Placed in the eastern Himalayas, Nepal offers diverse tourism options that have something to offer for everyone. Known for its rich culture and ancient traditions, the country is widely known for being home to the world's highest mountain, Mt Everest. Surrounded by lush valleys, rich wildlife and diverse landscapes the country is a paradise for nature lovers. From exquisite cuisines to warmth of hostility, Nepal is not only a country but a world of peace and harmony blended with modernity.
Capital: Kathmandu
Climate: Subtropical in the east and Tundra winters in the Northwest
Best time to visit: Early October to December
Culture : Nepal's diverse population, comprising over 125 ethnic groups, has woven a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and customs. Hindus and Buddhists are the dominant tribes and communities of the country that have helped to develop its culture. Hospitality is a major part of Nepalese culture and it has highly affected the growth of the country’s tourism sector. Nepal over the years has been able to preserve timeless traditions which can be seen in its cuisine, music, and dance that gives visitors to explore the authentic charm of the country.
People : The people of Nepal are highly known for their friendly nature and welcoming gestures which can be seen right as you enter the country. The country is home to numerous ethnic groups and communities which reside together happily. They are well-rooted in their culture and spirituality and take great pride in sharing their traditions with visitors. Agriculture is the major source of livelihood along with tourism which has highly contributed to the development of the country.
Food : Nepal's cuisine is a flavorful journey showcasing the country's organic and traditional cuisine. From spicy meat curries to delightful vegetarian options, there's something to tantalize every palate. Influenced by the neighbouring cuisines of Bhutan and India, Nepal's food offers a unique blend of spices and textures. With a range of food options to try, the food of Nepal is something that will make you stay for a longer time.
Festivals : Nepal's vibrant festivals are a great way to dive into its rich cultural heritage. Deeply rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism, festivals such as Dashain and Tihar showcase the country's devotion and joy while resembling Indian festivals. These events offer a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, with music, dance, and delicious food creating a vibrant atmosphere. From witnessing the traditional folk dance to relishing unique cuisines, the festive season offers a great experience for every traveller.
Kathmandu : Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital is a captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern energy. The city boasts its beauty with stunning Durbar Squares, iconic Buddhist stupas, and Hindu temples, offering a glimpse into Nepal's rich cultural tradition. Apart from the historic charm, Kathmandu also attracts its visitors with lively music, art, and culinary scenes. The city's iconic landmarks, like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath, remain timeless symbols of Nepal’s spiritual heart and are among the visited sites in the city.
Pokhara : A haven of tranquillity and adventure, Pokhara captivates its visitors with lakes, mountains, and a serene atmosphere. From mesmerizing boating experiences to witnessing the sunrise from Sarangkot, the city offers diverse experiences making it an ideal place to visit for nature enthusiasts. The city is also known for offering guests to indulge in other exciting activities such as paragliding, bungee jumping and skydiving making it a paradise for adventure seekers.
Chitwan National Park : Spread across 952 sq km of land, the Chitwan National Park is considered the jewel of Nepal. With home to numerous species of animals and birds, the Chitwan National Park is a pure heaven for nature enthusiasts and bird lovers. The park is also known for being home to endangered one-horned rhinoceros which are considered the major attractions for tourists in this region. Visitors can also indulge in jungle safari, elephant rides and many other activities creating cherishable memories.
Dharan : Placed on the southeastern border of India, Dharan is one of the most popular cultures of Nepal known for its similarities with Indian culture and lifestyle. The city is also known as being gateway to the Mahabharata Hills, one of the most popular attractions of this region. Dharan is also well known for its sporting culture being home to numerous national team professionals due to which it is also known as the name ‘Mini Brazil’. The place is also steeped with spirituality and iconic landmarks attracting Hindu devotees and nature lovers in huge numbers.
Mustang : A remote Himalayan region, Mustang is an attraction point for adventurous travelers with its rugged beauty offering thrilling trekking and bike riding opportunities. Elevated at over 3800 meters, the isolated village is steeped in Tibetan culture that can be witnessed by ancient monasteries, traditional villages and rustic villages. The valley is separated into two parts, the Lower Mustang is known for its challenging trails while the Upper Mustang offers an immersive view of the surroundings.
Lumbini : Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a tranquil atmosphere for meditation, study, and spiritual growth. The Mayadevi Temple is the centrepiece of the area that attracts visitors all around the year. Surrounded by ancient ruins, sacred ponds, and diverse monasteries, Lumbini provides a profound connection to Buddhist heritage.
Air : Taking a flight is one of the best and fastest ways to travel to Nepal. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is the major airport that offers direct flights to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Train : There are no train routes between Nepal and India, however, visitors can take the train from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh from where they can reach Sonauli, the border city located on the Indo-Nepal border.
Road : Travelling to Nepal by road is a time-consuming but cost-effective way to travel to Nepal. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal are the major states that offer road transport services to Nepal with buses and taxis.