Nepal

Why Visit Nepal: Top Reasons to Visit Nepal The Himalayan Gem

Top Reasons to Visit Nepal The Himalayan Gem
Top Reasons to Visit Nepal The Himalayan Gem
Written by Ardra M B

Why visit Nepal? If you enjoy spectacular snow-capped mountains, welcoming people, rich biodiversity, wildlife reserves, splendid scenic spots, trekking destinations, and a cultural experience. In that case, this remote country nestled in the Himalayan region is for you! Nepal is one of the divine lands for Buddhists and meditators as Gautam Buddha was born at Lumbini, and you can also experience the deep culture of the living goddess “Kumari” in Kathmandu. Did you know that Nepal is home to eight out of the fourteen tallest mountains in the world? Nepal is a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers around the world. 

9 Reasons why Nepal should be on your Travel List

Trekking in the Majestic Himalayas

Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is nestled in the mountain region, known as the “Kingdom of Himalaya”. Nepal is home to eight out of fourteen highest mountains in the world, including Sagarmatha “Goddess Mother of the World”, the iconic Mount Everest, making it a perfect destination for trekking enthusiasts all around the globe. The endless ridges of snowy mountains, flourishing green landscapes, unexplored trekking trails, alpine lakes, and glacial plains make trekking in Nepal distinctively beautiful.

Some renowned trekking routes in Nepal are:

Trekking RouteDurationBest Time
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek14 DaysMarch-MaySeptember-December
Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek16 DaysMarch-MaySeptember-December
Langtang Valley Trek10 DaysMarch-MaySeptember-December
Manaslu Circuit Trek15 DaysMarch-MaySeptember-November

Read More: Top Things To Do In Nepal

Rich Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Wonders

Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal is said to be India Lite, based on 35 distinctive ethnicities, languages, and beliefs. Beyond trekking and trails, local people and guides would tell you the great untold stories of Nepalese culture and tradition. Home to some of the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kathmandu, spiritual Lumbini, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The valley has an array of monuments, monasteries, artistic temples, and exquisite artworks showcasing the creative grandeur of Nepal and thriving national parks that allow biodiversity to flourish.

Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Explore:

  • Pashupatinath Temple – Holy Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square – Historic palace complex, home to the Kumari (the living goddess)
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square – Renowned for the 55-window palace and Nyatapola Temple
  • Lumbini – Birthplace of Lord Buddha, has a sacred Bodhi tree, and Mayadevi Temple
  • Chitwan National Park – First national park of Nepal, renowned for Bengal Tigers and one-horned rhinoceroses.
  • Sagarmatha National Park – Home to the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest

Suggested Read: How To Reach Nepal

Exhilarating Adventure Activities

Paragliding in Nepal
Paragliding in Nepal

With its diverse topography, Nepal has everything to offer, from the world’s highest mountain (Mt. Everest) to the world’s deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki Gorge) and everything in between. This tiny Himalayan country can be a paradise for active travelers, offering various activities for nature enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers.

Not just trekking in Nepal, you can try a wide range of adrenaline-rush activities, including white water rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, bungee jumping, snow skiing, hiking, world heritage site tours, religious and national park tours, and hot air balloons. The myriad of activities for thrill-seekers allows travelers to choose Nepal as their next holiday destination.

Must-Try Adventures in Nepal:

ActivityLocationCost (INR)
TrekkingEBC, ABC, Manaslu, Upper Mustang, PoonhillRs. 40,000 – 3,50,000 (Long Treks)Rs. 3,500 – 4,500 per day (Short Treks)
River RaftingRiver Seti, Trishuli, Sun Koshi, KarnaliRs. 4,300 onwards (day trip)
ParaglidingPokhara, Annapurna Range, HimalayasRs. 6,000 (30-minute flight)Rs. 9,000 (50-minute flight)
Jungle SafariChitwan National ParkBardia National ParkRs. 1,200 onwards
Rock ClimbingAstrek Climbing Wall in Kathmandu, Pharping (Hattiban), Nagarjun ForestRs. 250 onwards (Full-Day Pass at Astrek)

Extended Read: Best Time to Visit Nepal

Ideal Vacation Weather

City of Pokhara, Nepal
City of Pokhara, Nepal

Winters in Nepal’s alpine regions are bitterly cold, while summers in the lowlands of Nepal are undeniably hot. If you are a budget traveler, looking for inexpensive international trips and fewer tourists, the off-season (May to August) is also a suitable time to visit Nepal. 

If you are interested in trekking in the mountainous regions of Nepal and soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty, October through December is the ideal time of year. However, depending on your schedule, Nepal offers year-round ideal vacation weather. Therefore, you don’t always have to wait for the ideal time of the year to plan your trip to Nepal.

SeasonMonthsHighlights
SpringMarch-MayBest time to visit, many tourists
SummerJune – AugustThe average temperature is 28-degree Celsius, some areas experience much higher temperature
MonsoonJune-SeptemberLush green landscapes, 2,500 mm of rain every year
AutumnSeptember-NovemberPleasant weather, Ideal time to visit
WinterDecember-FebruaryFreezing temperatures, snowfall in hilly regions

Read More: Best Places To Visit In Nepal

A Haven for Spiritual Seekers

Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa

Why visit Nepal? It has the most diverse and rich culture and landscapes in the whole world. In Nepal, the world’s two oldest religions – Hinduism and Buddhism- coexist in harmony, making it a sacred place. Pashupatinath and Doleshwor Mahadev are among the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal and one of the four most important shrines of Lord Shiva in the world. Nepal is the birthplace of Veda Vyasa, who originated Vedic Sanatan Dharma with literature and scientific discoveries; the source of the holy river Ganga, and the land of goddesses, monks, and saints. 

Lord Buddha was also born in Lumbini, the southern lowland of Nepal, making it a sacred destination for Buddhist pilgrims. The sacred sites of many religions all around the country promote state tourism and enhance the spiritual experience. 

Must-Visit Pilgrimages in Nepal –

  • Boudhanath Stupa: holiest Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet, in Kathmandu
  • Pashupatinath Temple: The holiest Hindu Temple in Nepal, the UNESCO world heritage site situated on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu.
  • Swayambhunath Stupa: A stupa on a hilltop, surrounded by various Hindu temples, a UNESCO world heritage and religious site.
  • Lumbini: the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, a pilgrimage site.

And there are over 3,000 temples, 1,200 monasteries, and stupas around the nation making it a religious myriad for those seeking transcendence.

Abundant Wildlife Reserves

Indian Rhino in the Chitwan National Park
Indian Rhino in the Chitwan National Park

Nepal has three Wildlife Reserves, six Conservation Areas, ten National Parks, and one Hunting Reserve. Each site receives thousands of visitors every year making it one of the best things to do in Nepal. With its range of altitudes, Nepal is also widely diverse in its flora and fauna. Nepal is home to an incredible 300 species of orchid and over 800 bird varieties which accounts for almost 10% of the world’s avian species.

At Chitwan National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage site, you can spot almost 100 royal Bengal Tigers, 350 rare one-horned rhinoceros, sloth bears, wild elephants, and over 500 species of birds making it a perfect destination for birdwatching. Chitwan means “heart of the jungle” and the reserve is rich in exceptional forests. The Bardia National Park is another lowland tropical reserve in Nepal that harbors a rich variety of wildlife. Similarly, in the highlands of Nepal, you can spot many wild animals, including snow leopards, red pandas, blue sheep, and yaks.

Affordable Travel Destination

Patan Durbar Square in Nepal
Patan Durbar Square in Nepal

Nepal is the best-value destination as recognized by CN Traveler and Lonely Planet, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious travelers. The stays and food are reasonably priced. Unlike Switzerland which may drain the bank account, you get similar scenic landscapes on a budget instead. You can shop for hiking essentials and souvenirs as well. On top of that, you are also helping Nepal rebuild its economy after a major earthquake.

  • Currency Conversion: 1 NPR = 0.62 INR
  • No Visa is required for Indian citizens; direct buses from Gorakhpur (India) make road travel economical.
Expense TypeEstimated Cost (INR)
AccommodationRs.500-1500 (hostels per night)Rs.800-2500 (teahouses along trekking routes)Rs.1500-4000 (guesthouses)Rs.3000 onwards (hotels)
FoodRs.100-200 (street food)Rs.300-600 (local restaurant)Rs.800-1500 (deluxe restaurants)
TransportationRs.20-50 (local buses)Rs.500-2000 (tourist buses)Rs.20-30 (taxi per km)

Friendly Locals 

Nepali Women
Nepali Women

People in Nepal are generally friendly, warm, and welcoming, making every traveler feel at home. They will always offer you a smile, tea, or any help you need. For ancient Nepalese people, welcoming guests with “Atithi Devo Bhava” was an act of ethics to welcome the guests and treat them as a god, and this practice is still followed in every Nepalese home today. The country is one of the safest travel destinations in the world making it one of the major reasons to visit Nepal. 

I am convinced enough to book a trip to Nepal now! Are you?

Fulfilling Nepalese Food

Nepali Food

From being a diverse country geographically and culturally, Nepalese cuisine is also a flavorful fusion of diversity. It reflects a rich tapestry of tastes, aromas, and textures. Don’t miss the traditional dishes like Dal Bhat and Momos to savor the true flavors of Nepal. Nepalese cuisine employs an assortment of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese cuisine. 

Must Try Food in Nepal –

  • Dal Bhat: The national dish of Nepal, lentil soup with steamed rice.
  • Momos (dumplings): A Nepalese snack, most favored by tourists. A thin white flour covering stuffed with veggies or minced chicken.
  • Sel Roti: The ritual snack during festivals, is a fusion of doughnut and bagel, fried, crunchy, and sweet.
  • Thukpa: A kind of local noodle soup with veggies or chicken/meat, that warms the soul in winter. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Nepal

Is it worth it to travel to Nepal?

Absolutely! Nepal offers stunning Himalayan views, rich culture, and warm hospitality by the locals. It is a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, from vibrant cities like Kathmandu to peaceful mountain villages. Plus, it’s budget-friendly for Indian travelers and close by, making it a hassle-free international destination for Indian travelers.

What is the best time to visit Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is from October to December or March to May. These months offer pleasant weather and clear skies, ideal for trekking, sightseeing, and exploring. Avoid monsoons (June to September) as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans. 

What are the major reasons to visit Nepal?

Nepal is famous for its natural beauty, spiritual experiences, and adventure opportunities. Visit incredible snow-capped mountains, ancient temples and intricate monasteries, thrilling activities like paragliding, and river rafting, and rich heritage history. Another bonus? Indians don’t need a visa, and the Nepali Rupee is easy on the wallet.

Is it safe to travel to Nepal?

Yes, Nepal is generally very safe for Indian travelers. The locals are friendly and welcoming. You only need to follow basic safety tips like avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping your belongings safe.

What are the things to do in Nepal apart from trekking?

Nepal has much more than trekking! Try paragliding in Pokhara, jungle safaris in Chitwan National Park, bungee jumping near Kathmandu, or exploring Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Don’t miss savoring local Nepali food and shopping for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

Do you feel the mountains are calling? Well, Nepal is the perfect Himalayan nation for you to explore, check out another country closer to India on a budget. Immerse yourself in the natural splendor and vibrant culture. 

Nepal Travel Packages by JustWravel are specially curated to unleash the best of Nepal.

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Ardra M B

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