Nepal is a small agricultural country located between the two big countries, China and India. Nepal lies in South-East Asia and has an area of only 1,47,181 square km. It is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, and multi-cultural state and comprises 142 caste and ethnic groups with the same number of languages.
The official language of Nepal is Nepali. Nepal is distinguished geographically, as Himal, Pahad, and Terai. Even though it is very small in size, the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, and the deepest George in the world, Kali Gandaki George has made it stand tall globally.
Nepal was never colonized by the outer body in the past and is rich in sense of history and vibrant culture. Nepal is popular globally as it is home to ten of the world’s 14 highest mountains. Nepalese are also known as Bir Gorkhali worldwide because of their loyalty, professionalism, fearless, and bravery.
This small and yet beautiful country is famous for its beautiful landscape, amazing culture, multiple ethnic and religious groups, magnificent setting for trekking and mountaineering, a warm hospitality. It is renowned as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Hinduism and Buddhism are the dominant religions while Islam, Christianity, Kirat Mundhum, and others are also practiced in Nepal.
There are a dozen reasons to visit Nepal like history, budget-friendly, wildlife, natural beauty, culture and traditions, serene landscape, deepest gorge, lakes, waterfall, rivers, festivals, cultural values, norms, etc. It is rich in natural biodiversity and in this blog, we will discuss the top 5 reasons to visit Nepal.
Mountains & Trekking trails
The highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest is situated in Nepal. There are 1310 peaks in Nepal and only 326 of them are allowed for peak climbing and expedition. Mount Machhapuchhare also known as Fishtail is forbidden to climb because it holds religious significance to local people and it has a steep summit.
Mount Annapurna is a considered deadly mountain in the world in terms of climate and climbing route. Every year many foreigners visit Nepal to gain victory over this summit while some complete their dream but some end up leaving this beautiful world. The most popular mountain peaks that have lured the hearts of expeditors and peak climbers are:
- Mt Everest or Sagarmatha: 8,848 meters (29,029 feet)
- Annapurna Ranges
- Mt. Khumbila: 5,761 meters
- Ganesh Himal: 7,422 meters (24,350 ft)
- Mt Kanchenjunga: 8,586 metres (28,169 feet)
- Mt Manaslu: 8,163 meters (26,781ft)
- Kirat Chuli: 7,365 meters (24,163 ft)
- Gauri-Shankar Himal: 7135 meters (23406 ft)
- Mount Makalu: 8,481 metres (27,825 ft)
- Ama Dablam: 6,856 meters (22,493 ft)
- Om Parvat: 5,590 meters (18,340 ft)
- Mt Saipal: 7,031 meters
The diverse climatic conditions, rugged terrain, lush green landscape, wide and dense forest, spectacular view of towering mountain peaks, a diverse range of flora and fauna, and different forms of lakes, have made it popular for trekking in the lap of the Himalayas. Most of the trekking trails take you to the remote region which will show the roots of the Nepalese people and their culture and traditions. From most crowded trekking trails to less explored trekking trails, they offer a new experience and adventure to the nature lover.
Nepal is a paradise for trek lovers. It is a unique opportunity to appreciate nature, push yourself beyond your limits, patience test, and trigger your inner instinct to struggle, thrive, and achieve victory. Trekking in the lap of the Himalayas like the Annapurna region, Everest region, or Manaslu region, is filled with difficulty but it helps you to immerse in the untouched culture and tradition of the Sherpas and the local community.
You will get an opportunity to witness rare and endangered flora and fauna, explore the terrain of the high-altitude region, a chance to see the monks and Lamas at Tengboche monastery, the influence of Tibetan Buddhism, and the lifestyle of local people. Some popular trekking destinations in Nepal are:
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, etc
- Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek: Helicopter Return to Lukla, Everest Three-Pass Trek, and so on.
- Manaslu Circuit Trek & Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek
- Langtang Valley Trek & Upper Mustang Trek
- Limi Valley trek and Arun valley trek
Diverse Culture & Architecture
Nepal is rich in culture and traditions. The untouched culture and tradition of Nepal are due to not colonization by foreign bodies. Nepalese are deeply connected to the root of their values and norms. You will see stone and wood carvings in every temple and shrine of the nations.
The capital and busiest city of Nepal, Kathmandu is also decorated with temples and shrines in every few steps of the walk. These temples and shrines are full of crafts and cultures of Nepal.
You can see different forms of architecture in UNESCO World Heritage sites like Boudhhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Hanuman Dhoka, etc.
There are 8 sites listed as cultural sites by UNESCO. If you are planning on visiting Nepal, the rich tradition, culture, and arts will surely make your heart flutter. The varied cultures can be experienced via festivals, there are numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year.
The main festival of Hindu Nepalese is Dashain which usually falls in September or October. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the devil Mahishasura. It is celebrated for more than 10 days and on the tenth day, young ones get blessings from the old ones of the family by applying tika and Jamara.
Tihar is the second-biggest festival and is celebrated for the long-lasting bond of brothers and sisters and the long age of brothers. Other popular festivals are Holi, Buddha Jayanti, Indra Jatra, Maha Shivaratri, Maghe Sankranti, Lhosar, and so on.
Nepalese Cuisines
There are popular cuisines in Nepal, that you must try while visiting. You must try to consume all sorts of cuisine except Western cuisines during your stay in Nepal. Different ethnic groups have different cuisines and Dal Bhat Tarkari is the national food of Nepal.
Dal is made of lentils while tarkari is composed of different local vegetables and bhat is known as well-cooked rice grains. It is served with side dishes like spicy pickles, sliced lemon, fried papad, and salad. Dhindo is a traditional dish that is made of flour like wheat, buckwheat, millet, and barley seeds.
The bold herbs and spices add more flavor and texture a simply prepared meals. Local people consume tea along with rotis and soup. The most popular roti in Nepal is Sel-Roti, which is round and is prepared by deep frying the rice flour batter.
Momos is another famous dish that originated in Nepal. It is made of flour dough which is stuffed with minced meat and spiced vegetable mixture then given a different shape followed by steaming. The momo is made from minced meat of goat, buffalo, lamb, and chicken as well as made with vegetables only.
Thakali food is widely served in the inns and restaurants of Kathmandu Valley. It originated with the thakali people of Thak-Khola Valley. Cheese and Chhurpi made from yak milk are widely famous in Nepal. Thakali khana is composed of rice, lentils, vegetables, spiced pickles, and local vegetable salad, pickles made from fermented leafy green are one dish that you should taste once in a lifetime.
Newari dish is another popular dish which you should have during your stay in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is home to Newar people and their varied delicacies have won the hearts of not only Nepali people but also foreigners. Delicacies like Chhoila, Kachila, Samaybaji, bara, chatamari, Sapu Mhicha, Kwati, etc are the most popular. Newari deserts like JuJu Dhau, sisabusa, and yomari, are worth a try.
Thwon and Ayla are common alcoholic beverages prepared and consumed by Newari people. Tharu cuisine is also most popular delicacies of Nepal. Ghongi is a dish which is made of snails by cleansing, boiling, and adding spices. Dhikri, Bagiya, and Bhakka are also popular dishes in Tharu communities. Other cuisines like Lohorung cuisine, Limbu cuisine, and Madhesi cuisine are popular because of their uniqueness.
Beautiful Lakes
Nepal is filled with natural wonders and lakes are one of them. Lakes are the main attraction of adventure lovers and have been a major source of tourism. The vivid blue color of these lakes is worth a view and surely takes your breath away.
Being a second-rich country in inland water resources, it has 2,323 glacial lakes. These lakes are formed by the melting of snow from towering peaks and glaciers. Most of the lakes in Nepal hold religious and cultural beliefs.
Gosaikunda Lake is worshipped by Hindus and is believed as the dwelling of lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. There is a belief that Lord Shiva created it and soothed his poisoned throat by drinking water from it. Every year tourists visit Nepal to explore popular lakes like Begnas Lake, Rara Lake, Mugu Lake, Tilicho Lake, Gokyo Lakes, and many more.
Click here for more information about the top 10 popular lakes of Nepal. One can enjoy these beautiful and religiously significant lakes in Nepal with a trekking perspective. The sheer beauty and pilgrimage site of these lakes has earned the position of favorite travel destination.
Peace and Serenity
Lord Gautam Buddha, a symbol of peace was born in our country Nepal. Nepal is famous as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. We are a believer and worshippers of peace and serenity.
The reason behind the happiness of Nepalese is the spectacular mountains, peaceful lakes, forests, and villages decorated with prayer flags. Being a part of this sacred land where Lord Buddha and Goddess Sita were born, is our luck. Nepal is perfect for spending your vacation as it takes you far away from your daily chaotic life and fills peace in your mind and body. It is an opportunity to heal from past traumas and you will forget about all the hardships when you are hiking in the lap of the Himalayas, meditating in Gompas, and worshipping in temples, exploring the serene and untouched beauty of glaciers lakes.
Finally, these are the best five reasons to visit Nepal. However, Nepal is rich in natural resources and cultural heritage. There are plenty of other reasons to visit this beautiful Country. Some of them are warm hospitality, UNESCO World Heritage sites, the best place to see one-horned Rhinos and Bengal tiger, adventure tourism, diverse culture and religion, affordable, travel-friendly, budget-friendly, friendliest local peoples, ancient archaeological sites, etc. Likewise, you will be attracted by the exotic rare ghatu dance, perfect temperature, and weather, wildlife, heaven for tourists, Thamel, the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki George, spiritual and religious essence, and so on. If you are planning on visiting this beautiful Country for adventure, travel, or trekking, make sure to contact us.
