Popularly known as trekker’s paradise, Nepal is situated between the majestic Himalayas, alluring hill villages, and exciting jungles. No doubt Nepal is one of the best travel destinations in the world. Ever since Nepal has opened its border for foreign travelers, the country has invented itself as a popular tourism destination in the world. With its untouched natural beauty, vast cultures and tradition dating back in time, and historic attraction which has been properly preserved to this day, Nepal is a destination no one should miss.
Apart from this, there are ample amounts of alluring things that attract tourists throughout the year. From mountaineering and trekking to sightseeing and shopping, you will not regret your time in Nepal. Here is the list of things you must not miss while in Nepal.
Trekking in Nepal
When you think of Nepal, trekking in the Himalayas must be one of the first things that come to your mind. Popularly known as Traveler’s paradise, Nepal offers an array of astounding trekking routes, whether you are a first-time trekker or an experienced one. Indeed, Nepal offers trekking routes for everyone with equally majestic views.
If you are looking for shorter treks, here are some of the best short treks Nepal has to offer. Ranging from three to six days, trek such as Mardi Himal Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Khopra Ridge Trek, are some of the best picks.
For trekkers with more experience, here are trekking routes that range from eight days to one month. You can always meander through the trekking routes of Annapurna Circuit Trek, Dhaulagiri Circuit, Makalu Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Region Trekking, Upper Dolpo Trek, Everest Base Camp trek, and many more. These are some of the most challenging trekking routes Nepal has to offer.
Experience Wildlife Safari in Chitwan National Park
Not many people pick Nepal to experience wildlife, but once you are here, you cannot miss a visit to this National park. You’ll be astonished by what you see. Chitwan National Park is home to a large variety of reptiles, mammals, and birds. The safari ride here takes you through unique and incredible landscapes for a close-up view of one-horned Rhinos, Elephants, and even Tigers.
You can experience a jeep safari or even hike inside the dense jungle of Chitwan as the Rapti River flows by. Likewise, you’ll have the chance to spot Rhino, sloth bears, crocodiles, including the endangered Gharial, monkeys, and if you’re lucky enough, the Royal Bengal Tiger and Leopard too. Besides you can also experience a canoe trip down the Rapti River, followed by an elephant bath.
Not to mention, the rich culture and tradition of Chitwan are alluring. While you are there, you will get to explore typical Tharu villages. The popular Tharu dance is something you should not miss.
White Water River Rafting
Surrounded by vast mountain ranges and glaciers, Nepal is blessed with some of the wildest and most spectacular rivers in the world. These rivers are flooded in the monsoon season but are dry during winter. While in Nepal, the best time to go rafting is either between early September to early December or from March till June.
Rafting in Nepal can either be a single trip or extend up to several days. A day trip includes a full day of rafting, which is perfect if you cannot squeeze in an overnight stay. As for a several days trip, you can camp overnight next to the river. Here, the rivers are rated according to their difficulties. If you are a first-timer with little to no experience, you can plan to raft on a river with a difficulty scale of one to three. These rivers have a slow-moving current. If you are looking for a more thrilling adventure, then you can choose rivers with a difficulty scale of four to six.
Kali Gandaki River, Bhoti Koshi River, Trishuli River, and Seti River are some well-known rivers popular for rafting in Nepal. So if you are looking for a thrilling adventure, then rafting is one of the things you cannot miss while visiting Nepal.
Endure thrilling jump in the World’s Second-Highest natural Bungee Jump
Are you an adrenaline junky? If you are, then imagine jumping down 228 meters from Nepal’s highest and the world’s second-highest natural Bungee jump. Recently opened in 2020, Kushma Bungee Jump is the World’s Second-Highest Bungee Jump and has piqued the interest among all adventure enthusiasts. Kushma lies in the foothills of the Himalayas and is only 3hr drive from Pokhara, the city of Lakes. Jumping from Kushma assures a view like no other and an experience you will forever cherish. If you are interested, you can also opt for a ‘couple swings.’ What is more romantic than jumping in the lap of nature with your significant other!
Other than that, bungee at the Last Resort is another bungee stop for the avid adventure seeker. The place also offers couples swings and night bungee. This thrilling adventure should be on your bucket list.
Wonder around the streets of Thamel
While in Nepal, Thamel is one of the first places tourists go as it is a travelers’ hub of the city. From renting and buying trekking gear to enjoying at bars and pubs, Thamel is a place made to fulfill every need of tourists from around the world.
You can spend hours exploring the narrow streets and alleyways which are filled with restaurants and bars offering typical cuisines. Adding to it, you can also savor the top-quality bakeries, supermarkets, book stores, a few pirated DVD stores, and everything in between. Thamel is also known for its Nepali handicrafts market, showcasing perfect goodies to take home as a souvenir. Not to mention, the relaxing oasis at the Garden of Dreams just in between the hustle and bustle of the city.
No doubt, Thamel is a perfect place to hang out and meet fellow travelers as it is brimming with people from around the world. Thamel surely is known for its nightlife.
Explore ancient Durbar Squares in Kathmandu
Take a trip back in time as you explore different durbar squares in Kathmandu valley. Listed as world heritage sites by UNESCO, these durbar squares are a must-visit place in Kathmandu.
Looking upon history, Kathmandu Valley was divided into three main kingdoms: Basantapur, Bhaktapur, and Patan. Each of these kingdoms had a royal palace with a surrounded durbar square. Each durbar square has its unique historical monuments like temples, idols, and fountains. Unfortunately, the majority of these glorious monuments were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake, but several of these monumental structures have been restored.
These durbar squares are the perfect place to admire ancient Nepali architecture, Newari wood carvings, and historic traditions. No visit to Kathmandu is complete without visiting these historic sites.
Take a scenic flight over the Himalayas
Most of the travelers come to Nepal hoping to get a glimpse of Mount Everest, but not all of us can summit Everest or even devour all the way to Everest base camp. Hence, the best alternative is Mountain Flight.
The flight soars off from Tribhuvan international airport, taking you around the impressive snow-capped peaks. The view is truly mesmerizing. As you fly beside these giant mountains, your pilot and cabin crew will narrate the scenery, pointing out the main peaks, and inform you all about the spiritual significance of the revered Himalayan peaks.
Well, Nepal is surely a piece of heaven for every nature enthusiast. Either exert yourself through a strenuous trek or enjoy a laid-back holiday in luxury, a visit to Nepal will make you feel a lot closer to mother nature and even to yourself.
Besides the things listed above, there is plenty of thrilling and adventurous experience you can have while you visit Nepal. Among them, these are only a few! However, www.mysticmountaintreks.com is 24/7/365 at your services, please feel free to contact us for any travel query.
Tags: mountain expedition in Nepal, trekking in Nepal, white water river rafting in Nepal, Wildlife safari in Nepal