The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is an amazing place to travel. It’s popular among trekkers and mountain climbers but it’s more than just trekking and Everest it is a country with amazing food, ancient history, unique cultures, and hospitable people. Here is brief list of the best places to visit for a mix of culture and natural beauty.

Starting off with my personal favorite place in Nepal…Bandipur. Bandipur is a charming hilltop town located in the Tanahun district of Nepal, approximately 143 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Perched at an elevation of around 1,030 meters (3,380 feet). Bandipur is a laid back village that has recently started to pop up on the tourist trail, but is still has an undiscovered feel. It is a good central location between Pokhara and Kathmandu making it an ideal addition to a Nepal itinerary. The ancient town is well preserved with traditional Newari architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and small bazaars. Bandipur is renowned for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. The town provides numerous vantage points where visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, over looking rice terraces with the Himalayas in the background. Bandipur’s hiking routes take you through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, allowing you to experience the tranquil beauty of the Nepali countryside. My two favorite hikes were hiking to the top of Bandipur Great Wall and to Ramkot Village. Bandipur's peaceful ambiance, well-preserved architecture, stunning mountain views, and cultural richness create a unique and captivating atmosphere. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling cities and is an ideal place to take it slow for two or three days.

Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is an ancient city located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It is one of the three royal cities of the valley, alongside Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. It is the best preserved royal city and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, exquisite architecture, and vibrant arts and crafts scene. Patan is my favorite place to stay in Kathmandu valley as it is much more authentic and local feeling then Thamel, but is only a 20-40min taxi ride away from Thamel. Patan is situated just a few kilometers south of Kathmandu and can be easily reached by road. The city has a distinct charm, with its well-preserved Newari architecture, narrow winding streets, and bustling market squares. Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of the city and showcases an impressive collection of temples, palaces, and courtyards that date back to the medieval period.Patan boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Patan is also known for its vibrant street life and bustling bazaars. The narrow alleys are lined with shops selling traditional handicrafts, textiles, and spices. Visitors can explore the vibrant markets, interact with the friendly locals, and savor the flavors of Newari cuisine in the many traditional restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the city. If you are not into the backpacker vibes of Thamel and want more cultural immersion I recommend staying in Patan. Patan is much sleepier and local with very little nightlife compared to Thamel. I like to split my time in Kathmandu between Thamel and Patan. My favorite thing to do in Patan is to wander around Durbar square and sit on one of the beautiful temples to watch the people, dogs, and cows go about their life.

Pokhara is a popular tourist destination and a gateway to the Annapurna mountain range. It serves as a base for trekkers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views, serene Lake Phew, great nightlife, and a tranquil atmosphere. The city is located about 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu and is easily accessible by road or air. The prominent peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges tower over the city, creating a mesmerizing backdrop. Phewa Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal, is a prominent attraction in Pokhara. Visitors can take a boat ride on the serene waters, surrounded by the reflection of the towering mountains. The lakeside area is dotted with restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering a vibrant atmosphere for tourists to relax. Pokhara is the ultimate backpacker hub to relax at after a long trek, it is also my favorite place to celebrate a successful trek as there is great nightlife. It is absolutely worth visiting the giant lord Shiva statue and World Peace Pagoda overlooking Pokhara. Plenty of quality cheap accommodations, spas/massages, souvenirs, trekking agencies, and a great food and bar scene. Although a little bit touristy, it’s for good reason. If I were to live in Nepal for a couple months I would absolutely base myself in Pokhara.

Namche Bazaar is a bustling and vibrant mountain town situated in the Solu Khumbu district of northeastern Nepal. It serves as a gateway to the Everest region and is a popular stopover for trekkers and mountaineers on their way to Everest Base Camp and other high-altitude destinations in the area. Perched at an altitude of around 3,440 meters (11,286 feet), Namche Bazaar offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including the majestic Mount Everest. The journey to Namche Bazaar is an exhilarating experience, as trekkers follow a winding trail through dense forests, cross suspension bridges over roaring rivers, and soak in the breathtaking mountain vistas. Namche Bazaar is renowned for its vibrant market, which showcases a fascinating blend of traditional Nepali culture and modern amenities. The market is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and trekking gear stores, catering to the needs of trekkers and visitors. It's a lively hub where travelers can stock up on supplies, purchase souvenirs, and interact with fellow adventurers from around the world. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Sherpa culture, learn about their traditions, and visit monasteries and gompas (Buddhist temples) that are an integral part of the local community. One of the main attractions of Namche Bazaar is the Everest View Hotel, located just above the town. From this vantage point, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other awe-inspiring peaks. It is a perfect spot to acclimatize and take in the grandeur of the Himalayas before continuing the journey further into the Everest region.

For those looking for a cultural immersion I highly recommend a homestay in Panauti. The Auntie that took us into her home and hosted took such good care of us. She taught us how to cook and ensured we were well taken care of. The homestay offered cultural events where we watched Newari dancing and a Hindi festival. Panauti is a small and ancient town located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Nestled amidst the lush greenery and terraced fields, Panauti is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional Newari architecture, and tranquil ambiance. With its well-preserved temples, narrow streets, and serene riverside setting, Panauti offers a glimpse into the authentic charm of a traditional Nepali town. You can easily experience everything in two days, and I think any more than two or three days you might start to get a little bored. Panauti is located approximately 32 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, and it can be reached by a short drive from the capital city. The town is situated at the confluence of two sacred rivers, the Roshi and the Punyamati, which adds to its spiritual significance and natural beauty. One of the main attractions in Panauti is its Durbar Square, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ghorepani is a charming village located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, known for its breathtaking mountain views and as a popular stop on the famous Annapurna Circuit trek. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,860 meters (9,380 feet), Ghorepani offers a picturesque setting amidst lush forests, terraced fields, and panoramic vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. To reach Ghorepani, trekkers typically embark on a multi-day journey through diverse landscapes, quaint villages, monasteries, and rice terraces. The village serves as a crucial rest stop for hikers before they ascend to Poon Hill, a nearby viewpoint famous for its spectacular sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Ghorepani itself is a traditional Nepali village, characterized by stone houses, intricate woodwork, and a warm and welcoming local community. Today, it has evolved into a popular trekking destination, offering basic accommodation, tea houses, and small shops catering to the needs of trekkers.

Chitwan is a region located in the southwestern part of Nepal, renowned for its rich biodiversity and as the home of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the Terai lowlands, Chitwan offers a unique and diverse ecosystem, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Chitwan National Park is the crown jewel of the region and one of the most well-preserved national parks in Asia. Covering an area of 932 square kilometers (360 square miles), it showcases a stunning blend of dense forests, marshlands, grasslands, and rivers, providing a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife species. The park is primarily known for its population of the critically endangered Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros, both of which have successfully been protected and conserved within its boundaries. Visitors have the opportunity to embark on thrilling jungle safaris, either on elephant-back or in 4x4 vehicles, to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to its wildlife, Chitwan is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The indigenous Tharu community, who have inhabited the region for centuries. Chitwan is easily accessible from Kathmandu and other major cities in Nepal, with a range of accommodations available, including luxury resorts and jungle lodges. There are plenty of options to show up and book safari’s and jungle lodges once in Chitwan for cheaper than pre-booking in advance.

Kathmandu is an assault on the senses and likely where you will start your Nepal trip. That culture shocked feeling of a being in a chaotic South Asian is one of my favorite experiences and Kathmandu is one of the most intense! Wow, welcome to Nepal. Thamel is the tourist district of Kathmandu and the heart of Nepal. Walking through the narrow streets of Thamel, you'll encounter an array of colorful markets, known as bazaars, where locals and tourists mingle. Admire the chaotic electric wiring as it’s a symbolic image of Kathmandu. These bustling markets offer a treasure trove of handicrafts, traditional clothing, spices, and local delicacies. Indulge in the aromatic flavors of Nepalese cuisine, from momos (dumplings) to dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), as you explore the city. If it’s your first time in Thamel it is beneficial to join a walking/food tour. Thamel is very confusing to get around as it’s a labrinyth of narrow alleys jam packed with people and map apps don’t work very well. In Kathmandu, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in spiritual practices. Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, where you can witness rituals, cremations, and a deep sense of spirituality. Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, is a haven for Buddhist devotees. Circle the stupa clockwise alongside monks and locals, spinning prayer wheels and soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Swayambhunath Stupa(Monkey Temple), perched atop a hill, offers a panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley and cheeky monkeys. Head up to a roof top terrace in Thamel for dinner and sunset drinks, you’ll understand why all the hippies on the hippy trail in the 60’s raved about Kathmandu.

Lumbini is a place of immense religious and historical significance as it is believed to be the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lumbini offers a serene and spiritual environment, with its ancient monuments, peaceful gardens, and monastic complexes. Unfortunately, Lumbini is challenging to get to because of it’s southwestern location close to the India border. Unless you’re crossing into Nepal via India border, have a lot of time in Nepal, or are on a Buddhist pilgrimage it may not make your itinerary. Lumbini's peaceful and spiritual ambiance makes it a place of immense tranquility and reflection. It provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with Buddhism, learn about its teachings, and experience the serenity of the birthplace of one of the world's greatest spiritual leaders. Lumbini's profound historical and religious significance, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a truly special destination for those seeking a spiritual journey and cultural exploration.

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