Why Visit Nepal?
Nepal comfortably resides between the laps of two colossal Asian giants India and China. In spite of its small size, this nation has carved a separate identity for itself in terms of both natural allure and cultural melodrama. It is a must-visit destination for anyone that wishes to lose themselves amidst the serene ambiance of the Himalayas or the prolific greenery that is found in its dense forests.
Nepal has a reputation for being the go-to spot for all sorts of treks and hikes. I mean the country stands out in the globe with so many 8,000 meter plus mountains that it is bound to attract climbers and trekkers. The hilly terrain combined with frosty setbacks makes Nepal a utopia for hikers.
The natural landmarks are just one part of a coin. The other part involves a delightful insight into the prevailing culture and traditions that are found here. The country is a secular region, and you can find all sorts of culture & religion here. The major religion here are Hinduism and Buddhism, and as you explore these parts, you’ll be greeted with artifacts & monuments that remind you of it.
Through this blog, we shall hope to give you some solid points as to why Nepal should be on your bucket list.
A Sea of Mountains
One thing that Nepal has inadequate is the snowy mountains. And not just any sort of mountains. Nepal has mountains that range from 5,000 meters to 8,848 meters. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest also lies here. These mountains have attracted trekkers and climbers from across the globe making Nepal an ideal hub for trekking.
Some of the famous treks in Nepal are the Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek. These treks will take you through the desolate lands of the Himalayas and teach you a thing or two about life in the mountains. Along with Everest, you’ll get to feast your eyes on the surreal picture of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and numerous others.
Abundance of Wildlife
As with mountains, Nepal has numerous national parks and conservation areas. These conservation areas play the role of protecting rare and endangered wildlife & flora. Nepal is the abode of many birds, 800+ to be precise. The birds found in Nepal range from local birds to migratory ones. The availability of birds has placed Nepal on the global radar for bird watchers.
The wildlife sanctuaries in Nepal, mostly of Chitwan and Bardia house the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger and one-horned rhino. Nepal is the only country that has doubled its tiger population in the last 7 years. If you yearn for wildlife, then you should visit Nepal.
Birthplace of Lord Buddha
This is the most symbolic identification of Nepal. Nepal is often called the land of Buddha mostly because the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini Nepal. Buddha has been credited with founding Buddhism and spreading it across the globe. Followers of Buddhism visit Nepal to learn the secrets of Buddhism and to observe the same sight that Buddha witnessed thousands of years ago, but with a twist of modernization.
In Lumbini, you can observe the Maya Devi temple, the Maya Devi Pond, World Peace Pagoda, Ashoka Pillar, and the Golden Temple. These monuments will tell you about the importance of Buddhism and how life was in these parts. If you want to truly comprehend the magic behind Buddhism, then you must visit Lumbini.
Cultural Metropolis called Kathmandu
The capital city of Nepal is Kathmandu. As with other capital cities, it is the epicenter of technology, economy, and politics. A demarcation factor between Nepal and other countries is that the capital Kathmandu houses culture & traditions that aren’t found anywhere else. The city houses 7 out of the 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a cultural hub for travelers.
At Kathmandu, you will witness the amazing culture and traditions along with various monuments. You’ll visit the Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. These Durbar Squares reflect the Newari architecture and style that dates back hundreds of years. From the 55 windowed palaces to the Krishna temple in Patan, it is a sight to behold.
Make your way through the stone steps to reach the summit of the Swayambhunath stupa and from there observe the gorgeous view of Kathmandu and feel the religious vibes getting to you. A short and discreet tour takes you to Boudhanath where you can witness the influence of Tibetan Buddhism. The holy Pashupatinath temple will teach you about the meaning of life and finally, you can relax in Changunarayan while sipping quality tea.
A Plethora of Festivals
There are plenty of festivals in Nepal which can be deduced from the fact that more than 100 ethnic groups are living here. Each ethnic group has its way of life and way of doing things. Also, they have their festivals and celebrations. There isn’t a month in which there is no festival. The most important and celebrated festival in Nepal is Dashain and Tihar. These festivals lie in October and November. During these festivals, the ambiance becomes lively, and joy can be easily seen. Another important festival includes Chhat, Buddha Jayanti, Udhauli Ubhauli, and many more. Once in Nepal, the culture and tradition are bound to make you jump with joy.
Try Adventure Sports
In recent years, Nepal is making strides in the adventure sector as well. There are many adventure sports like rafting, bungee jumping, and ziplining. If you have the stomach and courage for adventure, then it should be on your list. The Bhote Koshi bungee jump is one of the highest bungee jumping places in the world, and as you jump from the top, you can see the roaring Bhotekoshi beneath you along with the fantastic gorge that it has carved along the way. You can even try paragliding in the Pokhara valley, which gives you unblemished views of the faraway mountains that decorate the Annapurna region.
Rivers & Rivers
There are many rivers in Nepal. There are more than 5,000 rivers and streams that flow in Nepal. Some are small while some are colossal. Some rivers have even earned a reputation as man killers. During your stay in Nepal, you can visit the roaring rivers like Trishuli, Bhote Koshi, and the Marshyangdi river.
These rivers are famous for rafting, and the rapids here range from Class 3 to Class 4. The water activities in Nepal are labeled as the top ones in the world, and if you want a word class experience, then you should not miss out on it.
The above-mentioned reasons do not do justice to the sheer beauty and grandeur of Nepal. It is better to visit Nepal rather than just seeing it in pictures. So, pack your bags and go on a journey!
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