Nepal is a landlocked country surrounded by Bhutan to its East, and to its northeast lie Tibet and India to its South. Whereas China surrounds Nepal all over, making it a feast for travellers as it offers great travel opportunities. It has a beautiful backdrop of the scenic Himalayas and serves as a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Therefore, it should be visited once in a lifetime for its enchanting views to explore its hidden treasures.
The rich geography and history of Nepal make it a unique place that draws numerous tourists every year. The major attraction is the Himalayas, and thus it has ten of the tallest mountains of the world, including Mount Everest, which is the highest point on Earth. It is locally known as Sagarmatha. Adventurous souls can have a wonderful time as there are many trekking routes available in the amazing land of Nepal.
Points to Remember
In Nepal, people are religious and deeply follow age-old customs and traditions. So, it is recommended to follow the below-mentioned points to prevent them from getting offended.
Nepalis wear fully covered traditional clothes and cannot tolerate exposure to ultra-modernity around the religious sites. Therefore, it is recommended not to wear tight-fitted clothes while wandering near temples or any other religious sites. Also, avoid wearing clothes that expose your legs and shoulders.
Always take off your shoes before entering a place of worship.
Before entering the temples, ask the locals, as some of the Hindu temples do not allow Non-Hindus inside the temple.
Must Read: Culture and Traditions of Nepal
Info about Visa and Border Crossings
After arrival at the border and Kathmandu airport, citizens hailing from various countries are eligible for visa-on-arrival (VOA). For VOA, you need your passport with a validity of 6 months. You can get a 15-day tourist visa for $25, a $40 tourist visa for 30 days can be availed, and a tourist visa for 90 days can be availed at $100.
Indian and Nepali Rupees (currency) are also accepted, so don’t worry if you don’t have USD.
Know about its major Border Crossings below
Via Land:
Birganj- Raxaul Bazar: It is the famous overland route that runs between India and Nepal. People from East India can enter Nepal through Birganj via Kolkata. It can also be accessed from most of the states in East India through this route.
Sunauli-Bhairawa: It is easily accessible from Delhi, Varanasi, or other north-western states of India, so Sunauli is the most suitable.
Siliguri-Kakarbhitta: The most convenient route to enter Nepal from Darjeeling is Siliguri-Kakarbhitta.
Besides, many other places offer entry, such as Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, Jamuna, Ghaduchowki, and Mohana. Therefore, people from India can choose any of these places to visit Nepal.
Kodari is the only route for the people of Tibet to visit Nepal.
Via Air:
Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal, located in Kathmandu. The airport receives direct flights from Mumbai, Calcutta, New Delhi, Varanasi, Karachi, Dhaka, Paris, Paro, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Osaka, Lhasa, Dubai, Doha, London and Frankfurt.
Tourist Spots
Nepal has developed various tourist spots as the country is visited by numerous tourists every year. Some of the popular tourist spots in Nepal include:
Kathmandu: It is the capital city of Nepal and the biggest cosmopolitan city. Kathmandu is also known as the “city of temples” for housing some famous temples that signify the historical and religious aspects of the land. Below are some of the important places:
Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath is the most popular Stupa located atop a hill and a sacred place for the Newari Buddhists.
Boudhanath: It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage center, which is considered one of the largest stupas of the world.
Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is one of the sacred Hindu shrines located on the bank of the River Baghmati.
Hanuman Dhoka: It is an ancient royal palace, which houses several attractions.
The Bindyabasini Temple: It is an ancient structure built by the Niwari traders.
The Temple of Nyatapola: This five-storied Pagoda was built in 1702 A.D.
The Pokhara View Point: This viewpoint offers a majestic view of the Himalayan Peaks.
Bhairavnath Temple: This pagoda comprises three stories that represent artistic grandeur.
World Peace Pagoda: This beautiful sight is located across Phewa Lake.
Dattatreya Temple: It is an amazing temple built from the trunk of a single tree.
The Phewa Lake: It is Nepal’s second-largest Lake.
Pokhara: Pokhara is Nepal’s third-largest city and is regarded as the major center of adventure, including several tourist places.
Suggested Tour: 9 Days - Central Nepal Tour
As Nepal is famous for its trekking routes and highest mountain peaks, one can opt for the best trekking at Everest, Mustang, Langtang, Dolpo, Annapurna Circuit, Kanchenjunga, or Manaslu. One can get the trekking tours customized according to interests, needs, and budget.
Suggested Tour: 9 Days - Central Nepal Tour
Away from the Hustle and Bustle
If you wish to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, don’t miss visiting the below-mentioned places:
1. Lumbini: 2500 years ago, Lord Buddha was born here, and it has become a central point of Buddhism at present. A prominent tourist destination in Lumbini is the Holy Temple of Maya Devi. This place is perfect for the one who wants to get immersed in the vibes of Buddhism for some days.
2. Nepalgunj: The city is regarded as the hub of industries and transport in Nepal. It is also a popular place for trekking.
3. Birgunj: It is the commercial capital of Nepal, which is also its second-largest city. Pay a visit to its prominent tourist attractions, which include
4. Clock Tower: It is the tallest building of all in Birgunj.
5. City Hall: It is famous for gatherings, organizing functions, and hosting different programs.
6. Durga Temple: This is one of the ancient temples, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
7. Shankar Acharya Gate: This gate serves as an entry point to the Indo-Nepal border.
Suggested Tour: 10 Days - Nepal Tour Packages
Transportation
Moving around Nepal becomes easy if you have patience and time. Shared public taxis are cheap, but you have to wait till the taxis are filled with passengers. If you cannot wait patiently, then you can hire a taxi. Rickshaws are also available here, which makes traveling a bit bumpy, but it is cheap. It is not recommended to be used in a hurry. Taxis and rickshaws are beneficial for traveling to nearby places.
Do not expect any luxurious tourist bus to travel longer distances in Nepal. Only local transport can be availed to travel anywhere within the country. Try to avoid night buses to prevent accidents, as most of the accidents happen during the night hours. It is recommended to purchase your tickets a day before your journey. Before 7 AM or 5/6 PM in the evening, the buses leave the station.
Read More: How to reach Nepal
Weather of Nepal
The best time to visit Nepal is between September and November or March to May when the temperature is bearable, and the rain cannot spoil your plans.
Nepal experiences a typical monsoonal climate along with its major seasons: summer, autumn, winter, and spring. It receives heavy monsoonal rains in the months of June to September. The weather remains clear and cool from October to December and from January to March. From April to June, the weather remains dry.
Facilities
Being a tourist-oriented country, Nepal has several ATMs in all its major cities for the convenience of tourists.
Basic accommodation and local meals can be found easily in Nepal. Guesthouses are also available in most places. Accommodation in Kathmandu is a little pricey.
The Locals or Natives
People with different tribes and races are settled in Nepal. They are very helpful and friendly. People outside Kathmandu have warm hospitality and can easily mix with strangers.
Communication in Nepal
Language: Nepali is the official language of Nepal, but Tharu is widely spoken by the people in the country. The people have also adopted English, as it is bordered by one of the developed countries, like India. Therefore, communicating will not be an issue in Nepal.
Phones: If you wish to get a local SIM card there during your stay, then it is recommended to get Vodafone or Mero Mobile.
Internet: Numerous internet cafes can be seen in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The Internet service is quite good and has high speed.
Traditional Food & Drink
Do not forget to try the traditional meal of Nepal, which includes Bhaat, daal, and Sarkari. One can find Western food in Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you are not restricted to drinking, grab yourself a delicious local beer called Jaan or a spirit called Raski.
If you don’t want to spend much on food, then it is suggested to stick to Nepali local food, as these foods are cheap as well as delicious and will also save you money.
Read More: Nepalese Food and Cuisine
Worried about Safety?
Traveling to Nepal is safe, as tourists receive a warm welcome and are treated with much care. Still, follow the guidelines mentioned below to stay safe:
- Do not participate in rallies and demonstrations
- Stay away from political marches
- Do not plan your vacation during the elections or voting.
Read More: Health and Safety Precautions in Nepal
Festivals Celebrated in Nepal
People in Nepal celebrate festivals with much enthusiasm and remain immersed in festivity. Therefore, plan your trip during the festival to enjoy the most, and beyond your imagination.
- The Festival of Maha Shivaratri, celebrated in February or March, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- The Festival of Janmashtami is celebrated in August/September with enthusiasm. This festival marks the birth of Lord Sri Krishna.
- The Festival of Gaijatra, which is dedicated to Lord Yamaraj, is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in August or September.
- The Festival of Lights- Dipawali is celebrated in October or November. This festival will keep you amazed.
- The Festival of Colors- Holi is celebrated in February or March in Nepal. Visiting Nepal during this festival is worth it!
Suggested Tour: 6 Days - Nepal Tour
Hope this information will help you in visiting Nepal. Travelogy India can plan a perfect holiday in the amazing land of Nepal. We will help you to explore the best of the country most amazingly. We, therefore, wish you a happy and safe journey!
