🏔️ Nepal: Top 20 things to do

The name of this country, according to one theory, is translated as “holy land,” while according to another, it means “dwelling at the foot of the mountain.” Both of these options describe important aspects of Nepal's history. This amazing state attracts millions of tourists every year, but for many it still remains distant and incomprehensible. We have prepared a detailed guide with the most important information about the country.

Story

Initially, the Kathmandu Valley, around which the territory of Nepal now extends, was the bottom of a huge mountain lake. Everything changed due to an earthquake, thanks to which the water disappeared, and the valley was populated by residents of the surrounding regions, who formed the Newari people.

Over more than a thousand years of history, Nepal has experienced different times, but reached its greatest prosperity in the period from the 13th to the 17th centuries AD. e., when the country was ruled by the Malla dynasty. In the 19th century, Nepal, like neighboring India, came under the control of the British crown. For more than 100 years, the country was almost completely isolated from the world, until it gained independence in 1923. And in the 21st century, the government system also changed – the monarchy was abolished, now it is the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

A few facts:

• The climate is monsoonal, with a pronounced altitudinal zone – from the humid tropics to icy deserts. The most favorable season is from March to May. The rainy season lasts from May to September.
• The official language is Nepali. Tourism workers and government officials speak English. 
• The official religion is Hinduism.
• The currency is Nepalese rupee.
• Day off is Saturday. 

How to get to Nepal?

Nepal is located in South Asia between the two most populous countries in the world – China and India. It is separated from the first from the north by the Himalayas. 

Nepal is still highly isolated from global transport routes; most communications with the outside world are carried out through India. There are peculiarities of the transport system within the country. Due to the mountainous terrain, roads remained very bad for a long time and did not exist everywhere, but in recent years the situation has changed for the better. In addition, aviation communications are well developed – the country has more than 40 airports connecting different regions of Nepal.

If you are thinking about staying in India longer during a layover, then read in advance our article about life hacks for easy travel around this country. And we talk about traditional Indian rituals here.

Visa

A visa to Nepal can be obtained in advance in the capital or upon arrival in Nepal (at Kathmandu airport or at land checkpoints). The cost of obtaining a document at the airport depends on the length of stay in the country: up to 15 days – $25, up to 30 days – $40, up to 90 days – $100.

If you are heading to the country for hiking in the Himalayas, you will also need permission from the Nepal Immigration Department. It will cost from $10 to $700 per week. A prerequisite is to travel only with a local guide in groups.

What to try?

Nepalese cuisine combines the unique culinary traditions of neighboring regions – India and Tibet. The main product of all dishes is rice. It is prepared with vegetables, meat, sauces and other additives. Roti, thin flatbreads made from rice, corn or wheat flour, is also used as a universal side dish. In addition, Nepalese actively use spices: ginger, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg and others. In mountainous areas, the menu also includes yak milk and its derivatives.

The most common dish in Nepal is dal baht, originally from India. First, boiled rice is placed in the center of the tray-plate, and lentil stew, vegetables, pickles, sauces and flatbreads are laid out around it. 

Meat dishes are also popular. Chicken, pork, goat and buffalo meat are prepared here. There are local relatives of dumplings – momo, and their own version of kebab – sekua. Thukpa is an interesting soup – it is based on noodles and rich broth. Many desserts are also made from rice, for example , yomari is a sweet made from rice flour, and sesame and black molasses are used as filling. And, of course, they wash everything down with masala tea, as in India, with spices and milk.

What to see?

Mountains

When it comes to Nepal, mountains immediately come to mind. On the northern side, the country is surrounded by the Great Himalayan Range. The highest mountain system on the planet stretches along several countries from Pakistan to Burma at a distance of almost 3000 km. In the part that falls in Nepal, there is the highest peak on Earth – Everest (8848 m) or Sagarmatha, as the locals call it. It is part of the Sagarmatha National Park, the highest protected area in the world. It has 8 eight-thousanders and many glaciers.

Climbing to the top of Everest is an incredibly difficult, dangerous, expensive and long process. On average, taking into account acclimatization and setting up the camp, it takes two months. Every year several hundred people try to conquer the highest peak, but not everyone succeeds. A universal option is a hike to Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of 5340 m. 

In addition, there are hundreds of different mountain routes that show tourists the beauty of Nepal, sheer slopes, sparkling peaks and ancient glaciers. Most of the tours take place at an altitude of 3000 to 6000 meters. Those wishing to climb must have good physical shape and experience in such mountaineering trips. 

One of the most popular routes is trekking around Annapurna (8091 m). This mountain is the tenth highest of the fourteen eight-thousanders in the world. It is part of the National Park of the same name. The most famous route, the Annapurna Trek, passes through the valleys of the Marsyandi and Kali Gandaki rivers. Any trip to the mountains will give you a huge amount of emotions and impressions. From a height of several thousand meters you can see an amazing view of the unique nature of Nepal.

Even more unique trekking routes have been collected in a separate article. And if you are looking for the ideal ski resort, then we have already compiled a selection of excellent options.

Nature

One of the most famous reserves in the country is the Royal Chitwan National Park. It covers an area of ​​approximately 900 m². Thanks to the unique conditions, it has its own microclimate. The title of “royal” was indicated in the name for a reason – members of the royal family of Nepal used to hunt on its territory. In 1973, these places became protected.

Thanks to the measures taken, anyone can see wild animals in their natural environment. A Chitwan safari is a great option to experience the flora and fauna of the jungle. Tourists can choose one of several accommodations and stay in a bungalow, guest house or mini-hotel. You can explore the area by car, riding an elephant or while rafting down the river. 

Here, rhinoceroses and deer, Himalayan bears and monkeys are found near the ponds, and crocodiles live in the wetlands. There are even chances to see a Bengal tiger, but this predator prefers to hide deep in the jungle. Not only the inhabitants, but also the thousands of plants that exist here deserve attention. Almost 70% of the park's territory is occupied by sal forests. These deciduous giants reach a height of 35 m and a width of up to 2 m. 

Buddhism

Another famous place in Nepal is the town of Lumbini on the southern border with India. It is believed that this is where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, was born 2,500 years ago. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come here every year. 

In the center of the Lumbini complex, a temple to Maya Devi was opened, dedicated to the mother of Buddha. Inside there is an ancient memorial stone depicting his birth. Near the shrine you can see a column of the Indian king Ashoka, who also professed Buddhism.

In addition, the city has dozens of unique monasteries and other archaeological sites. Visitors to this place can meditate in the Sacred Garden, admire the pond where a mother bathed her newborn, or visit one of the temples built here by believers from all over the world.

If you are seriously interested in Buddhism, then go to the Kopan Monastery, built on the top of Kopan Hill in the Kathmandu region. More than 700 monks and nuns live and study here. They teach foreigners in English the basics of Buddhism: traditional teachings on Lam Rim Wu, informal discussions, meditation and a vegetarian diet. The very first course was held back in 1971. Since then, this place is visited by hundreds of tourists every year. The training period is quite short – up to 10 days every two months.

But the real center of Tibetan Buddhism is in Kathmandu. The temple complex, with the Boudhanath stupa in the middle, attracts thousands of devotees every year. The stupa itself was built in the 6th century at a stopover site for pilgrims from India to Tibet. This is a spatial mandala. Its base is a symbol of earth, its vault is water, the spire of 13 steps is fire, the umbrella is air, and the belvedere means sky. Around the stupa there are Tibetan monasteries, souvenir shops and restaurants.

Even more places of power where you can go to find yourself have been collected in this article.

Bhaktapur

Just 16 km from the capital of Nepal is the amazing Bhaktapur. This ancient settlement is known as the “city of artisans”. It is on its territory that authentic Nepalese traditions and local architecture have been preserved. The list of main attractions includes Durbar Square with temples and pagodas, the Royal Palace, Thaumadhi Tole and Tachupal Tole squares, where you can buy products from local craftsmen. This is not just a city, but a real open-air museum.