Entry #2469, May 28, 2013
Planning a vacation to Asia in the near future? Nepal is a beautiful, hilly country located in South-East Asia, locked between India and China. This is a country that is literally located in the Himalayas. Nepal has been a country with a monarch and only recently turned a Republic in 2008. There are two basic routes to get to Nepal. You can go directly by flight to Kathmandu’s Tribuvan International Airport. The second option is to land in India and proceed by bus or train to Nepal. I would really recommend this route because it means you can spend a few days in wonderful India as well!
Kathmandu and Pokhara
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most popular World Heritage Sites
Image via: Flickr sharnik
Kathmandu is the largest city and capital of Nepal. Religion makes a great part of what the country is and in Kathmandu, you will find many religious locations. Swayambhu and Boudha Stupa are two Buddhist stupas that are a must see where one can enjoy the Buddhist mythology, history and culture. Explore the monarchy of Nepal, through Narayanhiti Palace Museum, a palace turned museum. Pashupatinath is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. At the end of the day if you are looking for a place to relax, drop by the Garden of Dreams. Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mini-city in itself.
Visit the historic city of Kathmandu, Nepal
Image via: Wikki Media
Pokhara is an interior city of Nepal. There many activities to immerse yourself in, from trekking, biking, rafting, etc. and many places to see such as Shanti Stupa and Devi’s Fall. Yet the most famous is the serenity offered by Phewa Lake.
Parks and Lumbini
Enjoy an elephant ride
Image via: Flickr
Nepal has managed to maintain much of its forest cover. Chitwan National Park or Sagarmatha National Park is great place to check out, if want to explore mother-nature in Nepal. You can take an elephant ride around the park. Chitwan National Park is home to the famous Bengal tiger, Sloth Bear, Asian Rhinoceros, Gharial and more. The national parks have much to offer that will help you experience nature.
The birthplace of Buddha
Image via: Flickr
Many may associate 1st Century BCE India to causing the spread of Buddhism, but Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha. He was born in Lumbini and throughout history, it has been showered by royalty resulting it in being rich with Buddhist structures. Emperor Ashoka visited the place and a famous Ashokan pillar stands there till today. Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Temple and the Lumbini Buddha Vihar are two temples that you will want to visit.
Everest Base Camp and Namje
Camp underneath the tallest peak in the world
Image via: Flickr
There is no point coming to Nepal, the Himalayan country, if you don’t feast your eyes on the tallest point in the world – Mount Everest! This is a trek that will take you across a large part of Nepal, crossing many beautiful villages such as Namche Bazaar. From the Everest Base Camp you will enjoy a breath taking view and realize the sheer height of Mount Everest.
Namje is a little hamlet that has been featured in CNN’s ’12 Best places you’ve never heard of’. This village is accessible only by trekking and is near the fifth tallest peak in the world, Mount Makalu. This is a village that is famously known to give spiritual enrichment to visitors.
As small as Nepal is, the country has a lot to offer. There are many cities, trekking paths and religious structures to explore. The best time to visit is between September and November, and March and May. This is when you will find a pleasant climate and avoid the mid-year monsoons.
If you feel like life has taken a toll on you, Nepal is your spiritual refreshment. Take a gulp!
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