Nepal is an independent kingdom, and the mountain paradise is a piece of heaven in the world. Culturally and naturally very diverse land is one of the very best and most attractive tourist destinations in the world. Each year, millions of tourists visit this amazing country, and if you are also planning to visit Nepal. Please don’t be confused about what to do in Nepal, because there are a plethora of tourist activities you can do.
Nepal’s border is with two giant nations, India and China, which are naturally and culturally prosperous. Interestingly, both countries have very different cultural and natural aids and Nepal is a combination of these two countries. I mean, here in Nepal is influencing both types of cultural aspects and its own types of natural values. Observing this fusion of culture and diverse land will help answer what to do in Nepal when you travel to Nepal.
Kathmandu City Tour
Kathmandu is a cultural city of Nepal, which is known as the living museum as well. Because of the various cultural differences, temples, stupas, and daily lifestyles. Kathmandu city tour is a very popular activity among tourists because Kathmandu has many things to see. Normally, the Kathmandu city tour will be a full-day tour or a half-day tour. Here I am going to give you the highlights of the Kathmandu sightseeing trip.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Witness the history of Kathmandu Valley by making a tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is also known as the Basantapur Durbar Square or Hanuman Dokha Royal Palace. This is an ancient place located in the heart of Kathmandu and within walking distance from Thamel.
Here you can find the living goddess Kumari, and Kumari is a God very close to the Royal Family. To observe the art and architecture of Nepal, you must visit here. Alongside the art and architecture is a very valuable place to know the history of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley. Basantapur Durbar Square is the second royal palace of the Kathmandu Valley after Bhaktapur.
Inside the durbar area, there are numerous temples belonging to different gods and goddesses. The Kumari Yard is very popular because in Nepal, the Kumari is worshiped as the living God. Especially, this God is very close to the royal family. Doing the Kathmandu city tour means exploring this ancient place in Kathmandu.
Swyambhu Stupa – The Monkey Temple
Swyambhu means self-created land; Swyam means self, and Bhu means land in the Nepali language. This self-created hilltop is a promising viewpoint of the Kathmandu Valley. From the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire Kathmandu city. These are remarkably important sites for the Buddhist community. Because here we can find the real meaning of reincarnation and the meaning of fine meditation, Buddha.
This auspicious land has different legends and myths regarding how it was created. The most common one is that a long time ago, Kathmandu used to be a big lake. In the middle of that lake, there was a bright thing, and at that time, Manjushree, a Buddhist god, visited Kathmandu. She shows that light thing in the middle of the lake and realizes that it is something special.
Then he cut the Chovar Hill and took all the water away from that massive lake. When all the water went through Chovar, that bright light was something very valuable. And then he covered that light and became today’s Swyambhu Stupa. Nowadays, this is one of the significant places for Buddhist followers; it will answer the question of what to do in Kathmandu for tourists.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most powerful Hindu temples in Asia among the Hindu followers. Located on the bank of the holy Bagmati River, Pashupatinath Temple is also known as the largest cremation center in Nepal. Each day, hundreds of dead bodies will burn on the banks of the Bagmati and the compound of the Pashupati Temple. Nowadays, there is an electronic cremation center, but people still choose to burn their loved ones busy to burn.
Pashupatinath Temple stands as the most visited tourist destination in Kathmandu. Because this temple is inside a huge compound or a big territory covered by jungle. And there are a lot of other notable temples dedicated to the different gods and goddesses. Also, this Temple is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu.
Buddha Stupa
The magnificent Buddhist Stupa in the prime location of Kathmandu is famous as the Bouddhanath Stupa. This amazing stupa is the largest in the world in terms of size and its beauty. located on one corner of the Kathmandu Valley and near the holy Pashupatinath Temple. And this is one of the very important places for the Himalayan Buddhist Committee.
Hiking around the Kathmandu valley
Kathmandu is the capital city of the nation, so it is the biggest and busiest city too. It’s a valley surrounded by many hills, and there are possibilities to go hiking. Popular hiking trails like Shivapuri Hiking, Phulchoki Hiking, Champadevi Hiking, Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking, and many more. These hiking trails are a day hike to multi-day hikes. So hiking around Kathmandu is also one of the things to do in Nepal.
Explore the ancient Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is an ancient city that belongs to the early centuries of civilization in Nepal. Also, this is the first kingdom of the Kathmandu Valley in the history of Nepal. There are many things we can see while we travel there. Basically, there are four different sections to observe for the tourist, but inside Bhaktapur, there are many other local things to relish. A full-day tour for a tourist is not enough to scrutinize the whole of Bhaktapur.
Adventure and relax in Pokhara
Pokhara is the base camp for adventure activities and the very best place to relax and chill out. Planning to travel to Nepal and wondering what to do in Nepal, then Pokhara offers everything what do you want. Trekking, Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Paragliding, Sightseeing, relaxing, and many more. As Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal, there are a lot of good hotels as well.
Trekking and other adventure activities are a bit challenging but very fun too, and can be lifetime memories. Pokhara is known as the city of chilling out and relaxing after trekking to the Annapurna Himalayas. As it is an adventure hub, there are various adventure activities available as mentioned. And for mindfulness, there are Yoga and retreat activities also available. Pokhara Tour is very famous among national and international visitors.
Read this article also, Best Things to do in Pokhara
Trekking in the Himalayas
Nepal is very famous for trekking in the Himalayas. Because Nepal is the kingdom of the Himalayas, trekking trails are located from east to west. The famous trekking trail such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Upper Mustang, Langtang Trek, and many more. Trekking can be done in various ways, solo, in a group, in a tea house, camping, etc. Each year, thousands of trekkers visit Nepal, especially for trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Besides the trekking in Nepal, there will be people for mountain climbing too. And most people combine their trips to the Himalayas with trekking and climbing together. Trekking trails are categorized into two sections: normal trekking trails and restricted trekking trails. Normal trekking trails are where people can easily go for a trek, as individuals as well. On the other hand, restricted trekking trails are not allowed for trekkers without a trekking guide.
Chitwan and Bardiya Jungle Safari
People will think that for a Jungle safari, you must go to African countries. But here in Nepal also some places where you can do a jungle safari. For a jungle safari in Nepal, Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are famous. So that many tourists will go to Chitwan and Bardia for a jungle safari. If you are traveling to Nepal and wondering what to do in Nepal, then take a trip for a jungle safari. Chitwan is famous for one-horned rhinos, elephants, and other wild animals. And Bardia is famous for its Royal Bangle Tiger and Fishing.
For other adventure activities
Nepal is not only for trekking and sightseeing, but it is a land for other adventure activities such as Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Paragliding, Mountain Biking, and many more. Rafting in Trusuli, Bhotekoshi, Karnali, Seti, and many other rivers is famous for rafting. It can be day rafting or multi-day rafting on various rivers. Bungee Jumping is another thrilling adventure activity in Nepal. Bunjee can do in The Last Resort, Pokhara, and Kusma Parbat. And Mountain biking stands for the most adventurous task people will do in the Himalayas of Nepal.
