Nepal is known for its spectacular landscape, breathtaking nature, and its particular culture, which is strongly linked to Hinduism. The possibilities available for hiking or admiring its fantastic temples are sure to shake-up your senses and spirituality. A true paradise.
The mountaintops of Nepal
In addition to having the highest peak in the world, Everest (8,848 metres), Nepal also boasts seven other mountain summits of similar height standing out above the clouds. Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna are all among the world’s eight-thousanders. This is clearly reason enough for climbers and mountaineers to be attracted to this magnificent and impressive landscape, but Nepal has something for everybody.
You can enjoy some of the specific hiking routes and paths and admire the spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the background and the region’s unique flora and fauna. But that’s not all, Nepal is also the perfect destination for outdoor sports like rafting, paragliding, or cycling, which all prove to be great alternatives to help you make the most of the specific characteristics of the Nepalese terrain.
Spirituality
But beyond Nepal’s spectacular scenery and nature, there’s another aspect that many consider when thinking about Nepal as a tourist destination, its more religious and spiritual side.
Being mostly Hindu, Nepal is home to many temples and palaces that are second to none, along with small hidden sanctuaries, where you can observe their serene beauty and reflect upon your inner self. This is a country full of contrast and energy that balances its landscapes and its natural external force with this spirituality of the sacred.
In Kathmandu, you’ll find many of the Hindu religion’s emblematic sites along with the unique Nepalese culture and the hospitality and kindness of the local people.
Kathmandu is a ‘must’
Among the main attractions to discover in the capital, you’ll find places of exceptional beauty that we recommend adding to your travel agenda.
First up is the Kumari Ghar, a palace that’s home to the Kumari Devi, a girl, chosen from many, who is seen as a manifestation of the divine female energy. According to popular belief, the Taleju goddess is reincarnated in the young girl’s body until she reaches adolescence and the goddess vacates her body.
The Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, also comes highly recommended. Nestled among the many temples in the complex, this is one of the most attractive, partly because of the dozens of holy monkeys living there, which it give it a more magical feel. It’s important to have comfortable clothes if you’re planning on visiting as you’ll have to climb up the 365 steep steps to reach the temple from the lower access level.
Another place you can’t afford to miss while in Kathmandu is the Pashupatinath Temple complex, a famous and sacred area dedicated to the Shiva deity. The complex is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only followers of Hinduism can enter the main temple but all the other temples can be visited by anyone, and from the other side of the river you can easily see the ghats and cremations. Even if you’re not Hindu, these religious rituals are tremendously emotional and have also been described as mind-blowing by some visitors.
And last, but by no means least, is the Boudhanath Temple, the centre of Tibetan culture in Nepal, one of the world’s largest stupas, and the largest in all of Asia. You’ll be amazed by the striking beauty of the great white dome, and the Buddhist monks with their shaved heads and orange robes walking around the streets surrounding the temple are sure to grab your attention.
Other visits
Nepal has many other interesting places to visit outside the capital and Patan is definitely one of them. The second largest city in the Kathmandu Valley is best known for its rich cultural heritage, and Patan Durbar Square is seen as the sacred heart of the city. This perfectly preserved marvel of architecture that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site will transport you back in time with its splendid medieval temples, pagodas and sanctuaries.
To finish up and leave behind the “sacred visits”, why not learn some more about Nepal’s animal world with a visit to the Chitwan National Park to admire the wide range of fauna in the area. It’s also a World Heritage Site, and home to the famous Bengal Tiger, many species of birds, rhinoceroses, crocodiles, sloths and monkeys.
