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Nepal, officially called the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a beautiful landlocked country in southern Asia. Lying amidst the impressive Himalayas, Nepal has a massive range of world-renowned tourist attractions. Tourism plays a significant role in boosting the country’s economy. It is defined as a land of diverse geography and features colossal mountain peaks, fertile plains, subalpine forest-covered hills, and various other types of terrain. Its capital and most populous city, Kathmandu, has been a prominent centre of the region’s history, culture and religion. In addition, it's gorgeous natural landmarks and diverse culture and traditions attract all kinds of tourists throughout the year.
Natural landmarks in Nepal make up a huge chunk of the region’s main tourist attractions. For instance, the world’s tallest mountain peak, Mt. Everest is located between the border of Nepal and Tibet. Other popular natural tourist attractions in Nepal include Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Phewa Lake, Barun Valley, etc. The country also houses various historical and religious sites, like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Lumbini, Kathmandu Durbar Square, etc.
Nepal is also an ideal hub for adventure activities in South Asia. From covering beautiful trekking trails to camping amidst the mountains, there are a lot of options to choose from. The cuisine of Nepal is greatly influenced by various cultures and traditions and offers a remarkable dining experience. Gift and souvenir shopping in the country is made possible due to the availability of several popular markets and stores. During your trip, you can dive into the region’s party culture and enjoy its phenomenal nightlife across various bars, cafes and pubs.
Sightseeing in Nepal is a refined experience and offers the best picture of the region. Here are some of the best Nepal tourist places, events and festivals that you can check out during your trip:
The Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is one of the largest and oldest Hindu temples in the world. Located near the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, it is dedicated to the deity Pashupati, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The main temple has a beautiful Pagoda style of architecture, and the two-level roofs are copper-made with gold covering. It is one of the most sacred Nepal tourist places you can visit.
The Boudhanath Stupa, located in Kathmandu, is a crucial religious landmark in the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited Nepal tourist places. The highlights of this stupa include its dome-shaped structure, painted huge Buddha eyes on all four sides, and the pyramid at the top. The stupa’s site has around 50 gompas, providing shelter to Tibetan refugees since 1959.
Located about 27 kilometres from Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers some of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas and the sunset. It is also one of the most popular Nepal tourist places for adventure activities. Its main tourist attractions are paragliding adventures, hiking trails, Buddha Peace Park, pine forests, etc.
The Pokhara Valley is a well-known place in Nepal, visited annually by thousands of tourists. People go to Pokhara Valley to enjoy its famous tourist attractions, which include Phewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Chamere Gufa and so on. It is also one of the best Nepal tourist places for adventure tourism, offering activities like paragliding, trekking, river rafting, etc.
It is a massive limestone cave in the Kaski district, about 7 kilometres from the centre of Pokhara city. It attracts thousands of tourists who explore the site and look for the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites within the cave. It is named after the then-king of Nepal, Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, and houses a statue of Lord Shiva.
Lumbini is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Nepal. Known for being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, it is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and features several old temples, monasteries, monuments and a museum. Some of its main tourist attractions include Maya Devi Temple, the Bodhi Tree, Ashoka Pillar, etc.
The Swayambhu Temple is a beautiful religious site nestled on top of Semgu Hill, about 4 kilometres from the centre of Kathmandu city. It is also called the “Monkey Temple,” as hundreds of holy monkeys reside within its premises. The temple complex houses a stupa, which is the centre of tourist attractions, and several temples and shrines. It is one of the most visited Nepal tourist places.
It is an iconic commercial hub in Kathmandu that tourists visit during their Nepal vacation. The area is filled with narrow alleys and hundreds of stores. The items sold at this place include adventure gear, clothing, food, etc. The streets of Thamel during the evening are one of the most Instragrammable locations in Nepal, drawing in both shopaholics and casual tourists. The region also houses a few prominent attractions that are a part of the Nepal sightseeing experience.
Mahashivaratri is one of the biggest Hindu festivals, widely observed across Nepal. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, and marked by grand celebrations in the region. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Nepal as it offers a close look at the region’s culture and traditions. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is one of the most visited places in Nepal during Mahashivaratri.
This grand festival commemorates Gautam Buddha’s birth anniversary and is celebrated across various parts of the world. Tourists attend this festival to learn about Nepal’s impressive local culture and traditions. During this festival, the famous Bodhi Tree gets decorated with colourful flags, lamps, and flowers, and holy water is sprinkled onto the tree roots. Devotees meditate near the Buddha statue, while visitors light candles and offer fruits at the temples.
Gai Jatra, also called Sa Paru, is a significant festival in the country. It commemorates the death of relatives and loved ones and is observed by the people of the Newar community. The celebrations of Gai Jatra are prominent in the outskirts of Kathmandu, marked by dancing, singing and laughter. It is usually celebrated in the month of Bhadra per the Hindu calendar and is a popular tourist attraction.
It is a new year festival celebrated by people of various communities in Nepal. During this festival, people wear traditional dresses and march to stupas and monasteries to offer prayers. Losar is also marked by spiritual rituals, mask dance, festive cuisine, traditional music, etc. The Gurung community celebrates Tamu Lhosar, the Tamangs community celebrates Sonam Lhosar, and Sherpas celebrate the Gyalpo Lhosar.
Dashain is another major festival celebrated in Nepal, deeply tied to the region's culture and traditions. Celebrated over a course of 15 days, Dashain is marked by family gatherings, merry-making, bonding with people, regional delicacies, animal sacrifices, etc. Tourists travel to Nepal from various corners of the world to attend the grand celebrations of this festival.
The diverse terrain of Nepal makes it an ideal location for various fun activities and thrilling adventures. Here are some of the most fun things to do in Nepal:
Paragliding in the beautiful blue sky while witnessing the ancient monasteries, serene lakes, dense forests, and snow-clad mountains from above is a remarkable experience. Paragliding in Nepal is one of the most fun things to do in Nepal and is not for faint-hearted individuals. Pokhara and Kathmandu are some of the best places to visit in Nepal for paragliding activities.
It is the ultimate adventure experience that you can try during your holidays in Nepal. It allows tourists to get the best scenic views of the region from a bird’s perspective. Pokhara and the Everest region are the best places to visit in Nepal for skydiving.
Zip Flyer Nepal is one of the steepest ziplines in the world, with a 600 metres vertical drop. The length of this zipline is 1.8 kilometres, and you can reach top speeds of up to 140 km/h. ZipFlyer Nepal is located in Pokhara and is a perfect adventure for thrillseekers.
Going on a wildlife safari in Nepal allows tourists to witness the region’s diverse flora and fauna. The dense forests are home to various wildlife species, including elephants, tigers and one-horned rhinoceros. Some of the best Nepal places to visit for wildlife safari are Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and Parsa Wildlife Reserve.
The mighty rivers flowing through Nepal are ideal for whitewater rafting adventures. It is a fast-paced, group adventure activity that will surely get your adrenaline rushing. River Karnali, River Seti and River Trishuli are some of the best places in Nepal for white water rafting.
The pleasant weather, serene atmosphere and beautiful view of the Himalayas make Nepal a well-known hub for camping adventures. It is a laid-back activity that you can enjoy solo or in a group. Some of the best Nepal places to visit for camping are Nagarkot, Illam and Pokhara.
Fishing is one of the most rewarding and laid-back activities you can try in Nepal. There are various prominent locations for fishing in the region, alongside the availability of fishing trip packages. Some well-known Nepal places to visit for fishing are the Karnali River, Pokhara Lakes and Tamor River.
Bungee jumping in Nepal is another popular adventure activity tourists can try during their holidays. It involves jumping down from a tall cliff while being connected to an elastic rubber rope. Many Nepal tourist spots, like Bhote Koshi Gorge and Hemja, offer this stimulating experience.
The intricate craftsmanship of local artisans entraps a part of Nepal’s beautiful culture in various speciality items. Here are some of the best places to visit in Nepal for souvenir and gift shopping:
It is one of the busiest marketplaces in Kathmandu city. Located minutes away from the city centre, the New Road market features large malls, local shops and branded stores. Tourists can find all types of commodities at this place, including clothing, jewellery, food, shoes, etc. It is one of the best places to visit in Nepal to shop for Pashmina products, Titaura, Lapsi and handicrafts.
Durbar Square is one of the most sought-after locations for shopping in Nepal. Located in Kathmandu, the area has an extensive range of global branded stores, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, etc. It is one of the best places in Nepal to shop for singing bowls and unique handicrafts.
Jhonchhen Tole, sometimes called Old Freak Street, was the final point of the hippie trail during the 60s and 70s. Now, it is just an afterimage of what it used to be and is a decent place for casual shopping. The street has various cafes and restaurants and is a good place to shop for apparel, shawls and hand-made masks.
It is another well-known shopping area in Kathmandu, located north of Durbar Square. It remains filled with locals and tourists for the most part of the day. There are several shops in the area that sell all kinds of goods. Makhan Tole is one of the best places to shop for fine arts, like Paubha and Thangka.
This market square is about a few metres from Makhan Tole. Tourists can visit Indra Chowk between 11 AM to 7 PM and shop for quality products at reasonable prices. Some popular items sold at the Indra Chowk market area include colourful glass beads (pots), clothes, blankets, bangles, etc.
Nepal offers a unique cuisine inspired by the rich cultural diversity of the region. Here are some of the best restaurants and dishes that tourists can consider trying during their visit to Nepal:
It is a well-known restaurant in Kathmandu that serves Asian, Tibetan and Nepalese cuisines. Located in the Thamel neighbourhood, it is one of the oldest restaurants in the city, with a nicely decorated interior, attentive service and experienced chefs. Some of their must-try items include Gacok, Dhayshi, Tongba, etc.
It is a Patan-based (Lalitpur) restaurant that serves Spanish, European and Mediterranean cuisines. El Mediterraneo’s elegant setting, affordable price tag and prompt service have won the heart of both locals and tourists. Some of their must-try items are steak, tapas and spaghetti.
Krishnarpan is a famous restaurant that tourists can visit for its signature ambience and slow-dining experience. Located at Dwarika Hotel, Kathmandu, it serves traditional Nepalese cuisine and features a cosy low-table seating arrangement. Make sure to try their popular Kukhura ko Masu, Bandel Tareko, and Raksi.
Bhojan Griha in Dillibazar, Kathmandu, offers one of the most amazing dining experiences. It mainly serves Nepalese cuisine and Newari dishes and uses ingredients from its own farm. The folk music and dance at the restaurant add to its traditional ambience. Make sure to try their Kaju Fry, Khashi ko Sekuwa, and Kukhura ko Ledo when visiting.
Le Sherpa is one of the most elegant places to eat in Kathmandu. The restaurant is known for its unique and innovative dishes and attentive service. Some of their most popular dishes include Rabbit Croquettes, Sherpa Soup and Modern Patatas Bravas.
Located near Durbar Square, Saigon Pho is a well-known restaurant in Kathmandu. It is one of the best places to visit in Nepal for authentic Vietnamese dishes. The restaurant features a phenomenal dining ambience and an extensive menu. Some of their popular items are Bun thit nuong, Pho, and Stir-fried beef.
It is one of the best cafes in Patan (Lalitpur), serving European and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Cafe Soma is known for its beautiful atmosphere, food quality and pocket-friendly pricing. Some of their must-try items are Banana chocolate chip muffins, Chicken wings, and Coffee.
Located in Pokhara, this restaurant serves a wide range of cuisines, including Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, European, etc. Its key highlights are its indoor restaurant, roof garden restaurant and bar. Make sure to try the Phewa tal ko macha, hamburgers, soups, and Bhatmas sandeko when visiting this restaurant.
It is a type of thin pancake and is a delicacy of the Newari community in Nepal. Wo is prepared with green or black lentil batter and cooked on a tawa. The popular varieties of Wo include a mix of vegetables or minced meat. It is a delicious, must-try snack in the region.
Dhindo is a staple food in various parts of Nepal. It is a porridge made by adding flour to boiling water over time while stirring throughout the process. You can opt for a Dhindho Thali, which also comes with a variety of side dishes, like vegetable curry, pickles, butter, yoghurt, etc.
It is a traditional Nepalese dish, popular among both locals and tourists. Gorkhali lamb is a curry-type dish made with lamb meat, onions, potatoes, and a few other ingredients. Grilling is also involved in the preparation process, and the final dish offers an exuberant burst of flavours that will leave you craving more.
The pubs, bars and nightclubs in Nepal offer the best picture of nightlife in the region. Here are some of the best places to visit in Nepal for a wonderful evening:
It is an authentic British-style pub located in Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu. The place has a remarkable ambience and remains filled with locals and tourists during the evening. The highlights of Tom and Jerry Pub include live music nights, a spacious dance floor, sports screening, game nights and great drinks options.
It is a great place to spend an evening and meet new people in Lalitpur. Moksh is known for hosting live music performances by various local artists. Other highlights of this place include its electrifying atmosphere, karaoke nights, hospitable service, delicious appetizers and variety of cocktails.
Located near Tangal, it is a fine place to hang out with friends and meet new people in the city. It is known for its elegant ambience and cosy indoor seating arrangement. Other highlights of Attic Bar are its live music performances, outside seating, Nepalese food and vast drinks menu.
It is a famous cafe and bar on Thamel JP Road in Kathmandu. It features a beautiful ambience, friendly staff, WiFi and a wide range of food and drink options. Jatra cafe and bar is quite reasonably priced, and its selection of beer, cocktails and mocktails can be a perfect companion to your evenings.
It is a wonderful place you can visit with your friends in Nepal. The exceptional ambience and live music at the cafe will make your evenings in Kathmandu quite delightful. Alongside tasty food, the New Orleans Cafe also offers a wide drinks menu. The place stays operational from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM every day.
The Hindu religion and its mythologies are a fascinating collection of mystical tales about how the holy trinity, namely, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva created the Earth along with humankind. The goddesses were then created to add natural touches to the environment and eventually win wars against the forces of evil.
The sacred stories are enchanting to learn but what if there were parts of the Earth where there is proof that the gods up above did reside here at some point and left parts of themselves behind?
The Nepal Pashupatinath temple is a true testament to that perception. Although 12 parts of Lord Shiva as well as several parts of the body of Maa Parvati, Maa Lakshmi, and other gods and goddesses are reputed to have fallen in India, it is said a portion of Lord Shiva's head fell in Kathmandu, thus giving rise to the Pashupatinath temple in Nepal.
Nepal has always been considered the sister country of India with its magnificent view of the Himalayas and a religious structure and culture that astounds the locals as well as the tourists with its serenity. The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, has been a tourist hub ever since the country was founded. It is where spirituality and extravagance come together to create harmonious living between mankind and the divine source.
While Kathmandu has many offerings of industrialisation and exquisite resorts, one of the main attractions that draw people to the capital city of Nepal is the Pashupatinath Temple. Dedicated to the creator and destroyer of the holy trinity, this expansive shrine is a testament to the Hindu mythologies and legendary accomplishments of Lord Shiva to establish the human race as a gift that remains mysterious behind the struggles between good and evil.
The Pashupatinath mandir in Nepal is steeped in historic and spiritual significance with tales that date back thousands of years. As we all know, the Himalayas are credited to the presiding of Lord Shiva in his meditative form. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, which overlooks the Himalayas and is in close proximity to the residence of the divine lord was actually built to commemorate a part of his true self.
Hindu mythology tells the story of how Lord Shiva along with his better half, the enamoured Goddess Parvati once descended by the Bagmati River in the guise of beautiful antelopes in the dense forests located on the eastern side. They trudged along the banks of the river together and explored the region for its scintillating beauty, astounded by what nature had created after their initial participation in the project of creating the earth.
After their exploration, Goddess Parvati decided to return to their home in order to help humankind continue to thrive and survive with her bountiful blessings while Lord Shiva decided to prolong his stay surrounded by nature in his current form as a relative of the mighty stag. When the other divine sources heard of his decision to not return home, they chose to come down to earth and pester him to reconsider.
When he refused to abide by their requests, the gods pulled him by one of the prongs on his head, which eventually broke off by the sheer force of divine power. Lord Shiva eventually agreed to return to his post but the part of his prong that remained on earth became the first true essence of a Shivling. However, unknown to the gods and man, with time, the antler got buried underground and was forgotten.
Several years later, a rancher who was grazing his cows found one of them to be milking a spot on the ground. Upon digging, he found the missing Shivling and decided to build a small temple with the help of King Manadeva.
The legends around the temple have since diversified to claim that the Lichchavi ruler, Supushpadeva, built the temple while others claim that he erected the structure around an omnipresent Linga in the region. Regardless of the story that we choose to believe of how the temple was constructed, the fact is, it houses a part of Lord Shiva himself.
Lord Shiva is the most sacred of all the gods in Hindu mythology celebrated in Nepal. The Pashupatinath Temple invites many tourists and pilgrims from all around the world to worship in the presence of Lord Shiva's divinity. The architecture of the temple itself is astounding compared to many sacred buildings that were erected to commemorate the fierce god of Hindu mythology.
As per the legends, the temple was built to house an authentic Linga from the body of Lord Shiva as he strolled through the forests by the banks of river Bagmati. The prong of his antelope body marks his presence in the area and it's celebrated to this day. It is a rare occurrence to find a part of a god's body on Earth. Even if you are not a spiritual person, the trip to witness this preserved piece from Lord Shiva is an incredible blessing in disguise.
The Pashupatinath Temple is not just a single structure like Kedarnath or Somnath, which are part of the 12 Lingas that constitute the body of Lord Shiva in India. The Pashupatinath mandir in Nepal is where the head of Lord Shiva is believed to preside, and rightfully so given that the Linga was part of his prong from the antelope head.
The temple itself is actually a cluster of spiritual congregations with shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati in her many forms, and Shiva's trusted companion Nandi. The main Shiva temple where the antelope Linga is preserved is built in the traditional style of Nepal's structure of pagodas with a lacquered golden roof, silver linings on the side of the building, and wooden carvings all around.
There are also several ashrams constructed within the range of the Pashupatinath Temple and its surrounding shrines. These ashrams are home to many pilgrims, preachers, and others waving to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Aside from the shrines, temples and ashrams, there are also inscribed rocks within the complex that constitutes the Pashupatinath Temple. It is a one-stop spiritual destination for enlightenment and to witness the true presence of god.
The Pashupatinath Temple is located in the capital city of Kathmandu in the country of Nepal. Surrounded by the Himalayan range that is famed for being the abode of Lord Shiva, the entire country is dedicated to the worship and spiritual practices of commemorating the fearsome creator and destroyer of the universe as per Hindu scriptures.
The problematic river flows through the capital city of Kathmandu with the lush, dense forest land on the southern extent. This wilderness is where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are reputed to have spent time in the guises of antelopes several centuries ago before the Linga from the prong of Lord Shiva was broken off and left behind on earth.
The Nepal Pashupatinath Temple now stands tall on the site where the Linga was discovered, albeit with a controversial story behind its recovery. Regardless, the Linga is the primary feature around which the temple was built. There is some debate about whether the temple was built by King Manadeva or King Supushpadeva. King Shivadeva is certainly credited for reconstructing the shrine to enhance its holy divinity and King Ananta Malla is reputed to have had the roof constructed for the shrine.
The Pashupatinath Temple complex resides by the Bagmati River housing several shrines and temples dedicated to the worship of Hindu gods and goddesses. The main temple of Lord Shiva is located in the centre with the Linga protected by his comrade Nandi. The temple complex invites pilgrimage as well as casual spiritual tours to the city of Kathmandu from people who simply wish to witness the Linga of Lord Shiva and bask in its divine presence.
There is a lot of historical and spiritual significance that surrounds the Pashupatinath Temple in the capital city of Nepal. The mythological story behind how the Linga of Lord Shiva came to be dropped by the Bagmati River holds a significant appeal to worshippers of Mahadev.
In the Hindu religion, it is strongly believed that every soul that leaves the earth is reincarnated in another body. Pilgrims, especially those who are advanced in age or suffering from chronic diseases visit the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu every year to pray for prosperity in reincarnation. The homage offered to Lord Shiva in this exquisite temple complex surrounded by his trusted divine powers is known to not only bless his devotees with healing and forgiveness in this life but many people claim to have felt his presence in their new lives.
Young couples as well as people striving in their career or personal lives find serenity and feel the forces of divinity healing their negative energies. Not only is the Pashupatinath Temple popular among those who are suffering but also those who wish to improve their lifestyle in general.
The holistic living facilities in the ashrams add to the temple tours of the Pashupatinath Temple complex and enrich the lives of those who make the journey.
The Pashupatinath Temple complex is open 24/7 since it is not just a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva but a congregation of various spiritual structures including ashrams where pilgrims can reside. The outer sanctum of the temple complex is available for exploration throughout the day and night. You can even visit the banks of the Bagmati River and the forest land that surrounds its western side or gauge the Himalayan range for its divine beauty anytime.
Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Afternoon: 5:00 PM t0 7:00 PM
On Festivals Operational: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The fortuitous location of the Pashupatinath Temple in the capital city of Kathmandu in Nepal makes it incredibly easy for tourists to plan a trip to the temple complex. Here are some ways to reach the Pashupatinath Temple from India:
Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can take a cab or opt for an autorickshaw to take you to the main entrance of the Pashupatinath Temple complex located on the western side. There are three other entrances to the temple complex which are closed throughout the year. However, these gates are also open during festival season to welcome the locals as well as tourists of Nepal to partake in the festivities to celebrate Lord Shiva and the many Hindu gods.
