Situated between China and India in South Asia, Nepal is known for its Himalayan peaks, rich Hindu and Buddhist culture, and heart-pounding adventure. From towering peaks of the Himalayas to serene valleys, ancient temples, and vibrant towns, there is a range of places to visit in Nepal.

As Jeffrey Rasley once said, “Chasing angels or fleeing demons, go to the mountains”. And when it comes to mountains, there is no better place than Nepal. Home to eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, Nepal is a place where mountains don’t just touch the sky, they touch your soul.

Besides its towering peaks, Nepal is equally famous for being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, for its incredible wildlife, absolutely loving and heart-warming locals, unknown trails, peaceful lakes and out-of-the-world food options. Though small in size, the country promises an experience far greater than its borders.

So, if you are planning a trip to this neighbouring country, here is your guide to some of the top places to go in Nepal for an unforgettable experience:

What are the Best Places to Go in Nepal?

Be it the towering peaks of Mount Everest and Annapurna, the wildlife sanctuaries of Chitwan National Park, or the spiritual havens of Kathmandu, there are so many places to explore in Nepal that you will fall short of days.

To help you, here are some of the best tourist attractions of Nepal:

• Kathmandu Valley
• Pokhara
• Chitwan National Park
• Nagarkot
• Mustang
• Lumbini
• Bhaktapur
• Patan

Kathmandu

No trip to Nepal is complete without visiting its beautiful capital, Kathmandu. Known as the city of temples, Kathmandu is filled with ancient temples and medieval palaces, taking you back in history. It is also famous for housing seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa. The city has everything from bustling bazars, spiritual sanctuaries, and vibrant local culture to mouthwatering delicacies and heart-pounding adventure sports, making it among the best places to see in Nepal.

Places to visit in Kathmandu Valley:

• Pashupatinath Temple
  Temple Timings: 4:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  Entry Fee: NPR 1000 for Foreign and SAARC Nationals. Free for Indian and Nepali Nationals

• Boudhanath Stupa
  Timings: 24 hours
  Entry Fee: Foreign nationals and Chinese citizens: NPR 400, SAARC nationals: NPR 100, and Nepalese citizens: No entry fee

• Garden of Dreams
  Timings: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Last entry 9:00 PM
  Entry Fee: Adult - NPR 320, Child - NPR 160

• Kathmandu Durbar Square
  Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM every day. Closed on Saturday
  Entry Fee: Foreigners - NPR 1000, SAARC country citizens - NPR 200.

Pokhara

Known for its serene lakes and stunning view of the Annapurna Himalayas, Pokhara is the second-largest city in Nepal, after Kathmandu. The highlight of the city is its lakesides, which are flanked by charming shops, dreamy cafes, and a range of restaurants and pubs. If you are an adventure enthusiast, then Pokhara is a must-visit travel destination in Nepal, as it is a starting point for many treks in the Annapurna Range, as well as paragliding and river rafting opportunities.

Places to visit in Pokhara:

• Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple
  Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
  Entry Fees: 100 NPR for Foreigners
• Phewa Lake
  Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Entry Fee: No entry fee

• International Mountain Museum
  Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Entry Fee: Foreigner: NPR 500, SAARC Nation: NPR 250, and Nepali: NPR 100
• Tal Barahi Temple
  Timings: Monday - Saturday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  Entry Fee: NPR 100 per person

Chitwan National Park

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then the Chitwan National Park is the perfect tourist attraction in Nepal for you. Spread across an impressive area of over 932 square kilometres, the Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to an extraordinary range of species, including the Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, sloth bears, and crocodiles. Here you can also indulge in activities like jungle walks, jeep safaris, canoe trips along the Rapti River, and elephant-back excursions.

Timings:

6 AM to 6 PM.

Entry Fee:

• For Foreigners - 2000 NPR
• For Locals - 150 NPR
• For SAARC Citizens (Indians) - 1000 NPR
• Children Below The Age Of 10 - Free

Nagarkot

For the best views of the Himalayan range in the entire region, Nagarkot is one of the best places to go in Nepal. The village offers mesmerising views of 8 out of the 13 Himalayan ranges, including the mighty Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Jugal, Everest, Numbur, Ganesh Himal and the Rolwaling ranges. Surrounded by mountains with birds chirping and the breeze whistling through the pines, Nargokot is sure to make you feel deeply connected to nature.

Places to visit in Nagarkot: 

• Nagarkot View Tower
  Timings: All day
  Entry Fee: No entry fee

• Nagarkot Waterfall
  Timings: All days
  Entry Fee: NA

• Changu Narayan Temple
  Timings: All day
  Entry Fee: NA

• Kailashnath Mahadev Statue
  Timings: Daily - 7:30 AM to 6 PM
  Entry Fee: NA

Mustang

On the northern side of the Annapurna Range, along the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, lies the hidden gem of Nepal, the Mustang Region. The region is home to ethnically Tibetan people and is divided into two parts, the upper Mustang and the lower Mustang. The lower Mustang is known for its natural beauty, while the upper Mustang is famous for its trekking and hiking trails, monasteries, caves and local tribes. While the city is relatively unexplored, it is one of the best places to explore in Nepal if you want to experience both Tibetan culture and Nepalese lifestyle.

Places to visit in Mustang:

• Lo Manthang
  Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
  Entry Fee: Restricted Area Permit ($500 USD per person for the first 10 days, plus an additional $50 USD per day for extended stays)
• Muktinath Temple
  Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
  Entry Fee: No temple fee
• Jomsom
  Timings: All days
  Entry Fee: NA

• Kagbeni
  Timings: NA
  Entry Fee: ACAP Permit required (USD 20) 

Lumbini

The birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini, is one of the most revered travel destinations in Nepal for Buddhists worldwide. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the place is dotted with a range of monasteries and meditation centres built by Buddhist communities. Spiritual seekers and Buddhists from across the world come here to meditate, practice yoga, study scriptures, and find inner peace. Beyond its spiritual significance, Lumbini is also renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, a haven for a diverse range of endangered species.

Places to visit in Lumbini:

• World Peace Pagoda Lumbini
  Timings: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM every day
  Entry Fees: No entry fee
• Maya Devi Temple
  Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Entry Fee: Indians: Free; SAARC Citizens: NPR 100; Foreigners: NPR 200
• Bodhi Tree
  Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  Entry Fee: Included in the entry fee for Maya Devi Temple:
  Citizens of SAARC Countries: NPR 100
  Other Foreign Nationals: NPR 200
• Myanmar Golden Temple
  Timings: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  Entry Fee: No entry fee

Bhaktapur

Just 12 km to the east of Kathmandu lies Bhaktapur, a historic city renowned for its well-preserved medieval charm and rich Newar culture. A place of devotion, the city is divided into three squares, each filled with a diverse range of temples and other religious structures. The entry to the city, however, is not free, with visitors having to pay a town entry fee of NPR 1800 that goes towards the maintenance of Bhaktapur temples. Overall, Bhaktapur is one of the best places to visit on a Nepal tour, especially for those interested in heritage, art, and vibrant local culture.

Places to visit in Bhaktapur:

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  Entry Fee: Foreign Nationals - NPR 1500; Chinese Nationals - NPR 500; SAARC Nationals - NPR 500; Nepalese Nationals - Free Entry
• Changu Narayan
  Timings: 24 hours
  Entry Fee: No entry fee

• Nyatapola Temple
  Timings: 24 hours
  Entry Fee: No entry fees

Patan

Patan, now known as Lalitpur, is one of the three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley. The city is a melting pot of Hindu and Nepali cultures, housing a range of Buddhist and Hindu temples. Its Darbar Square is among the best places to see in Nepal, offering a combination of the old royal palace (now a museum), artistic courtyards, and pagoda temples.

Places to visit in Patan:

• Durbar Square
  Timings: Ticket Counter Timings - Tuesday to Saturday - 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM and on Sundays - 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  Entry Fee: Nepali Nationals: Dubar Patan Square - Free (except museum); Museum - NPR 30; Student ID Entry - NPR 20; School Lettered Entry - NPR 10
  SAARC Individuals: Square and Museum Entry - NPR 250
  Foreign Nationals: NPR 1000
• Royal Palace
  Time Required: 1-2 hours
  Entry Fee: NPR 1000
• Uku Bahal
  Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  Entry Fee: NPR 50

Which Month is Best to Visit Nepal?

The best months to visit Nepal are generally considered to be from October to December. During this period, the weather is pleasant with clear, blue skies, offering you spectacular views and perfect visibility for trekking. The Spring, between March and May, is also a great time to visit Nepal, with warmer weather, blooming flowers like rhododendrons, and longer daylight hours.

As we conclude our exploration of places to go in Nepal, it is clear that Nepal's tourism has so much to offer. Whether you are exploring the spiritual sanctuaries of Kathmandu, boating in the serene lakes of Pokhara, or experiencing the medieval charm of Bhaktapur, every corner of Nepal has its own story to tell.

To make your trip to Nepal even more special and enjoyable, consider exploring the range of Nepal tour packages offered by Veena World. From accommodation and transportation to day-to-day itineraries, we will take care of everything so that you can enjoy all that Nepal has to offer.

FAQs

Q1. Why do people flock to Pokhara, and is it really as magical as it sounds?

Answer: Pokhara is a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers alike, and it’s also a great starting point for those tackling the Annapurna Circuit. The city is known for its peaceful lakes, stunning sunsets, and spectacular views of the Himalayas. Phewa Lake offers serene boat rides, and you can enjoy adventures like paragliding over the lake or hiking to Sarangkot for panoramic views. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe between your treks, Pokhara is where you can kick back, enjoy local cafes, and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Q2. What’s so special about the “Tihar” festival for tourists?

If you are lucky enough to be in Nepal during the Tihar festival (also known as Deepawali or Festival of Lights), you’ll witness one of the most vibrant celebrations. Tihar is celebrated with lights, flowers, and candles, and each day honours a different aspect of life, such as animals, siblings, and gods. The most fascinating part for tourists is the celebration of dogs on the first day, when they are garlanded and treated to a feast. It’s an amazing insight into Nepalese culture, and if you’re there during the festival, you’ll be swept up in the sheer joy and energy of it all.

Q3. What’s the story behind Nepal’s famous Momo (dumplings), and why are they so addictive?

Momos (dumplings) are a staple in Nepali cuisine, and tourists rave about these delicious bite-sized treats. Filled with meat (usually buffalo, chicken, or pork) or vegetables, they are steamed or fried and served with a spicy dipping sauce. You’ll find momo stalls on nearly every street in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other towns. These dumplings are so popular because they are affordable, flavorful, and provide an authentic taste of Nepali street food culture. It’s hard to have just one serving, so be ready to indulge!

Q4. Why is Chitwan National Park a must-visit for animal lovers, and what’s the best way to explore it?

If you are an animal lover, Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets. The park is home to wildlife safaris where you can spot the one-horned rhino, tigers, deer, and countless species of birds. The best way to explore Chitwan is through a jeep safari, but there are also options for canoeing on the Rapti River, where you can float past crocodiles and watch animals come to drink at the riverbanks. Don’t forget to visit the elephant breeding centre for an up-close experience with these gentle giants.

Q5. Why is it important to respect Nepali customs when visiting temples or holy sites?

When visiting temples or sacred sites in Nepal, respect for local customs is paramount. Many temples have specific rules for tourists, such as removing your shoes before entering, wearing modest clothing, or not taking photographs in certain areas.