Nepal Tourist Attractions

There are many beautiful and interesting places, to visit outside the Kathmandu Valley - places of historical importance of noted for natural beauty. Most of them can be easily reached from Kathmandu by road or by air.

Kakani:

Adventure in Nepal Weekend Camping Angling & Fishing  Heliskiing The Royal Chitwan National Park Royal Bardia National Park Jungle Safari Motorbike Safari Mountaineering River Rafting Rock Climbing Skiing & Heliskiing Nepal Trekking

Located 29-km north-west of the Kathmandu city, the fabulous holidays area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama particularly of the Ganesh Himal massif. Other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are: Gaurishanker (7,134m.), Choba Bhamre (6,109 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli (7, 893m), Annapurna ( 8,091m), and several other peaks.

Gosainkunda:

One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4,360m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132-kms north east of Kathmandu.

Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south the lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswati Bhairv, Sourya and Ganesh Kund, etc.

Dhulikhel

This ancient town is situated 30-km east of Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari highway). From here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west.

Panauti:

It is a thriving village of the road to Dhulikhel, with some very lovely temples and interesting old houses particularly beautiful area some 14th century wooden temple struts. The drive is through beautiful countryside.

Namo Buddha:

It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get here. There is an amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Timal Narayan:

The route from Dhulikhel to Timal Narayan is ideal for a short trek. From here one can have a beautiful view of Gaurishanker Himal and other important peaks as well as Sunkoshi river. It is also very pleasant to visit to the village of the tamang people who live in this area.

Palanchowk Bhagawati:

7-km north of the mountain of Panchkhal, on the top of a hill lies the noted historic temple of palanchowk bhagawati. The temple houses a three feet long beautiful artistic stone image of goddess bhagawati.

Charikot:

About 133-km from Kathmandu, Charikot provides a spetacular mountais view of the Gaurishanker. In the eastern upper part of Dolakha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen.

Helambu:

Helambu situated about 72-km north-east of Kathmandu is famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. There are many Buddhist monasteries amidst a rich and enchanting landscape. Sundarijal is the starting point to trek to Helambu which is mere 11-km away from Kathmandu.

Gorkha:

Gorkha is the birth place of King Prithivi Narayan Shah - The Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhnath. Gorkha can be reached in about 6 hours from Kathmandu and in about 4 hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting.

Muktinath:

The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of mustang and is situated about 18-kms north-east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather.

There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either to take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara to Jomsom.

Pokhara Valley:

The Pokhara Valley one of the most picturesques spot of Nepal, is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Situated 200-kms west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by bus from Kathmandu and Bhairahawa a border town near India. Situated at an altitude of 827m, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara’s numerous lakes known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming.

Tansen:

Situated at an altitude of 1,343m, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal’s most far stretching views of the country’s chief attractions. The Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north-east. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.

Lumbini:

Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and non violence. It is situated 250-kms south-west of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. Also one can reach Lumbini in about 3 hours by bus or car from Tensen via Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes about 8 hours by bus or car.

Rapti Valley (Chitwan):

From Kathmandu it takes 6 hours to reach chitwan. Situated 120-kms south-west of Kathmandu, the main attraction of chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of the Nepal’s largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife - the rare great One-horned Rhinoceros, several species of Deer, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Boar, Fresh Water Dolphin, Crocodile, more Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to chitwan may view game of Elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips, from window and on jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safari. Visitors may also take river raft, driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola.

Daman:

It is situated 80-kms south-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400m. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far west of Dhaulagiri to far east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes. Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.

Namche Bazaar:

The name of namche bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest - the highest peak in the world. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range, Namche Bazaar is about 241-kms. From Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region.

Janakpur:

A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Religious festivals, pilgrimages, trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days.

Biratnagar:

The second largest city of Nepal Biratnagar is situated in the Koshi Zone. The city has some of the largest industrial undertakings in the country. There are a couple of pilgrimage spots in dharan and barahachhetra nearby the city. Biratnager is linked with kathmandu by air and road.

Barahachhetra:

A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar, Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the 12th century.

Weather and Climate

Nepal’s topographical boundary governs the climatic condition of this Himalayan Kingdom. Tropical, Temperate and tundra natures of climate are correspondingly encountered in its Terai belts, midland hills and the alpine regions. Nepal has respectively four seasons in a year - winter, spring, monsoon and autumn. The most excellent time for nature aficionados to visit the country is during spring when flowers are in full blossom and mountain slopes are covered with beautiful and colorful flowers. This amazing spring season begins from early March and continues till late May. The days are clear; and sometimes clouds may disturb or heighten the mountain views. Then the monsoon begins in late May and continues till late August. The autumn season starts from September. It continues till late November. With temperate climate, clear blue skies and extraordinary mountain views, it is another finest season to visit the country when the trekking season will also be in full swing. Winter begins in late November then continues till late February. Nepali Seasons        Months       Spring                    April-May       Summer                 June-July       Monsoon    End       June-Mid September        Autumn                  September-November       Winter                    December-January       Sisir(Windy)            February-March

Nepalese Festivals

Nepal is not only a land of mountains but also a country full of colorful festivals. It celebrates over 50 festivals in a year. The most important festival for Nepalese Hindus Dashain comes once in a year. Similarly Tihar is also another major festival and celebrated after Dashain. Besides, Buddha Jayanti (the celebration of the birth of Buddha); Maha Shivaratri (a festival of Lord Shiva, during Maha Shivaratri festivities, some people consume excessive drinks and smoke charas), ShreePanchami; NagPanchami; Teej; Maghe Sankrati, JanaiPurnima; Krishnaastami; Chaite Dashain; Kuse Aunsi; Guru Purnima; Mother's day; Father's day; Indra jatra; Ghode jatra; Buddha Jayanti, Holi etc. are major  festivals of the country. A short description of some festivals:            Dashain: Dashain is the greatest festival of Nepal. It is also known as Bijaya Dashami. Nepalese celebrate this festival for quite an extended period of time during the month of late September & early October. The  Dashain, is essentially celebrated for the ‘Victory over Evil’ and Nepalis worship the goddess Durga . Thousands of animals are scarified for the ritual holy bathing drenching the goddess in blood for days. Tihar: Tihar is the second biggest festival of Nepal. It is the festival of lights (also known as ‘Dipawali’), celebrated between October/November and goes around for five days, people worship Laxmi – the Goddess of Wealth during this festival. Every household is cleaned and decorated with a belief that Goddess Laxmi will enter the house, thus bringing more prosperity and wealth. People lit candles, oil lamps and these days other electric lights. The entire city brightens up with illuminating lights of different colours and it transfers into a vivid city of glowing lights. Fire crackers are also the integral part of Tihar when a numerous amount of crackers are lightened/used. During the five days of this festival’s, crows, dogs and cows are worshipped as well and honored with vermilion, garland and delicious food. New Year: It is known as “Navavarsha” in Nepal and usually falls in the second week of April. Nepal has its official calendar that begins from the first day of the first month Baisakh. This very first day is observed as Nepali New Year. People organize picnics, get-togethers and celebrate the day socializing in various ways and this day is also a national holiday. Lhosar: This is the New Year for Sherpas in Nepal and falls in February. Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu especially in Boudhanath and Swayambunath are decorated with eye catching colorful prayer flags and people flock to these stupas/monasteries performing their traditional dances. They welcome their New Year organizing feasts and family gatherings, wearing new clothes and finest jewelries as well as exchanging gifts.

Flora and Fauna

Tropical Deciduous Monsoon Forest The Tropical Deciduous Monsoon Forest includes the plain of Terai and the broad flat valleys and successive hill ranges. The main tree species of this area are Sal (Shorea Robusta), sometimes associated with Semal, Asna, Dalbergia spp and other species. Similarly Pinus rosburghi occurring on the higher ridges of the Churia hills.Churia hill lies at around 1800m of altitude. Tall boorish grassland covered much of the Dun valleys but has now been largely replaced by agricultural settlements. The pipal and the Anyan (ficus bengalensis) are to be noticed with their explicit natural distinctiveness. The forests are the richest area for wildlife like gaurs, buffaloes, four species of deer, tigers, leopards and other animals. The Rhinoceros, swamp deer and hot deer are found in the valley grasslands and two species of crocodile and the  and the Gangetic  dolphins reside in the rivers. The principal birds are the peacock, jungle fowl and black partridge, while migratory duck and ducks swarm live in the ponds and lakes and big rivers of Terai. Terai forests are full of jasmin, minosa, accecia reeds and bamboo. Subtropical Mixed Evergreen Forest The Subtropical Mixed Evergreen Forest incorporates the Mahabharata Lek, which rises to a height of about 2400m.It comprises the outer wall of the Himalayan range. Great rivers such as the Karnali, Narayani, and Sapta Koshi flow through this area into the broad plains of the Terai. Among the tree species-Castenopsis indica in association with Schima wallichii, and other species such as Alnus nepalensis, Acer oblongum and various species of oak and rhododendron are found there. The Rhododendrons cover the higher slopes where deforestation has not yet taken place. Orchids clothe the stems of trees and gigantic climbers smother their heads. The variety and abundance of the flora and fauna are decreasing nowdays. This zone is generally poor in wildlife. The only widely distributed mammals are wild boar, barking deer, serow, ghoral and bears. Different varieties of birds are also found in this zone. Temperate Evergreen Forest Northward, on the lower slopes and spurs of the great Himalayas, oaks and pines are the dominant species up to an altitude of about 2400m. Above we find dense conifer forests including Picea, Tusga, Larix and Abies spp. At about 3600 to 3900m, we find rhododendron, bamboo etc. The composition of the forest varies considerably with coniferous predominating in the west and eracaceous in the east. The wildlife of this region includes the Himalayan bear, serow, ghoral, barking deer and wildboar, with Himalayan tahr sometimes being seen on steep rocky faces above 2400m. The red panda is among the most interesting of the mammals found in this zone; it appears to be fairly distributed in suitable areas of the forest above 1800m. The rich and diverse avifauna of this region includes several fabulous and beautiful pheasants, including the national bird of Nepal the Danfe pheasant. Sub alpine and Alpine Zone Above the tree line, rhododendron and juniper scrub may extend to about 4200m where the lands are covered by tundra-like association of short grasses, sedge mosses and alpine plants.. This continues up to the lower limit of eternal snow and ice at about 5100m. The mammalian fauna found there is rare. Implausibly, we find Himalayan marmots, mouse hare, tahr, musk deer, snow leopard and also occasionally blue sheep in this area. Until some time ago, the wild Yak and great Tibetan sheep could also be sighted in this region. Birds such as lammergeyer, snowcock, snowpatridge, choughs and bunting with redstarts and dippers are often seen along with streams and rivulets. Yaks are the only livestock which exist at high altitudes. The cheese prepared from the milk is edible for months. The female Yaks are good source of milk for the Sherpas. Nepal is a paradise with a unique bio-diversity & an ideal destination for the naturalists and lovers of wild animals.

Language

Nepal’s official language in Nepali, written in the Devnagri script, the script same as for Hindi. Both Nepali and Hindi get their script from Sanskrit of the Indo-Aryan family of language.  However, there are more than 30 other languages spoken as mother-tongues in different parts of the country, and as well there are many regional dialects. The major languages spoken in Nepal are Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana), Tamang, Newar, Magar, Awadhi, & others.  Maithili is spoken in the eastern Terai region, Bhojpuri in the mid-Terai region, Tharu both in the east and west Terai, Newari in the capital Kathmandu region, and Tamang & Magar among the hill people of Nepal. Nepali, Maithili, and Bhojpuri belong to the Indo-European family. The mother tongues of the Tibeto-Nepalese groups, including Newari, belong predominantly to the Tibeto-Burman family. The Pahari, whose mother tongue is Nepali, is the largest ethnic group. If the Maithili and Bhojpuri speaking populations of the Terai were included, more than 75 percent of the population belongs to the Indo-Nepalese ethnic group. Only three other ethnic groups--the Tamang, the Tharu, and the Newar--approached or slightly exceeded the one-half million population mark. English may be called the second language in Nepal, much of the schooling in the urban areas are conducted in English medium. As well many in the travel and tourism industry speak German, Spanish, Japanese, French and Italian.  Hindi is also understood in major towns, and spoken as a link language in the Terai. Nepali is also spoken and understood in Bhutan and some north eastern parts of India. The influence of Nepali language in India is seen in the state of Sikkim, where Nepali has been declared the official language. The language is also known as Gorkhali or Gurkhali, which means "language of Nepali Gorkhas". The oldest term to describe this language is "Khaskura", which came from the rice growing Indo-Aryan settlers known as Khas. It is considered that some 500 years back, the Khas settlers migrated towards the east in the lower valleys of the Gandaki basin. This place was well suited for rice cultivation.  Around the year 1700, an army of Gurungs, Magars and other tribesmen came together under Prithvi Narayan. They set out to conquer other petty settlements in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Gorkha replaced the former homeland of the Khas as the military and political headquarters. Thus, the language came to be known as Gorkhali.

Culture and Custom

Nepalis are highly cultural people – with systematic & organzined calendar for the rituals, ceremonies, festivals. Especially the Kathamandu Valley is famous for its own unique way of celebrating different Jatras or Festivals since the earliest history.  The distinct festivals of Nepal give a new dimension to Hindu & Buddhist religions. Nepalis are still deeply religious people – often to the extent of superstitions. A prominent Nepali anthropologist even blames the religious attitude of accepting all difficulties as divine will as the real cause behind Nepal’s underdevelopment. Whatever, Nepalis would like to see their culture respected by the foreigners who visit Nepal. Marriage between two people is also a ritual affair. Most of the marriages are arranged & conducted during November & December, the harvest time in Nepal. It takes chanting of sacred mantras for whole the day to ritualize the marriage. Still, many foreigners find it romantic to wed in the Nepalese style. Greetings: People fold both palms in front of their face, and say “Namaskar” or “Namaste” to formally greet others. The juniors by relation, age, or status are supposed to do a “Namaste” first to their seniors, & the seniors respond in the same manner. You also do the “Namaste” while saying bidding goodbye. However, these days the western or international custom of handshaking is getting increasingly popular especially among the younger generation. Being vegetarian is not a problem as they are also well catered. In the big towns and cities, you can get virtually any kind of food you like in one of many restaurants, though western food is more expensive than local food. The diversity in everything makes Nepalis are generally tolerant of others’ ways. However, sex is still a taboo subject in all cultures in Nepal. Baring one’s body in the public especially by the women is considered indecent behavior. Similarly, one’s expected to put off the shoes before entering the room. Public display of affection like kissing & hugging is also avoided.

Nepalese People

Nepal is a multi-ethnic society with more than 40 types of different races, tribes, & ethnicity constituting a population of more than 26 millions. A promising Nepali social researcher Dipesh Upadhyay calls Nepal a land of refugees. Dr. Stephen Bezruchka in his seminal travel book Trekking in Nepal also agrees that Nepal’s terrain was, “settled by peoples fleeing invaders from all directions” (p140). Nepal’s remote & inaccessible landscape has offered shelter to the victims of invasions & social turmoil not only from India in the south, & China & Tibet in the north, but from Bhutan & Burma as well. Thus people in Nepal can be variously categorized according to altitude, religion, and ethnicity.  The Hindus constitute the famous four caste people, but they take somewhat different names & forms in Nepal than India. These people carry a surname according their profession. Although Buddhists do not have systematic caste systems, some Buddhist Newars of Kathmandu have been carrying their surnames like Bajracharya, Gurubacharya, Tamrakar, Tuladhar which denoted their professions during medieval Nepal. Brahmins (or Bahun in Nepali): These are the uppermost caste in the Hindu hierarchical caste system. Brahmins are mostly teachers, priests, & government officials. Chetris: The Hindu people of the warrior Aryan caste. The Shah Kings, the Ranas, & the high-profile army postions are still occupied by the Chetris in Nepal. Newars: The ethnic people from the Kathmandu valley. Most are the Hindus, but some are also Buddhist by generations. Sherpas: Shrepa people are the original inhabitants of the Nepal’s side of Himalaya – different from Tibetans. Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu: These are the original inhabitants of mountain region. Madhesis: The people of the Terai regions constituting both Hindus & Muslims of Aryan descent. Tharu, Rajbansi, Danuwar, Majhi: These people consider themselves to be original inhabitants of the Terai. Manangi & Dolpo: These are tribal people living in the isolated pockets in the valleys beyond Himalaya but inside Nepal.