Nepal is a stunning nation with an amazing culture. We’ll try not to ramble or sound too corny, but Nepal is one of those nations that are truly breathtaking and completely diverse. Before your trip, you might have assumed that the Mountains and Kathmandu were the only worthwhile tourist destinations in Nepal. Well, they’re both excellent. Nevertheless, Nepal offers much more than simply its mountains and its city; there are a ton of incredible spots to explore there.

So, Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Nepal with this guide to the must-see temples and historic sites. From Kathmandu to Janakpur, discover the best of Nepal’s cultural attractions.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in Nepal, known for its ancient temples and bustling streets. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and the famous Pashupatinath Temple. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.

  • How to get there: Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or take a bus from other cities in Nepal.
  • What to see and do: Explore Durbar Square, visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and see the holy Bagmati River at Pashupatinath Temple.
  • Where to stay: Thamel and Boudha are popular areas for accommodation, with options ranging from budget hostels to upscale hotels.

Pokhara

Pokhara city as well as the whole of Pokhara valley is a popular tourist destination in Nepal, known for its stunning lakes and mountain views, including Phewa Lake, the Annapurna mountain range, and the Peace Pagoda. There, you can enjoy boating on the lake, paragliding, trekking, and exploring the local markets. When you visit the beautiful city, you can go boating on Phewa Lake, visit the Bindabasini Mandir, and go trekking in the nearby Annapurna region. 

  • How to get there: Take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara or take a bus from Kathmandu or other cities in Nepal.
  • What to see and do: Go boating on Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, and go trekking in the Annapurna region.
  • Where to stay: Lakeside is the main area for accommodation, with options ranging from budget guesthouses to lakeside resorts.

 

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best places to see wildlife in Nepal. If you want, you can go on a jungle safari to spot Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and other animals. 

  • How to get there: Take a bus or a flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur, the nearest city to Chitwan National Park. From there, take a taxi or a local bus to the park.
  • What to see and do: Go on a jungle safari, visit the Tharu Cultural Museum, and take a walk through the jungle with a local guide.
  • Where to stay: Sauraha is the main area for accommodation, with options ranging from luxury lodges to budget guesthouses.

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is a popular trekking trail in Nepal, known for its stunning mountain views and diverse landscapes. The trail takes visitors through remote villages, high mountain passes, and lush forests. Accommodation options range from basic teahouses to luxury lodges.

  • How to get there: Take a bus or a jeep from Kathmandu to Besishahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit.
  • What to see and do: Trek through remote villages, cross high mountain passes, and enjoy stunning mountain views.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options include basic teahouses and luxury lodges along the trekking trail.

Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is a bucket-list destination for many trekkers, offering stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The trek takes you through remote villages, high mountain passes, and glacial moraines. 

  • How to get there: Take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the starting point of the Everest Base Camp trek.
  • What to see and do: Trek to the base of Mount Everest, cross high mountain passes, and enjoy stunning mountain views.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options include basic teahouses and luxury lodges along the trekking trail.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Nepal. Visitors can explore Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, and other historic sites. Accommodation options range from basic guesthouses to luxury hotels.

  • How to get there: Take a bus or a flight from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur, which is located about 13 kilometers east of the city center.
  • What to see and do: You can explore Durbar Square, visit the Nyatapola Temple, and see traditional Newari architecture.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options for Bhaktapur range from basic guesthouses to luxury hotels in and around Bhaktapur.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The other two durbar squares are in Bhaktapur and Patan, all inside Kathmandu valley. Visitors can explore historic buildings, temples, and palaces, including the Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the Kumari Bahal. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.

  • How to get there: Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of Kathmandu and can be reached by taxi or public transport.
  • What to see and do: Explore the historic buildings, temples, and palaces in the square, including the Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the Kumari Bahal.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels in and around Kathmandu.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. Pilgrims and tourists can climb the 365 steps to the stupa and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu. 

  • How to get there: Swayambhunath Stupa is located on a hill west of Kathmandu and can be reached by taxi or public transport.
  • What to see and do: Climb the 365 steps to the stupa, explore the temple complex, and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels in and around Kathmandu.

Langtang National Park

There are quite a few national parks in Nepal. Among them, Langtang National Park is located in the Himalayas in Central Nepal. The park offers stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and opportunities for trekking and mountaineering. On the national park, you can explore the park’s forests, glaciers, and high mountain passes. Accommodation options range from basic teahouses to luxury lodges.

  • How to get there: Take a bus or a jeep from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the starting point of treks in Langtang National Park.
  • What to see and do: Trek through forests, cross high mountain passes, and enjoy stunning mountain views.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options for visitors include basic teahouses and luxury lodges along the trekking trails in Langtang National Park.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is another one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the best places to see wildlife in Nepal. Nature lovers can go on jungle safaris to see tigers, rhinos, elephants, and other animals.

  • How to get there: Chitwan National Park is located in southern Nepal and can be reached by bus or private car from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • What to see and do: Go on a jungle safari to see tigers, rhinos, elephants, and other animals, and visit the Tharu villages and cultural programs.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from basic lodges to luxury resorts in and around Chitwan National Park.

Lumbini

Many people already know about Lumbini. If you don’t, Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of the Buddha. There are Sacred Gardens to visit, which contain several temples and monuments and learn about the life of the Buddha. If you visit there, you can explore the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and other historic sites. Accommodation options range from basic lodges to luxury hotels.

  • How to get there: Lumbini is located in southern Nepal and can be reached by bus or private car from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • What to see and do: Explore the Sacred Garden, visit the Maya Devi Temple, and learn about the life of the Buddha.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from basic lodges to luxury hotels in and around Lumbini.

Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park is a remote and pristine wilderness area in western Nepal and one of the best places to see wildlife in the country. The national park offers jungle safaris to see tigers, elephants, rhinos, and other animals. Accommodation options range from basic lodges to luxury resorts.

  • How to get there: Bardia National Park is located in western Nepal and can be reached by bus or private car from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • What to see and do: Go on a jungle safari to see tigers, elephants, rhinos, and other animals, and visit the Tharu villages and cultural programs.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from basic lodges to luxury resorts in and around Bardia National Park.

Bandipur

Bandipur is a traditional Newari town located on a hilltop in central Nepal. For tourists visiting there, you can explore the town’s historic buildings and temples, enjoy stunning mountain views, and go on hikes in the surrounding hills. 

  • How to get there: Bandipur is located about 140 kilometers west of Kathmandu and can be reached by bus or private car.
  • What to see and do: Explore the historic buildings and temples in the town, enjoy stunning mountain views, and go on hikes in the surrounding hills.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from basic guesthouses to luxury hotels in and around Bandipur.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley and one of the best places to see Newari architecture and art. If you go there, you can explore the palace complex and the temples, which date back to the 12th century. 

  • How to get there: Bhaktapur is located about 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu and can be reached by bus or taxi.
  • What to see and do: Explore the palace complex and the temples in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and learn about Newari architecture and art.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels in and around Bhaktapur.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pilgrims from anywhere in the world can witness Hindu cremation ceremonies on the banks of the Bagmati River and explore the temple complex. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.

  • How to get there: Pashupatinath Temple is located about 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu and can be reached by bus or taxi.
  • What to see and do: Witness Hindu cremation ceremonies on the banks of the Bagmati River, explore the temple complex, and learn about Hinduism.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels in and around Pashupatinath Temple.

Patan Durbar Square

Similar to Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley and one of the best places to see Newari architecture and art. Travelers and history enthusiasts can explore the palace complex and the temples, which date back to the 17th century. You can also explore historic buildings, temples, and palaces, including the Krishna Mandir and the Bhimsen Temple. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.

  • How to get there: Patan is located about 5 kilometers south of Kathmandu and can be reached by bus or taxi.
  • What to see and do: Explore the palace complex and the temples in Patan Durbar Square, and learn about Newari architecture and art.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels in and around Patan.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is also another one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and home to Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. People can go on treks to see stunning mountain views and explore the Sherpa culture. Accommodation options range from basic lodges, teahouses, tents to luxury hotels.

  • How to get there: Sagarmatha National Park is located in eastern Nepal and can be reached by plane or bus from Kathmandu.
  • What to see and do: Go on a trek to see stunning mountain views, explore the Sherpa culture, and visit the Mount Everest Base Camp.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from basic lodges to luxury hotels in and around Sagarmatha National Park.

Ilam

Ilam is a small town in eastern Nepal and one of the best places to see tea gardens and taste organic tea. It is popular for walks in the tea gardens, visit the tea factories, and learn about tea production. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.

  • How to get there: Ilam is located about 600 kilometers east of Kathmandu and can be reached by bus or private car.
  • What to see and do: Go on walks in the tea gardens, visit the tea factories, and taste organic tea.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels in and around Ilam.

Rara Lake

Rara Lake is a remote and pristine alpine lake in western Nepal and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The lake itself is Nepal’s largest lake and one of the best places to visit in Nepal. Due to this, you can enjoy boating in Rara, trekking around the lake due to the lake’s size, and camping in the wilderness. Accommodation options range from basic lodges to camping.

  • How to get there: Rara Lake is located in the Rara National Park in western Nepal and can be reached by plane from Kathmandu to Talcha Airport, followed by a trek to the lake.
  • What to see and do: Enjoy boating on the lake, trekking around the lake, and camping in the wilderness. Watch the colorful sunsets over the lake and gaze at the starry night skies.
  • Where to stay: Accommodation options range from basic lodges to camping in the wilderness around Rara Lake.