Highlights of Nepal
Kathmandu Valley
The valley is abuzz with vibrant colours and assorted smells, harmony and dissonance. Its charm lies in its labyrinthine alleyways, in its deep spirituality, in its chaotic atmosphere and prolific history. Hindu and Buddhist temples, some dating back to 500 AD, in the capital are architectural masterpieces and restore its spiritual and cultural heritage; UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan are worth delving into.
Chitwan National Park
Perched at the foot of the Himalayas on the flatlands of Terai, Chitwan National Park is replete with varied flora and fauna. Highlights of the region include one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, crocodiles, deer, wild elephants and hundreds of species of avifauna. Safaris, here, can be experienced by jeep, by boat along the Rapti and Narayani Rivers as well as on a canoe on the lake.
Buddhist Trail
Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses monasteries, learning centres and historically-significant monuments, like Ashokan Pillar and Maya Devi Temple, where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha in the 6th century BC. Other noteworthy centres of the trail include Boudhanath in Kathmandu, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Swayambhunath that dominates the Kathmandu Valley skyline, and the Muktinath Temple in the Mustang district.
Pokhara
One of the most picturesque places of central Nepal, Pokhara is home to a host of adventure activities. It is also the starting point for the popular Annapurna circuit trek and is home to the beautiful Phewa Tal which forms a part of the region’s spectacular landscapes comprising Mount Everest that has stood as a beacon to mountaineers and mountain lovers alike, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Annapurna I, Mount Manaslu etc. Heli-tours allow visitors to see these peaks up close.
Adventurers can partake in trekking and hiking along the foot trails, kayaking and rafting, paragliding. Others can visit the World Peace Pagoda, delve in to the culture, history, religion and take in the insouciant ambience.
Mustang
From pilgrimage journeys to Muktinath to Tibetan culture, from deep gorges to breathtaking valleys, “The Last Lost Kingdom”, Mustang, is famed for its diversity and is one of the last bastions of traditional Tibetan life left on the planet. Here, you can hike and trek on the rugged terrains and soak in the beautiful mountainous landscapes. Walking along the banks of Kaligandaki River is truly a wonderful experience, following ancient foot-trails that was once part of a trade route. Travelers will come across hamlets and mountain villages that are unique in its history, heritage, culture and architecture.
