You may wonder at times that what is so special about Nepal that people from all over the globe flock to this landlocked country. Well, words may fall short when it comes to describing this mystique land of the Himalayas.
It is a place that boasts of culture, tradition, natural wealth, frantic city life, slow-paced lifestyle and historic attractions all closely knitted into one.
On one hand you have the adventurous crowd desperate to start their journey into the Himalayas, while on the other hand you have the spiritualists, travelers who wish to take it in slowly.
From colorful markets to busy roads to juddering buses to incredible food to exquisitely decorated temples, Nepal is charming and distinct and alluring in every possible way. So, if you are planning a trip to Nepal, here is a list of the 7 best things that you must do while enjoying your stay in the Himalayan land.
Trekking in the Himalayas
How can a trip to Nepal ever be complete without a trek to the Himalayas? It doesn’t matter whether you have years of experience or just starting out, trekking options are aplenty in Nepal. From the ever-popular Everest Base Camp trek to Annapurna trek to Manaslu to Poon Hill and more, choose what suits you best and embark on a thrilling journey into the Himalayas.
Blessed with rugged trekking trails, pristine nature and alluring views of the snow-clad Himalayas, Nepal is a backpacker’s and trekker’s dream. Also, the majority of treks in the region offer a glimpse into the village lives of the mountain people which is a different experience altogether.
Yoga
Nepal boasts of numerous yoga teacher training centers and yoga retreats. People from all over the globe come here to immerse in the sacred art of yoga. Also, the spiritual atmosphere of Nepal is something that amplifies your practice. And not to forget the blissful surroundings that complement your yoga practice to an even further extent.
Find a secluded spot in the lap of the mountains, unfurl your yoga mat and delve into the practice of this divine science of life. You’ll experience something amazing that’s for sure. Also, if you are a yoga enthusiast and wish to broaden your knowledge and perspective, get enrolled in a yoga training center. You’ll find plenty of yoga programs that cater to the needs of novices as well as professionals.
Tour the Temples of the Capital
Visit the Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath Temple which are the major draws for tourists. It is also a good idea to hire a guide while visiting the stupas and temples so that you get to know about the fascinating history behind these cultural sites.
Fly Over the Himalayas
Let’s be honest – one of the major reasons people come to Nepal is because of the Himalayas. They want to see this magnificent mountain range accompanying the gigantic peaks with their own eyes. So, if you are one of them but don’t wish to be a part of arduous treks or hiking, but wish to get up close and personal with the Himalayas, hop on a chartered flight or hire a helicopter.
The flight will allow you to explore the Himalayas from a bird’s eye point of view and marvel at their breathtaking beauty. From Mt. Makalu to Mt. Langtang to the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, you’ll be blessed with awe-inspiring views of these snowy Himalayan giants.
Wildlife Spotting with Jungle Safari
specie Elephas maximus family of Elephantidae
With its varied topography, Nepal isn’t only about the Himalayas. Towards the south of the country lies the famous, Chitwan National Park. Sprawled across an area of 932sq.km, this National park is home to varieties of wildlife which include one-horned rhinos, sloth bears, elephants, monkeys, deer as well as the majestic Bengal Tiger. Apart from that, there are numerous species of birds as well.
So, if you are a wildlife enthusiast or a jungle safari is your thing, then don’t forget to visit this World Heritage site.
Indulge in the Local Delicacies
Though many have this notion that ‘Daal-Bhat’ is the only popular Nepali cuisine, it’s not. There are loads of other local delicacies that are must try for those visiting the country for the first time. From the ever popular ‘momos’ to lentil patties also called ‘bara’, there’s an assortment of mouth-watering foods available across Nepal.
You can also try the ‘sekuwa’ which is a curry made from buffalo meat and is totally out of this world.
Get Involved in Adventure Activities
Apart from its reputation as a spiritual destination Nepal is considered to be an adventure lover’s paradise. There are lots of activities available throughout different parts of the city, each with own set of thrill and excitement. Take part in the world’s 9thhighest bungee jump in Kathmandu or witness the Pokhara city from above with paragliding or skydive close to Mount Everest and land at Ama Dablam basecamp. Options are plenty, choosing one will not be an easy task for sure
Author Bio:
Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveller in India. He organizes Yoga Retreat In Nepal. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas.