Nepal is a resourceful country full of natural beauty. Very few countries of the world can compete with the gigantic peaks that define the natural scenery of Nepal. In addition to reading this article, I highly recommend you read an article written on Nepal’s top three tourist places to visit. You can find this article here http://www.teronga.com/2012/07/top-three-tourist-places-of-nepal/
This article will take you on a tour of the top 10 tourist spots of Nepal which will no doubt leave you believing it’s one of the most beautiful countries of the World.
So, let’s start-
Goshaikunda-Lake
The Gosainkunda lake, basically a hindu tour site, is one of the best and most popular religious place to visit in Nepal. Goshaikunda is situated at the altitude of 4380m to the north of Kathmandu on the Langtang trekking trail. This holy lake is two days trek from Dhunche (1950m) that is reached over adventures 132-kms mountain road from kathmandu via trishuli bazzar.There are nine other important lakes in this area such as the Ganesh kunda, Bhairav, Saraswati and Sourya. It is believed that the lake was created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishula (trident) into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison.
Lumbini
Lumbini is a Buddhist tour site. It’s awesome beauty attracts many tourists. Lumbini is the temple of Maya Devi containing a stone relief depicting the birth scene of Lord Buddha. Buddha, known as the Lord of Asia, was born in Lumbini during the full moon day in the month of Baisakh in 623 BC. It is situated about 22 km. from Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), below the Churia range, 24 km. south from the foothills of the Himalayas, on the western bank of Telar river in Rupandehi district of Lumbini zone in Nepal. It is about 300 km. west of the capital city Kathmandu.
Gorkha
Gorkha is the ancestral hometown of the Nepal’s ruling royal family. It is situated 140km west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1,135 meter. Prithvi Narayan Shah, conqueror of the Kathmandu valley and the founder of modern Nepal was born here, at Gorkha. The four major rivers which run within and along it are: Chepe, Daraudi, Marsyangdi and Budhi Gandaki.
Chitwan National Park
The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna. Chitwan is only 150m above the sea level. It covers an area over 932 sq. km and it shelters the endangered species such as the: Wild elephants, gharial crocodiles, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, asiatic on horned rhinoceros, and the Gaur (the largest of all the bovine) striped hyena.
Patan
Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley which is located about 5 km south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, on the southern side of the Bagmati River. The city is compatible with a rich tradition of arts and handicrafts as it is the birthplace of master craftsmen and artists such as kuber Singh shakya and Arniko.The official name of the city is “Lalitpur” (City of Beauty). Moreover, more than 600 stupas and 185 bahals are scattered throughout the fascinating backstreets.
Janakpur
Janakpur, also called Janakpur Dham, is a great religious place and is situated 390 km east from Kathmandu. It is also the capital of the ancient Mithila kingdom and is the home of the unique Mithila artifacts in Nepal. Jnaki temple is the main attraction of the city. This temple was built in 1911 and is in many aspects reminiscent of Islamic architecture. The best time to visit is during the Hindu festival of Sita Bibaha Panchami, when vignettes from the Ramayana are acted out in the streets, bringing the ancient myth vividly to life.
Kakani
Against the vastness of the sky, Kakani, makes a view over the Kathmandu valley and north-western Himalayas ranges for the tourist. It is famous for this magnificent view. The Kakni is situated at 29 north-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1982 meters above sea level. The fabulous area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan Panorama particularly the Ganesh Himal massif. From this place anyone can enjoy a majestic view of sunset. It’s also very romantic!
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is a small town of Nepal. To reach there you have to drive just around 45 minutes from Kathmandu. In order to have the best views of the north-eastern Himalayas, Dhukhel may deserve to be the first choice for anyone. The artistic skill and urban ethos of its’ Newar inhabitants have created a place of charm and beauty. Aside from the breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalaya stretching from Langtang to Everest and beyond, there are plenty of interesting sites to see in the town.
Panauti
Panauti is a small and ancient village, situated at the confluence of Roshamati, Punyamati and Lilavati rivers. The whole village wears traditional costumes. Everything of the village are built traditionally. Every breath is a prayer and every stone is a god here. This is a city of a thousand gods and godesses. Cultural richness, the confluence of Roshamati, Punyamati and Lilavati all bring a sense of harmony to this city. ‘Indreshwar Mahadev’- Shiva temple area of Panauti is a beautiful jewel among the rich variety of sacred places close to Kathmandu.
Helambu
Helambu, famous for scenic grander and pleasant, is situated 75 km north east of Kathmandu. This trek is comparatively easier to do due to the fact that the elevations are lower, ranging between 800m. and 3600m, offering less steep climbing as well as warmer temperatures. The area is less crowded & free from noise in comparison to the Annapurna trek or some parts of the Everest treks. The trek also offers a wide range of cultures to experience and spectacular scenery to see.
So do consider traveling to Nepal to observe majestic natural and beautiful scenery and to experience interesting cultures.
anika