Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries in our list. Also, it is one of the most diverse countries from the perspective geography and altitude. If you go from south to north, which is roughly 193 km, the altitude jumps gradually from 80 m to 8848 m. This is one of the most amazing things about this nation. The quality that gives it the scenic variation that is rare. That’s why we have prepared a list of top 10 places to visit in Nepal.

Nepal is not just about nature, it’s one of those nations in our list that has a very rich history and culture. People have been living here for thousands of years, and somehow, they’ve been able to preserve their traditions, which make the state further fascinating.

Top 10 places to visit in Nepal

#1. Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. It is the oldest as well as the most developed city in the country. The place is in close proximity with the neighboring cities of Patan and Bhaktapar, and together, they offer so many options for the tourists.

kathmandu valley — kathmandu Valley – Image Source

The three cities are mostly known for their historical palace complexes, or Durbar Squares. Hundreds of years old, these complexes have a historical significance, as they acted as places of residences for the Kings of Malla regime. Around these complexes are numerous temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Kathmandu Valley which consists of the 3 cities is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites. One can easily make a visit to all these places in a short span of time. Quite near to the valley are various settlements like Dhulikhel, Banepa, Nagarkot, Chitlang and Naubise, each of them are known for their natural beauty, and resorts offering weekend getaways for the locals living in the city.

#2. Pokhara

Pokhara is one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal and thus in our list of top 10 Places to Visit in Nepal. Surrounded by hills on all sides, the city is 205 km west of Kathmandu. Pokhara is also known as the City of Lakes, and features two of the major lakes of Nepal – Phewa Lake and Begnas Lake. Quite close to the mountains, the valley offers amazing views of the mountains like Annapurna (8091 m), Machapuchare (6993 m) and so on.

Pokhara is an official starting point of major trekking routes in the country, meaning that anyone who wants to trek in these routes has to make a stop here. The trekking routes include Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghandruk to Ghorepani Trek and so on.

Apart from these there are many other attractions in Pokhara like Mahendra Caves, World Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot, which is viewpoint situated in the northwest part of the city.

The city also offers adventure sporting opportunities to the visitors like paragliding, hot balloon ride, zip flying, ultralight and so on.

#3. Janakpur

Janakpur is another one of the oldest cities in the country. It is the home to Janaki Temple, which is considered as one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. Janakpur has been mentioned in the Indian epic Ramayana, as the state ruled by King Janak, the father of Sita. The places shares its border with the Indian state of Bihar.

Janakpur is famous mostly because of its temples, and the Mithila culture, which, up to a great extent, is quite similar to that of the culture of the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Influences can be noticed not just in context of cultures but also the lifestyle of people, the traditions and food, which is highly due to the shared history that these regions share.

#4. Lumbini

Lumbini is yet another pilgrimage site on our list. It is believed to be the region where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Gautam Buddha, and where he lived as a part of the Shakya clan, before he left everything and went to gain enlightenment. The place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini- One of the 10 Places to Visit in Nepal — Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini – PC – Tmilsina Bimal

Lumbini is a huge complex with numerous temples and monasteries. Apart from these little monuments, there are two other significant relics. The first one is the Mayadevi Temple, which is believed to be built on the exact spot of Gautam Buddha’s birth. The second relic is the Ashokan Pillar, built by the Maurya King of India, King Ashoka, during his visit.

#5. Chitwan

Chitwan is one of the most visited places in Nepal, by local as well as international tourists. The most popular place to visit in Chitwan is a village known as Sauraha. Situated In close proximity to Chitwan National Park, one of the major national parks in Nepal, this place has quite a few attractions.

These include Tharu Museum, with portrayals of Tharu community’s lifestyle and culture, The Elephant Breeding Centre, and Devghat, a Hindu Pilgrimage Site. This place also hosts International Elephant Polo games every year, which is quite a spectacular thing to witness.

Chitwan National Park is the main attraction in this area. One can go for activities such as boat rides in the wild rivers, jungle safari and elephant rides. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is known to be the home of 800 species of animals, birds and fishes, few of which include One-Horned Rhinoceros, Oriental White Backed Vulture and Bengal Tigers.

#6. Jomsom

Jomsom is a Himalayan village located in the northwest part of Nepal. It is one of those places which has gained huge popularity in the last few years. Situated on the bank of the Kali Gandaki River, the place is known for its dry terrain and cold weather. It is the gateway to Mustang District, or the land beyond the mountains. This is a must visit place in our list of top 10 Places to Visit in Nepal.

Sunlight Reflected By Mountains In Jomson, Nepal - One of the top 10 places to visit in Nepal — Sunlight Reflected By Mountains In Jomson, Nepal – PC Sergey Ashmarin

The place offers amazing views of mountains like the Annapurna Massif (8091 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and Nilgiri (7061 m). Jomsom is a part of three of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal – Jomson Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek and Upper Mustang Trek. Very close to Jomsom is the temple of Muktinath, which is yet another holy pilgrimage site of Nepal.

#7. Illam

Illam is a hill station situated on the eastern part of Nepal a must visit place when in Nepal. It is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal, mainly because of its lush green and hilly landscapes, which include the world famous tea gardens. Tourists tend to visit this place and spend 2-3 days here in the well facilitated resorts among the hills, and the peace and serenity that they offers.

Way to one of the famous cottage Antu cottage, Illam – PC – Wikipedia User Hari Gurung

The region is also the home to the indigenous cultures of Limbus, Gurungs, Rais, Yakhas and so on. Experiencing their hospitality, getting to know about them, and tasting their cuisines is one of the best things to be indulged in.

#8. Gorkha

Gorkha is one of the most historically significant places in the country. The place where it all started, i.e. the unification process of all the small states that stands integrated as a single nation – Nepal.

The place is known for its monuments, mainly the Gorkha Palace, which acted as a place of residence for kings of the Shah Dynasty. Another crucial place to visit is the Manakamana Temple, another holy pilgrimage site for the Hindus. It receives thousands of devotees from all around the world every year.

Gorkha is situated among the hills, so it offers various beautiful landscapes and viewpoints that is sure to attract you. Also, the district is home of few of the highest peaks in the world like Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), and offers amazing views of Mt. Ganesh and Mt. Dhaulagiri.

#9. Solukhumbu

Solukhumbu is a Himalayan district situated in the northeast part of Nepal. The region is known for few of the most beautiful mountain villages in Nepal, one of which is Namche Bazaar, also known as the Gateway to Mt. Everest.

Breathtaking View of Namchi Bazar-Gateway to Mt. Everest – Image Source- Welcomenepal.com

The region is also known for Sagarmatha National Park, which is few of the highest altitude national parks in the world. The mountains that are a part of this area include Mt. Everest (8848 m), Mt Nuptse (7861 m), Mt. Pumori (7161 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m) and so on.

Few of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal happen to fall in this region. Few of these include Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Lake Trek, Khumbu Valley Trek and so on.

Sagarmatha National Park is home to 118 species of birds, and numerous species of animals that include Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Thars, Himalayana Black Bears and so on.

#10. Bardiya

Bardiya is a district situated in the mid-western corner of Nepal. Presenting the travelers the beauty of the plains, the regions mainly consists of fields and meadows, and is covered with thick forests. The region is particularly known for Bardiya National Park, which is yet another significant national park of Nepal.

Altogether, 53 species of mammals and 407 species of birds have been recorded in this park. Few of them include Swamp Deer, Gangetic Dolphin, Grey Crowned Prinia, Bar-Headed Geese and so on.

Due to the tributaries of Karnali River, one of the biggest river in Nepal, flowing through this area, around 125 species of fishes have been recorded in this region.

Apart from the heritages and nature, the one other thing that makes this country worth visiting is the friendly and co-operative people. The Nepalese are certainly the warmest people in the world. They are sure to make your visit more memorable. I hope you liked our list of top 10 Places to Visit in Nepal. If you have any other places that you think should be included in this list do let us know through the comment form below.

So make sure to try these places out during your next visit to Nepal. Totally worth it!