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Must See Places for First-time Visitors in Nepal

After visiting Nepal, everyone leaves with a smile and is eager to return from the moment you arrive. Exploring its towns and cities is a fantastic adventure. It has a captivating spiritual vibe and a place where you can become a true explorer. Nepal’s outdoor activities and delicious food will unavoidably Fascinate you.

Here are the 10 best places to visit in Nepal, but before we get started, I hope you like heights.

Pokhara

The tourist capital of Nepal is the second largest city in this Himalayan country. After Kathmandu, the town’s highlight is its Lakeside, a boating paradise flanked by charming shops, dreamy cafes, restaurants, and pubs that make up this post-guard-perfect town. This city is a beautiful contrast to the bustling lakeside. Pokhara, which is home to many beautiful historical temples, has Fewa Lake or Phewa taal, a spectacular lake that borders Lakeside.

Fewa Taal flawlessly reflects the mountains that border it, making it a breathtaking photo opportunity. For adventure enthusiasts, Pokhara is a popular starting point for many treks in the Anna Hna range, as well as many paragliding and river rafting opportunities. 

Kathmandu 

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, and we assure you this city’s downtown is different from everything you know. The first thing that’ll surprise you is the diversity of colors and aromas.

A unique mix that will quickly make you feel immersed in a different culture. And with a lot of mysticism, it’s a very dynamic city. With exotic shops in the capital of this country, you will find a large number of temples. We recommend visiting the Swayambu Suppa, known as the Monkey Temple, and visiting Durbar Square.

Here you can view traditional, intact and striking architecture. Kathmandu is a city that houses the most undamaged and prominent traditional architecture in the country. Finally, we recommend you visit Tamo, the place made for tourists and people. It’s the place you need to go when you want to enjoy the nightlife in Nepal.

Nagarkot

If you’re looking for peace, relaxation, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, then you should take the time to visit Nagarkot during your stay in Nepal.

Nagarkot gives you one of the widest panoramas of the Himalayan ranges. Here you can spot eight out of the 13 Himalayan ranges from the comfort of your hotel. A worthwhile summer retreat of Nepali Indian and British royalty. This village rose to fame after tourists flocked to the area in recent years.

The idyllic village sits serenely in the midst of nature. The only sounds you can hear are the birds chirping and the breeze whistling through the pines. 

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is a wildlife reserve that is well known to people for its location, which is dominated by Mount Everest in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal.

Tourists have been flocking to the area over the years because of the stunning scenery and the adventurous trails for trekking and hiking. It’s also a preservation site for rare species of animals and birds like the red Panda and the snow leopard. The wildlife sanctuary stretches over 1,100 square kilometers. It is recognized as an imminent bird sanctuary by BirdLife International, making it a highly important tourist attraction for people who enjoy mountaineering and bird watching.

Bhaktapur

This is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal, and it preserves some medieval buildings in exceptional conditions. Actually, the best preserved in terms of architecture, even topping Patan. You can discover a variety of temples, fares, and markets. At one time, it was the ancient capital of the country and a significant factor in the country’s economy. 

Nowadays, its streets have become the cultural center of Nepal, and you only have to see the many artists living within the city of ancient beauty to confirm it. As we said before, Bhaktapur has many temples. The most striking is the huge Nyatopola, with its five floors. It’s the most important religious building since ancient times. 

Baudha Stupa

Baudha is located on the outskirts of Katmandu. Here you can find an enormous manifestation of Tibetan culture. That’s why it houses the largest stupa in Nepal. It’s so significant that hundreds of pilgrims travel to it every day to walk around it in a Buddhist ritual.

But the true spiritual magic of this temple is that Buddhist worshipers also pilgrim to it every day to perform their walking ritual. This is where all the people go for peace of mind

Lumbini

Lumbini is the town where Buddha was born, and we all know that Buddha is one of the most recognized spiritual figures in the world. Being in Nepal and not visiting the place where Buddha was born means missing the true essence of Nepal’s culture and diversity. 

Here you can see the Maya Devi Temple, where the birth of Buddha is commemorated, and feel the energy of its sacred pond and tree. There is also the palace where Buddha lived and other places related to the life of Buddha. But Lumbini is not only a place with a great spiritual history. It’s also a special place for nature and adventure lovers.

Chitwan National Park 

In this stunning place within the heart of the jungle, you can see elephants and wild nature as one of the most significant parks in Asia. It’s proudly located in Southcentral Nepal. It’s famous for its jungle. Yes, but it also has forest areas and grassland planes.

The Bengal tiger prowls within its jungles. And if you’re lucky enough, you may get to see one, just not up so close. You could enjoy a safari to see the animals sail in a canoe and take a ride on an elephant or oxen. Several endangered species and a wide variety of vegetation are protected in the park.

Janakpur 

Janakpur, also known as the city of ponds, with more than 70 ponds that dot its very landscape. Here you can learn more about the ancient and revered Hindu God Ram. And its significance today, the Ram Temple is the main attraction in Janakpur. The pleasant weather and the grand and colorful festivities throughout the year.

The stunning architecture of the temples and the friendly locals make gen poor a favorite spot for tourists and pilgrims alike. 

Patan 

One of the most intriguing places to visit in Nepal is Patan, which also goes by the name of Lalitpur. It’s a divine place to witness serenity and spirituality, brimming with stunning temples and picturesque landscapes.

Patan Durbar square is the most famous place here, which houses beautifully carved temples, statues, and palaces. Within the premises of Durbar Square, one can visit Paton Museum to get an insight into the glorifying. Of Patan, you are now ready to embark on your journey to one of the world’s most enigmatic and impressive countries.

What do you guys think about the list, and what do you like the most about this beautiful valley? If you want to visit Pokhara, we have got you covered.

Cost includes:

  • Arrival & Departure transport via private Car/Van/Bus.
  • Three meals per day throughout the Trip(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Accommodation during the trek.
  • Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B.
  • Guide and a porter with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara valley with a car and tour guide
  • First Aid kit.
  • Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
  • TIMS card (Trekking information management system) is like a permit.
  • All needed government tax/vat.

Cost excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days and US$ 30 for 15 days; you should get a visa open your arrival)
  • Any kind of drinks, items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, missing meal, WIFI Porters, etc.
  • Tips for Guide and Porters

After you’ve enjoyed the thrilling and joyful experience, you can choose whether to visit other beautiful places in Nepal or head back home. No matter what you choose, we hope you have a fantastic time.

We can accommodate group tours for this trip; however, you may also opt for a private tour according to your liking. We can arrange private trips at any time of the year at any date of your choosing. Please let us know. If you have the opportunity to go to Nepal, you now know which places to see first. Enjoy your experience, and have a safe journey.

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The Classic Nepal Tour

Historically, Nepal has been heavily shaped by two of its neighbors, India and China, due to its geographical location. This region has attracted many settlers over the centuries, resulting in a strong diversity of cultures. Nepal is today an increasingly popular destination for tourists, mountaineers, and spiritual seekers. Have a wonderful time if you decide to travel to Nepal as well.

Here at Pokhara Info, we work towards making the best out of your travel to Nepal. Our classic tour of Nepal combines the tours of three of the most popular cities in Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, in addition to a few nearby attractions.

During the tour, you’d:

  • Get to know the historical cities within Kathmandu Valley
  • Visit Nagarkot, a village on the hilltop that offers stunning views of the Himalayas
  • Experience a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park in Nepal
  • Discover Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini
  • Explore the gorgeous city and the lakes of Pokhara

Getting to Kathmandu

With the exception of India, you require a Nepalese visa in order to get to Nepal. However, it’s fairly easy to get a visa when you arrive in Kathmandu or from a Nepalese Embassy in your country. As you fly into Kathmandu, you’ll see stunning views of the city, the Himalayas, and terraced fields below.

We’ll have a representative greet you as you exit customs and help you navigate Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets on your way to Nagarkot, in the hills northeast of Kathmandu, one hour away. If you decide to hike the 2-3 hours to Nagarkot instead of driving, your luggage will be waiting at the hotel in the village. After a long flight, a moderate hike through villages and farm fields allows you to stretch your legs with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.

From Nagarkot to Bhaktapur

Having a good breakfast at the start of the day will fuel you for the trip to Bhaktapur, which is about an hour or so from Nagarkot. After witnessing the gorgeous sunrise from Nagarkot, you can either drive to Bhaktapur within an hour or hike there (4 hours).

During the hike, visitors pass through Changu Narayan, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kathmandu Valley. The temple in Changu Narayan is one of the least visited among such sites in the valley, making it a special place to visit. Located in Nepal, this ancient temple is believed to date back to the 13th century.

The medieval Newari city of Bhaktapur was severely damaged by the 2015 earthquake, but many of its magnificent buildings are still standing, including the tallest temple in Kathmandu Valley and the five-story Nyatapola Temple. Many of the town’s squares are used to dry pottery, which is a product of the fine Newari crafts.

From Bhaktapur to Patan

After exploring Bhaktapur’s temples and courtyards, you’ll travel to Patan, about an hour away. If you’re looking for souvenirs, Patan is the best place in the Kathmandu Valley for you to do so. Similar to Bhaktapur, the town is full of traditional Newari craftspeople, so there are shops that sell Buddhist thangkas, metal statues, jewelry of all kinds, and copper and brass cookware.

While Patan doesn’t have as many hotels as central Kathmandu, the number is growing at a rapid pace, but that’s to the discerning traveler’s advantage. Several local heritage buildings have been converted into beautiful boutique guesthouses.

Getting to Chitwan

As you wake up the next morning, you will depart for the famous Terai region of Nepal, Chitwan National Park, where the terrain and culture are totally different from Kathmandu and the Himalayas.

‘Terai’ refers to the huge plains in Nepal’s south, which are the northernmost extension of the great Gangetic plains of India. These plains have been won and lost in decades of conflict and are a mixture of Indian and Nepali characteristics in terms of people and traditions. As soon as you arrive at the airport in Chitwan, a representative from your lodge will pick you up, and you will be at the lodge in time for lunch unless you choose an afternoon flight. Furthermore, a briefing on the activities is available to you for the afternoon and the next day.

Exploring Chitwan

You may participate in a number of activities available in Chitwan, or you may choose to relax and explore on your own. With a full day of jungle safari activities, you can spend time with Nepal’s majestic elephants and search for wildlife in the dense jungles or go on a boat safari on the river to see wildlife and birdlife along the banks of the river.

There are a variety of animals in Chitwan, including the greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, sambar deer, and barking deer, as well as a large variety of birds. In addition, there is always the possibility of seeing a leopard, sloth bear, or Royal Bengal tiger. Tiger sightings have become more frequent in recent years, despite the rarity of spotting a tiger these days.

Excursion to Lumbini

You leave Chitwan after breakfast and drive about 3-4 hours to Lumbini. Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site near the Indian border in Nepal’s Kapilavastu district, where Queen Mayadevi is said to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.

Lumbini is one of four pilgrimage sites that sprouted up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha, the other three being Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. In Lumbini, you will find ancient ruins of ancient monasteries, a sacred Bodhi tree, a bathing pond, a sacred Asokan pillar, and the Mayadevi temple, which is the exact site of Buddha’s birth.

The site is a popular place for pilgrims from around the world to meditate and chant in the mornings and evenings. Aside from the Crane Sanctuary, Lumbini also boasts the Eurasian Wigeon Migration and the Booted Eagle Migration. Binoculars are a must for catching a glimpse of the birds such as eagles, harriers, and grebes.

Getting to Pokhara

You will have time to enjoy the sunrise and explore Lumbini before being taken to Bhairawa airport for your flight to Pokhara. When you arrive in Pokhara, you will be taken to the hotel by private car.

You have the rest of the day to relax or enjoy a variety of activities in Pokhara. You might want to check out the cafes and restaurants, go shopping, or even try something more adventurous, like paragliding and mountain biking. On the next day, you can choose to indulge in numerous activities available in Pokhara, such as boating, lake seeing, picnics, or trekkings. Floating on the blue waters of Lake Phewa with views of the Himalayas is an unforgettable experience that you will not forget. You should also explore Mahendra Caves and Chamero Gufa; otherwise, you might miss out on some ecological wonders. 

The entirety of the tour can last from seven days to twelve days. However, if you really love any of the locations mentioned above, you can spend a few more days there according to your wish.

Cost includes:

  • Arrival & Departure transport via private Car/Van/Bus.
  • Three meals per day throughout the Trip(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Accommodation during the trek.
  • Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B.
  • Guide and a porter with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara valley with a car and tour guide
  • First Aid kit.
  • Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
  • TIMS card (Trekking information management system) is like a permit.
  • All needed government tax/vat.

Cost excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days and US$ 30 for 15 days; you should get a visa open your arrival)
  • Any kind of drinks, items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, missing meal, WIFI Porters, etc.
  • Tips for Guide and Porters

After you’ve enjoyed the thrilling and joyful experience, you can choose whether to visit other beautiful places in Nepal or head back home. No matter what you choose, we hope you have a fantastic time.

We can accommodate group tours for this trip; however, you may also opt for a private tour according to your liking. We can arrange private trips at any time of the year at any date of your choosing. Please let us know what your preferred travel dates are so that we can accommodate you.

Finally, we will transfer you to Pokhara’s domestic airport after breakfast for your flight back home to Kathmandu. Furthermore, if you are flying back home from Kathmandu today, please schedule your flight to depart no earlier than 11 am to ensure you’ll have enough time to catch your flight.

 

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Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

The short Chisapani Nagarkot hike is an ideal weekend getaway from the city hustle and bustle. Chisapani Nagarkot can be accessed year-round, so you can hike this trail year-round. The Trek to Chisapani Nagarkot in Kathmandu Valley Ridge is a short and easy one that combines typical life, ethnic culture, and mountain scenery.

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is ideal for children, families, students, and those who have limited time in Nepal and still want to explore rural Nepal. The Trek provides an exceptional experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life. At the same time, the Trek provides an exceptional contrast to the busy life of Kathmandu city for people from there, other cities in Nepal, or for people living abroad. 

The Journey around the mesmerizing destinations through the outskirts of the Kathmandu valley is full of pleasant hilly trails with stunning natural landscapes away from the crowds in the city. As a perfect retreat for explorers wishing to experience Nepal’s striking beauty within a short time, this adventure can be the perfect one for you. Besides the health benefits of the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, the Trek is also a great opportunity to enjoy Kathmandu valley’s serene surroundings.

About the Region

The trek starts in Sundarijal, a 1 hr drive from Kathmandu Valley, and ends in Changu Narayan. It is one of the most eye-pleasing and classic treks in Nepal. Trekking in the Nagarkot area is best suited for those limited in time, budget, and beginners who still want to experience Nepal’s natural beauty and culture. Trekking is a perfect way to explore blended cultural and natural features.

A dense jungle walk, terraces, farming, traditional lifestyles, world heritage sites, massif chain of the Himalayas surroundings, and temples are major reasons for the Trek’s popularity. Both domestic and foreign tourists enjoy the Trek equally. As a strategic hilltop fort built to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms, Nagarkot is located 32 km east of Kathmandu valley and 2175m from sea level.

Preparing for the Trek

From Chisapani to Nagarkot, including Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, your hikes are neither at a high altitude nor rural; however, they are long yet relaxing. So you should prepare accordingly.

Our group of friends took these things with us on our first trip to the area. We recommend you do the same.

  • Energy drink and water bottle
  • Backpack
  • Flashlight
  • Walking stick
  • Well-fitting gloves, socks, and hiking shoes or boots
  • First aid kit
  • Sun Protection cream
  • Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
  • Trekking bag (Rucksack)
  • Duffel bag
  • Large plastic bags

Nonetheless, if you forget any of these items, you can easily find them in trek shops at the start of the Trek.

Trek Itinerary

Our walk today will be through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and the forest. We have seen Himalayan black bears, Indian leopards, and other wildlife here. If you're lucky enough, you might see some smaller animals, such as mongooses, porcupines, jungle cats, pangolins, etc. If you're a birder, be sure to see the yellow-throated marten, along with dozens of other species.

While hiking, we will stop for lunch at Chauki Bhanjyang or Jhule before continuing to Nagarkot in time to observe the sunset over the Himalayan range. The many hotels in this famous hill station, which range from inexpensive to deluxe, allow us to enjoy a good dinner before taking in the views from the watching tower or from another location. The hill station is located at an elevation of 2,175m and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest at 8,848m, Cho Oyu at 8,188m, Makalu at 8,463m, and Manaslu at 8,163m, plus spectacular sunsets. We stay overnight at a lodge in Nagarkot.

 

Today, our goal is to capture a spectacular sunrise over the snowcapped mountains as early as possible in the morning. The Nagarkot sunrise is quite popular among people from Kathmandu. You can see a beautiful mountain range as the clouds rise and drop, revealing and hiding and revealing the majestic peaks again. You can take in all of these experiences while enjoying the fresh cool air while eating a hot breakfast.

On the way back from this feat of nature, we reach Changu Narayan Temple, some four hours (mainly downhill) away. This is an ancient temple in Nepal dedicated to Lord Vishnu, believed to be the oldest in the country.

UNESCO and other organizations have worked hard to restore the Changu Narayan Monument Zone following the 2015 earthquake. In addition to the temples, the impressive living museum in the region offers a glimpse into Nepali and Newari culture, art, and history, untouched by the earthquake.

Afterward, we can return back home by bus or a private vehicle. The drive to Kathmandu from Changu Narayan is relatively short.

 

This three-day trekking package is perfect for those who enjoy hiking in scenic areas for three days and staying overnight in a resort. It offers a pleasant experience of the countryside and excellent mountain views. If you decide to continue with the Trek, remember to treasure all the wonderful memories you experience during the Trek, both during and when you get home.

Cost includes:

  • Arrival & Departure transport via private Car/Van/Bus.
  • Three meals per day throughout the Trip(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Accommodation during the trek.
  • Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B.
  • Guide and a porter with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara valley with a car and tour guide
  • First Aid kit.
  • Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
  • TIMS card (Trekking information management system) is like a permit.
  • All needed government tax/vat.

Cost excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days and US$ 30 for 15 days; you should get a visa open your arrival)
  • Any kind of drinks, items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, missing meal, WIFI Porters, etc.
  • Tips for Guide and Porters

After you’ve enjoyed the thrilling and joyful experience, you can choose whether to visit other beautiful places in Nepal or head back home. No matter what you choose, we hope you have a fantastic time.

We can accommodate group tours for this trip; however, you may also opt for a private tour according to your liking. We can arrange private trips at any time of the year at any date of your choosing. Please let us know what your preferred travel dates are so that we can accommodate you.