and wellness through physical activity.
While hiking and biking/mountain biking are the fastest growing sports in Nepal, soothing spa treatments to soothe aching muscles, yoga and meditation are extremely attractive elements that compliment a complete holiday. Nepal Yoga retreats is a sanctuary in the hills of the Kathmandu valley in a boutique eco-residential setting within the Panchamahalaxmi Temple in the Sankhu valley.
The Yoga and Rafting Retreat at the Sun Kosi River near the border of Tibet is also popular among tourists who spend more time in the Mustang area of Nepal.
Activities for the mind and the chance to discover a new culture are experiences to treasure for a lifetime. Activities for the soul where spirituality in deeply entwined in daily life as seen in the unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism incorporate wellness activities for the soul.
Nepal – Wildlife Tourism Destination
Chitwan is the ideal destination for nature lovers and leisure. Nepal’s first national park and UNESCO Heritage site is the Chitwan National Park. It has an elephant breeding centre, a vulture and the endangered ‘gharial’ (crocodile) conservation area besides the jeep and elephant safaris to explore the forest. Many temples are also within the park such as Bikram Baba, Lami Taal and Tamor Taal.
Jungle excursions and various safari activities in 4-wheel jeeps or a ride on elephant back are at the disposal of guests who visit Chitwan National Park. Permits to the park and jeep safari bookings must be made before you reach Chitwan.
The Ox cart or Pony Ride is a unique option to explore the Tharu village in Sauraha, Chitwan. Bathing and swimming with elephants in the Rapti river is also a fun activity in Sauraha. Village walks with a professional expert/local guide/naturalist are also immensely popular.
Nepal – Culinary Tourism Destination
Discover the Kathmandu Food Trail starting with Nepali speciality ‘coffee’ followed by visits to the oldest Nepali markets to look for ingredients in Nepali cuisine. Taste a ‘lassi’ at the oldest most famous lassi shop at ‘Indra chowk’, experience the way in which Nepali vegetable and spice markets ‘Asan’ work and how they are changing. Learn the ‘snack house’ concept and how some of these have developed into social enterprises supporting local communities. Along the way see the famous Bagh Bhairav Temple as you walk into Kirtipur and the well-known Newa Lahana snack house.
Nepal – International Music Festivals
Kathmandu also has an annual Jazz Festival, ‘Jazzmandu’ in Oct-Nov referred to as the Biggest Jazz Party in the Himalayas for tourists who want to include an international music festival while visiting Nepal. The festival also showcases the warmth and hospitality of the Nepali people, their cultural and religious treasures at some of the most fascinating venues in Kathmandu.
Nepal – Festivals
Dassain or Dusshera is the biggest festival in Nepal. It is observed for 15 days and is celebrated most widely among the more than 50 festivals that Nepalis celebrate every year. While national festivals have fixed dates, religious festivals follow the lunar calendar and are set by astrologers. Many Nepali families also put idols of Indra and Bhairav on display during Dassain and the festival of Indra Jatra can last up to 8 or 9 days. Lord Shiva is regarded as the guardian deity of Nepal and the blessings of Pashupatinath are considered to be the saviour of Nepal.
