Tourist Attractions in Nepal

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Nepal

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Nepal

Most of the territory of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is occupied by the Himalayas, the highest mountain system on Earth. But it is not only those who love mountain climbing or other activities who come here. Nepal is famous for its spiritual practices, so all those who seek enlightenment or guidance try to visit the holy places of this country.

In spring and especially in autumn, mountain climbing enthusiasts flock to Nepal. Here you can make a trek of almost any level of complexity, and the most courageous can try to conquer the highest peak of the Earth.

You can admire the unique nature of this country in three national parks, which require special permits to visit. In addition to unforgettable impressions from Nepal, visitors usually bring warm plaids and pashmina clothes, various handmade ceramic and leather goods, Nepalese tea and souvenirs.

Top-22 Tourist Attractions in Nepal

Kathmandu Valley

 4.4/5

556 reviews

One of the most visited and developed places in Nepal is the Kathmandu Valley. More than 130 local archaeological sites, some dating back to the first century AD, attract tourists from all over the world. It is also home to several temple complexes sacred to Buddhists and Hindus.

Kathmandu

 0/5

Kathmandu is Nepal’s largest city, its capital and cultural centre. Many temples, narrow picturesque streets, famous stupas, palaces and museums are not a complete list of Kathmandu’s attractions. And north of Palace Square there is a new tourist centre where you can stay overnight, get refreshments or access the internet.

Lumbini Province

 0/5

A famous Nepalese settlement where, according to legend, the Buddha was born. Lumbini is a pilgrimage site and a popular tourist attraction in Nepal. This complex consists of many monasteries, temples and stupas, among which the Maya Devi temple, which is adjoined by the column of King Ashoka, occupies a prime position.

Patan Darbar Square

 4.6/5

27630 reviews

One of the oldest settlements, which now almost merges with the capital of Nepal. The centre of Patan is the Durbar Temple Square, where there are about 10 temples where all kinds of deities are worshipped. You can also visit the Buddhist monastery, where the rulers of Nepal were crowned, and in Patan you can buy souvenirs for every taste or simply visit the zoo.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Bhaktapur

 0/5

The ancient city, located east of Kathmandu, is appreciated by Nepali tourists for its authentic look and numerous architectural monuments. The most visited places in Bhaktapur are Krishna Temple, Royal Palace, Thaumadhi Tole Square, the bell and temple of Goddess Taleju. Those who like organised tours should visit the Bhaktapur National Art Museum.

Pokhara

 0/5

The third most populous city of Nepal. The local scenic Lake Phewa and the beautiful views of the Himalayas make this city popular among tourists. Many mountain hiking trails start from Pokhara, while the Lakeside neighbourhood awaits those who like a comfortable holiday, where you can find a hotel, restaurant or club for every taste and purse.

Mount Everest

 5/5

2 reviews

Nepal’s calling card is the highest peak on earth, which many climbers from all over the world are trying to conquer. The best time to climb Everest is spring and autumn, and the approximate preparation time takes about 2 months and is quite expensive. For those who are not ready to spend a lot of time and money, the Base Camp (altitude 5300 m) and the Advanced Base Camp (altitude 6400 m) are open.

Kangchenjunga

 4.8/5

4459 reviews

On the border of India and Nepal is the Kanchenjunga mountain range, consisting of 5 peaks. Attempts to “take” the summit of Kanchenjunga have been made since 1905, but only in 1955 it was managed by the British expedition. The ascent to this mountain massif is quite difficult and dangerous, so it is only for experienced climbers.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

 4.5/5

32383 reviews

One of Kathmandu’s top spots is Durbar Square. There is a fee to enter, but the ticket is valid for the whole day. There are about 50 archaeological sites here, and the centre of the square is Hanuman Dhoka Palace, whose high tower offers a beautiful view of the city. Unfortunately, many local sites were badly damaged in the 1934 earthquake.

Open time

Annapurna Conservation Area

 4.6/5

5634 reviews

Annapurna National Park was established in 1986 to protect the mountain range of the same name. The main purpose of visiting these places is for mountain climbing. There are several trekking trails in the park, the longest of which is called the Annapurna Circuit Trek. There are also Hindu and Buddhist sacred sites in the park, and one of the mountain peaks is forbidden to climb for religious reasons.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Chitwan National Park

 4.4/5

7290 reviews

Chitwan Royal National Park is 200 km from the capital, formed in the favourite hunting grounds of Nepalese kings. Chitwan has been protected by the state since 1973 and wild animals can be observed in their natural habitat. In this national park, tourists can stay in small lodges, and tours of the area are made by jeep or elephant.

Open time

Sagarmatha National Park

 4.6/5

2119 reviews

Since 1976, more than 1000 km² of the Himalayas have been part of the protected area of the Sagarmatha National Park. The famous Mt Everest is located within the boundaries of this park. There are also several villages inhabited by the Sherpa people, who provide guide and guide services for those wishing to conquer Everest. There are several Buddhist monasteries in Sagarmatha, the most famous of which is Thyangboche.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Dharahara Tower

 4.2/5

307 reviews

In the 19th century, two 11-storey towers, Dharahara and Bhimsen, were built in central Kathmandu, where special observers were on duty and signalled at the sight of the enemy. After the destruction of one of the towers in 1934, both names were transferred to the surviving tower. Since 2005, Dharahara has been open to tourists, but the 2015 earthquake completely destroyed the structure.

Open time

Swoyambhu Mahachaitya

 4.6/5

16279 reviews

One of the most revered Buddhist centres is located in the village of the same name on the outskirts of Nepal’s capital. There are 365 steps leading up to the hill on which the central Buddhist stupa, Swayambhunatha, is located. The stupa itself is surrounded by a park and there are several Tibetan monasteries nearby. The area around the hill is also home to many monkeys.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Pashupatinath Temple

 4.7/5

35588 reviews

The large Hindu complex of Pashupatinath, located in the east of Kathmandu, is extremely popular with tourists, and many locals visit on a daily basis. Travelling yogis gather here and hermits reside in the caves. Funeral ceremonies are held in the large temple courtyard on the west bank of the river, which tourists usually watch from the east bank.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kopan Monastery

 4.3/5

1139 reviews

The Buddhist monastery was founded in 1969 and is located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Kopan is open to all visitors. The place is world famous for its meditation courses. They are conducted by experienced masters of Lamrim teachings on average once every couple of months. You can also get individual counselling from the abbot of the monastery.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Buddha Stupa

 4.7/5

15143 reviews

One of the main centres of Buddhism in Nepal is the Bodhnath temple complex. In the centre of the complex there is a large stupa in the form of a spatial mandala, and around it there are quite a few monasteries of different directions and schools. There are also shops, souvenir shops and even restaurants in Bodhnath.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Kumari Ghar

 4.5/5

377 reviews

The living Hindu deity Kumari, an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, has her temple built in the 18th century. The goddess, who resides in the three-storeyed palace of Kumari Ghar, is a little girl from the Shakya caste who fulfils special criteria. Nepalis can often be seen under the temple windows waiting for Kumari to look at them.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Mahendra Cave

 4.1/5

4368 reviews

The locals call Mehendra Cave “the home of bats” because many of these animals have taken shelter here. Many of the stalactites that decorate the cave have been artificially made to look like the Hindu god Shiva. The lighting in Mehendra is not very good, so tourists should bring lanterns.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Phewa Lake

 4.7/5

2548 reviews

Phewa Lake is an extremely picturesque freshwater lake in a valley near Pokhara. In clear weather one can see the reflection of the Annapurna mountain range peaks in the clear waters of Phewa. And in the middle of the lake there is an island on which the Bahari temple is located. To visit this religious monument, one has to travel by boat.

Mountain Hike Nepal

 5/5

14 reviews

The best time for trekking in the Himalayas is during the autumn months. This is the time when many tourists come to the country to trek to Nepal’s mountain peaks. The most popular are the rather difficult and expensive routes to the base camps of Annapurna and Everest.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Rafting Canyoning Mugling

 4.9/5

101 reviews

Among other activities, rafting – rafting down mountain rivers on special inflatable boats – is quite popular in Nepal. Many Himalayan rivers are perfect for this sport, which allows you to choose a route with any difficulty of rafting. For example, the Bhote Kosi River is one of the best options, the Trisuli River is suitable for leisurely family rafting, and trained athletes will certainly enjoy the San Kosi River.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM