Nepal is a beautiful country with many wonderful hallmarks. It is as naturally beautiful as it is culturally rich. Moreover, trekking in Nepal is one of the most revered adventures in the world. Nepal is home to many of the tallest mountain peaks on the planet, and this also contributes to it being the number one trekking destination among enthusiastic trekkers from all around the world. Furthermore, Nepal is also home to Mount Everest- the tallest peak in the world, including 7 of the ten tallest peaks. Nepal truly is a gem that present unforgettable mountain vistas, unique cultures and pristine natural environments with diverse wildlife and terrain. As such, there are many things to do in Nepal; it is the adventure-and-cultural hub that comprises of different activities that are appealing to people of all preferences. Here are the top 7 best things to do in Nepal-
- Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is perhaps the most popular adventure activity to do. Due to Nepal’s many Himalayas, treks in Nepal are always filled with amazing Himalayan backdrops contrasting against the verdant river valleys. Nepal has many different destinations for trekking as well, each with its own unique attributes. Similarly, trekking can be done all the year round as well; high-altitude trekking is best done during the autumn and the spring seasons while low-altitude trekking and monsoon trekking can be done during the summer and winter months. There are many options for trekking as well, like popular Everest Base Camp Trek, as well as Off-Beaten-Paths trekking that experience fewer crowds.
- Hiking in Nepal
Nepal is mainly comprised of three zones- the Terai in the south, the Himalayas to the north and the Hills in-between. In retrospect to trekking, hiking in Nepal is also another popular recreational activity. Hiking is the best option for people who have relatively less time to spend in Nepal and want to experience the mountains without the strenuous trekking. There are many destinations that are situated close to the Kathmandu city that are amazing for hiking. They mainly include Nagarkot, Chisapani and Daman among many. Likewise, Sarangkot is another popular hill-station near Pokhara city that is perfect for a short hiking trip. Hiking in Nepal is a peaceful experience where the natural elements are heightened. It is a great way to rejuvenate and get away from the bustling city life.
- Cultural Tours
Nepal’s cultural riches are simply unparalleled. Albeit being a relatively small country, Nepal has many ethnic groups and people of many different religions living together in harmony. In addition, Nepal is also the land where Lord Gautama Buddha was born. There are many sites and places in Nepal that are of cultural and religious importance. For example, Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and many Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit Nepal to pay homage. Likewise, Nepal also has many temples, monasteries, shrines, Gumbas and chortens dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses. In the Kathmandu valley alone, there are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered around the three major cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
- Adventure Activities
Besides trekking and hiking, Nepal also presents many other adventure activities to enjoy as well. Pokhara city- the tourist hub of the nation is a famous spot for various activities, like paragliding, bungee jumping, rock-climbing and zip-flying among others. The beautiful Phewa Lake in Pokhara seen from a bird’s-eye view as one glides over the city with the backdrop of the Annapurna Mountains is a sight that is truly marvelous. Likewise, the various adventure activities are almost always paired with a majestic natural setting.
- Wildlife Exploration and Safari
Nepal is a cornucopia of amazing natural environments. In order to protect its natural assets and its immense biodiversity, Nepal has established many national parks as well, where one can enjoy various jungle safaris. As a matter of fact, Nepal has established ten national parks and two of them- namely, the Sagarmatha National Park and the Chitwan National Park, are also listed in the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites list. Nepal’s jungles and protected areas are home to many endangered species of animals as well.
- Peak Climbing
As Nepal is home to many Himalayan peaks, it also hosts a number of climbable peaks as well. Thus, peak climbing is another popular adventure activity that Nepal is famous for. In general, there are more than 300 climbable peaks in Nepal. Popular peak climbing destinations in Nepal include Island Peak, the Mera Peak, Tharpu Chuli and Lobuche Peak among many others.
- White-Water Rafting
White-water rafting in Nepal has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. The Himalayan Rivers of Nepal and their various tributaries drain Nepal’s many valleys and plains. The fast-flowing rapids of the rivers make for a thrilling rafting experience. Rivers like the Sun-Koshi and the Bhote Koshi among many others are breath-taking examples of white-water rafting.
In conclusion, Nepal is a great place for holidays and vacations with family or friends or even solo. Nepal is extremely affordable and it is one of the best places to visit.
