places to visit in Nepal

Discovering Nepal : stretch's odyssey to the forbidden kingdom

FEW ADJECTIVES Nepal, often associated with the grandiose Himalayas, is a country of stunning paradox, vibrant culture, and unmatched natural beauty.

Most of the adventurers head straight to popular places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Everest Base Camp, however, there’s a lot more to see and experience in Nepal.

From the wild wastelands of the Far West to the green hills and rolling tea gardens of the East, the country provides an enigmatic range of experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world – a fusion of heady adventure, subtle spirituality and time-worn traditions.

1. The hidden treasure of Far West Nepal

But the Far West of Nepal, or “Sudurpaschim” in the local parlance, is largely ignored by mainstream tourism. But those who make the effort are treated to raw landscapes, ancient traditions and authentic village life.

a.     Khaptad National Park

Nestled in the rugged highlands of the Far West, Khaptad National Park is a peaceful expanse of rolling grasslands, pine forests and sacred vibrancy.

The park is named after the learned ascetic Swami Khaptad Baba who is believed to have meditated in the area for the last 50 years of his life. It is a sanctuary for trekkers in search of solitude, and for pilgrims visiting the Khaptad Baba Ashram.

The views of Api and Saipal Himalayas from the park are stunning and its charm is enhanced by the spread of wild flowers during the spring.

Wildlife enthusiasts can keep an eye out for barking deer, wild boars and a cast of birds.

b.    Ramaroshan Area – 12 Lakes And 18 Patches of Meadows

Ramaroshan in Achham district is otherwise called “Switzerland of Nepal”. As well as the 12 beautiful lakes and 18 gentle upland meadows (locally called Patans) that make it a dreamy upland destination.

The region is a wonderful mix of natural beauty, serene hiking trails, and a meeting with the native Achhami culture.

c.     Api Himal Base Camp Trek

Api Himal (7,132m) holds the title of highest peak in western Nepal and the trek to its base camp is one of the most remotely-located-and-least-visited of Nepal.

The road showcases unadulterated beauty of nature, deep gorges, alpine woods and virgin villages; he points out, such as Latinath and Makarighat.

2.    Midwestern Region: Rugged Terrain and Spiritual Valleys

We are now traveling east into Karnali and Lumbini Provinces, where the landscape changes dramatically. Here, gentle hills turn to steep gorges, wide rivers and sacred pilgrimage places.

a.     Rara Lake

Nepal’s biggest lake, Rara, is a sapphire jewel that lies at an elevation of 2,990 meters in Mugu District. Enclosed by Rara National Park, the lake mirrors snow-capped Himalayas and dense pine forests.

Trekkers can be found there by foot or on horseback, and the region is home to a variety of birdlife and wild animals including red pandas and Himalayan black bears.

Rara can be reached by air from Nepalgunj to Talcha or Jumla and then corps. Rara is remote, but the surreal beauty is worth the effort.

b.    Bardia National Park

Nepal’s largest national park, in the Terai lowlands, is a pristine wildlife adventure in Bardia.

Slower still than busy Chitwan, Bardia offers better tiger-spotting and sightings of gharial (long-snouted) crocodile, one-horned rhino, elephants and Gangetic dolphin.

The local Tharu culture also supplements the experience, with traditional dances and environmentally friendly homestays, while lots of bookable activities contribute positively to the country.

c.     Lumbini – The birth place of The Buddha

Lumbini is a sacred place for Buddhists all around the world, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, located in Rupendehi District.

It was the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Buddha.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that contains the Maya Devi Temple, sacred pool, Ashokan pillar and monasteries made by Buddhist of different countries.

Lumbini is not just a pilgrimage —rather, it is a tranquil site that offers space for reflection and contemplation and helps you understand global spirituality.

3.    Central Nepal: The Hills are Alive... with Heritage... and Thrills

This region of Nepal is where history, religion and natural wonders converge perfectly.

a.     Kathmandu Valley

The Capital city and valley have much to offer culturally and historically. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, which include the medieval cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.

Kathmandu: With the Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Durbar Square, Kathmandu is a heady, enigmatic meld of spirituality and chaos.

Patan: Renowned for fine arts, crafts, and hundreds of years old Hindu temples.

Bhaktapur: A living museum of medieval architecture, Newari culture and festivals such as Bisket Jatra.

b.    Pokhara

Spread along a turquoise-hued lake with the backdrop of the Annapurna range, Pokhara is a traveler’s paradise. It is the gateway to multiple treks, such as the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani-Poon Hill.

Don’t miss:

·      Boating on Phewa Lake

·      Sunrise at Sarangkot

·      Caverns and Falls like Gupteshwor and Devi’s Fall

·      Paragliding off over the lake and mountains

·      Gorkha and Bandipur

For off-the-beaten-path exploration, go to Gorkha, the homeland of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king who united Nepal.

Gorkha Durbar (palace) is on the top of a hill and has an excellent view.

Close by, Bandipur is a delightful time-capsuled hilltop town. Its Newari buildings, cobbled streets and calm environment makes it an ideal place for a lazy break.

4.    EASTERN NEPAL: GREEN HILLS, TEA GARDENS AND HOLY PEAKS.

Climbing to the eastern edge of Nepal, the landscapes become lush and the culture more varied.

The area boasts of both famous peaks and ethnic communities and tea estates that differ from one another.

a.     Ilam – The Tea Town of Nepal

Dubbed the “Darjeeling of Nepal,” Ilam is renowned for its miles of rolling tea gardens, pristine, cool weather and green hills.

Visitors can take a tour of the tea factories, walk amongst the tea plants and be treated to views from places such as Shree Antu Danda, particularly at sunrise.

Local homestays also provide the opportunity to experience the hospitality of the Rai, Limbu and other hill communities.

b.    Pathibhara Temple

In Taplejung District is located the Pathibhara Devi; a very sacred place of worship for the Hindus and Buddhists. Located at an altitude of 3794 meters, the shrine serves both spiritual blessings and an unhindered view of Kanchenjunga — the third highest peak on the planet.

Pilgrims and trekking groups in general complement their journey to Pathibhara with a hike in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

c.     Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek One of Nepal’s most un-spoilt and a less commercial trek is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – An adventure that serious trekkers would not want to miss.

The route passes through isolated villages, alpine forests and glaciers, with up-close views of towering peaks including Jannu and Kanchenjunga.

The journey also allows travelers to learn about the Limbu culture, the distinct language they speak and religious practices.

5.    Why Cross Nepal from West to East?

It is stunning how different Nepal is from east to west. The Far West is about spiritual depth and isolation, the central hills are history and grandeur, while the East is a cocktail of beautiful rolling hills and multi-ethnic torpor.

Crossing the country provides travelers with a rare chance to experience the entire spectrum of Nepal’s geography and people — from Tibetan-influenced highlanders to plains-dwelling Tharus and hill-dwelling Kiratis.

There is something around every corner in Nepal that will steal the heart of a trekker, spiritual seeker, culture vulture or nature lover.

6.    Final Thoughts

Nepal is so often perceived by the outside world through the portals of Everest and Kathmandu, but its magic resides in these smaller, lesser-known places and the kindness of its people.

From the mystic highlands of Khaptad to the emerald fields of Ilam, every place has its own story.

As Nepal throws open more and more remote regions to tourism, responsible travel can be a boon for the conservation of its fragile beauty and for the inhabitants of the region.

If you’re traveling to Nepal, don’t limit yourself to following the same old trails. Go far west, Cut through the middle And Usher in the Sunrise in the east. The real Nepal is waiting.