What are the best reasons to visit Nepal ?
7 Aug 2018 Asia Experiences
What are The best reasons to visit Nepal? Nepal has been unfairly forgotten for decades by many travelers. It’s surrounded by giant countries like India and China, and some people still don’t give Nepal the attention it deserves. On the other hand, those who visit Nepal become real fans. Because it’s located right in the heart of the great Himalayas, it’s the perfect destination for hikers and adventure lovers. However, that’s not all. Nepal offers a wide variety of architectural styles, landscapes, cultures, tribes, and religions. It’s one of the most interesting countries you can visit in the world!
1. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Nepal’s architecture is incredible, and includes seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu area alone! Decorated streets, sacred temples, pagodas, palaces, monasteries, mosques, ancient cities, medieval complexes .
The most spectacular sites are located in the capital and the valley around it. You’ll find that Kathmandu offers many places to visit. However, you won’t want to miss Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, and Patan to admire the finest Newari architecture. Durbar Square was built as part of a complex of royal ceremonies, while Bhaktapur and Patan were some of the greatest cities in the Newar Kingdom. These places have a very interesting history, so it would be a good idea to hire a guide and learn about it.
Other spectacular structures are the Boudhanath Stupa and the Monkey Temple. These sacred temples are visited daily by hundreds of Buddhists (including the large Tibetan community), making them perfect places to watch Buddhist ceremonies.
2. Amazing people
Most people in Nepal are friendly and hospitable. There might be a language barrier sometimes, but even so, they’ll greet you with a smile and help you when they can. The farther you get from the big cities, the more hospitality you will find.
3. It’s full of spirituality and mystics
The culture in Nepal is so rich that you can find almost any major religion represented there. Eighty percent of Nepal’s population is Hindu, 10 percent is Buddhist, and four percent is Muslim, while the rest are mainly Kirat, Christian, Bon, and Jains. Thus, religion can be found in almost every corner of the nation, and there is great tolerance among believers of different religions. You’ll find ceremonies going on in most temples and hear mantras throughout the streets. It’s so beautiful to observe how they pray and make their offerings; you could spend hours watching it.
4. Amazing Trekking trails
Nepal is the country of the Himalayas, boasting some of the world’s highest mountains and finest hiking trails. From easy walks around Pokhara to Mount Everest itself, options are available for all ages and levels of experience. You’ll find a variety of landscapes with well-preserved flora and fauna. You’ll also encounter several areas to hike and countless trails to get lost in the mountains. A multi-day hike is undoubtedly one of the best experiences one can have while visiting Nepal.
5. It offers amazing food, combining different influences
Nepal’s cultural and geographic diversity offers a wide variety of dishes from different ethnic groups. Nepal’s cuisine tends to be simple (but delicious), although it is seasoned with spices and seeds such as garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, chilies, onions, and sometimes yak butter.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can find international food. In small towns, you’ll have more chances to find Dal Bhat, the national dish. Dal is a soup made of lentils and spices and is served with cooked cereals, Bhat, rice, and curry. It can be accompanied by an extremely spicy sauce, which can be made with fresh ingredients or with fermented brine.
Ahh … and don’t miss the momos (flour dough filled with meat and spices) and the Sekuwa lamb (roasted in a wood-fired oven also with natural herbs and other spices). They are delicious!
6. It’s not only about Trekking; there are plenty of other adventures
Pokhara is the adventure capital of Nepal, offering activities such as paragliding, mountain biking, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and more. Paragliding in Pokhara is by far the most popular of these options and allows you to fly over a lake with spectacular views of the Himalayas.
In addition to those activities, you can go on a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park. You’ll also have a chance to see all kinds of animals, like spotted deer, elephants, reptiles, mammals, and many birds. However, the highlights of this park are the Asian one-horned rhinoceros and the nocturnal Royal Bengal tigers that live in the park’s dense forests.
7. It’s safe to visit
Nepal is a very safe destination. Like in any country, you’ll have to use common sense, but that’s all. Even big cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara are by no means dangerous. Some sellers might try to rip you off with the prices, but even that is quite unlikely. Out of the city, you’ll find quiet villages that preserve their rural way of life, surrounded by valleys and mountains. It is very unlikely that you will have any problems.
Crime is almost non-existent in the country. You’ll see that the Nepalese are happy to receive tourists, and they’ll make you feel at home.
