The Top Things to do in Nepal

Nepal, a land-locked nation framed by the majestic Himalayas and wedged between the vast plains of India to the south and the high altitude Tibetan plateau to the north, boasts an unparalleled diversity of cultures and landscapes. From the subtropical lowlands of the Terai to the snow-capped peaks of the world’s highest mountains, which include Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga, to ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions and an abundance of animal and bird life, Nepal, despite its modest size, offers plenty. From towering Swayambhunath Stupa, historic Bhaktapur and the Pashupatinath temple complex to the pristine national parks of Chitwan and Bardia, this guide highlights the top things to see and do in Nepal.

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Perched atop a hill and towering over the Nepalese capital, Swayambhunath is one of Buddhism’s most ancient and important stupas. Evidence suggests that Swayambhunath is over 2000 years old, however, the hill on which the stupa stands has long served as an ancient place of pilgrimage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the white dome, crowned by a gilded spire bearing the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, symbolises wisdom and compassion, while prayer flags flutter in the Himalayan breeze carrying blessings across the valley.

For more information see Journey through Nepal

One of the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is an important centre for Newari culture, crafts and cuisine. Located to the east of Kathmandu, the well-preserved medieval centre is incredibly atmospheric and is inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list. Highlights include Durbar Square, the former royal palace complex, flanked by palaces, temples, galleries and museums, the five storeyed Nyatapola Temple which is the tallest in Nepal and located in Taumadhi Square and historic Dattatraya Square.

For more information see The Kathmandu Valley

Chitwan is not only the first national park of Nepal but is also recognised as one of the finest in Asia. Located in the subtropical lowlands of southern Nepal, the park was established in 1973 and within ten years was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exceptionally diverse with a wide range of habitats, Chitwan famously supports Bengal tiger and greater one-horned rhinoceros but is also home to elephant, leopard, sloth bear, gharial crocodile and endangered Ganges river dolphin. Over 500 species of bird have also been recorded.

For more information see The Nature and Wildlife of Nepal

Nepal is famous for outdoor adventures and the Annapurnas of north-central Nepal offer some of the very best trekking in the country. The stunning high altitude scenery, terraced fields, rhododendron-filled forests and ancient trading villages make this one of the finest walking destinations in the world with routes that cater to most abilities. Lodge treks are an ideal way to discover the beauty of this region, are located in key places usually with spectacularly views and offer comfortable, warm and welcoming accommodation after a day's walking.

For more information Nepal Sacred Mountains Lodge Trek

Lining the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath temple complex is the most sacred of all Nepalese Hindu shrines, an important Hindu pilgrimage site and location of the royal cremation ghats. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the main temple, with its gilded roof and silver-plated doors, remains accessible only to Hindus, however, a bird’s eye view of life within the complex is available. Highlights include the Arya Ghat, once reserved for royal cremations, and the Guheshwori Temple, dedicated to Shiva’s consort Sati.

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The historic UNESCO protected temple of Changu Narayan is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of Nepalese pagoda architecture. The current structure dates to the early 1700s when it was rebuilt after a fire, however it is believed that the origins of the complex date back to the 4th century with many of the remaining stone sculptures dating to this period – particularly the famed Garuda pillar erected in 464 AD by King Mandev. The temple commands sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and the Kathmandu Valley.

For more information see The Kathmandu Valley

The red panda is a solitary creature most active at dawn and dusk. Its distinctive copper-red coat, marked with white facial streaks and a ringed tail provides excellent camouflage within the dense temperate forests of oak, rhododendron and bamboo in which it calls home. Primarily feeding on bamboo shoots and leaves, the red panda also supplements its diet with fruits, berries and occasionally insects. Native to the eastern Himalayas, fewer than 10,000 individuals remain with the far east of Nepal one of the very best places to see them in the wild.

For more information see Pandas, Rhinos and Gibbons of Nepal and India

Capital of Nepal, Kathmandu occupies a wonderful position framed by high snow-capped peaks and nestled within the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Steeped in history, Kathmandu is overflowing with temples and stupas, grand ceremonial squares and palaces. Kathmandu also serves as the main access point to the wider Kathmandu Valley, the setting for seven designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the temple of Changu Narayan, the medieval town of Bhaktapur and Patan which is home to 55 temples and 136 monasteries.

For more information see Images of Nepal

Bardia National Park is located in the little-visited west of Nepal which remains a largely undisturbed wilderness area. The combination of dense sal forest, riverine forest and open grassland supports a wide variety of animal and bird life with it one of the best places in Nepal to see tiger in the wild. As well as tiger, the park is also home to one-horned rhinoceros, elephant and leopard, gharial crocodile, the endangered Gangetic river dolphin and over 400 bird species including the Bengal florican, sarus crane and Indian grey hornbill.

For more information see The Nature and Wildlife of Nepal

Discover Bandipur, a charming Newari town located approximately halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Founded in the 18th century, the town quickly developed into an important trading centre on the key route that linked India with Tibet. This trade brought great wealth to the town and over the years many fine houses were built in the ubiquitous Newari style characterised by red brick construction and finely carved wooden windows and balconies. Wander cobbled lanes, and explore markets where herbs, spices, pottery and fabrics are still traded.

For more information see Journey through Nepal