Best places to go: Where culture and nature meet in Nepal

“The mountains were so wild and so stark and so very beautiful that I wanted to cry. I breathed in another wonderful moment to keep safe in my heart.”

― Jane Wilson-Howarth, Snowfed Waters

Nepal, oh, Nepal, a place like no others, even just the name is able to make your heart quiver a little bit. The breathtaking nature, traditional heritage, and a rich history turn this country become the prime site of dreams for any explorer which is hungry for discovering. Nepal will satisfy you as much as you want, no matter what you are looking for in your journey. And below are the highlights that you may need to take a look before your big Nepal trip happens.

Kathmandu Valley

The heart of Nepal,  Kathmandu, is a really peaceful valley that can grab your heart right at the first moment. Named UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu contains a number of cultural heritage sites around the area. Some significant names to be counted are Bhakta- the former country’s capital, temples of Pashupatinath, and Nagarkot. While Bhakta city is rich with beauty and cultural factors including ancient artworks and carvings made from wood, stone, and metal; the Bagmati riverside temples of Pashupatinath contain some of the most important temples of Lord Shiva in the world, and the oldest temples in Kathmandu. On the other hand, Nagarkot offers you the most spectacular view of the valley in your Nepal adventure.

Lumbini

To be regarded as one of the holiest and most sacred spots in the world, Lumbini is always a favorite spot for not only culture lovers and history buffs, but also professional archaeologists. Lumbini is so beautiful in a charming way which can stir the exploring blood in each person. A significant place that anyone wants to experience is the Asoka pillar, which was constructed in 249 B.C. and was discovered in 1896. The pillar testifies this area as the birthplace of Buddha, and its location within the Terai plains make it both naturally and culturally rich.

Chitwan National Park

Another UNESCO site, also the first national park established in Nepal, Chitwan contains grassy marshlands and forests, the fertile nature of the soil allows for a unique range of wildlife. Here is where you will have the opportunity to meet rare species like the Bengal tiger and the single-horned rhino. You also can find a number of lodges in addition to several activities from rafting to jeep safaris and walking tours within the area.

Janakpur

Janakpur is home to a number of temples and religious ponds. This destination charms you by not only some of the most beautiful architectures to be found in Nepal but also the extraordinary natural landscape benefitting from its position at the foot of the Himalayas. Janakpur contains more than 100 sacred ponds, such as Ganga Sagar, and traditional artworks from the Maithili women, the origins of which are mysterious and as ancient as the place itself.

Pokhara

Pokhara. Is. A. Real. Beauty. If we have to propose a place that really deserves the word “breathtaking”, Pokhara will definitely sit on the list at top positions. The landscape here abruptly changes from green hills to vast sheer mountains, and this creates an environment with views that are truly sensational. Once you visit here, you will totally understand the reason why they call Pokhara “the jewel in the Himalayas”. Some sites and activities that you should notice are Phewa Lake which is really suitable for a picnic, Barahi Temple, and the famous World Peace Pagoda – a dome-shaped stupa perched on the hilltop, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.