Touring Nepal

(Embassy of Nepal in China/Nepal Tourism Board)
Updated: 2009-08-21 09:53

Popular Destinations

Nepal contains a wide variety attractions and activities for the foreign visitor of different interests. Nepal provides everything from holy cultural heritage such as Lumbini to exotic mountain range including Qomolangma, ancient city of Janakpurdham to the breathtaking national park of Shey-Phoksundo. The visitor to Nepal can enjoy activities such as trekking, rafting, biking, cultural tour and jungle safaris (to name a few), all of which can be experienced in a year-round festive atmosphere.

Around Kathmandu Valley

The valley is situated at an altitude of 1,336m above sea level and covers an area of 565 sq km. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of the ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The skillfully-built temples and palaces, delicately engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars, and the historical shrines and chaityas can be found in the three historical cities of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur.

Outside Kathmandu

Lumbini

Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. This nativity site is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is identified by a commemorative pillar erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to this sacred place. The Ashokan pillar is the oldest monument in Nepal and stands among other important objects in the Sacred Garden. Spreading over 8 sq km and possessing all of the treasures of the historic area, the Sacred Garden is in fact the main attraction in Lumbini. The Mayadevi Shrine in particular is the focus of attention for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. It stands east of the Ashoka pillar. To the east of the pillar lies the scared pond, called Puskini, where Queen Mayadevi took a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha.

Pokhara

An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley (altitude 827m), Pokhara is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake, along with the magnificence of the fish-tail summit of Machchha Puchhre (6,997m) rising behind it, create an ambience of mystical harmony. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and world famous views of the Himalayas. Pokhara is situated 200 km west of Kathmandu and is connected to the capital both by air as well as by road.

Adventures

Nepal is probably one of the best adventure destinations in the world, and few places can match Nepal's variety of adventure tourism. The immense contrasts in altitude and climates found here support a spectacular mix of lifestyle, vegetation and wildlife. Nepal's geography packs an infinitely varied landscape into a small area. Nepal is the only country in the world where travelers can climb the highest mountain in the world, trek through the scenic countryside with the icy pinnacles always in the background, as well as enjoy jungle safaris in dense forests.

Mountaineering

The 800 km stretch of the Nepalese Himalayas is the greatest in the world with eight peaks that rise above 8,000m, including the highest in the world, Qomolangma. Ever since the country opened its peaks to climbers on 1949, the Nepalese Himalayas have become a great theater of mountaineering activity, and the drama of success and failure has provided impetus to thousands of men and women to meet this ultimate challenge. The Nepalese Himalayas have been a source of fascination for many people, be they saints, philosophers, researchers or adventurers.

Trekking

The best way to experience Nepal's unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them. Trekking in Nepal provides the experience of a lifetime: along with forests of rhododendron, isolated hamlets, small mountains villages, birds, animals, temples, monasteries and breathtaking landscapes. You will also encounter friendly people of different cultures offering a fascinating glimpse of traditional rural life.

There are plenty of treks you can enjoy in Nepal; all of which range in levels depending on time of year. You can easily find something to fit your amount of time, price range and experience level. Find yourself a good trekking book or consultant to learn more of the details on particular treks. You will need to acquire a trekking permit for some areas. This can be done at the Department of Immigration Office in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Rafting/kayaking

Rafting is one of the best ways to explore the typical cross-section of the natural resources as well as ethno-cultural heritage of the country. There are numerous rivers in Nepal which offer excellent rafting or canoeing experiences. Travelers can glide on calm jade waters surrounded by magnificent scenery or rush through roaring white rapids in the care of expert river-men employed by government authorized agencies. Visitors can opt for a day of river running or choose a longer expedition. An extremely popular sport in Europe, canyoning is now available in Nepal. Canyoning gives you the freedom to explore some of the more ruggedly beautiful, yet forbidden places in the world.

Jungle safari

National parks located specifically in the Terai region of Nepal attract visitors from all over the world. A visit to these parks involves game-stalking by a variety of means � foot, dugout canoe, jeep, and elephant-back. Travelers are bound to sight a one-horned rhino or two at every elephant safari, and rhinos, wild boars, samburs, spotted deer, sloth bears, and four-horned antelopes are not uncommon. Even a Bengal tiger may surprise travelers with his majestic appearance.

Rock climbing

For those who are cliffhangers, Kathmandu offers a long list of stone walls that make for an experience of a lifetime. Lately, rock climbing has become a popular sport in Kathmandu, which offers several terrific locations.

Mountain biking

Nepal's diverse terrain is suitable for an adventure mountain biker. Mountain biking offers an environmentally sound way of exploring this magnificent country, both its landscape and its living heritage. Mountain biking is especially recommended if visitors wish to explore urban centers of Nepal such as Pokhara and Kathmandu along with their travels through the countryside.

Bungee jumping

The ultimate thrill of bungee jumping can now be experienced in Nepal at one of the most spectacular sites in the world. Nepal's first bungee jumping site is situated 160m over the Bhote Kosi river, offering visitors the ultimate adrenaline rush in the surroundings of an amazing location. The jump is staffed and operated by some of the most experienced jumpmasters in the business.

Ballooning Kathmandu also offers hot air balloon rides for those tourists who wish to glide quietly through the clouds. Air currents can be overcome to reach a desired destination. Once the balloon is full, systems are double checked before the passenger basket is carried up over the morning fog and into the sun-lit sky. About 3,000 meters above sea level, the entire Himalayan range can be seen from a whole new perspective. The ride lasts up to an hour.

Paragliding

Paragliding is also a popular activity that provides an opportunity to observe life and nature from a new perspective. An aviation company at Pokhara using ultra light aircrafts organizes paragliding.

Mountain flight

Mountain flights offer a much easier way to see the Nepalese Himalayan peaks. Most flights take off in the morning and operate at all times except in the monsoon seasons of June and July. Flights fly along the Himalayan range and beyond. You can see beautiful mountains including the Mount Everest. Some domestic airlines of Nepal offer various forms of mountain flights.