Things to do in  Nepal

Mt. Everest is probably the most famous mountain on Earth—and it’s certainly the highest, at 29,029 feet (8,848 meters). The peak sits on the border between Nepal and Tibet; it’s called Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolangma in the Sherpa language, and it holds spiritual and cultural significance for local people. Seeing the mountain on foot, by helicopter, or on a scenic fly-by from Kathmandu is a highlight for many visitors to Nepal.

Thamel is the beating heart of Kathmandu’s traveler scene. Hiking and rafting businesses, hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and souvenir shops are jam-packed into the narrow streets of Thamel. While Thamel is hardly typical of the rest of Kathmandu, it’s a lively place to spend time, and is convenient for planning your travels around Nepal.

Sagarmatha is the Nepali name for Mount Everest, and the Sagarmatha National Park is where the tallest mountain in the world sits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of natural wonders: other high mountains, trekking trails, diverse wildlife, and Sherpa culture. It’s Nepal’s most popular trekking destination.

Pilgrims from Nepal and India flock to Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu site in Nepal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Pashupatinath is also where many Hindu Nepalis come to die and be cremated.

Nagarkot, a small town on the eastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, is popular for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalaya. On a clear day, it’s possible to see Mount Everest to the northeast and the Annapurna ranges to the northwest. There are many places to stay within Nagarkot and cultural attractions, too.

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a major pilgrimage point near Kathmandu. Every day, Buddhists fill the square to light incense, turn prayer wheels, and perform kora (clockwise circumambulations) around the monument. Rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, the stupa is one of Nepal's most unmissable attractions.

Namche Bazaar is a small, busy market town perched high in the Himalayas. It’s been on trade routes to Tibet for many centuries, and is now an essential stopping point on hikes in the Everest (Khumbu) region. As it’s located at 11,286 feet (3,440 meters), hikers and climbers stop at Namche to acclimatize before heading higher into the mountains.

Bhaktapur, once medieval Kathmandu Valley’s seat of power, earns its accolade as Nepal’s best-preserved city. The earthquake of 2015 claimed many historic buildings, but the one-time flourishing kingdom is still packed with old-world charm. Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and heart of the city, is well-worth a visit.

The oldest shrine complex in the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Temple (sometimes called the Monkey Temple) was said to have been built over 2,000 years ago. Situated at the top of a winding staircase, Swayambhunath has one of the city’s best panoramic views. The complex, containing multiple shrines and a stupa, is considered holy to both Buddhists and Hindus.

The heart of Kathmandu, the Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur) is a vibrant public square was once the Kathmandu Kingdom royal residence. It has one of the world’s highest concentrations of well-preserved ancient buildings, making for a stunning open-air museum. Although the square was damaged during the 2015 earthquakes, there is still an array of architectural gems to see.

Sarangkot is a small village on the hill to the north of Pokhara’s Lake Phewa. It’s where the dozens of colorful paragliders that you can see swirling above Pokhara take off from. It’s also a popular sunrise and sunset destination, because as well as having impressive views down to Pokhara and the lake, it also offers astonishing views of the enormous snow-capped Annapurna Himalaya to the east and north.

The Changu Narayan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is thought to be the oldest temple in Nepal. Parts of it date back to the third century, but most of the structure and its decorations date from between the fourth and 18th centuries. It’s uncrowded, and a nice destination from Bhaktapur.

The gateway to the Chitwan National Park, Sauraha is located on Nepal’s jungle-filled plains (called the Terai). It’s not the small, local village it used to be—it’s now filled with tourist-oriented businesses, hotels, and restaurants. But it’s a convenient place to stay if you’re looking to explore the park on a safari or a boat ride.

The Annapurna Massif is a range of the Himalayas in western Nepal. Six major peaks sit within this area: Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna. Each is over 23,000 feet (7,200 meters. It’s one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, with both short and long-distance treks easily accessible from the major city of Pokhara.

Bhaktapur’s 55 Window Palace was completed in 1754, and sits in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It’s one of the architectural highlights of the historic town. The 55 windows are carved in the traditional Newari style, with latticed wooden slats instead of glass. Visitors can admire the beautiful building from the outside, as well as visit the inner courtyards.