Our desire to travel more and explore distant cultures is reaching new heights after such a long period of being home-bound. If you’re on the lookout for your next life-changing destination, Nepal is a solid choice. This small landlocked country in the rich cultural repertoire of south Asia is most famous for being a doorstep to the highest mountain peak in the world, and while it’s certainly a destination of a lifetime to all professional mountaineers, it has so much more to offer to people of all walks of life. From breathtaking sceneries through amazing wildlife all the way to hospitable locals in whose culture you will be able to get immersed, there’s a lot to do here that will make your visit worthwhile. Here’s some inspiration.
Marvel at World Heritage sites
Visiting this country is almost like plunging into history itself. Two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini provide visitors with memorable sights that all have a story to tell, so give yourself ample time to explore them, by all means. If you have any interest in architecture, art, and culture, be sure to make the seven groups of heritage-listed buildings in Kathmandu Valley a top spot in your itinerary. Beautiful Buddhist temples, monasteries, and ancient monuments create the unique atmosphere of this historic site.
Get immersed in the diverse culture
Traveling is not just about pretty sights; it’s also about experiencing something new, something different. Nepal boasts an incredibly diverse culture despite its size: with a number of different ethnic groups, you will see a range of different customs and beliefs exhibited all around you. Depending on the time of your visit, you may also get to witness a festival or two, so be sure to savor the incredible culture of this place. This should not be hard, considering that locals are ever so friendly and will be happy to welcome you and give you a helping hand when you need it. The local food is worth mentioning as well, and it won’t even burn a hole in your pocket, since Nepal is a perfect destination to visit even if you are on a limited budget.
Explore the amazing wildlife
While the country may not encompass a large surface on our globe, its wildlife is surprisingly diverse and unique. It’s home to majestic predators like Bengal tigers and snow leopards, but you can also see greater one-horned rhinoceroses, cute red pandas, or even a danphe—a colorful bird that is exclusively found in Himalayan forests. With notable efforts to conserve their natural treasures and over 20% of the land being protected areas, you can expect to see wildlife at its best. A wildlife safari is a must if you want to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat—check out Bardia or Chitwan National Park for the best chances of getting a glimpse.
Take in the sceneries
As we already mentioned, this country is most famed for its mountain ranges, which are none else than the Himalayas. Needless to say, you can expect breathtaking mountain sceneries and countless trails that will guide you to explore them yourself. Besides Mt. Everest, Nepal is also home to another seven of the highest peaks in the world, but don’t worry, you can enjoy the sights even if you are not a proficient hiker yourself. There are a multitude of trekking tours that suit less experienced travelers as long as they prepare amply. Discovering the natural marvels of this country on foot is a staple experience you should not miss out on.
Make your visit count
We shouldn’t only think about ourselves when we set out on our trip. Mindful travel—travel that allows you to truly connect with your destination and leave no harmful trace behind—is on the rise and for good reasons. Seeking out travel with such a mindset is more fulfilling and more authentic, and it will leave a lasting impression on you rather than just with a bunch of aesthetic photos in your camera’s memory. Countries where tourism is an important pillar of the economy, such as Nepal, have suffered greatly in the past few years, so making your visit count can indeed make a difference for them. You can look for opportunities to volunteer abroad and get in touch with the people and the destination in a way regular travel would never allow you to. Most importantly, you will leave the country a better place than before, even if only a little.
Connect with your spirituality
Finally, no matter your beliefs or religion, paying homage to the amazing spirituality of Nepal as an important location in the history of Buddhism is an absolute must. As mentioned earlier, one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal is Lumbini—the province that is the birthplace of Gautama, the Buddha himself. Needless to say, this makes Lumbini an extremely significant pilgrimage site. Nevertheless, the majority of the country is still Hindu, so you can expect a diverse spiritual experience if you let yourself dive deeper into these ancient religions.
Nepal is a fantastic destination for those who are looking for something unique and different. The rich spirituality, the world-famous natural and cultural locations, and the warm friendliness of the locals will make your stay memorable—be sure you also do something for them that will make your visit memorable in their eyes, as well.
