From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the serene lakes of Pokhara, Nepal is a treasure trove of beauty. As you visit this fascinating South Asian country, be ready to discover a land where history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge. You’ll find yourself exploring magnificent stupas echoing with centuries of devotion, wandering through the busy streets of Kathmandu, and marvelling in awe as you trek to some of the world’s tallest mountains.
To guide you in planning your trip, here’s our list of the most beautiful places to visit in Nepal.
Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most famous trekking destinations, renowned for its isolation and spectacular landscape scenery. Bordering the region of Tibet, the area boasts an unmistakable influence of Tibetan culture, making it an incredible destination for trekkers seeking an authentic experience with a combination of culture and natural beauty on their adventure.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a multi-day journey, from 7 to 14 days. While many would come here to trek, you can also visit this fascinating place through jeep rides or booking a helicopter tour. But for adventurous visitors, trekking is the best way to go.
Nestled deep within the Himalayas, Upper Mustang was once a forbidden kingdom, closed off to the outside world. A true gem of Nepal, trekking to this region is an experience you will never forget. As you traverse the trails, you’ll uncover a land untouched by the modern world. It’s a journey that will take you back in time.
Aside from the views, the cultural heritage will make your trekking adventure more fascinating. You will meet kind and friendly locals, happy to welcome you with open arms. Exploring their village is one of the best ways to immerse in the local culture, where ancient traditions are still strong.
Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s most famous trek, and it’s easy to see why. It takes you to the base camp of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, passing through picturesque mountain villages, lush green valleys, and suspension bridges.
If you want to walk this trail, you can contact a tour company to arrange your excursion. Since it’s a popular trail, you will find many amazing trekking tours in Nepal to take you to the Everest Base Camp. These tours include guides, permits, accommodation, and everything you need for your mountain trekking adventure.
Your trek to the Everest Base Camp begins with a 40-minute scenic mountain flight to Lukla Airport, dubbed the world’s most dangerous airport. The thrilling flight offers a chance to view the magnificent vista of the sparkling Himalayan Mountain range. After arriving in Lukla, you’ll start your journey towards the Everest Base Camp. The trek takes at least 12 days, and you’ll sleep in tea houses for the journey.
One of the places you’ll pass by is the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its flora and fauna, including the endangered red panda and snow leopard. Your trek also takes you to Sherpa settlements, where you will have a chance to learn about the local culture of the people living in the region. Many of them have migrated from Tibet hundreds of years ago.
Langtang National Park
Covering a vast area of over 1,700 square kilometres, Langtang National Park is one of the most stunning places in Nepal. It’s the Himalaya’s oldest national park established in 1976. The national park is part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, one of Nepal’s protected areas. Located in the central Himalayan region, Langtang National Park is the nearest Himalayan Park to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. It’s about 30 km north of the city, stretching towards the Tibetan border.
There are many ways to get to Langtang National Park, but the most popular is to reach its headquarters through the Trishuli Highway. Many tour companies can arrange a trip from Kathmandu to Shivapuri National Park, where you can start your trek into Langtang National Park.
Langtang National Park has three main trekking routes. Each features stunning landscape scenery and some cultural attractions. Depending on the trail, the trek could take up to three weeks. During your trek, you’ll spend the night in teahouses, lodges, hotels, and campgrounds.
Annapurna Base Camp
When planning your trip, it’s worth checking out some of the excellent trekking holidays in Nepal, a great way to see more during your break. These holidays can take you to the Annapurna Base Camp and other beautiful destinations in Nepal. Aside from the Everest Base Camp Trek, another popular trekking route in Nepal is the one that goes to Annapurna Base Camp. It’s an incredible journey taking you through the Himalayas’ diverse landscapes while passing through local villages for a cultural experience.
The Annapurna Base Camp is the base camp of Mount Annapurna. At over 8,000 metres, it is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Most treks would take up to 11 days, shorter than the Everest Base Camp Trek. It’s perfect for those who want to experience trekking holidays in Nepal but are not yet ready for the more rigorous climb to Everest.
Among the highlights is the Annapurna Sanctuary, a stunning glacial basin at an altitude of over 4000 metres. From here, you can marvel at the 360-degree panoramic views of some of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalayas.
Lumbini
As the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, Lumbini is one of the most visited areas in Nepal. It’s a famous pilgrimage site and an ideal place for those interested in history, religion, and archaeology.
The Lumbini complex is part of a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of several monasteries established by various Buddhist countries. You’ll likely encounter pilgrims from countries like Thailand, China, and Burma shuffling past the main shrine. The complex also houses an ancient bathing pond, the sacred Bodhi tree, the Mayadevi Temple, and the Ashokan pillar.
Getting to Lumbini requires a five-hour drive from the lake town of Pokhara. You can also take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and drive to Lumbini. Many tour companies in Nepal can arrange your visit, depending on whether you will travel by land or air.
