Nepal is a beautiful land locked country and also considered as a tourist paradise. Nepal is a land of diverse topography, climate, ethnicity and biodiversity. The hospitality served in Nepal could be found nowhere else. Nepal goes by quotes, that states, “ Atithi Devo Bhava”, which mean, guests represents angels of Gods and considered to be treaded with the best hospitality. From the smaller mountains to the World’s highest peak, The Mount Everest is located in Nepal. Thick jungles where elephants, rhinos and tigers roam in the wildlife reserves and national parks of Nepal has not failed tourist and if you are lucky you might be able to get a glimpse of a rare animals like Rhino. A personal Shangrila awaits every visitor who travels to this enchanted wonderland. Here are three of the best places to visit when you are in Nepal.
The Kathmandu Valley
The exotic Valley of Kathmandu is surrounded by green hills above which, to the north, tower the mighty snow-capped peaks. Three main cities of great historic and cultural interest- Kathmandu (the capital of Nepal), Patan and Bhaktapur house numerous shrines, temples, palaces, squares and ageless sculptures making Kathmandu a living museum.In the suburbs of Kathmandu are located Nagarkot and Dhulikel, which is about an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. The breath-taking view of Himalaya from these places is mesmerizing and would leave you speechless. Not only Himalaya, from some of the spots view of terraced hills and the valley. Usually, local tourists or people visiting Nepal from abroad stay overnight, which provides amazing sunrise and sunset view with the possibilities of few hiking trails.
Pokhara Valley
Pokhara is one of the most picturesque places of Nepal. Lovely lakes enhance the beauty of Pokhara, stunningly close views of the magnificent Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna mountains and the amazing Peace Pagoda to meditate.Pokhara has three most popular caves, a bat cave, Mahendra Cave and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. All of the three caves are popular for different reasons. In the bat cave, you would be able to see hundreds of bats hanging from the ceiling of the cave. Usually, visitors are quiet when they are in the cave. Similarly, Davis fall could be seen from inside the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. An idol of Lord Shiva has been built in the cave, as Mahadev represents the lord Shiva. When in Pokhara, you could also trek to the popular base camps like Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Mountain, Machhapuchre Mountain and more. Pokhara is also popular for the lakeside and the night life.
Lumbini
One of the very popular destinations for tourists visiting Nepal and the local tourists specially Buddhists from all over the world visit Lumbini. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha is located in the Western part of Nepal. The age-old Ashoka Pillar, remnants of old monasteries and palaces and images of Mayadevi, Buddha’s mother, are few of the major attractions in Lumbini. Nepal, the natural beauty, Himalayas and the valley that would leave you speechless and you would want to visit this small landlocked country again and again. Different cultures, religions and food to taste, Nepal is full of life. If you are visiting Nepal anytime soon, do read to Visiting Nepal: Legal formalities.