1. Kathmandu Durbar Square: One of the three Durbars of Kathmandu, the Durbar Square stands in front of the old royal palace of the Kathmandu Kingdom. It is one of the most common inclusions in Nepal packages. Boasting a splendid display of Newari craftsmanship, the Durbar Square is surrounded by a number of courtyards, fountains, ponds, and ancient statues.
The Durbar Square consists of two distinctive complexes- while the outer complex houses a number of meticulously carved pagoda-style temples, the inner complex of the Square houses the Old Royal Palaces, which were used by the Shah and Malla Kings in the 19th century. The most interesting site within the Kathmandu Durbar Square, however, is the Kumari Bahal Temple. This Newari Temple, built by the last Malla ruler, houses a living child-goddess, who is believed to channel the spirit of the Hindu Goddess Taleju.
Location: Ganga Path, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
Price: For SAARC Nationals: NPR 150 | For foreigners: NPR 1000 | For Nepalese and children below 10 years: Free Entry.
Timings: 9am–5pm
2. Boudha Stupa: Known for its massive mandala-shaped dome, Boudha Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist Stupas in the world. Built sometime during the 14th century, the Stupa became the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism during the Chinese immigration to Nepal in the 1950’s.
Rising to a massive height of 36 meters, the Buddha Stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. The temple boasts of over a hundred relics of Buddha’s images, and is frequented by pilgrims throughout the year.
Location: Boudhanath Sadak, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
Price: For SAARC Nationals: NPR 100 | For foreigners: NPR 400 | For Nepalese and children below 10 years: Free Entry.
3. Phewa Lake: One of the largest lakes in Nepal, Phewa Lake is a semi-natural freshwater lake. Surrounded on all sides by the ‘Rani Baan’ or the Queen’s Forests, the clear lake in the heart of Pokhara offers a stunning reflection of the adjected Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Although its size has decreased with years, Phewa Lake is still the second largest in Nepal. The lakeside is crowded by a number of restaurants, cafes and bookstores, and even houses the popular Tal Bahari Temple, making it a popular inclusion in Nepal tour packages.
Location: Kaski, Pokhara, Nepal.
Timings: 09.00 AM-05.00 PM on all days of the week.
4. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: A trip to the Mahadev Cave usually accompanies one to the Devi’s Falls in Nepal packages. Lying adjacent to the Devi’s Falls, the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is a much-revered cave in Pokhara.
Boasting of splendid, natural limestone formations, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a mammoth stalagmite which is worshipped as the Shiva Lingam. The Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave has to be accessed by a series of stairs descending from the Devi’s Falls. The underlying cave has plenty of natural lighting, and is easily navigable.
Location: Devi’s Falls, Pokhara 33700, Nepal.
Price: NPR 100 per person.
Timings: 06.00 AM-07.00 PM on all days of the week.
5. Annapurna Sanctuary: Lying 40 meters to the north of Pokhara, Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin situated close to the Annapurna Base Camp. Surrounded by the snow-capped ranges of the majestic Annapurna ranges, the Sanctuary, sitting atop an oval plateau, can only be accessed by a trek through a narrow valley between the Hiunchuli and Machapuchare peaks.
A trek to this sanctuary is usually covered by most Nepal vacation packages that offer trekking expeditions. Covered with dense bamboo and rhododendron jungles towards the Southern side, the Sanctuary is considered sacred by the Gurung locals. It is believed to be the home of several Hindu and Buddhist deities, as well as certain older animistic Gods.
Location: Himalayan Range, Central Nepal.
6. Tilicho Lake: Located at a height of about 4949 meters above sea level, the Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world. A stunning blue lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks on all sides, the trek to Tilicho Lake is one of the most popular trekking routes in Annapurna.
According to local legend, Tilicho is the revered Kak Bhusundi Lake talked about in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, and is thus one of the most important pilgrimage sites around Pokhara. Tilicho Lake is also the site of the highest-altitude scuba diving experiences, and is a popular part of several Nepal vacation packages.
Location: Annapurna, Manang, Nepal.
7. Tengboche Monastery: Set against the scenic backdrop of the Ama Dablam Peak, Tengboche Monastery is one of the most revered monasteries in Nepal. Located on a high ride across a canyon, the colourful monastery is surrounded by a cluster of pines, azaleas and rhododendrons. Every October, the monastery celebrates the Mani Rimdu festival, a grand Buddhist celebration hosted through songs, ritual dances, and plays.
Location: Everest Base Camp Trekking Rte, Khumjung 56002, Nepal.
8. Bardia National Park: Covering an area of more than 950 square kilometers, Bardia National Park is the largest in Nepal. Sprawling along the Karnali river, Bardia is one of the most pristine conservation areas in Tarai.
The park houses a number of endangered species including the Royal Bengal tiger and the One-Horned Rhinoceros. Apart from that, the park houses nearly 300 species of birds and animals. It also offers a number of watersport opportunities, such as sport fishing, dolphin spotting and whitewater rafting in Karnali.
Location: Everest Base Camp Trekking Rte, Khumjung 56002, Nepal.
Price: For SAARC Nationals: NPR 750 | For foreigners: NPR 1,500 | For locals: NPR 100 | For children below the age of 10: Free entry.
Timings: 09.00AM-08.00PM on all days of the week.
9. Narayanhiti Palace: Once a residence for the principal reigning monarch of Nepal, the Narayanhiti Palace has been operating as a Museum since the year 2006. Comprising a number of buildings and courtyards, the Palace is now open to the public for sightseeing.
The palace building comprises of a grand reception hall, a throne room and a housing complex. Based on late-Victorian styles, the architecture of the Narayanhiti Palace is a sight to behold.
Location: Narayanhiti Palace Museum North Gate Rd, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
Price: Nepali citizens: Rs 100 | Students and SAARC Nationals: NPR 20 | Chinese Nationals: NPR 250 | Others: NPR 500.
Timings: 11.00AM-04.00PM on all days of the week.
10. Pashupatinath: Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is an extensive Hindu temple precinct housing a number of temples, ashrams and idols. Built in the style of a Pagoda, the main Pashupati Temple is a four-storied structure housed within a fortified complex. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, or Holy Abodes of Shiva, in the entire continent.
Location: Pashupati Nath Road 44621, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
Price: SAARC and Foreign Nationals: NPR 1,000 | Indian Nationals: Free entry.
Timings: 04.00AM-12.00PM; 05.00PM-09.00PM on all days of the week.